Fall and Halloween fun at the Columbus Metro Parks

The Metro Parks are one of the great overlooked resources in our city – and nearly every program is free! With 20+ locations, you’re never far from several Columbus Metro Parks.

You’ll find 75 miles of bike trails, 230 miles of trails, natural play areas, and so much more.

The Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks are open 365 days a year, and are worth a visit during every season. You’ll see different views, wildlife, and more, each time you visit. 

There’s plenty to do around the parks all year long! We’re highlighting some of the fun you can have throughout the year. 

Follow along on Metro Park Facebook pages (listed below) or the website to see the upcoming programs. There are so many options, including hikes, paddling activities, creeking, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, yoga, family events, and so much more.

Fall Fun at Columbus Metro Parks

Autumn Columbus Metro Park Hikes

Fall is finally here (even if the fall temps aren’t), and there are some excellent fall hikes coming up at the Columbus Metro Parks. Fall is a great time to visit the parks and watch the leaves changing and you’ll be likely to see more wildlife now that it isn’t as hot outside. 

The Metro Parks are one of the great overlooked resources in our city – and nearly every program is free!

Darby Creek Day: Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Celebrate the anniversary of Darby Creek becoming a Scenic River. Enjoy seining in the creek, live animals, crafts, archery, and more along the Big Darby Creek. Meet representatives from organizations working to protect the Darby Watershed. Make sure to come hungry for some food trucks, as well!

Lantern Hike: October 9, 2024 from 7 pm – 8 pm
Join us for a staff led lantern hike through the Tall Pines area of Walnut Woods Metro park. Limited Number of jar lanterns will be available at a first come first served basis, bring a flashlight or headlamp for extra light!

Trail ‘n’ Treat at Quarry Trails Metro Park: Thursday, October 10, 2024 6-7:30pm
Join us for an evening of treats, fun and spooks! Pre-Registration is required! Meet at the Lakes Area parking lot and follow instructions from staff for our pre-planned trail of treats, stop by each staff member along the way to get treats and trot along through the fall foliage! 
Use address 2319 Quarry Trails Drive Columbus OH 43228.

Adults Only: Cemetery Hikes at Battelle Darby Creek: October 12 and 19, 2024 from 10 am – noon
Get your walking boots on and join us for a 4-mile off-trail hike to visit some of our parks hidden pioneer cemeteries and an Adena Mound. Meet us at Little Darby Picnic Area 3711 Gardner Rd. 18+

Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park: Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 11 am – 3 pm. Enjoy free fall-themed fun, including hayrides, a corn maze, archery, activities from Slate Run’s Living Historical Farm, animals from Ohio Wildlife Center, games and crafts!

HOWLoween Hike at Blacklick Woods: October 14, 2024 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Dress up your furry friend for Halloween and take a 2-mile hike.

Carve A Pumpkin For The Park at Three Creeks: October 15, 16, 17 2024
We need your help! Stop by to carve a pumpkin or two for our October 18th “Pumpkin Walk Around The Pond.” We’ll provide the pumpkins and have some carving tools but feel free to bring your own. All pumpkins will remain at the park and will be composted by an area farmer after the Friday walk. Meet at the Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Area shelter, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport.

Pumpkin Walk Around The Pond: October 18, 2024 from 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Take an easy 1/2 mile walk around Turtle Pond to look at the pumpkins and pick up treats at stops along the way. Costume wearing is encouraged! Three Creeks Metro Park Confluence Area, 3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport

Costume Toddler Hike at Scioto Grove: October 21, 2024 from 10 am – 11 am
No Registration Required! Dress up in your favorite costume and explore Scioto Grove Metro Park! We will hike on stroller accessible trails, and go as far as the group is able to walk in the time-frame! Meet at the Arrowhead Picnic area at Scioto Grove Metro Park.

Dog Costume Contest: October 22, 2024 from 6 pm – 7 pm.
No Registration Required! Bring your dog out in their best Halloween Costumes to Prairie Oaks Darby Bend Lakes! Meet at the Dog Beach, and get some treats for you little ghoul or goblin! Use address 2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard. and follow signs to the dog beach.

Preschoolers: Halloween Party at Blacklick Woods: October 23, 2024 at 10 am and 1 pm
Celebrate Halloween with activities, crafts, and a costume contest!

Costume Climb at Scioto Audubon Metro Park: October 23, 2024 from 6-8 pm. No Registration Required! Enjoy rock climbing at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! Wear your best (climbing safe) costume and get some candy as you explore the rock wall. All climbing equipment and instruction is provided. Tennis shoes and flexible clothing is recommended.

Halloween Party at Homestead Metro Park: October 26, 2024 from 5-6 pm
Bring your best costume and prepare for an evening of fun! We will have games, crafts, and a trick-or-treat trivia trail! Bringing a bag is recommended. This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the Lakeside Pavilion.

Howl-O-Ween at Sharon Woods Metro Park: October 26, 2024 from 5 – 8 pm
Celebrate the spooky season at the Metro Park. Walk a Trick-or-Treat trail, learn about nocturnal animals, hear some not-so-scary ghost stories, play some games and make a fall craft. Costumes are welcome, please keep them family-friendly.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Battelle Darby Creek: October 27, 2024 from 3-4 pm
Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join Jackie O’Lantern the Pumpkin on a Scavenger Hunt in the Park! Meet at the Ranger Station, 1775 Darby Creek Dr.

Blacklick’s Enchanted Woods: October 27, 2024 from 1-3 pm
Step into the enchanted Blacklick Woods where everything comes to life. Voyage through the different realms searching for different creatures to earn your candy prize. Costumes are encouraged!

Inniswood Halloween Party: Sunday, October 27 from 2-4 pm Head to the Gardens for activities and crafts to celebrate this traditional holiday.

Happy Howl-oween at Glacier Ridge: October 28, 2024 from 5-6 pm
People aren’t the only ones who can celebrate Halloween! Bring your pups in their best costumes for a fun filled party just for them!
This program is geared for all ages. Meet at the dog park.

Costume Lantern Hike at Walnut Woods: October 29, 2024 from 7- pm
No Registration Required! Enjoy a lantern illuminated hike through the Tall Pines area at Walnut Woods Metro Park! Wear your best costume and plan to hike approx. 2 miles! Use address 6833 Richardson Rd, Groveport.

Halloween Bash at Blendon Woods: October 30, 2024 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Wear your costume for some fall fun at Blendon Woods Nature Center! We will have games, crafts, and seasonal activities.

More Park Activities

Find allllll the fun at the Metro Parks on the website (so many more events)!

All Season Columbus Metro Parks Fun

Canopy Walk at Blacklick Woods

Rising 40 feet into the air at Blacklick Woods, this wide boardwalk loops for an eighth-of-a-mile through the canopy of trees. An elevator provides easy access to the Canopy Walk, making it ADA accessible for wheelchair users, or you can reach the boardwalk via steps.

There is an even higher viewing platform, above the elevator tower, standing 55 feet above the forest floor. There are a total of 99 steps from the forest floor to the top-most viewing platform. 

There’s also three rope bridges to cross if you want, a hammock-style cargo net, and a large treehouse, which includes climbing apparatus and a fireman’s pole.

The Canopy Walk is free to use and is open every day, from 9am to 7pm during the months April to August, and 9am to 5pm from September through March. The Canopy Walk will be closed until noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month, for necessary cleaning and maintenance.

Natural Play Areas

These adventure playgrounds in nature are designed to bring out your inner child and get kids into nature. There are natural play areas at 8 Metro Parks that encourage kids of any age to climb trees, build forts, wade in creeks and interact with the natural environment as an unstructured playground to increase their connection to nature.

• Battelle Darby Creek
• Blendon Woods
• Glacier Ridge
• Highbanks
• Prairie Oaks
• Sharon Woods
• Slate Run
• Three Creeks

Hiking at Metro Parks in Columbus

With over 230 miles of trails to hike, it’ll take you awhile to explore all of the options! Pick a park near you, or head to another part of town to explore. See our recommendations for hikes around Columbus here: Nature walks and scenic hiking trails in Columbus.

Nature Centers

There are four awesome nature centers at Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Battelle Darby Creek and Blendon Woods. Bird watch, learn from hands-on activities and study the world around you! These are perfect activities, rain or shine!

Geocaching at Metro Parks

Go geocaching year round at the Columbus Metro Parks! Find out how, when, and where at the Metro Parks website. It’s a great family activity! 

Scavenger Hunts at Metro Parks

Find some fun scavenger hunts for 11 Metro Parks. Print one off and head to the park to explore! Some are seasonal, so make sure you choose one that fits the season so that you can find all of the clues!

Disc Golf

There are disc golf courses available at a few of the Metro Parks. If you’ve never played disc golf, it’s an easy sport to get started with! You can buy the equipment you’ll need for around $20 (or less if you find used discs!), and play at places all over Columbus for free.

This sport is accessible to all ages and abilities – if you can throw a disc, you can learn to play! Find out more about disc golf and courses where you can play: Get started with Disc Golf in Columbus at these great courses

Dog Parks

Glacier Ridge Dog Park, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City OH
The 2.5-acre dog park features an open field, drinking fountains, paved path and a wooded area for dogs to explore and is open to dogs of all size

Rocky Fork Metro Park Dog Park, 7180 Walnut St, New Albany
Splash pad for dogs.  Large and small dog area, both fenced. Small off leash trail right by the dog park.  Poop bags and trash cans

Scioto Audubon Dog Park, 400 W. Whittier Street Columbus, OH 43215
2.5 acres, with separate areas for large and small dogs and an agility course and digging sand pit.  Dog waste bags are available.

Walnut Woods Dog Park, 6716 Lithopolis Road Groveport, OH 43125
Buckeye Area features a 3-acre dog park for large dogs (20 pounds and over) with a fenced doggie swimming area, drinking water, plus a 1-acre dog park for small dogs.

Prairie Oaks Darby Bend Lakes, 2755 Amity Road, Hilliard, OH
Doggie beach with dog swimming.

Disc Golf

Play a round of disc golf at Glacier Ridge, Scioto Grove or Blendon Woods or check out Blacklick Woods Golf Course! Read more about Disc Golf (and how to get started) in Columbus.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted at 12 different Metro Parks. You’ll still need an Ohio fishing license, except on Free Fishing Days. Be sure to follow all posted rules. See list of parks where you can fish.

Free Fishing Days in Ohio and other states

Metro Parks on Facebook

Looking for more metro park fun? Check out the Facebook pages for more fall fun and upcoming events.

Battelle Darby Creek Facebook page
Blacklick Woods Facebook page
Blendon Woods Facebook page
Clear Creek Facebook page
Glacier Ridge Facebook page
Highbanks Facebook page
Homestead Facebook page
Inniswood Facebook page
Sharon Woods Facebook page
Three Creeks Facebook page
Outdoor Adventure Facebook page

Contact info for Columbus Metro Parks
metroparks.net
winterhikes@metroparks.net
InfoLine: 614.508.8000
info@metroparks.net
Reservations: 614.508.8111
facebook.com/Columbus.Metro.Parks
instagram.com/cbusmetroparks
twitter.com/CbusMetroParks

Nature walks and scenic hiking trails in Columbus

Past events (to hopefully return with the season)

Winter Fun at the Metro Parks

Sledding at the Metro Parks in Columbus

Grab your sled and head to these metro parks when the snow falls! Sled at your own risk, watch out for obstacles, obey any posted signs for (or against) sledding or parking, and stay warm!

Battelle Darby Creek Sledding Hill: 8465 Alkire Road, Galloway OH 43119
Ice Skating Pond: 3711 Gardner Road, Georgesville OH 43123
Steep hill with lots of parking and restrooms. Often a fire can for quick warm-ups. Not a good hill for littles.

Blacklick Woods – 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Moderate hill on the golf course with close parking and restrooms.

Highbanks – 9466 US Rt 23 N, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Two hills (one gentle, one steep) at the far end of the driving loop at the Big Meadows parking lot. Parking is very limited, and legal parking is strictly enforced.

Scioto Audubon – 400 West Whittier Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Sledding hill located near the obstacle course and bocce court.

Scioto Grove Metro Park – 5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City, OH 43123
Sledding Hill: A sledding hill is available for winter fun near to Backpacking Site #2.

Sharon Woods – 6911 Cleveland Avenue, Westerville, OH 43081
Long run for sledders and snowboarders; not steep. Small bunny hill for little kids. Restrooms and good parking available.

Walnut Woods – 6716 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
Sledding Hill: A low hill in the Buckeye Area provides just the right slope for young kids to enjoy sledding.

Blendon Woods – 4265 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43017
Skating Pond: Winter outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this one-foot deep pond.
Kiddie’s sledding hill: A low hill provides just the right height and speed for young kids.
There’s a small hill near the entrance that’s a great family sledding spot for those with smaller children. Take a right at the Y from the entrance to reach it. Parking and restrooms available.

Grab your sled: Best Sledding hills in Columbus

Ice Skating at Columbus Metro Parks

Ice skating is permitted at two parks when conditions are suitable. Follow any posted signs, and never skate when “no skating” signs are posted. 

Blendon Woods, 4265 East Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43017.
Skating Pond: Winter outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this one-foot deep, 0.4 acre pond

Battelle Darby Creek, 3711 Gardner Road, Georgesville OH 43123.
1/2 acre, 16 inch deep pond.

See a list of other places to ice skate.

Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating in Columbus

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing is available on all trails when ski conditions exist. Some trails are closed to all activities except cross-country skiing when conditions are suitable at Battelle Darby Creek, Blendon Woods, Glacier Ridge, Highbanks, and Prairie Oaks

Lantern Hike at Blacklick Woods
December 4 from 6-7 pm. Take a 1.5-mile lantern-lit hike. All ages.
December 18 from 6-7 pm

Late Night in the Winter Forest at Blendon Woods
December 11 at 7 pm. Enjoy the Winter Wonderland Forest after dark on this one special evening. Lantern lit trail, hot cocoa.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count at Sharon Woods
December 18 at 10 am. Join the longest running citizen science project and help search for birds for the 122nd annual National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. No experience necessary. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair of ours if you’d like. Meet at the Schrock Lake Restrooms.

Christmas Bird Count at Inniswood Metro Park
December 18 at 8 am Join us as we walk 2+ miles of trails counting all the birds as part of the nation’s longest running community science bird project. Binoculars provided or bring your own.

Annual Christmas Bird Count Blendon Woods
December 18 at 8 am . Participate in citizen science! No experience necessary. Help count birds for the 122nd Audubon Christmas bird count. Stay as long (or short) as you like!

Holiday Crafts at Blacklick Woods
December 18 from 10 am-2pm. Stop by the Nature Center and make a few holiday-themed crafts.

Winter Fun at Blendon Woods
December 20 from 9 am – 1 pm. Drop by for activities, crafts, hot cocoa around the campfire, and new outdoor AND indoor Story Trails!

Holiday-themed Scavenger Hunt at Blacklick Woods
December 20 from 10 am – 2 pm. Stop by the Nature Center and pick up a fun, holiday-themed scavenger hunt to explore the trails.

Family Lanterns at Inniswood Metro Park
December 20 from 4-5 pm. In anticipation of the year’s shortest day, make a lantern and then walk the Gardens with it as night falls

Winter Solstice Stroll at Sharon Woods
December 21 from 5-6 pm from Enjoy the longest night of the year, as we hike over the creek and through the woods on this 1.5 mile winter solstice stroll. Meet at the Apple Ridge Bulletin Board.

Winter Wonderland Forest Adventure at Blendon Woods
November 27-January 2: Discover the magic of the season as you immerse yourself in a special winter themed exhibit at the Nature Center! Open Daily 9am-6pm. 

For Kids: New Year’s Eve I-Spy at Sharon Woods
December 31 from 12 pm – 4 pm. We’re counting down to the end of 2021, but our clocks have gone missing! Search the picnic area to find our missing clocks and earn a prize to help ring in the New Year. Meet at the Natural Play Area.

Last Hike of the Year! at Blendon Ravines
December 31 at 3:30 pm. Meet at Blendon Ravines, 5280 Cambria Way, for an off-trail hike up and down the ravines. Prepare for mud. Park along the street

New Years Hike For Adults at Sharon Woods: Rugged Ravine Ramble
January 1 at 9 am. Join the naturalist for a rugged 2.5-mile hike off-trail in the park. We’ll cross ravines and small streams, and explore a state nature preserve all while learning about the history of the park. Ages 18+.
Please bring water and dress for the weather. Boots and jeans or other sturdy long pants (nothing that can snag easily.)

Christmas Bird Count at Battelle Darby Creek Little Darby Picnic Area
January 1 at 9 am – 12 pm. Calling all birders of every level! Come participate in the nation’s longest-running community science bird project. We will take a 2.5-mile walk to identify all of the birds we see and hear.

First Day Hike at Clear Creek Creekside Meadows
January 1 at 10 am. Start the New Year off with a 4-mile hike along one of the park’s most rugged trails. The Hemlock Trail is steep and uneven in areas, wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. Meet at the Creekside Meadows Parking Lot, 23833 Clear Creek Road in Rockbridge.

New Year’s Bird Hike at Blacklick Woods
January 1 at 10 am. Join us on a 1.5-mile hike through the forest as we search for wintering birds.

New Year’s Hike at Blendon Woods: Programs for Adults 50+
January 1 at 1 pm. Bring in the New Year as we hike 1.5-miles on easy to moderate trails through the woods and over Ripple Rock Creek. Meet at the Nature Center.

Valentine Bench at Three Creeks Confluence Area (3860 Bixby Road, Groveport) Stop by the picnic shelter’s Valentine bench through the end of February.

Skunk Cabbage Hikes
There are guided Skunk Cabbage Hikes in February and March. Hike off-trail to see Ohio’s earliest wildflower.

Birding Hikes
Interested in birds? The Metro Parks has lots of guided bird hikes coming up, in search of owls, raptors, bald eagles, waterfowl, and more. See the birding options here!

Bison
Feb 27: Bison in Winter at Battelle Darby Creek at 1 pm. What do we do with the bison in the winter? Come for a 2-mile hike to see the bison in their winter pasture and learn about their adaptations for cold weather.

Scavenger Hunt
Feb 26 at 12 pm. A strong wind came through Scioto Grove Metro Park and scattered all of our favorite recreation equipment around the park!! Find all of our missing gear hiding around the Arrowhead Picnic area and win a prize! Meet at Arrowhead picnic shelter to get your activity sheet and instruction.

Art in the Park
Feb 25 at 3pm at Homestead Metro Park. Come to the Nature Center for a fun arts and crafts activity! Ages 5 and up

Find these programs and more on the Program Search.

Metro Parks Annual Winter Hike Series 

Simply visit the parks and hike on some of the featured trails for the month on your own schedule, pace, and distance. After hikes at 7 parks, you’ll get a reward!

Pick up your Winter Hikes card at a featured park beginning December 1 or download the travel guide from the website. After the hike, ask a staff member to stamp the travel ticket. After the season is over, you can claim your winter hike patch at the Winter Hikes Celebration.

Winter Hike Celebration!  

Sunday, February 26, 11am-3pm at Blacklick Woods Golf Course. Hike along the paths of our Audubon Sanctuary Golf Course, collect your Winter Hike patch or Friends of Metro Parks hiking stick and medallion, enjoy hot chocolate, warm up by the fire and borrow  skates to glide around the ice rink!

Spring

Maple Time at Slate Run Farm

Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 11am – 2pm.
Take a short hike through the sugarbush to learn about tapping trees and collecting sap, then go to the Farmhouse to watch sap boiling and sample a sweet maple treat.

Hikes leave at 11:15 am and 1pm from the Farmhouse. If needed, additional hikes will be available. Sap flow is dependent on weather conditions, all other activities will take place.

Maple Syrup tours and events in Columbus

Spring Scavenger Hunt at Inniswood Metro Gardens

Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 1 pm – 3 pm. The gardens are beginning to wake up! Stop by the Innis House anytime from 1-3pm to grab a scavenger hunt, explore the gardens for signs of spring, and earn a small prize. 

Glow Archery at Blacklick Woods Golf Course

Thursday, March 7, 2024 from 5 – 6:30 pm. Come out to the Blacklick Golf Course Pro Shop to enjoy some free and fun, indoor glow-in-the-dark archery! Ages 8+. All equipment provided.

Growing Dahlias at Inniswood Metro Gardens

Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 2 pm – 4 pm. Learn how to start and maintain your dahlia tubers with members of the Greater Columbus Dahlia Society.

Pie Iron Pi Day at Blacklick Woods

Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 2 pm – 5 pm. Stop by the Nature Center and enjoy Pi Day with a pie made in a campfire.

Pokemon Go! Community Day Hike at Glacier Ridge

Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 1 – 3 pm. Enjoy playing Pokémon Go at Glacier Ridge Metro Park! Meet staff members at the Shelter House at Glacier Ridge Metro Park.

Leprechaun (and more) Trail for Families at Highbanks

Saturday, March 16, 2024 from 1 – 3 pm. Hike on your own along a short trail (1/4-mile) around the nature center looking for hidden leprechauns, shamrocks and other St. Patrick’s day items on a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts will be posted at the beginning of the trail and paper copies are available in the nature center.

Stop inside nature center after your hike for a small prize. If the nature center parking lot is full, try playing on the playgrounds in Big Meadows and Oak Coves for a little bit before joining us. All ages.

Leprechaun Hike at Quarry Trails

March 16-17, 2024 all day! Take a hike around the park and look for 12 hidden Leprechauns! Find a Ranger to get a prize!

Lookin’ for Leprechauns at Sharon Woods

Sunday, March 17, 2024 from noon – 4 pm. Who’s ready for a great game of leprechaun hide-and-seek? Find one of the 100 leprechauns we’ve hidden throughout the park’s picnic areas, and return it to the Naturalist Office between 12-4pm for a prize!

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Homestead Metro Park

Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 1 pm – 3 pm. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by doing a festive scavenger hunt! We will have fun prizes, a craft, and loads of excitement! Meet at the barn shelter to get started.

Mushroom March Madness at Blacklick Woods

Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 2 – 3 pm. Crazy for basketball? Get crazy for fungi! From brackets to “seeds”, join a naturalist and learn all about these amazing decomposers.

Shamrock Shoot! at Scioto Grove Archery Range

Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 2 – 3:30 pm. Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with some fun and free archery at the Scioto Grove Archery Range! All equipment provided. Ages 8+. 

St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt at Homestead

Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 1 pm – 3 pm. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by doing a festive scavenger hunt! We will have fun prizes, a craft, and loads of excitement! Meet at the barn shelter to get started.

Hidden in Plain Sight at Battelle Darby Creek Nature Center

Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 2 pm – 3 pm. Learn about camouflage through a story and games, then become an expert at Leprechaun hide-and-seek through a lucky craft! Ages 5+. 

Doggie Egg Hunt at Glacier Ridge Metro Park

Friday, March 22, 2024 from 4 pm – 5 pm
Come out for a Doggie Egg Hunt! Free and Fun, a doggone good time for pups and humans alike! Meet at the Glacier Ridge Dog Park

Leprechaun vs. Easter Bunny Escape Trail at Blacklick Woods

Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 1 pm – 4 pm. Think escape room – only outside! Set off on our 1.5-mile Escape Trail. Make stops at different stations along the way and solve problems to unlock clues that will enable you to successfully finish the trail.

Adult Easter Egg Hunt at Blacklick Woods Golf Course

Thursday, March 28, 2024 from 7:30 pm – 9 pm
Pre-registration required; $10. Easter egg hunt, 2 drink tokens and snacks. 21 and over only. Details on Facebook.

GPS Egg Hunt at Sharon Woods

Saturday, March 30, 2024
Seniors 50+ from 10 am – 11 am
All ages from noon – 3 pm.
Learn to use a GPS unit to search for easter eggs hidden throughout the park in this non-traditional egg hunt. Participants will use a unique stamp hidden inside each egg to mark their paper to get “credit” for the find (you aren’t collecting actual Easter eggs). Find all the eggs hidden on one of our egg trails and receive a prize! Meet at the Maple Grove Bulletin Board. 

National Take a Walk in the Park Day at Blacklick Woods

Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 3 pm – 4 pm. Get outside on this 1.25-mile walk and explore the woods looking for animals, fungi, and wildflowers with a naturalist on National Take a Walk in the Park Day.

Bunny Hunt Trail at Blendon Woods

Saturday, March 30, 2024 from 12 pm – 2 pm. Can you spot all of the bunnies hiding in the woods? Find them all and collect a prize!

2024 Summer Camps at Columbus Metro Parks

Summer at the Metro Parks

There’s so much on the schedule for Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks this summer! Check out the full calendar, along with some featured events below. 

Note: this isn’t even close to all of the fun upcoming events – just some of our favorites! Check the website or parks Facebook pages to see all of the options, including many, many hikes, senior events, rucks, intro to slackline, archery, crafts, book club, and more. 

Metro Parks Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventure provides hands-on experiences for visitors looking to learn new outdoor skills. These programs will expand your love of the outdoors and the natural resources Metro Parks strives to protect each day.

Outdoor Adventure is perfect for all skill levels, from the novice to the seasoned pro. Outdoor Adventure staff will be there each step of the way to help as you experience new adventures.

Adventures include Try It! Kayaking and SUP, Archery, Yoga, Via Ferrata, and more. See upcoming schedule here. 

Movies under the Stars at Columbus Metro Parks

Head to a Columbus Metro Parks this summer and fall for movies under the stars! These free movies are open to all ages! Movies start at dark.

• Friday, August 23 – Movie in the Park: The Big Year at Scioto Audubon Metro Park
• Saturday, September 21 – Movie in the Park: How to Train Your Dragon 2 at Highbanks Metro Park
• Saturday, September 28 – Movie in the Park: Migration at Glacier Ridge Metro Park
• Friday, October 4 – Movie in the Park: Ghost Busters Frozen Empire at Blacklick Woods Golf Course

See more details.

Bark Bash

The inaugural Bark Bash replaces the cancelled WAG! Fest and won’t miss a beat, or a bark, at Prairie Oaks Metro Park on Saturday, August 24, 2024. The four-legged frolic gets underway at 10am and will keep Fido and Friends fully active and engaged in fun right through 4pm.

Details here.