The bright splashes of red, orange, and yellow of an autumn woods is one of the best seasonal treats in NW Ohio. Hike through the woods with a naturalist to chase the best fall colors and learn about the best spots to look for these vibrant leaves.

Adults and 8+
Meet at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, Buehner Center parking lot

This program runs rain or shine. Dress for the weather. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible. Adaptive equipment is available upon request. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Ashley Smith at 419.265.2920 or [email protected].

Set a Goal and Hit the Trail!
Join the Metroparks Trail Challenge! Sign up, set a goal and hit the trails for your health and well-being, while making friends and memories along the way. Everyone enrolled in the Trail Challenge is invited to participate in a Facebook group to share photos, experiences and words of encouragement to others. As always, ALL miles count toward your goal, regardless of where you choose to recreate – miles in a Metropark, in your neighborhood, a City Park, on vacation or anywhere outdoors that you are purposefully accumulating miles.

Trail Challengers Receive:
• Eco-friendly stainless steel water bottle
• Metroparks Toledo Trail Challenge sticker
• Opportunity to earn hiking, biking, park stickers, and invitations to earn special stickers
• Entry into private Trail Challenge Facebook group
• Special coupon offers to shop at Ridge & River!
• Tracking form

Get Outside Yourself!
• Registration Fee: $20 (Includes new stainless steel water bottle. Register for Ticket #4026.)
• OR RENEW your challenge registration for only $5. (Stickers only. Renewed registrants will not receive another stainless steel water bottle. Register for Ticket #4027.)
• Runs: January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Set your goal(s)

How to earn stickers:
• Hiking, walking, running 100 miles: One sticker awarded per 100 miles.
• Biking (road and paved trails or mountain) 100 miles: One sticker awarded per 100 miles.
• Park stickers: Hike every trail at a park and receive a sticker for that park. 19 Metroparks.
• Paddling: Available to those with their own canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard. Can also rent a kayak or attend a Metroparks *program.
• Tree Climbing: Attend a tree climbing *program.
• Archery: Available to those with their own archery equipment. Participants can also rent archery equipment or attend a Metroparks *program.
• Special stickers: Be on the lookout for special stickers available for a limited time!
*Please bring your Trail Challenge water bottle to the rentals or Metroparks program to receive your sticker!

All other stickers will be available at the Manor House front desk during regular business hours.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the contact form at MetroparksToledo.com.

THIS REGISTRATION IS FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO RENEW THEIR TRAIL CHALLENGE REGISTRATION ONLY.

STICKERS ONLY. If you register for this section, you will NOT receive a new stainless steel water bottle. If you want a new Trail Challenge bottle, please register for Ticket #4026. The water bottles are the same as last year.

Set a Goal and Hit the Trail!
Join the Metroparks Trail Challenge! Sign up, set a goal and hit the trails for your health and well-being, while making friends and memories along the way. Everyone enrolled in the Trail Challenge is invited to participate in a Facebook group to share photos, experiences and words of encouragement to others. As always, ALL miles count toward your goal, regardless of where you choose to recreate – miles in a Metropark, in your neighborhood, a City Park, on vacation or anywhere outdoors that you are purposefully accumulating miles.

Trail Challengers Receive:
• Eco-friendly stainless steel water bottle
• Metroparks Toledo Trail Challenge sticker
• Opportunity to earn hiking, biking, park stickers, and invitations to earn special stickers
• Entry into private Trail Challenge Facebook group
• Special coupon offers to shop at Ridge & River!
• Tracking form

Get Outside Yourself!
• Registration Fee: $20 (Includes new stainless steel water bottle. Register for Ticket #4026.)
• OR RENEW your challenge registration for only $5. (Stickers only. Renewed registrants will not receive another stainless steel water bottle. Register for Ticket #4027.)
• Runs: January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Set your goal(s)

How to earn stickers:
• Hiking, walking, running 100 miles: One sticker awarded per 100 miles.
• Biking (road and paved trails or mountain) 100 miles: One sticker awarded per 100 miles.
• Park stickers: Hike every trail at a park and receive a sticker for that park. 19 Metroparks.
• Paddling: Available to those with their own canoe, kayak, or stand up paddleboard. Can also rent a kayak or attend a Metroparks *program.
• Tree Climbing: Attend a tree climbing *program.
• Archery: Available to those with their own archery equipment. Participants can also rent archery equipment or attend a Metroparks *program.
• Special stickers: Be on the lookout for special stickers available for a limited time!
*Please bring your Trail Challenge water bottle to the rentals or Metroparks program to receive your sticker!

All other stickers will be available at the Manor House front desk during regular business hours.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the contact form at MetroparksToledo.com.

Calling all volunteers! Paddling offers a great way to connect to nature while being active in the parks. Help Metroparks staff introduce new paddlers to the sport while providing a safe, enjoyable experience on the water. Volunteer Paddle Specialists help Metroparks staff setup for programs, assist with safety during paddling programs, and help cleanup equipment post program.

This training covers paddling safety for both you and the participant, program equipment for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUPs), and necessary paddling skills such as safety considerations, fitting personal floatation devices, rescues, and basic strokes. This training is held on land and in water.

Volunteer Paddle Specialist Requirements:
• Previous paddling experience with a canoe, kayak and/or SUP
• Be able to carry boats weighing up to 50 lbs with assistance
• Successfully complete a mandatory skills check-off per boat type
• All skills needed to volunteer are covered during this course
• Volunteers can choose to complete the check-off process for all or select boat types, but may only volunteer for programs with the specific boat type they are checked-off on

Adults
Meet at Blue Creek Metropark, Nona France Quarry Pond boat launch

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dress to get wet and wear synthetic clothing (nylon, spandex, or polyester, no cotton). Wear old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops). Bring water and sun protection. Please leave all valuables at home. We will provide all boats, life jackets and other gear. This program runs rain or shine., Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.

Lace up your hiking boots for an adventure through the beautiful and diverse habitats of Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Please pack a lunch, a water bottle and snacks (there will be an opportunity to refill). The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we'll make occasional nature stops. These hikes are brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Alissa Caple at [email protected] or 419-280-9235.

Adults and 16+
Meet at Oak Openings Perserve Metropark, Buehner Center Parking Lot

These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

Enjoy a fun afternoon along the mighty Maumee River and explore the awesome natural features of Side Cut Metropark on this family friendly hike.

All Ages
Meet at Side Cut Metropark, Riverview Parking Lot

This program runs rain or shine. Please register each individual. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

These one-hour sessions for small groups of 1-2 people will give you archery coaching to build your skills and boost your confidence. Those with some previous experience also welcome to hone their skills. All equipment and instruction provided.

Adults and 8+
Meet at Westwinds Metropark, Archery Range

Metroparks Toledo staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Reasonable accommodations can also be made. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. The path from the parking lot is a flat, gravel trail and it is about 400 feet from the lot to the beginner's range. We have two adaptive bows which participants may hold or use mounted on a stand(one stand). These bows use a draw lock and a trigger release. If anyone would like to take a bow out on the 3D course, the trail is about 0.5 miles of uneven mulch surface. For additional information or questions, see the Recreational Equipment Catalog on the website or please contact customer service at 419-407-9700 or using the contact form at MetroparksToledo.com.

Hop on in to the prairie and see what can be found amongst the flowers! We will explore the diverse insect life found in the prairie through a hands-on field investigation.

Families of All Ages, register all adults and children
Meet at Cannonball Prairie, Parking Lot Kiosk

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Explore the star of our solar system, the sun, with a special solar viewing session of star struck. We'll have telescopes equipped with filters for solar viewing and enjoy family-friendly activities that explore the science of the sun. No registration required. This is an open-house style program; viewers may come and go as they please any time during the designated time frame.

All Ages but recommended for 5+
Meet at Glass City Metropark, near Market Hall

Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.

Rent archery equipment to shoot the 3D course. Each participant will need to show proficiency, safety and range etiquette before entering the 3D course.
No pre-registration. Renters must register and pay on-site with credit card only. Rental hours are 9AM-1PM.
Adult Rental Fee (Ages 16+) $9
Child Rental Fee (Ages 5-15) $6
If you have rented or attended a program in the past, instruction might not be necessary, but you still need to show staff that you can complete the safety checklist.

Metroparks Toledo staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Reasonable accommodations can also be made. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration. The path from the parking lot is a flat, gravel trail and it is about 400 feet from the lot to the beginner's range. We have two adaptive bows which participants may hold or use mounted on a stand. These bows use a draw lock and a trigger release. If anyone would like to take a bow out on the 3D course, that trial is about 0.5 miles of uneven mulch surface. For additional information or questions, please contact Ashley Smith at 419.265.2920 or [email protected].

Meet at Westwinds Metropark Archery Range

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

Discover how the Stranahan Estate transformed into a Metropark!
Hear the historic story behind Wildwood on a one-mile grounds tour. All Grounds Tours will meet at the Metz Visitor's Center at Wildwood. After the Grounds Tour, be sure to save some time to walk through the Ellen Biddle Shipman Garden or hike the trails of Wildwood! Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and dress for the weather. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants must register.
Dogs are not permitted.

Aquatic August: Learn about the different kinds of animals that live in our waterways including fish, turtles, frogs, and many others

All ages
Meet at Providence Metropark, Heritage Center

The historic Miami-Erie canal and lock at Providence Metropark is usually reserved for travel by canal boat only, but not today! Take advantage of this rare opportunity to paddle through the canal and lock while listening to tales of canal life and the lost town of Providence. Travel through the lock by canoe and experience one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks up-close.

Adults and 8+
Meet at Providence Metropark, at the Canal Boat area at the parking lot near the restrooms

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dress to get wet and wear synthetic clothing (nylon, spandex, or polyester, no cotton). Wear old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops). Bring water and sun protection. Please leave all valuables at home. We will provide all boats, life jackets and other gear. This program runs rain or shine. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.

The historic Miami-Erie canal and lock at Providence Metropark is usually reserved for travel by canal boat only, but not today! Take advantage of this rare opportunity to paddle through the canal and lock while listening to tales of canal life and the lost town of Providence. Travel through the lock by canoe and experience one of the last functioning 19th century limestone locks up-close.

Adults and 8+
Meet at Providence Metropark, at the Canal Boat area at the parking lot near the restrooms

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dress to get wet and wear synthetic clothing (nylon, spandex, or polyester, no cotton). Wear old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops). Bring water and sun protection. Please leave all valuables at home. We will provide all boats, life jackets and other gear. This program runs rain or shine. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.

Family Pride Day
Sunday, August 4th, 12 to 3 p.m.
Glass City, Glass City Market Hall

Join Metroparks and Toledo Pride at the 3rd annual Family Pride Day. Find common ground at Glass City Metropark with exciting activities including the Climbing Wall, Roller Skating at the Ribbon, Mountain Biking Skills, Kids Zone, Food at the Garden, and more. You won’t want to miss this awesome event for All Ages!


Family Pride Day – Volunteers Needed

Join us for Family Pride Day! Volunteers are needed to assist with our Kids Zone, Rock Climbing, and Mountain Biking activities. Volunteers assisting in this opportunity may guide program participants through safety, instruction, and gearing up. This may involve a moderate activity level and may include some lifting. If you are interested in this opportunity, please connect with Hannah Calandra at [email protected] or by phone at 419-407-9840. No experience required!

Enjoy a fun hike in one of the largest marsh restorations east of the Mississippi! The focus of these hikes will be exercise, but we'll make occasional nature stops. These hikes are brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Hike Leader, please contact Alissa Caple at [email protected] or 419-280-9235.

Adults and 16+
Meet at Howard Marsh Metropark, Main Parking Lot

These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

All applicants who wish to participate must complete a qualification test before registering for the controlled archery lottery drawing.
Each lottery winner may bring a licensed partner to their controlled archery timeframe. The partner must also pre-qualify.
The test will be administered at Clelands Outdoor World in Swanton.

Lace up your boots and leave your worries behind as we hike through the diverse woodlands of Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. Stop to enjoy a relaxing hammock break and sway gently among the trees, then hike back. Hammocks are available to borrow. Total distance: 3 miles.

Adults and 12+
Meet at Swan Creek Preserve Metropark, Glendale Entrance

These programs run rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Please bring a reusable water bottle filled with water.

This outdoor, multi-sensory nature play and exploration introduces your toddlers up to three years of age to the natural world and promotes its preservation. Adult companions accompany and assist in their child's experience at the program. Register toddlers only.

Ages 0-3 with adult companion
Meet at Wildwood Preserve Metropark, Metz Stables

These hikes are brought to you by Metroparks volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a Hike Leader, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Hannah Calandra at [email protected] or by phone at 419.407.9840.

Swan Creek provides a peaceful nature retreat filled with birds and wildlife for paddlers in the city. From the water you can barely tell you're in the middle of downtown Toledo.... except for the litter. Join Partners for Clean Streams and Metroparks naturalists as we clean up this beautiful waterway by canoe and get the trash out of our Maumee River watershed. All trash collected during this citizen's science project will be tracked and reported to provide data to scientists working on tracking and battling debris pollution in waterways.

Adults and 12+
Meet at Erie Street Market, Boat Launch

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel. Dress to get wet and wear synthetic clothing (nylon, spandex, or polyester, no cotton). Wear old tennis shoes, water shoes, or sandals with a heel strap (no flip flops). Bring water and sun protection. Please leave all valuables at home. We will provide all boats, life jackets and other gear. This program runs rain or shine. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Metroparks Toledo is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Staff can adapt many programs to be accessible to anyone who would like to participate. Please tell us your needs at the time of registration, but no later than 72 business hours prior to the program. For additional information or questions, please contact Metroparks staff by calling 419-407-9700 or by using the 'contact us' form at MetroparksToledo.com.