Programs
Throughout the duration of MCMP events, programs and/or classes, there are opportunities for photographic and video coverage by MCMP which may include your participation or observance of the activity. MCMP reserves the right to use the photos and video at its discretion for media coverage and promotional materials, including broadcasts, reports, publications, social media and marketing materials of MCMP. If you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded at the event, please let the photographer or videographer know prior to being photographed or videotaped. MCMP shall otherwise assume that it has your permission to photograph or video you and/or your child's involvement and participation in this activity. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Engagement Department at 330.702.3000 ext. 120.
Holiday Nights at Lanterman's Mill
Back again this year . . .enjoy an extra special Christmas treat with a quiet evening visit to historic Lanterman's Mill on Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th from 5-7pm. You are invited to an exclusive, night-time look inside this iconic structure, with its unique history and architecture, beautifully dressed in holiday style. The garland, the trees, and the holiday music are all a part of the magic of the evening. Gift Shop will be open for last minute shopping. Hot chocolate and popcorn for sale. Santa is expected to make a visit, too!! Limited restroom facilities available. FREESaturday, Sunday, Dec. 12 - 13, 2026, 5-7 pm
Mill Creek Park: Lanterman's Mill
Mill Creek Park: Lanterman's Mill Overflow Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Lanterman's Mill
Mill Creek Park: Lanterman's Mill Overflow Parking Lot
Coffee With the Birds: Feeder Frenzy
Winter is well on it's way and the birds outside your window are ready to eat! Our mini lesson this month will touch on the interesting history of bird feeding, what to feed and when to attract what birds, and why we see so many more birds at our feeders this time of year. Head over to Nancy's Nook for some guided indoor bird watching with an included hot beverage. Registration required; space is limited. Register/pay by 12/11, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 8+. $5 per personSunday, December 13, 2026, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Nature Center Story Time and Show and Tell
Come hear a wild tale read aloud by a Park Educator in the Ford Nature Center Exhibit Hall at 11:00AM. After story time, use your senses to explore a selection of nests, animal skulls, and other fascinating biofacts. Found something in nature you need help identifying? Curious minds of all ages are encouraged to bring something to Show and Tell! Story time recommended for ages 4-8. No registration required. Walk-in only. FREESunday, December 13, 2026, 11 am-12:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Throwback Thursday: Bears Den
The Wall Garden, the dams of the lakes, even the curbs in Mill Creek MetroPark are made out of native sandstone! Did you know that majority of that stone came from the Bears Den area? The surrounding area has a rich history of quarrying operations. Join a Park Educator in the warmth of Bears Den Cabin as we explore the history, geology, and stories about the area while enjoying a hot beverage (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate provided). Registration required. Register/pay by 12/15, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk-ins. No pets. Adults and children 12+. $5 per personThursday, December 17, 2026, 6:30-7:30 pm
Bears Den Cabin
Bears Den Cabin
Winter Ecology Walk & Talk
Where do frogs go in the winter? How do birds survive the cold? Why do trees lose their leaves? We'll answer these questions and learn more about winter ecology on a hike through multiple habitats on the Mindy Henning Trail at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm. Ages 8+. Difficulty: Moderate. 2mi. Rain or shine. Registration required. Register/pay by 12/17, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREESaturday, December 19, 2026, 2:30-4 pm
MetroParks Farm: MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead
MetroParks Farm: MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead
Winter Solstice: Fireside & Moonlight
Celebrate the longest night of the year! Join us as we welcome winter and celebrate the Winter Solstice with an evening of warmth, nature, and a little moonlight magic! Beginning at 4:00 pm, our fire pit at Ford Nature Center will be glowing and ready to welcome you. Stop by anytime before 6:00 pm to warm up by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of an early winter evening. At 6:00 pm, we'll head out together for a guided moonlit stroll beneath the glow of the almost-full moon. We'll enjoy the winter landscape, take in the evening sky, and celebrate the changing of the seasons. Bundle up and come enjoy the magic of the longest night! Registration required. Register/pay by 12/19, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No walk ins. No pets. $5 per personMonday, December 21, 2026, 4-7 pm
Behind Ford Nature Center Education Building
Behind Ford Nature Center Education Building
Nature Loop Walk
One trail. Twelve months. A year of nature changes! Enjoy a guided stroll on the first Saturday of each month around the Lily Pond. We will revisit the same trail throughout the year to slow down and notice the surprising changes a month can bring. Come walk, slow down, and see what is happening in nature - there is always something new to discover! Gentle stroll on flat terrain, less than 1/2 mile. Registration required. Register by 12/31, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. No walk-ins. FREESaturday, January 2, 2027, Noon -1 pm
Lily Pond Parking Lot
Lily Pond Parking Lot
Forest Babies
Join Park staff for Forest Babies, a program for your youngest ones, ages 1-3 years old. Enjoy bonding time together while exploring the trails at Ford Nature Center and then creating a simple nature craft or completing an activity to take home. Please be sure you and your little one are dressed for the weather as this program will include outdoor nature time. Register/pay by 1/4, online for your Forest Baby (adults need not register) or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Only registered children may attend. Please do not bring unregistered children to this program. No walk-ins. No pets. $5 per childWednesday, January 6, 2027, 10-11 am
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Coffee With the Birds: Cardinals
Striking flashes of red on the winter landscape can be none other than the northern cardinal! Learn about the behavior and biology of Ohio's state bird while savoring a hot cup of coffee, or tea. Then enjoy guided indoor birdwatching at the feeders outside Nancy's Nook at the Ford Nature Center. Registration required; space is limited. Register/pay by 1/8, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 8+. $5Sunday, January 10, 2027, 8:30-9:30 am
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Mill Creek Park: FNC Education Classroom A (upstairs)
Nature Center Story Time and Show and Tell
Come hear a wild tale read aloud by a Park Educator in the Ford Nature Center Exhibit Hall at 11:00AM. After story time, use your senses to explore a selection of nests, animal skulls, and other fascinating biofacts. Found something in nature you need help identifying? Curious minds of all ages are encouraged to bring something to Show and Tell! Story time recommended for ages 4-8. No registration required. Walk-in only. FREESunday, January 10, 2027, 11 am-12:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center