Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Thursdays, December 2 – February 26
Get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while meeting other walking enthusiasts. These are self-guided walks around your community parks! Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, increases energy, lifts your spirits, strengthens memory and protects from heart disease and high blood pressure.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, December 2 – February 27
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks through this self-guided meet-up program! Sign up to rent Nordic poles if you want to try trekking before you purchase your own set. You will be contacted to sign a borrower’s permit and pick up your set for the fall. A limited number of rental poles are available.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Note: Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Ages 18 and up
Tuesdays & Fridays, December 2 – February 27
Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks during this self-guided meet-up program! You must bring your own Nordic poles if you sign up for this option.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Ages 18 and up
Wednesdays, December 3 – February 25
(No hike December 24)
Staff and volunteers will lead groups at different paces. Hike for Your Health is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know some of your parks better. All hikes are on natural trails. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick.
There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Tea Party in the Park
Ages 3 – 10 with adult companion(s)
Join us for a tea party for the whole family. This will be an afternoon of nature-themed crafts, games and enjoying time together! We will have tea and treats sure to please all ages. Enjoy the view of our meadow from the warm and toasty Community Room. One registration per family.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 9
Imagination Crew – Nature Play!
Ages 3 – 6
There is so much to be learned through nature play, but it’s tough when the weather turns chilly. This indoor program welcomes young naturalists to a world of imaginative play, all themed around nature. Each month will feature a different topic! In December, we will dive into learning about birds through play.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 10
Twilight Hike
All ages
We are experiencing the shortest days of the year! Join us on a nighttime hike along the orange trail. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Sunday, December 14
Seed Starters: Mini Greenhouses
All ages
In this family workshop, we will make mini greenhouses out of milk and water jugs and sow some native seeds! After constructing the houses, select the species that will work best in your yard and learn how these amazing plants are adapted to the cold Ohio weather. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 15
Preschool Nature Series: HiBEARnation
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Bring your favorite teddy bear and we will learn how their wild counterparts, black bears, spend the year. We will then venture outdoors and take a short walk on the paved path. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16
Cocoa & Cookies
Ages 6 – 10
Kick off winter break with cocoa and cookies with Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling! Children will bake cookies and make hot cocoa to enjoy during the class. They will also make it as a gift in a jar! Please note: all major food allergens could be present in this class.
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 11
Evergreen Artists
All ages
Families will have fun creating works of art using elements of these amazing evergreen trees. Along our artistic journey, we will discuss why some trees do not lose their leaves and the adaptations they have to prevent water loss in this dry season. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 18
Welcoming the New Photographer
Ages 14 and up
Join local artist and educator Heather Ballard to explore the frosty features of Grant Park. Learn the basics of exposure, camera settings and composition. Bring your fully charged camera and memory card. This class is open to photographers with all types of cameras — from DSLRs to smartphones!
Registration deadline: Sunday, December 14
Little Critters Camp
Ages 3 – 5
Calling all little ones for a morning of winter camp! We will learn about winter wildlife through games, songs, crafts and stories! Campers will play outside throughout the day, enjoying winter in the park.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 15
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Monday, December 15
Arctic Exploration Camp
Ages 5 – 12
A winter break camp experience to keep your children active while school is out! Much like our summer day camp, campers will explore the park, but this time for all things winter! Children will warm up in the Smith House with games, crafts and nature programs.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, December 16