Check out these upcoming events but for the full list of available opportunities, visit our programs page.
A UNIVERSE OF WONDER
Mar. 8-23, 2025 (Saturdays & Sundays)
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Lakeview Park,
1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, OH
Free | No registration required
Join us for an exciting and educational journey through the stars at A Universe of Wonder! This family-friendly astronomy program is designed to inspire curiosity and awe as we explore the vast and mysterious universe together. Whether you're a seasoned skywatcher or new to the world of astronomy, this event offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience of exploration and wonder for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you under the stars!
Visitors will be free to explore the exhibit at their own pace on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00-5:00 pm. This free exhibit requires no pre-registration and features educational displays, an augmented reality telescope, an interactive planet builder, and family activities. Those who are looking for even more fun and space exploration can take part in any of the supplemental programs taking place on Fridays (outside of the open exhibit hours). Some of these programs may require registration.
EASTER PROGRAMMING
Various park locations
Bring your basket and dress for the weather this Easter season! Don't miss our various outdoor Easter egg hunts and other Easter programs! View our Easter programming schedule below.
BUNNY LUNCH (SOLD OUT)
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
$18/person | Free: children under 3Hop on over to Miller Nature Preserve for activities, games, and an Easter Bunny photo opportunity for all ages! All ages are required to register to attend this family event. Pricing includes lunch, activities, take-home treats for children, a visit with the Easter Bunny, and admission to the Conservatory. Activities and/or treats may not be suitable for our youngest visitors; parental discretion is required.
LUNCH MENU: Pasta bar lunch includes two types of pasta, both marinara and alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, meatballs, breadsticks, salad, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese. Cupcakes will be served for dessert.
Visitors must bring their own device for taking photos. Space is limited, so register today! To register by phone call (440) 458-5121 or (440) 937-0764. To register online, click the register button below.
NOTE - Miller Members can enjoy a $2 discount! For questions on renewing or opening a $10 Annual Miller Membership, contact (440) 937-0764.
EASTER EGG DECORATING
Friday, April 18, 2025 | 2:00-4:o0 pm
Splash Zone (Oberlin)
$3/person (Splash Zone members) | $5/person (non-members)Join us for Easter egg decorating! Each child will get four hard-boiled eggs to decorate. After decorating, the back pool will be open for swimming! Registration is required.
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 10:00 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)
Free | Registration requiredBring the kids out to Schoepfle Garden to hunt for the 3,500 Easter eggs hidden around the front garden.
The Egg Hunt will be separated into three age groups (0-4, 5-8, and 9-12). All participants will turn in their eggs at the end of the hunt and will receive a prize bag full of goodies! The Egg Hunt starts promptly at 10:00 a.m. Arrive early to ensure your child is lined up for the 10:00 a.m. start time. Please note that there is limited parking; carpooling is encouraged for our environment and our space!
This event also includes a take-home craft, an Easter Bunny visit, and a family scavenger hunt. Register child participants only!
WELLINGTON RESERVATION EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 10:00 am
Wellington Reservation
Free | Registration requiredJoin us at Wellington Reservation for our annual Easter Egg Hunt! The egg hunt will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. so please be sure to arrive early in order to ensure your child is ready for the start of the hunt. Registration is required by April 18th at 4:30pm and only the child participant (ages 2-12) needs to be registered. Parents and guardians do not need to be registered for the egg hunt. Please bring a basket or bucket to collect eggs. The Easter Bunny will make an appearance during the egg hunt. This event will happen rain or shine and if there is thunder and lightning we will have the children hunt indoors. Please dress for the weather!
LAKEVIEW PARK EGG HUNT
Saturday, April 19, 2025 | 10:00 am
Lakeview Park (Lorain)
Free | Registration not requiredJoin us for our annual Egg Hunt at Lakeview Park. This is an outdoor hunt so please dress for the weather. Bring a basket or a bag to collect up to 15 eggs with treats inside! Egg hunt for ages 2-12, however, older siblings are welcome to join. No registration is required. The hunt will take place no later than 10:10 a.m. Plastic eggs must be emptied on-site and returned to park collection bins. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos.
TRAM RIDES
June-September
Various park locations
Free | No registration required
Do you or a loved one have mobility issues but still want to explore the natural beauty of our beautiful Lorain County Metro Parks? Or, do you simply want to enjoy a fun, leisurely ride through your favorite park while taking in the scenery? Then, our FREE tram rides are the perfect solution! These trams are completely free and require no pre-registration, however space on the tram is limited and seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis (trams typically seat about 6 people). The trams depart approximately every 30 minutes from their designated pick-up/drop-off locations listed below. Check out the full list of locations, dates, and times below!
BLACK RIVER RESERVATION - DAY’S DAM PICNIC AREA
2720 E. 31st St., Lorain
Every Wednesday, June-September | 10:00 am - 12:00 pmThe tram departs from the shelter at the Day’s Dam Picnic Area. All tram rides last approximately 15-30 minutes each.
CASCADE PARK
387 Furnace St., Elyria
Every Tuesday, June-September | 10:00 am - 12:00 pmThe tram departs from the shelter #1. All tram rides last approximately 15-30 minutes each.
KOPF FAMILY RESERVATION
32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake
Every other Monday, beginning June 2*, June-September | 5:30 - 7:00 pmThe tram departs from the trailhead located in the parking lot of the Avon Public Library. All tram rides last approximately 15-30 minutes each.
*Specific dates: June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, Aug. 11, 25, Sept. 8, & 22)SANDY RIDGE RESERVATION
6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville
Every Saturday & Sunday, June-September | 1:00 - 4:00 pmThe tram departs from the small shelter outside of the Nature Center. All tram rides last approximately 15-30 minutes each.
SCHOEPFLE GARDEN
11106 Market St., Wakeman
Every Sunday, June-September | 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Every Thursday, June-September | 10:00 am - 1:00 pmThe tram departs from outside of the Visitor Center. All tram rides last approximately 15-30 minutes each.
WELLINGTON RESERVATION
535 Jones Rd., Wellington
Every Monday in May | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Every Saturday in June | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Every Wednesday in July | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Every Tuesday in August | 9:00 - 11:00 am
Every Sunday in September | 2:00 - 4:00 pmThe tram departs from outside of the Visitor Center. All tram rides last approximately 15-30 minutes each.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
June-August (Thursdays & Sundays)
6:00 p.m.
Vermilion River Reservation, Lakeview Park (Lorain), & Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)
Free | No registration required
Every summer season, the Lorain County Metro Parks’ offers unique outdoor music experiences that cannot be found anywhere else! Every year brings new and exciting bands and artists, and some of the local favorites come back each year. Visit the parks for a truly unique experience of basking in nature while enjoying some lively tunes! Full schedule below.
Please Note: Concerts begin in June. Navigate to future months to see full schedule.
For more information and to see the concert schedule in list form, click or tap below.
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: Open Gym
Thursday, September 12, 2024 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Splash Zone (Oberlin)For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 9/10/24. Registration opens 8/15/2024.
OCTOBER: Rainbow of Colors/Fall Foliage
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 10:00-11:30 am
Cascade Park (Elyria)Gear up for fall by learning about the weather, the seasons, and the changes in the colors of our environment! During this program, we will play group games, complete an art project, and do hands-on demonstrations of how to use weather tools. Take-home activities will also be provided. Please dress for going outside!
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 10/15/24. Registration opens 9/15/2024.
NOVEMBER: Rocks and Gems
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 10:00-11:30 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill HollowLearn all about rocks, gems, and crystals with a naturalist-led lesson filled with activities! We will be outside for a portion of the program if weather permits, so please wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 11/11/24. Registration opens 10/13/2024.
DECEMBER: Animal Tracks, Homes, and Signs
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)Explore the French Creek Reservation and look for clues about the animals who live in the park. Learn how to find and identify different types of tracks, scat, homes, trails, and other animal signs.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 12/2/24. Registration opens 11/4/2024.
JANUARY: Winter Survival Skills
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Wellington ReservationTest your skills with this winter survival program. Learn how early humans survived in the winter. Discuss the adaptations that allow animals to survive the winter.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 1/21/25. Registration opens 12/22/2024.
FEBRUARY: Wildlife Forensics
Thursday, February 13, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 am
Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge (Columbia Station)Learn how to apply forensic techniques to solve wildlife crimes through hands-on activities and crafts.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 2/8/25. Registration opens 1/8/2025.
MARCH: Vernal Pool Critters
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 1:00-2:30 pm
Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)Learn what a vernal pool is, meet various critters that use these temporary habitats, and then hike to a nearby pool to look and listen for more residents. For ages 7-12. $3 per child. If weather permits, we will be going outside so dress appropriately.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 3/24/25. Registration opens 2/26/2025.
APRIL: Plants on the Menu
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)From hungry herbivores and insect pests to humans growing & eating them, plants are an important part of many organisms’ diets and survival, therefore plants have evolved a myriad of helpful & amazing adaptations and strategies to defend themselves from becoming a meal. Students will learn about some of these plants’ protective adaptations through a fun, engaging lesson and tour through the Conservatory. 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 3/16.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 4/14/25. Registration opens 3/16/2025.
MAY: Birds and Their Habitats
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)Join a naturalist to explore the bird species of Sandy Ridge Reservation. We will hike through the woods looking and listening for warblers, thrushes, vireos, and more as we learn about spring songbird migration. Bring binoculars if you have them (binoculars available if needed). Meet at the Johnson Wetland Center. Dress for the weather as this program takes place outdoors.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 5/13/25. Registration opens 4/14/2025.