Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 1 of 3 – morning session)
Dates: July 22, 23 & 24
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Day Camp - ABC'S of Nature (ages 5 & 6)
2025-07-22 10:00 - 13:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
(Day 1 of 2)
Dates: July 22 & 23
Does Nature know the alphabet? Join us as we search for letters formed naturally. We will be looking at nature a different way! We will be learning about Nature Photography! Children’s cameras will be provided as we hike in the park to document the ABC’s of Nature! Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by July 19.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-22 13:00 - 16:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 1 of 3 – afternoon session)
Dates: July 22, 23 & 24
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-23 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 2 of 3 – morning session)
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-23 09:00 - 12:00 | Ohio
(Day 2 of 3 – morning session)
Dates: July 22, 23 & 24
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Day Camp - ABC'S of Nature (ages 5 & 6)
2025-07-23 10:00 - 13:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
(Day 2 of 2)
Dates: July 22 & 23
Does Nature know the alphabet? Join us as we search for letters formed naturally. We will be looking at nature a different way! We will be learning about Nature Photography! Children’s cameras will be provided as we hike in the park to document the ABC’s of Nature! Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by July 19.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Ohio
(Day 2 of 3 – afternoon session)
Dates: July 22, 23 & 24
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Prairie Fairies
2025-07-23 15:30 - 17:30 | Motter Metro Park, 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton, Ohio, 45817
Come out to Motter Metro Park and help a naturalist look for real-life fairies of the prairie- butterflies and moths! Soaring through the air, leading you down the paths, and sipping delicately from flowers, these incredible insects are a treat to see. Together we will learn about the importance of prairies, how to observe and handle butterflies, and appreciate the beauty of this incredible ecosystem. Butterfly nets provided. Guests are invited to come wearing fairy wings or flower crowns for fun! Closed-toed shoes and socks are recommended. Register by July 20.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-24 09:00 - 12:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 3 of 3 – morning session)
Dates: July 22, 23 & 24
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Ohio

Day Camp - ABC'S of Nature (ages 5 & 6)
2025-07-24 10:00 - 13:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
(Day 1 of 2)
Dates: July 24 & 25
Does Nature know the alphabet? Join us as we search for letters formed naturally. We will be looking at nature a different way! We will be learning about Nature Photography! Children’s cameras will be provided as we hike in the park to document the ABC’s of Nature! Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by July 19.

Day Camp - Rock On! (ages 7 to 9)
2025-07-24 13:00 - 16:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
(Day 3 of 3 – afternoon session)
Dates: July 22, 23 & 24
Can you dig it? We bet you can! During this 3-day camp children aged 7 – 9 will explore Ohio’s geology and the processes that have shaped the ground beneath our feet. Take a deep dive into minerals, rocks, fossils and more! Dress for the weather and bring sunscreen, bug spray, a water bottle, and a light snack. Registration along with a non-refundable fee of $15 is required by July 19.

Day Camp - ABC'S of Nature (ages 5 & 6)
2025-07-25 10:00 - 13:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
(Day 2 of 2)
Dates: July 24 & 25
Does Nature know the alphabet? Join us as we search for letters formed naturally. We will be looking at nature a different way! We will be learning about Nature Photography! Children’s cameras will be provided as we hike in the park to document the ABC’s of Nature! Please bring a sack lunch and a water bottle. Registration, along with a non-refundable $10 fee is required by July 19.

Sky Fishing
2025-07-25 21:00 - 23:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Every last Friday from May to September, a naturalist will set up equipment to go ‘sky fishing’- a way that scientists sample the insects flying through our night sky. From luna moths to fireflies, each month should bring a suite of curious new insects as different species emerge at different times of year. Help us identify and record the insects we find, or simply enjoy the show! Event starts at sunset each month. Register by July 22.

Vernon McIntrye's Appalachian Grass
2025-07-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Folk & Bluegrass music.

Imaginature Playgroup
2025-07-29 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-07-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Come play with us at the Hermon Woodlands Imaginature Playscape! Join a naturalist at the West Shelter for a mini program, then spend the rest of the time playing and exploring in the playscape and creek. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and extra shoes and/or clothes for the ride home! Register by July 26..

Feeding Day
2025-07-30 16:00 - 17:30 | 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 July 30.

Beginning Archery
2025-07-30 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Kendrick Woods – Evans Archery Range, 1376 N St. Mary's Rd, Spencerville, Ohio, 45887
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 and appreciate the role of archery in wildlife management. Certified archery instructors will lead participants in proper shooting technique and highlight important safety considerations. 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 July 27.

Mark's Ark
2025-08-02 11:00 - 12:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Live exotic animals.

National Night Out
2025-08-05 18:00 - 21:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Come join family and friends at your community’s National Night Out! The Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District hosts the Shawnee community at Heritage Park and has had a presence around the county, including Bluffton, Allen Co Fairgrounds, Elida and more! There will be food, activities for the kids and displays from your local Fire and Law Enforcement Departments. Take this opportunity to spend an evening with your family and meet some of your local first responders!

Homeschool Series: Invertebrate Investigation
2025-08-07 11:00 - 13:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Make no bones about it, spineless critters that creep and crawl are super cool! Join a Naturalist to discover how animals are classified and explore invertebrate individuals up close. Activities will be differentiated for a variety of ages, with a focus on ages 5 – 10. Registration is required for all participating children; parents or guardians should accompany registered participants. Register by Aug. 4.

Prairie Fairies
2025-08-08 15:30 - 17:00 | Kendrick Woods – Cottonwood Trail Access, 10659 Zion Church Road, Spencerville, Ohio, 45887
Come out to Cottonwood Trail and help a naturalist look for real-life fairies of the prairie- butterflies and moths! Soaring through the air, leading you down the paths, and sipping delicately from flowers, these incredible insects are a treat to see. Together we will learn about the importance of prairies, how to observe and handle butterflies, and appreciate the beauty of this incredible ecosystem. Butterfly nets provided. Guests are invited to come wearing fairy wings or flower crowns for fun! Closed-toed shoes and socks are recommended. Register by Aug. 5.

Gordon the Magician
2025-08-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Magician. Family Entertainment

Full Moon Kayak Float
2025-08-09 20:30 - 22:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Get ready to experience the sunset on Lima Lake and enjoy all the sounds and sensations of the lake at night. Watch the moon rise and night animals start to come out! Guests must be ages 14+ with an adult and have previous kayak experience. Bug spray and bottled water recommended. A registration fee of $5 holds your spot, will be refunded within a few days of your confirmed attendance. Register by Aug 8.

Perseid Meteor Shower
2025-08-09 21:00 - 23:00 | Kendrick Woods, 971 N Defiance Trl, Spencerville, 45887, United States
Watch for meteors with the Lima Astronomical Society and view other celestial objects through telescopes! Bring bug spray, lawn chairs / ground blanket, and a light jacket for comfort. Attendees are welcome to bring their own telescope! This event is dependent on weather and cloud cover and often continues late into the night, stay as long as you like! Check the Lima Astronomical Society website for cancellation due to weather or cloud cover ahead of the event at limaastro.com. Register by Aug. 8.

Parkside Pacers
2025-08-11 17:00 - 18:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Turn up the heat on your fitness routine and walk for wellness! Join a Naturalist as we walk a few laps or set your pace to achieve your fitness goals. All ages & abilities are welcome. Dress for the weather & come out rain or shine! Meet at the Wyandot Shelter. Register by Aug. 8.

Pedal The Parks
2025-08-13 18:00 - 20:00 | Heritage Park – West End, 2092 Reed Rd, Lima, Ohio, 45806
Put your pedals through their spin cycle and join park staff to explore the trails on two wheels! Enjoy an interpretive bike tour and “wheel”-derness ride as we travel along the Rotary Riverwalk/Ottawa River Bikeway through Heritage Park to the Collett Street Recreation Area and back again. Round trip will be around 8 miles. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Helmets are required. Meet at the Veterans Shelter. Register by August 10.
