Programs

Herps Alive! The Interactive Reptile & Amphibian Experience - a Hands on Adventure

Discover reptiles and amphibians up close at Ford Nature Center with Herps Alive! The Interactive Reptile and Amphibian Experience. Experience the wonder and fun of a hands-on, educational reptile and amphibian display - the largest of its type in the region! No registration required: Walk-in. FREE

Frog Walk

Vickers Nature Preserve is a hoppening place this time of year as multiple species of frogs begin to emerge. Head out on an exciting and educational hike with Park staff and volunteers to listen for and spot native frogs. Distance: 1 mi. Registration required. Register by 4/22, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE

Boaters Education Course

Join us for a one day, 8-hour class in boating and water safety designed and presented by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Watercraft. This course covers the fundamentals of safe boating including state-required equipment, watercraft laws, navigation rules of the road, basic safety and risk management, and aids to navigation. A proficiency exam will be issued at the end of the class, and those who pass the exam will obtain a lifetime boating license that satisfies the Ohio Boater Education Requirement. **Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 is required to have a boating license if they are going to operate a vessel more than 10 horsepower, including jet skis.** Online pre-registration is required. Call or visit Wick Recreation Area for more details: (330) 740-7114

Farm Animal Baby Shower

Welcome new arrivals to the barns and see who might still be expecting at Mill Creek MetroParks Farm. Mill Creek MetroParks merchandise, tractor-wagon rides, cones with feed for animal feedings, and concession trailers and drinks will be available for purchase. Credit cards are accepted, cash only for tractor wagon rides and animal feeding. Animal Barn entrance is free. Parking is free on-site with additional parking available across the street at the Canfield Fairgrounds.

Golden Hour Stroll

The 'Golden Hour' - a time when day becomes dusk, the sun begins to set, and evening awakens. Wander the winding paths of Newport Wetlands during this magical hour, where every step reveals stories from the area's past. Enjoy a relaxing stroll learning about Newport's history while enjoying the setting sun. Meet at the Newport Wetlands Parking Lot. Relaxing half mile stroll along the Albert E. Davies Wetland trail (mix of blacktop and boardwalk). Don't forget to bring a camera! Register by 4/26, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE

World of Warblers

Warblers capture our imagination with amazing migratory feats, fascinating behavior, and brilliant color and song. Learn about the lives of these tiny visitors with a focus on the why and how of migration. Registration required. Register by 4/27, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. FREE

Fishing in the Park

Join us at the MetroParks Farm for a fun evening of fishing! This outing is primarily for youth anglers ages 3-12 years old and will take place at the MetroParks Farm Fishing Pond off the spur trail. Fishing equipment and bait is provided for all registered youth participants. A valid fishing license is required for participants 16+ years old. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.

May Full Moon Hike - Flower Moon

Join Park staff for a moon-lit evening hike on the night of the May Flower Moon through Vickers Nature Preserve. Ages 12+. Register/pay by 4/29, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $5

Tiny Tikes Soccer League (Ages 3-5) *SPRING*

Join us for Tiny Tikes Soccer League this spring! This is a learning league that will run weekly on Saturdays at the Wick Recreation Area beginning on May 2, 2026, and ending on June 13, 2026. Weekly game times will vary between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants will receive a MCMP-branded uniform (top only), one pair of black socks, water bottle, soccer sticker and drawstring bag. Athletic shorts, shoes/cleats, and shin guards are required but are not provided by Mill Creek MetroParks. Cleats must be non-metal tips. Shin guards can be purchased at the Wick Recreation Area team shop. Registration deadline is April 19, 2026. Cost is $75 for Mahoning County residents, $85 for non-Mahoning County residents. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.

Youth Soccer League (Ages 6-12) *SPRING*

Join us for Youth Soccer League this spring! This league will run weekly on Saturdays at the Wick Recreation Area beginning on May 2, 2026, leading to a season-ending tournament on June 13, 2026. Weekly game times will vary between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants will be placed in an appropriate age group depending on the number of registrations. Participants will receive a MCMP-branded uniform (top only), one pair of black socks, water bottle, soccer sticker and drawstring bag. Athletic shorts, shoes/cleats, and shin guards are required but are not provided by Mill Creek MetroParks. Cleats must be non-metal tips. Shin guards can be purchased at the Wick Recreation Area team shop. Registration deadline is April 19, 2026. Cost is $90 for Mahoning County residents, $100 for non-Mahoning County residents. Call Wick Recreation Area for more details.