Creating an Edible Butterfly Lifecycle
Ages 4 – 8
Join instructor Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling to learn about the life cycle of a butterfly with food! Make celery caterpillars and butterfly hummus cups. Please note: all major food allergens could be present in this class
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 12
Reading in the Wild
Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion
We will interact with stories, complete crafts with sensory themes and take short hikes in the park! This program is limited to one adult companion per registrant. The theme for September is rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels. Strollers are not recommended at parks with natural terrain.
Registration deadline: Thursday, September 14
Inclusion Focus Group
Share your suggestions! We want to hear about your park experiences. Help us continue to promote inclusion and accessibility for all at your Centerville-Washington Park District parks and programs! Anyone in the community is welcome to attend.
If the date and time don’t work for you, but you have feedback to share, please RSVP and we will email you questions to answer as your schedule allows!
As a thank you, all participants will receive a $15 household credit for future park programs. (One credit per household.)
Reading in the Wild
Ages 18 months – 4 years with adult companion
We will interact with stories, complete crafts with sensory themes and take short hikes in the park! This program is limited to one adult companion per registrant. The theme for September is rabbits, chipmunks, and squirrels. Strollers are not recommended at parks with natural terrain.
Registration deadline: Thursday, September 14
Creative Crafting
Ages 9 – 13
Thursdays, September 21, October 19 & November 16
Level up from Art & Imagination with this new crafting program based on nature themes! Participants will learn new art skills and get creative together!
Registration deadline: Thursday, September 14
Preschool Nature Series: Bison Were Here!
Ages 3 – 5 with adult companion
Bison used to roam our open areas in Ohio! We will learn about their life history through activities and a hike!
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 19
Meet Your Parks Series
Ages 16 and up
Fridays, September 22, October 13 & 27, November 17
Learn about the history and features of your neighborhood parks. Meet your neighbors and enjoy light refreshments. Attend as many or as few sessions as you would like!
Registration is requested for planning purposes.
Flying Squirrel Search
All ages
While flying squirrels are common in our local forests, they are very tricky to see! We will head into the woods and search quietly for signs of flying squirrels. Bring a flashlight if you have one. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 20
Archery Day
All ages
We are teaming up with the Bellbrook Sugarcreek Park District, the Kettering Recreation Complex and the Washington Township RecPlex for an afternoon of archery! Join us for blow-up archery, food trucks, various vendors and much more! Walk-up registrations for an archery class sampler on the range will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis during the event.
Registration is not required but is recommended.
Butterfly Survey
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, September 21
Nature Drawing on Toned Paper
Ages 18 and up
We will utilize tonal paper to help capture and develop a full value range drawing. This will create depth and realism in our drawings. Leave the class with everything you need to keep drawing. This is a beginner/intermediate level class.
Registration deadline: Friday, September 15
Nature Fun: An Outdoor Family Storytime
All ages
Mondays, September 25, October 9 & 23, November 13
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.
Registration is not required but is recommended.
Felt Crafting: Fall Wreaths
Ages 16 and up
This program will walk you through both basic needle felting and felt crafting to create a festive, handmade wreath perfect for the fall holidays. All supplies and materials will be provided, and no previous experience is required to create this fun seasonal project.
Registration deadline: Friday, September 22
Couple’s Evening Out!
Ages 16 and up
Whether you are partners, family, or best friends, spend the evening together in the park testing your knowledge of each other! Self-guided signs with questions and funny actions will be posted along the purple trail. Meet back at the Smith House for crafts, light refreshments and gourmet s’mores around the fire! One registration per pair.
Registration deadline: Friday, September 22
Pumpkin Patch Dash Fun Run
All ages
A fun run all about one of our favorite aspects of fall — pumpkins! Visit all the stations along the route. They will have a wide variety of pumpkin and fall-inspired facts and activities. Learn more about our favorite fall gourd along the way! This will be a one-mile course with a 100-meter dash option for ages 10 and under.
This event is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.