Early Adventures
Ages 0 – 5 years with adult companion
Hit the trail with us! These exploratory hikes foster curiosity and confidence in young children. Your leader will point out seasonal changes and other natural points of interest in the parks. Hike is on a natural path. This is a Tools to Trek program. Backpacks and front carriers are appropriate if your child is not walking.
Registration deadline: Sunday, August 3
Bike Centerville Community Ride D
Ages 18 and up
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore Centerville and Washington Township by bicycle. The ride will be led by trained and experienced bike leaders and will help you learn routes to shopping, parks and more! Rides will be an easy-paced 10 to 15 miles that start and end at a park.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 5
Bubble Hike Adventure
Ages 6 – 9
Join us for a magical evening bubble hike! Explore the outdoors on a short guided hike filled with bubbles floating through the air. After the hike, enjoy creative bubble play with wands and giant bubbles. It’s a fun and engaging way to connect with nature and make memories. Don’t miss this enchanting evening! This is a drop-off program.
Registration Deadline: Monday, August 4
Insectigations (Insects at Night!)
All ages
Insects have important jobs in the ecosystem, and some work the night shift! We will hike through the forest and meadow, comparing the insects we find in each place. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight! There will be a limited supply of flashlights to borrow if needed. This is a Tools to Trek Program.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, August 6
Watercolor Snowy Owl Painting
Ages 18 and up
In this workshop, we will use basic brush and watercolor techniques to create watercolor paintings of a snowy owl using images taken by a local photographer. Leave the class with your finished painting! All skill levels are welcome! This class is best for beginner to intermediate level participants. All equipment will be provided.
Registration deadline: Friday, August 1
Movie Party in the Park: The Peanuts
All ages
(Rain date: Saturday, August 16)
Good grief! It’s time to break out your yellow shirt, grab your favorite blanket, leash up your loyal pup, and join us for a night of family fun with a showing of The Peanuts Movie! The night will begin with crafts, games and activities for all ages. For a late dinner or dessert, our wonderful community food trucks, ShowDogs HotDogs and Whit’s Frozen Custard will be pleased to serve you. Or, bring your own food/snacks for a family picnic. At sunset, we will gather around the big screen for the film.
Registration is requested but not required.
Crafts with Nature – Bloomin’ Wildflowers
Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion
Gather each month in the evenings to make some nature crafts! We will complete crafts with nature/sensory themes, read stories, play games and take short hikes in the park! This program is limited to one adult companion per registrant. If your child is not walking, backpacks and front carriers are appropriate. Strollers are not recommended for parks with natural terrain.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, August 6
Neighborhood Yoga C: Breathwork/Meditation
Ages 18 and up
Gentle yoga, vinyasa flow and breathwork + meditation classes will be offered in a soothing neighborhood park setting, led by Method Yoga Studio’s Megan Lees. Each class is suitable for all levels. Please bring a mat and water bottle. Classes are weather dependent.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 12
Hike with a Naturalist: August
Ages 18 and up
Join us on a stroll through your park! A naturalist will point out seasonal changes and discuss the wildlife we observe. Hike is on a natural path.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 12
Nature Fun: An Outdoor Family Storytime
All ages
Families are invited to join us outside to listen to a story brought to you by the Washington-Centerville Public Library! Participate in nature-themed activities following the story. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on. All sessions are Tools to Trek programs.
Registration is not required but is recommended.
Dog Days of Summer Fun Run
All ages
A fun run with man’s best friend! Bring Fido along (on a leash!) to learn about the wild canines of Ohio on our one-mile course. The 100-meter dash (children only, please!) will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. This is a Tools to Trek Program.
Goldie’s Soft Serve Ice Cream is generously sponsoring this event.
Bike Centerville Advanced Ride B
Ages 18 and up
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore Centerville and Dayton by bicycle. The ride will be led by trained and experienced bike leaders and will help you learn routes to shopping, parks and more! This ride will take our Bike Centerville Community Rides up a level and be approximately 22 miles.
Registration deadline: Friday, August 15
Hungry Caterpillars
Ages 3 – 6
Introducing young learners to the fascinating life cycle of moths! Through interactive storytelling, hands-on activities, and a creative craft, children will explore the journey of a caterpillar as it transforms into a beautiful moth. They’ll also learn about the importance of caterpillars and moths in our ecosystem. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, August 19
Young Birders Club Meeting
Ages 12 – 18
Kettering PRCA and Centerville-Washington Park District are collaborating to bring the joy of bird watching to our youth. Bird watching and identification is a fun and rewarding hobby and also a great place to make friends. Light snacks are provided. Participants must become members of the Ohio Young Birders Club and be between the ages of 12 and 18.
Program Code: 03-30240-C (registration through Kettering)
Butterfly Survey: August
Recommended for ages 8 and up
Help contribute to research by joining the naturalist on butterfly surveys. Identify and count butterflies while observing other seasonal wildlife as we stroll. No experience is necessary. Trail is approximately one mile in length on uneven terrain. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, August 19