Outdoor Exploration
Step outside and uncover the science of the great outdoors! Whether you’re hiking through scenic trails, planting spring flowers, or exploring local parks, our Outdoor Exploration series brings science to life in nature. Join expert naturalists and outdoor enthusiasts for hands-on activities. From uncovering the secrets of Ohio’s ecosystems to experiencing the thrill of adventure, these events will inspire curiosity and a deeper connection to the natural world. Get ready to explore, discover, and embrace the science all around you!
Upcoming events:
Post the iNaturalist screenshot of your observation on social media and tag @Columbus Recreation and Parks and you will be entered into a drawing to win fun prizes!
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026 - May 1, 2026
12:00 am
Parks Crew Leader, Zach Anderson from Parks, will be demonstrating the processes involved in maintaining the beautiful landscapes of Grandview Heights.
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Turn the classic “I Spy” game into a surprising window into how artificial intelligence learns to recognize nature. Through hands-on activities and live demos, explore how computers use visual traits and patterns to sort, group, and identify species from images.
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join us for our first-ever BioBlitz at Coshocton KOA Campground! Walk our nature trail, discover local plants, animals, and fungi, and upload findings to iNaturalist to support real scientific research. Local naturalists will guide the way, and kids can enjoy a fun nature scavenger hunt.
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Kick off summer by exploring the science of movement and the science of play—right in your own backyard. Families are invited to dive into hands-on science demonstrations and interactive activities that bring everyday science to life.
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Be a scientist! Learn to use iNaturalist to record scientific observations and then set out on a 1.25-mile hike to observe, identify and record mushrooms and other fungi around Blacklick Woods.
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Grab a magnifying glass and hiking shoes and get ready to investigate the woods with us! Get to know a little more about the wonderful ecosystems here in Ohio.
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Date & Time
April 29, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Explore plant science, composting, Verma culture, recycling, and sustainability through interactive experiments, creative reuse projects, and a tour of the FACCES garden and greenhouse. Enjoy music, healthy snacks, and engaging activities while learning simple ways to care for the earth and reduce waste at home.
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Come see Ohio's fiercest predators of the sky live and in person! Ohio Nature Education is bringing their animal ambassadors out for a special presentation all about Birds of Prey. Join us after school in John Bishop Park and experience rescued hawks and owls up close!
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Join Westerville BMX for a fun, hands-on dive into the science of BMX racing.
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
3:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This celebration will feature interactive activities, including COSI Science Kits and swag bags for the first 100 students, guided walking tours of the historic Ohio & Eric Canal, a working lock simulator and opportunities to learn about the regions' canal heritage.
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
This interactive program promotes purposeful play while supporting speech, sensory and motor skill development. Participants rotate through obstacle courses, sensory bins, crafts and story time, all enhanced with calming yoga techniques that encourage mindfulness, body awareness and self-regulation.
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
6:00 pm - 6:45 pm
Become a scientist by helping us record species in the park! We will look high and low for plants and animals, from treetops to under rocks in the creek.
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Explore the park after dark and enjoy the splendor of the Flower Moon during this brisk, moderate 2-mile hike!
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Date & Time
April 30, 2026
8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Join us for a special edition of Curious Kids - Curious Creatures! In partnership with COSI's Science Festival, explore the outdoors in the LeFevre Courtyard and learn about the creatures who call it home. Take a closer look at these critters and their habitats with fun activities and cool experiments!
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Date & Time
May 1, 2026
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Help us catch and find as many critters as we can in the creek! Explore how many types of fish, mussels and insects live in our waters. Special guest Brian Zimmerman and team will assist in collecting fish, malacologists will show off mussels and there will be many teams helping collect in the water.
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Date & Time
May 1, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Come along for an in-person adventure as we discover the blooming wonders and fresh signs of spring on this guided hike led by a National Association for Interpretation Certified Interpretive Guide.
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Date & Time
May 1, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Join our outdoor education staff for an exciting evening on May 1 from 7 - 9 pm. Activity stations include a night hike, nocturnal craft, nature center animal visit, moth station, and s'mores over the campfire.
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Date & Time
May 1, 2026
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
