Summer may be over, and the kids may be back in school, but that doesn’t mean there isnt still plenty of time to get and enjoy nature. Check out this great round up of events and activities being organized by Great Parks of Hamilton County.
Tue 11/1, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.: Nature Stories: Snakes
Parents and children, join the naturalist for a fun story and activity all about snakes. You will even get to meet one up close! Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre (Free)
Wed 11/2–Sun 11/13, Wed–Sat, 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. & Sun 1 & 4 p.m.: Vote 4 Me
The Discovery Garden presidential election is really heating up. Frog feels strongly about water quality and Mr. Lily couldn’t be more adamant about the importance of vegetables. You’re invited to drop in to any of the scheduled debates. After listening to the candidates, you’ll have the chance to cast your vote for Highfield Discovery Garden President. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $5/person)
Fri 11/4, 11 a.m.: Animals Alive!
Discover what kinds of animals may live in your own backyard and meet a few up close! Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center (Free)
Fri 11/4 & Sat 11/5, 7, 7:30, 8 & 8:30 p.m.: Echoes of the 1800s: Ohio’s Dark History
Ohio’s shady past comes to life in this unique walking theatre production. Meet charlatans, abolitionists, raconteurs and rogues on your lantern-lit stroll through the historic Heritage Village. For ages 16 and up. Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre ($20/person, register by 11/2)
Sat 11/5, 1 p.m.: How Animals Prepare for Winter
Survival is tough enough without adding in frigid temperatures and wintry precipitation. Explore the strategies local wildlife use to make it to spring and meet a few animals up close. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center (Free)
Fri 11/11, 11 a.m.: All About Owls
Register your 2–4 year old for this exciting program all about the mysterious and wondrous world of the owl. The program will be followed by storytime and a craft. Miami Whitewater Forest/Visitor Center ($6/child, register by 11/9)
Sat 11/12, 1–2:30 p.m.: Outdoor Archery
Learn the basics of shooting a compound bow on our outdoor range, then try out your skills with a little target practice! Program is led by an archery instructor, and all equipment is provided. For adults and children ages 8 and up. Winton Woods/Adventure Outpost ($15/person, register by 11/10)
Sat 11/12, 2 p.m.: Creatures of the Night
When the sun goes down, the night shift goes to work! Learn all about the nocturnal animals that call our park home and meet a resident of the dark in person. For ages 8 and up. Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre (Free)
Sat 11/12, 6 p.m.: Spacey Tall Tales
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Lift your eyes to the starry sky and leap into legends of nighttime. Afterwards, connect the dots with the Cincinnati Astronomical Society and their array of telescopes. Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm ($2/person, register by 11/10)
Sun 11/13, 1 p.m.: Off the Beaten Path
Take the path less traveled as we explore the surprises of the fall forest. We will be off-trail on uneven terrain for much of the hike. Miami Whitewater Forest/Timberlakes Program Shelter (Free)
Sun 11/13, 2 p.m.: Mad Science Experiments
Ever wanted to be a scientist? Become a scientist for the day and enjoy these self-guided science experiments. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center (Free)
Tue 11/15 & Wed 11/16, 9:30–11 a.m.: Growing Up Farm Kid: Turkey Day
Meet our turkey and play turkey games to celebrate turkey day. For kids ages 2–5 accompanied by an adult. Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm ($10/child with one adult; $5/additional adult, register by 11/13)
Wed 11/16–Sun 11/27, Wed–Sat, 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. & Sun 1 & 4 p.m.: Talking Turkey
This week, we will talk turkey. Join us to learn all about turkeys, from their parts to their behavior. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $5/person)
Thu 11/17, 11 a.m.: Animal Tales
Nature has many stories to tell. Families are invited to join the naturalist for a nature-themed story. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center (Free)
Thu 11/17, 11 a.m.: Wee Wonder About Water
Parents, bring your 3–5 year-old to learn all about this amazing substance. Your child will enjoy making a craft, performing experiments and reading a story! Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre
($6/child, payable at the door)
Fri 11/18, 10 a.m.: Snake Jamboree
Bring your 3–5 year-old to this month’s jamboree. Through crafts and activities, we will learn all about snakes. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center ($6/child, register by 11/16)
Fri 11/18–Sat 12/31, Sun–Thu, 6–9 p.m. & Fri–Sat, 5:30–10 p.m.: Holiday in Lights
Come out for a Cincinnati holiday tradition! Enjoy more than a mile of fantastic seasonal lights all from the warmth of your car. See more than 120 moving and standing holiday-themed figures depicting everything from Santa to the 12 Days of Christmas. For more information, call 513-769-0393 or visit holidayinlights.com. Sharon Woods ($13/car, $45/bus & 15-passenger van)
Fri 11/18–Sun 11/20 & Fri 11/25–Fri 12/23, Sun–Thu, 6–9 p.m. & Fri–Sat, 5:30–10 p.m.: Santaland
After your tour of Holiday in Lights, head inside Sharon Centre for some more holiday magic. Enjoy live family friendly entertainment, share your wish list with Santa, check out the train display, do some holiday shopping at Nature’s Niche and pick up a sweet treat at Mrs. Claus’ Confectioneries. Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre
Sat 11/19 10 a.m.: Turkey Day Table Décor
Kids can help their grown-ups plan for next week’s big meal by creating some fall décor that will add to the festive feel of your family’s table. For ages 6 and up. Glenwood Gardens/Cotswold Visitor Centre ($5/child, register by 11/16)
Sat 11/19, 1 p.m.: Animal Bingo
Pick up a special bingo card to start you on your search for animals in our nature center. A “cover all” earns you a prize. Just say “BINGO!” Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center (Free)
Sun 11/20, 1–3 p.m.: Turkey Time Crafts
Children ages 5–12 will enjoy making turkey day themed crafts. Kids can make up to two crafts to take home. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center ($1/craft, payable at the door)
Mon 11/21, 10 a.m.: Winter Horseback Riding Registration Opens
Winton Woods Riding Center’s Winter Session of horseback riding lessons is an eight-week session that runs Jan 2–Feb 26, 2017. Students ride one day per week, at a set day and time, for the entire session. Group, semi-private and private options are available. Winton Woods/Riding Center ($240/person for group lessons, registrations accepted until classes fill or session begins 1/2)
Fri 11/25, 11 a.m.–noon: Walk With a Doc
Skip the shopping and #OptOutside on Black Friday. Take steps for a better you and learn health tips from a local doctor along the way. We’ll burn off that big dinner on this wooded one-mile adventure. Woodland Mound/Hedgeapple Trail (Free)
Fri 11/25 & Sat 11/26, 1 p.m.: Awesome Animals!
Gather the family and get up close with some of the amazing creatures that call Sharon Woods home. Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre (Free)
Sat 11/26, 1–4 p.m.: Animal Coverings Scavenger Hunt
Investigate what the animal residents of the nature center are made of and win a prize. Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center (Free)
A valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the parks. Cost for residents of Hamilton County: $10 annual/$3 daily; other visitors: $14 annual/$5 daily. Otto Armleder Memorial Park and Fernbank Park are cooperative ventures with the City of Cincinnati; a Motor Vehicle Permit is not required. For additional information, please visit greatparks.org or call 513-521-7275.
All photos courtesy of Great Parks of Hamilton County.
