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.
Groundhog Day Scavenger Hunt
Stop by to celebrate Groundhog Day at Ford Nature Center with a fun and educational groundhog themed exhibit and a self-guided scavenger hunt indoors and along the Virginia Axtman Trail for All People. Come to Ford Nature Center January 25 through February 7, Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. No registration required. Walk-ins welcome. FREETuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Jan. 26 - Feb. 7, 2027, 10 am-5 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Cocoa Around the Campfire
Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day at Ford Nature Center! Stop by the Nature Center, warm up beside our crackling fire pit, and enjoy a FREE cup of hot chocolate! Take a little time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate one of winter's sweetest traditions. Drop in, stay awhile, and enjoy a little warmth in the middle of winter. Registration requested but not required. No pets. FREESunday, January 31, 2027, Noon -4 pm
Behind Ford Nature Center Education Building
Behind Ford Nature Center Education Building
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 2/1, 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, February 3, 2027, 10-11 am
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
Ford Nature Center Classroom A
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 2/4, online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. No walk-ins. FREESaturday, February 6, 2027, Noon -1 pm
Lily Pond Parking Lot
Lily Pond Parking Lot
Owling Hike
Whooo's calling out in the forest? Barred owls! These feathered predators are particularly active in the Park this time of year. We'll learn about owl biology and ecology on a night hike around Lake Newport. We may even hear or spot some of these feathered predators on the prowl. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper boots or winter footwear required. Ages 12+.Registration required. Register by 2/4, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREESaturday, February 6, 2027, 4:30-6:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Owling Hike
Whooo's calling out in the forest? Barred owls! These feathered predators are particularly active in the Park this time of year. We'll learn about owl biology and ecology on a night hike around Lake Newport. We may even hear or spot some of these feathered predators on the prowl. Difficulty: Moderate. Proper boots or winter footwear required. Ages 12+. Registration required. Register by 2/10, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk ins. No pets. FREEFriday, February 12, 2027, 5-7 pm
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Mill Creek Park: Newport Wetlands Parking Lot
Great Backyard Bird Count at Ford Nature Center
It's the Great Backyard Bird Count! Come to Ford Nature Center and help us identify and count the birds at Nancy's Nook and around the trails. Have you wanted to get into birding, but don't know where to start? A Park Educator and volunteers will be on site throughout the day to share tips on identification, using binoculars, and much more. No registration required. No pets. FREESaturday, February 13, 2027, 10 am-4:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
MetroMutts Dog Walking Club: Lily Pond and Artists' Trail
MetroMutts Dog Walking Club explores the Lily Pond and picturesque Artists' Trail this month. MetroMutts meets monthly at different sites around Mill Creek MetroParks for a hike with our furry friends. 1.5 miles. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate. Register/pay by 2/11, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129 for more details. $0 Members / $5 Non-MembersSaturday, February 13, 2027, Noon -1 pm
Mill Creek Park: Lily Pond
Mill Creek Park: Lily Pond
Coffee With the Birds: Bird Voices
From honks and whistles to chirps and hoots, birds have incredible voices. This month our mini lesson focuses on the how and why of the extreme diversity of bird sounds. After our lesson, head over to Nancy's Nook for some guided indoor bird watching with an included hot beverage. Register/pay by 2/12 online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. Ages 8+. $5 per personSunday, February 14, 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, February 14, 2027, 11 am-12:30 pm
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center
Mill Creek Park: Ford Nature Center