Check out these upcoming events but for the full list of available opportunities, visit our programs page.
‘GEOLOGY ROCKS’ BUS TOUR
Meet at Lakeview Park
1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain
Sat., Nov. 14 | 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.
‘BEWITCHED’ CONSERVATORY DISPLAY
Miller Nature Preserve
2739 Center Rd., Avon
Sept. 1-Oct. 31 | Daily, 10am - 5pm
$4/person (children 2 & under: Free)
The cauldrons are bubbling, the broomsticks are polished, and something delightfully wicked is brewing inside our conservatory! Whether you're channeling the magic of the Sanderson Sisters, Glinda, or Elphaba, grab your favorite hat and discover iconic pop culture witches through interpretive plant displays, trivia, and more!
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.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Carlisle Reservation
Walking Trail: 12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange
Drive-Thru: 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange
Nov. 27 - Dec. 23
Wednesdays-Sundays (Closed Mon. & Tue.)
FREE
Join us at Carlisle Reservation this festive season for our annual Holiday Lights display!
This event will be held at TWO locations:
Walking Trail, Train Rides (Sundays only), and Activities: Carlisle Visitor Center - 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange
Drive-Thru Light Display: Carlisle Equestrian Center - 13630 Diagonal Road, LaGrange
The Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center will be hosting the drive-through portion of this festive event. This mile-long drive through will feature our classic lighted features such as Santa’s Castle and the Carousel. NEW this year will be even more lights and new features that can be seen from the comfort of your vehicle.
In addition to the drive-through, other displays can be viewed at the Carlisle Visitor Center. The Children’s Nature Discovery Trail will be festively decorated for your family to walk along and enjoy the crisp early winter weather Wednesday-Saturday evenings. On Sundays during the event from 5:30-9:00 pm the Little Green Choo will be running on the trail. While walkers will not be permitted along the trail on Sundays during the event, all are welcome aboard the Little Green Choo.
Each evening from 5:30-9:00 pm there will be cookies, hot chocolate, popcorn, etc. available for purchase inside the Black River Room, courtesy of Friends of Metro Parks. CASH ONLY
Admission to this program is free, but we are asking visitors to bring one, nonperishable food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. There will be a donation station at the beginning of the driving display at the Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center, at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center inside the Black River Room and at the beginning of the Children’s Nature Discovery Trail. We will also host a “Wildlife Giving Tree” at the Carlisle Visitor Center with items needed to care for the animals of Carlisle and other LCMP facilities; from our resident raptors and reptiles to wild songbird visitors.
As always, outdoor programs are weather dependent. Please call ahead the day of the program in case of inclement weather or high wind advisories. For more information, please call (440) 458-5121.
Holiday Lights Activities:
Balloon Twisting - Wednesdays Dec 2, 9, 16, 23 from 6:30-8:30 pm. FREE
Santa Nights - Thursdays Dec 3, 10, 17 from 6-8:30 pm. Come inside to meet Santa and take your picture with the man in the red suit! FREE
Santa Shop courtesy of Friends of Metro Parks is offered on Friday and Saturday Nights, Nov. 27, 28, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Join us for a simple craft, along with gift wrapping and shopping assistance for young shoppers. CASH ONLY
Little Green Choo Rides - Sundays Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 5:30-9pm. Ride the train around the Children's Nature Discovery Trail at Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center. FREE. All ages welcome. Due to the train operating on the walking trail, the trail will be closed to walkers on Sunday evenings.
LIGHTS ON THE LAKE
Nov. 28 - Jan. 7 | Dusk-9:00 p.m.
Lakeview Park, 1800 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052
Free | No Registration Required
Experience a FREE lakefront drive-thru lighted holiday display at Lakeview Park! Enjoy “Lights on the Lake” with classic holiday scenes, festive décor, and thousands of twinkling lights spanning this 26-acre park. This after-hours event is intended for drive-thru only. You will not be permitted to exit your vehicle. Lights turn on at dusk and stay lit until 9 p.m. each night. We hope you find an opportunity to enjoy this cheerful and safe holiday activity!
Santa Nights at Lakeview Park
Nov. 28, & Dec. 5, 6, 13, & 19 | 5:00-7:00 pm
Celebrate the holiday season with this annual favorite! Drive through Lakeview Park to see all the magical light displays and visit with Santa at one of our free Santa Nights inside the Sunset Terrace for some hot chocolate, cookie decorating, crafts, and a photo opportunity! No registration required!
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