Programs

Summer Solstice Paddle

Search for wildlife on an evening paddle on the longest day of the year. Learn about what the Summer season means for local flora and fauna on this guided interpretive kayak program. Limited kayaks available to rent or bring your own. Ages 18+. Registration required. Register/pay by 6/18, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. $15 to rent a kayak, $5 to bring your own.

An Evening in Nature

Join a Park Educator as we enjoy an evening around the Ford Nature Center fire pit and an optional stroll around the Ford Nature Center Grounds. Learn to identify the sights and sounds of an evening in nature. Bring your own lawn chair. Registration required. Register online by 6/18 or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No Pets. FREE

Birding the Sanctuary

Enjoy birding with Jeff Harvey on this early morning hike at Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, 2650 W. Calla Rd. Space limited. Boots required. Moderate. 1.25 mi. Register by 6/19, online or call Ford Nature Center 330.740.7107 x 129. FREE

Traveling Naturalist: Wick Recreation Area

A Park Educator will be at Wick Recreation Area. 1861 McCollum Rd. bringing Ford Nature Center to you! All are welcome to stop by and chat! Weather dependent. Call 330.740.7107 x 129 for details. FREE

Walk with a Geologist: Hitchcock Woods

Join a Park Educator and explore the geology and natural beauty of Hitchcock Woods. Enjoy views of Saw Mill Creek and Mill Creek as we explore the geology of the area. Approximately one mile hike. Meet at the Hitchcock Woods Parking lot. Dress for the weather; hiking boots recommended. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative date will be provided. No restrooms on site. Registration required. Register by 6/19 online or call 330.740.7107 ext. 129. No pets. FREE

Paranormal Investigation of Lanterman's Mill

Join Park staff and the Collective Paranormal Research Society for paranormal investigation of one of the Park's most iconic locations, Lanterman's Mill. If you missed out on our Haunted Mill programs last fall, now is your chance to investigate the Mill. Previous investigations proved to be very interactive and we are hoping this one is no different. Participants will have plenty of time to plenty of time to interact with the investigators and the spirit energy. Adults only; 18 and older. Registration required. Register/pay by 6/19, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. $40 per person.

Summer Trolley Tour

Enjoy Summer in Mill Creek Park with natural and historic views aboard the Cohasset Express. Limited seating. Boards at Ford Nature Center. Register/pay by 6/20, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults: $10 R, $12 NR; Seniors/Youth: $7 R, $9 NR

Stream Stomp

Make a splash in Bear Creek on a search for stream invertebrates. We'll learn all about the lives of these tiny critters and how they can predict stream health. Ages 8+. Register by 6/20, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. No walk-ins. No pets. FREE

Summer Trolley Tour

Enjoy Summer in Mill Creek Park with natural and historic views aboard the Cohasset Express. Limited seating. Boards at Ford Nature Center. Register/pay by 6/20, online or call 330.740.7107 x 129. Adults: $10 R, $12 NR; Seniors/Youth: $7 R, $9 NR

The Forest and Me Nature Camp Session 2-- My Life in the Forest Understory

The Ford Nature Center is once again offering a three-week camp opportunity for children who will be entering grades 1-6 next school year (2025-2026) or ages 6-12. The goal of this nature camp is to directly address the nature-deficit that so many of our children experience because of too many hours indoors, in front of screens, or in organized social clubs. In each week-long camp, children will be outside for nearly all their days, experiencing the beauty and calming influence that the forest brings. This summer, our nature camp theme is The Forest and Me. Session 2 will focus on 'My Life in the Forest Understory' and runs from Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27, from 9:00am-1:00pm at the Ford Nature Center. During this week, campers will learn about the forest just above the ground - the part that we interact with the most! We will learn about trees, plants, mammals, insects, streams and creeks. Each day will be filled with hiking, lessons, crafts, and fun activities designed to bring the forest to life. Cost is $125 for five days of camp. Spots are limited; don't delay in registering. A letter with additional information will be sent to you as soon as the paid registration is received. Register/pay by 6/16 online or call 330-740-7107 x 129 for more information. $125 per child.