Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

An Ocean of Blue Wildflowers
2026-05-03 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850
Imagine being in the forest surrounded by beautiful blue wildflowers – what it would look like, smell like, and feel like? You can find out! Experience this hidden gem of Allen County as we hike to find the wild hyacinth grove of Haver Ridge. Wear sturdy/mud-resistant footwear. Register by May 1.

Woodcarving: Miniature Christmas Tree
2026-05-04 18:30 - 20:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
With help from the Lima Area Woodcarvers, this is a project that can be enjoyed by all skill levels, beginners included! Registration is limited to 10 participants, ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by May 3.

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-05-05 10:00 - 11:30 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Come hit the trail with us and discover the wonders of nature! Homeschool Hiking Club invites families with children ages 6 – 10 on a monthly hike to connect with nature, engage with their community, and explore the forest ecosystem in each season. Dress for the weather and come out rain or shine! Register by May 4.

Weekly Walks
2026-05-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather, rain, snow, or shine! Register by May 5.

Nature Pals: Beautiful Box Turtles
2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
What are box turtles, and what makes them special? Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come learn about these terrific turtles! Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Registration required by May 6.

Nature Pals: Beautiful Box Turtles
2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
What are box turtles, and what makes them special? Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come learn about these terrific turtles! Come dressed for a hike in the woods. Registration required by May 7.

Nature Pals: Beautiful Box Turtles
2026-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Ohio

Weekly Walks
2026-05-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Enjoy the quiet spring mornings while we get in our steps! After a long winter it is time to enjoy the nice weather again. Join a Naturalist as we walk the trails of Herman Woodlands. Together we can achieve our fitness goals while also enjoying nature. All ages are welcome, and we can set our own pace. Dress for the weather, rain, snow, or shine! Register by May 12.

Homeschool Field Trip: Givin' A Livin"
2026-05-13 09:30 - 11:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Join us for our interdisciplinary nature-based program focused on the characteristics of living things! Children ages 4 to 6 and their families will learn from Nature Education staff and curriculum-based activities that people, plants, and animals are all living things and share important features. Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Registration is required. Please register all family members who will be attending the program. Register by May 6.

Homeschool Field Trip: Givin' A Livin'
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States

Big Birding Day!
2026-05-18 06:30 - 17:00 | Ohio
Join us on Monday, May 18th as we visit some of the hottest birding locations in the world, right here in Northwest Ohio! May is peak migration for songbirds, and you’ll have a wonderful and unique opportunity to view these birds from close range and with expert guidance from our Naturalists. Our birding trip will begin with the boardwalk at Magee Marsh Wildlife Area and may also include the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge driving tour, Howard Marsh, and more! A carpool of Park District vehicles will depart at 6:30 am from the McElroy Environmental Education Center located at 2355 Ada Road. We will take the morning to explore Magee Marsh then visit neighboring locations in the afternoon. Experienced and beginning birders are welcome! Appropriate clothing/footwear, binoculars, sun protection, lunch/snacks/beverages, and field guides are recommended. A limited number of binoculars and field guides will be provided. For more information contact Marie Walton at mwalton@jampd.com. Be sure to register early for a seat in the van! Register by May 15.

Sunrise Hike
2026-05-23 05:30 - 06:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Did you know there are animals that are more active during dawn and dusk than any other parts of the day? During our quiet sunrise hike we could have the perfect opportunity to see some of these animals before they hide away for the day. Join us for a one-hour hike to watch the sunrise and keep an eye out for any early morning animals. Registration is required to participate in this program. Register by May 21.

Beginning Archery
2026-05-27 17:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Enjoy the great outdoors while learning a new skill! Participants ages 9 to adult are invited to join us on the range to explore this unique recreational sport. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in proper shooting technique while developing consistency and accuracy in their shot. All materials will be provided by the park district; participants must use the equipment provided. Wear closed-toe shoes and secure long hair. Please register for only one evening session. Register by May 26.

Feeding Day
2026-05-28 16:00 - 17:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
The Park District maintains several education animals in the McElroy Environmental Education Center, using them throughout the year for nature presentations and programs. Join the Critter Care volunteers to watch (or help!) them clean and feed all our animals at 4 pm on the last Thursday of the month! Register by May 27.

Roscommon Sessions
2026-05-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Traditional Irish Music.
Part of the Summer Amphitheater Series. Free Event!

Day Camp - Bullseye Basics Archery Camp (ages 10 to 16)
2026-06-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Day 1 of 2
Dates: Tues., June 2 & Wed., June 3
During this 2-day camp, children ages 10-16 will be learning the basics of archery. Certified archery instructors will teach participants everything from the parts of the bow to how to shoot with proper technique. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration, along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Color Crazy! (Ages 5 & 6)
2026-06-02 09:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-02 13:00 - 16:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Day 1 of 2
Dates: Tues., June 2 & Wed., June 3
The natural world is full of animals in every color of the rainbow! From foxes to frogs, and from birds to butterflies, color is utilized for many different purposes throughout the animal kingdom. For ages 5-6. Please bring a packed lunch, water bottle and wear close toed shoes for a hike in the woods. Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 20.
Registration begins on May 5!

Homeschool Hiking Club
2026-06-02 10:00 - 11:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Homeschool Hiking Club invites families with children ages 6-10 on a monthly hike to connect with nature, engage with their community, and explore the forest ecosystem in each season. Dress for the weather & come out rain or shine! Meet at the Hornung Shelter. Registration required by May 31.

Day Camp - Next Level Archers (ages 10 to 18)
2026-06-02 12:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Advanced Level – Must meet requirements as described below)
Day 1 of 2
Dates: Tues., June 2 & Wed., June 3
Have you spent time with us at archery camp and you’re ready to get past the basics? Join us for advanced archery. Participants must have completed two summer archery camps with JAMPD previously to sign up for this camp. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Bullseye Basics
2026-06-03 08:00 - 11:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Day 2 of 2
Dates: Tues., June 2 & Wed., June 3
During this 2-day camp, children ages 10-16 will be learning the basics of archery. Certified archery instructors will teach participants everything from the parts of the bow to how to shoot with proper technique. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration, along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Color Crazy! - (ages 5 & 6)
2026-06-03 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Day 2 of 2
Dates: Tues., June 2 & Wed., June 3
The natural world is full of animals in every color of the rainbow! From foxes to frogs, and from birds to butterflies, color is utilized for many different purposes throughout the animal kingdom. For ages 5-6. Please bring a packed lunch, water bottle and wear close toed shoes for a hike in the woods. Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by May 20.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Next Level Archers (ages 10 to 18)
2026-06-03 12:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Advanced Level – Must meet requirements as described below)
Day 2 of 2
Dates: Tues., June 2 & Wed., June 3
Have you spent time with us at archery camp and you’re ready to get past the basics? Join us for advanced archery. Participants must have completed two summer archery camps with JAMPD previously to sign up for this camp. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Color Crazy! (ages 5 & 6)
2026-06-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Ohio

Day Camp - Bullseye Basics Archery Camp (ages 10 to 16)
2026-06-04 08:00 - 11:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Day 1 of 2
Dates: Thurs., June 4 & Fri., June 5
During this 2-day camp, children ages 10-16 will be learning the basics of archery. Certified archery instructors will teach participants everything from the parts of the bow to how to shoot with proper technique. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration, along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Next Level Archers (ages 10 to 18)
2026-06-04 12:00 - 15:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
(Advanced Level – Must meet requirements as described below)
Day 1 of 2
Dates: Thurs., June 4 & Fri., June 5
Have you spent time with us at archery camp and you’re ready to get past the basics? Join us for advanced archery. Participants must have completed two summer archery camps with JAMPD previously to sign up for this camp. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Day Camp - Bullseye Basics Archery Camp (ages 10 to 16)
2026-06-05 08:00 - 11:00 | Ohio
Day 2 of 2
Dates: Thurs., June 4 & Fri., June 5
During this 2-day camp, children ages 10-16 will be learning the basics of archery. Certified archery instructors will teach participants everything from the parts of the bow to how to shoot with proper technique. Materials are provided from the park district, and participants may only use materials provided. Dress for the weather, bring water bottle, a snack, sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and pull back any long hair. Each participant may only sign up for one session each. Registration, along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by May 25.
Registration begins on May 5!

Kayaking 101
2026-06-05 09:00 - 10:30 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Join us on the water at Lima Lake and learn the basics of kayaking! In our Weekly Watercraft courses, participants will learn from certified instructors how to safely and effectively launch and paddle a kayak. Instruction will be provided on the parts of the boat, best practices in planning, proper safety gear, and how to get out on the water. No prior experience is required. Limited space is available. Restricted to ages 18 and older. Register by June 3.
