What’s Happening

Check out these upcoming events but for the full list of available opportunities, visit our programs page.

NATURE AT NIGHT
Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange
Saturday, August 22 | 7:00 - 10:30 pm
Free | No Registration Required

As the sun sets, a new world awakens. Join us for an evening exploration into the sights and sounds of nature after dark. We'll venture along trails to listen for nocturnal wildlife, search for glowing eyes in the forest, and uncover the fascinating adaptations that help animals thrive at night. From haunting owl calls to glowing fur and feathers, this program offers a unique way to experience the Ohio forest at night. Bring your curiosity and a flashlight! 

VERMILION RIVER FEST
Vermilion River Reservation, Bacon Woods 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion Saturday, September 12 |10:00 am-3:00pm

Celebrate the beauty and excitement of the Vermilion River at this free, family-friendly festival! Spend the day outdoors surrounded by music, laughter, and adventure.

Enjoy a variety of activities for all ages, including:

• Live Music & Entertainment – Relax along the river while local musicians fill the park with music.

• Delicious Eats – Savor a selection of flavors from popular local food trucks.

• Kid-Friendly Fun – From classic lawn games and face painting to interactive activities, there’s plenty to keep young adventurers busy.

• Outdoor Adventures – Try your hand at archery, inflatable sports challenges, and take a scenic wagon ride through the park.

• Nature Discovery – Explore a scavenger hunt to learn about the wildlife and habitats of the Vermilion River.

• Campfires by the River – Roast a marshmallow as you gather around the fire with friends and family.

Parking: Free parking is available at Bacon Woods. Overflow parking will be located across the river at Mill Hollow.

Bring your family, your friends, and your sense of adventure for a day celebrating community, nature, and fun at the Vermilion River Fest!

‘WINGS OVER LORAIN’ BUS TOUR
Meet at Miller Nature Preserve 2739 Center Rd., Avon Sat., Sept. 12 | 5:45am - 4:00pm $60 per person

Experience one of nature's greatest spectacles as millions of birds make their journey south for the winter. Join Lorain County Metro Parks Naturalists on a guided bus tour exploring some of the region's premier birding hotspots during peak fall migration. Travel through a variety of habitats in search of migrating warblers, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Whether you're a seasoned birder or simply enjoy nature, this all-day adventure offers an exciting opportunity to witness the diversity and abundance of birds passing through Ohio each fall. This program is for participants 18 years and older. 

Bus will pick up and drop off participants at Miller Nature Preserve located at 2739 Center Road, Avon, OH  44011.

Please meet in the parking lot at Miller Nature Preserve. Arrive no later than 5:45 a.m. Bus leaves promptly at 6 a.m.

Boxed lunch is provided.  Please indicate preferred lunch option at check out. Bring a refillable water bottle.

Please bring binoculars, water, and appropriate clothing for September in Ohio.  Participants will be hiking outdoors at each park location.

Participants will be exiting the bus at each of the park locations to hike on trails that can be uneven with hills.  Trail length will not exceed 1 mile. Level 2 hiking.

If you have any questions, please contact Kyler Sonney at ksonney@loraincountymetroparks.com.

Schedule is subject to change or cancellation based on weather. Naturalist staff will communicate via email with program alerts and changes. Program fees are refundable until 9/10/2026. In the event of cancellation, program fees will be refunded to the original form of payment within 7-10 business days. 

‘GEOLOGY ROCKS’ BUS TOUR
Meet at Lakeview Park
1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain
Sat., Nov. 12 | 9:00am - 4:00pm
$50 per person

Discover the stories the rocks tell around Lorain County Metro Parks!  We learn about the shallow ocean, the glaciers and the quarries as we travel through time exploring the geological history of our parks.  Join an LCMP naturalist and guest geologist as we travel through the parks learning about the unique geological features that tell the stories of the past.

Bus will pick up and drop off participants at Lakeview Park located at 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain  44052.

Please meet in front of Sunset Terrace.  Arrive no later than 8:45 a.m. Bus leaves promptly at 9 a.m.

Boxed lunch is provided.  Please indicate preferred lunch option at check out.  Bring a refillable water bottle.

Please dress for the weather.  Participants will be hiking outdoors at each park location.

Participants will be exiting the bus at each of the park locations to hike on trails that can be uneven with hills .  Trail length will not exceed 1 mile. Level 2 hiking.

If you have any questions, please contact Bev Walborn at bwalborn@loraincountymetroparks or 440-420-8290.

BUBBLE DAY
French Creek Reservation - Pine Tree Picnic Area 4951 French Creek Rd., Sheffield Village Wed., Aug. 12 | 10:00am - 11:30am
$1 per child

Enjoy bubbles in all forms! From foam to bubble art this program as a station for every kind of bubble! Fun for all ages. Registration Required. 

TRAM RIDES June - September
Various Park Locations
Free

Join us for free tram rides throughout the Lorain County Metro Parks! These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent.  The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

• Black River Reservation Trams
  Days Dam Picnic Area, 2720 E. 31st., Lorain Every Wednesday, June-September 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

  Hop on board for this free tram ride to tour a section of the scenic Black River Reservation! We depart from the shelter at the Day’s Dam Picnic Area (2720 E. 31st St, Lorain). These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 15-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

• Cascade Park Trams
  Cascade Park Nature Center, 387 Furnace St., Elyria
  Every Tuesday, June-September 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

Cascade Park Tram Rides will be held every Tuesday from 10 am-12 pm. These rides are first-come, first-served and typically last approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Registration is not required. All rides depart from the Cascade Park Nature Center. Tram seats 6. These weekly tram rides will not take a route to the waterfalls but instead will travel through the areas of 19 Acres and Elywood. Stay tuned to our program catalog for specially scheduled waterfall tram rides. 

• Cascade Park Trams - West Falls Tour
  Cascade Park Nature Center, 387 Furnace St., Elyria
  Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, June-September 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm

Enjoy a tram ride to the West Falls! The ride departs from the Cascade Nature Center. Pre-registration is required for each participant. Due to the steep hills, the weight capacity of the tram requires a limited number of 4 riders only. Registration closes the date before the event. 
*Riders be advised that there is a 200 ft. span of unpaved trail that leads to the falls overlook. Terrain can be uneven and damp. This program is free, weather-dependent, and by registration only. 

• Kopf Family Reservation Trams
  Avon Lake Library Trailhead, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake
  Every other Thursday beginning June 4 (dates below), June - August
  Every Thursday in September
  5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Hop on board for this free tram ride to tour Kopf Family Reservation! We depart from the Avon Lake Public Library trailhead (32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake). These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent.  The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

Dates: June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, & September 24

• Sandy Ridge Reservation Trams
  Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center, 6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville
  Every Saturday and Sunday, June- September
  1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This tram takes you through the trails of Sandy Ridge Reservation! We will depart from the shelter next to the Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent.  The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

• Sandy Ridge Reservation Trams - Wetland Tour
  Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center, 6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville
  June 11, July 16, & August 13
  10:30 am - 11:30 am

This tram takes you through the Wetlands of Sandy Ridge Reservation! We will depart from the shelter next to the Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent.  The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

• Schoepfle Garden Trams
  Visitor Center, 1106 Market St., Birmingham
  Every Sunday, June-September | 1:00pm - 4:00 pm Every Thursday, June-September | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Hop on board for this free tram ride to tour Schoepfle Garden! We depart from outside the Visitor Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 15-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent.  The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

• Wellington Reservation Trams
  Visitor Center, 535 Jones Rd., Wellington

  April: Fridays | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
  May: Mondays | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  June: Saturdays | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  July: Wednesdays | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm August: Tuesdays | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
  September: Sundays| 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Hop on board for this free tram ride to see Wellington Reservation! We depart from outside the Visitor Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 15-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent.  The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
June - August 2026
Free | No registration required

Lakeview Summer Concert Series
1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain
Thursdays at 6:00 pm , June - August

Join us for FREE outdoor concerts on select Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm, June through August. Take a stroll through the Historic Rose Garden or bring a blanket and chair to relax and enjoy the show while watching the sunset over beautiful Lake Erie. Concert held at the Event Garden directly across from the Beach House.

Miller Nature Preserve Summer Concert Series
2739 Center Rd., Avon
Thursdays at 6:00 pm , June - August

Relax and enjoy a free outdoor concert on the pretty patio or among our picturesque gardens on select Thursday evenings at 6:00pm, June through August! Food & beverages will be available for purchase, courtesy of the Orchid Café.  Select food items from the Orchid Café menu will be available for purchase.  Outside food is not permitted on the patio. Parking is limited please consider carpooling with family and friends.

Vermilion River Reservation Summer Concert Series
Bacon Woods Amphitheater, 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion
Sundays at 6:00 pm , June - August

The Vermilion River Reservation Summer Concert Series, held at the beautiful outdoor Bacon Woods Amphitheater, is a beloved summer tradition! These 1.5 hour-long, outdoor concerts are weather dependent, registration is welcomed, but NOT required. Concert parking is located on the Bacon Woods side, with handicap parking near the Bacon Woods Amphitheatre and restroom building. In addition to seating (wooden benches) in the amphitheater, there are picnic tables and a grassy lawn surrounding the amphitheater, so feel free to bring chairs and blankets to sit on.  Smoking and dogs (except service dogs) are NOT permitted in the amphitheater.

PADDLE TRAX
May-October
Free

Discover new waterways, plan exciting paddling routes, and track your summer adventures with the Lorain County Metro Parks Paddling Challenge. Log your trip mileage throughout the season and earn exclusive boat decals as you reach new milestones!

The average recreational kayaker paddles about 3 mph, though speed can vary depending on water conditions, kayak type, paddling experience, and rest breaks along the way. Mileage can also be tracked using a variety of fitness apps/smart watches by choosing “paddle” or watersport as the tracking option. 

How It Works

• Record your paddling trips and mileage throughout the summer via a printed form (available at Carlisle Visitor Center, French Creek Nature Center, and Mill Hollow Carriage Barn) or by filling out an online form below.

• Submit your completed trip log by October 31. Physical forms may be submitted at Carlisle Visitor Center, French Creek Nature Center, or the Mill Hollow Carriage Barn. 

• Earn specialized decals for completing one of the four tiers. Participants who complete Tier 4 will earn a long sleeve paddling shirt. 

Challenge Tiers

• Tier 1: 25 Miles

• Tier 2: 35 Miles

• Tier 3: 45 Miles

• Tier 4: 45 Miles and attendance at 2 guided LCMP paddling programs 

Participants may complete Tiers 1 through 3 independently. To achieve Tier 4, paddlers must attend two guided LCMP paddling programs. Questions? Contact Lexi Rohrbach, Senior Recreation Specialist at (440) 219-7873 or at arohrbach@loraincountymetroparks.com.

HOMESCHOOL EXPLORERS:
Various park locations
$3 per child

Homeschool Explorers is geared for children learning at home. This program series (September through May) will travel to different park locations to engage your children in nature, science, history, the arts, and recreation!

Depending on the program’s topic and location, children will learn through educational biofacts, nature hikes, activities, games, crafts, or meeting a live animal!  Program fee is $3.00/child. To be able to accommodate as many students as possible only students within the age range listed in the program description (usually ages 7-12) will be permitted to attend and participation waivers are required.  Please dress for the weather.

Registration opens one month prior to the program date.

• SEPTEMBER: Butterflies & Moths
  Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | Time: 10:00-11:30 am
  Vermilion River Reservation (Vermilion)

  Learn about butterflies and moths with a lesson, activites/craft and hike at Vermilion River Reservation! We will learn about the differences between both animals, their life cycles, search for them in the park and more! 

  For ages 7-12. $3 per child. Registration is required by 9/14.

• SEPTEMBER: Beginner Kayaking
  Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | Time: 10:00-11:30 am
  French Creek Kayak Launch (Sheffield Village)

  Join us for a fun and educational introduction to kayaking designed especially for homeschool students ages 8–14! This beginner-friendly program will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at the French Creek Kayak Launch.

  Participants will learn the fundamentals of kayaking, including how to paddle forward, backward, and steer left and right. We'll also cover essential boating safety, the importance of properly wearing a life jacket, and basic water safety practices.

  After practicing these skills, we'll head out for a short paddle on the Black River, where participants can build confidence and apply what they've learned in a fun, supportive environment.

  Whether your child is brand new to kayaking or looking to strengthen their basic skills, this program is a great way to get started on the water!

  Included: all safety equipment (life jacket, whistle), kayak, paddle

  Please Bring: water shoes, weather appropriate clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, water bottle

• OCTOBER: Terrific Trees
  Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Time: 10:00-11:30 am
  Cascade Park (Elyria)

  Discover the fascinating trees growing in Cascade Park! We will explore the park while using a scavenger hunt to learn about the trees. We'll unravel the mystery of why leaves change color while enjoying the beauty of fall in Cascade Park.  This program takes place outdoors - please dress for the weather and bring a refillable water bottle.  For ages 7-12, $3.00 per child. This is a drop-off program, and a medical form is required to participate. Registration is required by 10/13. 

• NOVEMBER: New World Foods
  Thursday, November 19, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Vermilion River Reservation (Vermilion)

  Learn about New World Foods from the Columbian Exchange, the pilgrims and 19th and 20th century immigrants.  Students will explore the foods and make and try a few recipes.  Please contact Matt at mkocsis@loraincountymetroparks.com or 440-965-7237 for food allergy information. 

  For ages 7-16. $3 per child. Registration is required by 11/17.

• DECEMBER: Masters of Disguise: Camouflage & Mimicry
  Wednesday, December 16, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)

  Discover the fascinating ways nature's masters of disguise survive & thrive!  With an engaging lesson and Conservatory Tour, we will observe & explore the cool, clever adaptations of camouflage & mimicry to reveal how animals & plants use shape, color, and behavior to outsmart predators, catch prey, and attract pollinators. 

  For ages 7-12, $3.00 per child. This is a drop-off program and a medical form is required to participate. Registration is required by 12/14.        

• JANUARY: Wildlife Tracks and Signs
  Thursday, January 14, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)

  Learn all about native wildlife tracks and how to find them through activities and a hike.

  For ages 7-12. $3 per child. This is a drop-off program and a medical form is required to participate. Register by 1/11.

• FEBRUARY: Owl Pellets
  Wednesday, February 11, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)

  What do raptors eat, and why? Find out during owl pellet dissection, bio-facts and an outdoor eating demonstration using our Raptor Center resident birds.  Please dress for the weather.

• MARCH: Universe of Wonder
  Tuesday, March 16, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Lakeview Park (Lorain)

  Explore astronomy at the Universe of Wonder event at Lakeview Park!  We will look at stars in the starlab planetarium, learn about the surface of the moon and explore how astronauts live in space utilizing the activities and exhibits as part of the Universe of Wonder event.

  For ages 7-12. $3 per child. This is a drop-off program and a medical form is required to participate. Registration is required by 3/15/27.

• APRIL: Amazing Animal Adaptations
  Wednesday, April 14, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)

• MAY: Birding Hike
  Wednesday, May 12, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)

  Learn about the importance of wetlands and why so many species of birds are seen at Sandy Ridge Reservation.

  For ages 7-12. $3 per child. This is a drop-off program, and a medical form is required to participate. Register by 5/11/27 

• MAY: Aquatic Adventures
  Friday, May 14, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)

  Join a naturalist to discover what makes aquatic ecosystems unique! We’ll embark on an adventure into the French Creek and find some aquatic friends along the way. 

  For ages 7-12, $3.00 per child. This is a drop-off program, and a medical form is required to participate. Registration is required by 5/13/27.

  This program includes a creek walk. Participants must wear closed toe water shoes.

• MAY: Archery
  Monday, May 24, 2027 | 10:00-11:30 am
  Carlisle Reservation Duck Pond (LaGrange)

  Must be 8 years of age or older to participate.

  Registration and a medical waiver are both required.

  This is a drop-off program

  Fee: $3