Hunt for Leprechauns on St. Patrick's Day

March 17th from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Garfield Park Nature Center
Ages: 3 - 8 years with adult
Registration required: 216-341-3152

On St. Patrick’s Day sneaky little leprechauns are hiding in the forests of Garfield Park Reservation. Join Naturalist Stacey Allen for a story about leprechauns. Then go on a short self-guided leprechaun hunt. You will be rewarded with “gold”!

Trail Trackers: Halloween Animals on October 20th

Owls, bats, and spiders await as we take a close look at these “not-so-scary” Halloween creatures. Discover the important roles they play in the natural world. 10 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 2 p.m. North Chagrin Reservation at the Nature Education Building
Ages: 3 years - K with adult
Terrain: level, .25 mile
Register beginning October 1
440-473-3370

Your Guide Nature Centers in the Cleveland Area

There are several Nature Centers in the Cleveland area, many of which are located in the Cleveland Metroparks. Nature and Visitor Centers are Cleveland Metroparks gateways to outdoor discovery. Come and ask questions, experience "touch and feel" exhibits, and go outside to see the plants and animals that make up Cleveland Metroparks. Naturalists are available to provide information and guide visitors to nearby trails. Nature centers are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). All of Cleveland Metroparks nature and visitor centers offer a diverse array of outdoor education programs for all ages. Located in Brecksville, Cuyahoga Heights, Garfield Heights, Mayfield Village, and North Olmsted, the centers are FREE and open to the public. All programs are also provided FREE of charge. Visit here for center descriptions and programming.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is located at 2600 South Park Boulevard, Cleveland, 44120.  The center is located within a section of the Shaker Parklands that includes six natural habitats -- lake, stream, marsh, field, ravine and forest. To experience these fascinating habitats, take a walk along one of two beautiful trails. The center also has many exhibits, occasional art shows, and activity tables for children and adults. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Trails are open from dawn till dusk. The center is FREE and open to the public. Visit here for more details and upcoming events.

The Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is located in Bay Village. The center teaches the wonders of wildlife through our live animal exhibits, our wildlife education programs and our rehabilitation services. They have outdoor and indoor display areas for our public visitors to view both local wildlife and exotic/domestic animals. You can visit the beautiful red fox, magnificent bald eagle, 9-foot boa constrictor and many other creatures during Center hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center has a wide variety of educational programs available for all ages as well as a planetarium that also has programs for children and families alike. The center is FREE and open to the public. Visit here for more details.

Get a Passport & Travel the Outdoors at the Cleveland Metroparks "Outdoor Odyssey"

Kids can pick up a “passport” and travel recreation discoveries at the FREE, annual Cleveland Metroparks “Outdoor Odyssey” event along the Ohio & Erie Canal in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights on Saturday, October 9th, from 12-4pm. Young visitors can experience the great outdoors with a variety of fun activities, including fishing, golf putting and chipping, outdoor skills and demonstrations, nature crafts, and more! Basic fishing skills and techniques will be taught along the canal. Children can learn what types of bait the fish enjoy and how to bait their hook properly. A variety of nature and environmental organizations will be on hand with activities and displays to enjoy, too. And, live animal presentations by Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Calling All Kids 12 and Under! Print out and color in the Outdoor Odyssey logo and redeem the finished coloring page at The Big Show Catering concession stand at Bug City for a FREE treat! And, redeem the attached coupon to The Big Show catering concession stand for $1 Hot Dogs at Outdoor Odyssey! Visit
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/outdoor%20odyssey.asp for more information & to print the coloring page. Enjoy!

Enjoy a FREE Nature Walk with Your Toddler in the Metroparks

Stroller Science: All things yellow will be what we are looking for today. Bring your precious little one out to discover and explore the wonderful world of bees, flowers, leaves and bugs.

September 28
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. North Chagrin Nature Center
Ages: 2 years & under with adult
Register beginning September 1
440-473-3370
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/programs/months_progs.asp#25

FREE Fun 4 Everyone at Lake Metroparks

See the link below for a large list of FREE nature-oriented programs available at Lake Metroparks in Kirtland during the months of June and July (August schedule to come). Lake County residents are allowed FREE admittance to the Farmpark on select days during the summer, too. Active military personnel and their families as well as children under 2 are always free at the Farmpark. For this and other information, see visit the website below! Enjoy!

http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/freefun4everyone.shtml#Home

"Knee High Naturalists," a FREE Nature Event for Preschoolers on June 13th

"Most young children want to explore and try new things, but are often told they are too young. But, not this time! Cleveland Metroparks encourages young children to explore, play, learn, and more at the “Knee-High Naturalists” event. The event is geared towards preschoolers, ages 2 to 6. The “knee-high naturalists” will play and learn all afternoon with many fun-filled and educational activities. They can play nature games, make nature crafts, play in the “discovery sandbox,” or have their face painted, refreshments for sale, and more!"
This event takes place on Sunday, June 13th from 12-4pm at the Arboretum, located off Arbor Lane in South Chagrin Reservation, north of Cannon Road in Bentleyville. See the link below for more details!

http://www.clemetparks.com/events/kneehigh.asp