Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District

Homeschool Series: Invertebrate Investigation
2025-08-07 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Health Through Nature
2025-08-14 17:30 - 19:00 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Although modern technologies are making our life easier, more and more people are experiencing a sense of unease and anxiety. New scientific research concludes our disconnect from nature may be the cause. Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a Certified Natural Mindfulness Guide on Thursday evening of each month to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by Aug. 1.

Antique Mayhem
2025-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Cover band for the 1960’s to early 1980’s. Soft/yacht rock style music.

Parkside Pacers
2025-08-25 17:00 - 18:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
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. 21.

Imaginature Playgroup
2025-08-26 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-08-26 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 August 22.

Beginning Archery
2025-08-27 18:00 - 19:00 | OH
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 August 24.

Beginning Archery
2025-08-27 19:00 - 20:00 | Allen County Farm Park, 1582 Slabtown Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801

Sky Fishing
2025-08-29 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 Aug. 26.

Dr. Insecta
2025-08-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Ottawa Metro Park – Amphitheater, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, Ohio, 45801
Bug Genius!

Tales on the Trail, Family Reading Program
2025-09-03 17:00 - 18:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Step into the changing seasons on our Storybook Trail featuring Summer Green to Autumn Gold! Join a naturalist and stroll through the trail to enjoy the beauty of nature and the vibrant illustrations that show how summer transforms into fall. It’s a perfect outdoor adventure for families to read, explore, and celebrate the magic of the seasons together! Meet at the West Shelter house in Hermon Woodlands. Register by September 2nd.

Nature Pals: Remarkable Raccoons
2025-09-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-09-05 13:00 - 14:00 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Children ages 3-5 along with an adult companion are invited to come learn all about the mischievous mammals known as raccoons! Registration required by Sept. 3.

Health Through Nature
2025-09-04 17:30 - 18:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Although modern technologies are making our life easier, more and more people are experiencing a sense and unease and anxiety. New scientific research concludes our disconnect from nature may be the cause. Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a Certified Natural Mindfulness Guide on Thursday evenings of each month this fall to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Register by Sept. 3.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-06 09:00 - 10:30 | Haver Ridge Metro Park, 8335 Bellefontaine Rd, Harrod, Ohio, 45850
There is nothing quite like a brisk walk and a breath of fresh air on a crisp autumn morning! Please join us for our 19th annual Walking Thru Autumn hiking series. Each week 60-90 participants gather for a guided hike to take in the beauty of fall and explore some of the 30+ miles of Park District trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 offered hikes, participants will receive a 2025 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made wood hiking sticks are available for $10. All hikes start at 9 am, last approximately 1.5 hours and will be on easy to moderate terrain.

Register online at www.jampd.com. September 6th marks the first hike; however, participants may register as late as September 19th for the final 6 hikes. Registrations and walk-ins after this date are encouraged but will not be eligible for the hiking stick medallion.
Come enjoy the beauty of fall in your Parks!
Walking Thru Autumn 2025
Sept. 6 Haver Ridge
Sept. 13 Motter Metro Park
Sept. 20 McLean Teddy Bear
Sept. 27 Cottonwood Trail
Oct. 4 Heritage Park
Oct. 11 Allen County Farm
Oct. 18 Kendrick Woods
Oct. 25 Hermon Woodlands

Woodcarving 101
2025-09-08 07:00 - 20:30 | McElroy Environmental Education Center, 2355 Ada Rd, Lima, OH, 45801
Join us as the Lima Area Woodcarvers present a basic overview of wood carving along with instruction. Experienced woodcarvers will cover topics such as carving styles, projects, tools, wood, sharpening and more. This program is for any skill level, including beginners! Registration is limited to ages 13 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by Sept. 7.

Basic Needs Homeschool Field Trip
2025-09-10 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Hermon Woodlands Metro Park, 485 N. Wapak Road, Lima, OH, 45807
Join us for our interdisciplinary nature-based program focused on observing, exploring, describing, and comparing the basic needs of animals living in Allen County!
Students will learn from Naturalists and curriculum-based activities that living things must fulfill basic needs in order to survive, discovering that a habitat is how those needs are met.
This program targets the learning needs of children ages 5 to 8. Please register everyone who will be attending and bring along the family! Register by September 5th.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-13 09:00 - 10:30 | Motter Metro Park, 10740 Columbus Grove-Bluffton Road, Bluffton, Ohio, 45817

46th Annual Rebel Run Car Show
2025-09-13 10:00 - 18:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Food Vendors
Juggling from 1 pm to 3 pm
Swap Booths in shelter houses
Multiple trophies given out for different categories at 5 pm

***FREE ADMISSION FOR SPECTATORS***
For more information, updates or to enter a car:
Follow the New Rebel Run Facebook page

Birding By Boat
2025-09-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road, Lima, OH, 45801, United States
Experience birding like never before—kayaking at Lima Lake! With the support of the ODNR Boating Safety Education Grant, we’ll learn safe boating practices and do some birding on the water. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and close-toed water shoes. Dress to be outdoors and to get wet! A registration fee of $5 holds your spot and will be refunded within a few days of your confirmed attendance. Register by Sept 16.

Walking Thru Autumn
2025-09-20 09:00 - 10:30 | McLean Teddy Bear Park, 2004 N. Dixie Hwy., Lima, OH, 45801, United States
