Check out these upcoming events but for the full list of available opportunities, visit our programs page.
SUNSET BEACH FEST
Saturday, June 6, 2026
4:00-9:00 pm
Lakeview Park, 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain
Free | No Registration required
Kick off your summer by spending an afternoon and evening at the beach and enjoy family activities, educational and community vendors, food, and live music. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and canoes will be available to try for free from 4:00-8:00 p.m. (weather permitting - NO registration required). Children 5-8 years of age are welcome to try canoes with an adult. Children 9-17 may try paddle craft with an on-shore or participating adult. Then stay for an unforgettable Lake Erie sunset and campfire on the beach.
TRAM RIDES June - September
Various Park Locations
Free
Join us for free tram rides throughout the Lorain County Metro Parks! These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
Black River Reservation Trams
Days Dam Picnic Area, 2720 E. 31st., Lorain Every Wednesday, June-September 10:00 am- 12:00 pmHop on board for this free tram ride to tour a section of the scenic Black River Reservation! We depart from the shelter at the Day’s Dam Picnic Area (2720 E. 31st St, Lorain). These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 15-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
Cascade Park Trams
Cascade Park Nature Center, 387 Furnace St., Elyria
Every Tuesday, June-September 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Cascade Park Tram Rides will be held every Tuesday from 10 am-12 pm. These rides are first-come, first-served and typically last approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Registration is not required. All rides depart from the Cascade Park Nature Center. Tram seats 6. These weekly tram rides will not take a route to the waterfalls but instead will travel through the areas of 19 Acres and Elywood. Stay tuned to our program catalog for specially scheduled waterfall tram rides.
Cascade Park Trams - West Falls Tour
Cascade Park Nature Center, 387 Furnace St., Elyria
Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, June-September 1:00 pm- 2:00 pm
Enjoy a tram ride to the West Falls! The ride departs from the Cascade Nature Center. Pre-registration is required for each participant. Due to the steep hills, the weight capacity of the tram requires a limited number of 4 riders only. Registration closes the date before the event.
*Riders be advised that there is a 200 ft. span of unpaved trail that leads to the falls overlook. Terrain can be uneven and damp. This program is free, weather-dependent, and by registration only.
Kopf Family Reservation Trams
Avon Lake Library Trailhead, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake
Every other Thursday beginning June 4 (dates below), June - August
Every Thursday in September
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Hop on board for this free tram ride to tour Kopf Family Reservation! We depart from the Avon Lake Public Library trailhead (32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake). These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
Dates: June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16, July 30, August 13, August 27, September 3, September 10, September 17, & September 24
Sandy Ridge Reservation Trams
Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center, 6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville
Every Saturday and Sunday, June- September
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
This tram takes you through the trails of Sandy Ridge Reservation! We will depart from the shelter next to the Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
Sandy Ridge Reservation Trams - Wetland Tour
Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center, 6195 Otten Rd., North Ridgeville
June 11, July 16, & August 13
10:30 am - 11:30 am
This tram takes you through the Wetlands of Sandy Ridge Reservation! We will depart from the shelter next to the Perry F. Johnson Wetland Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 20-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
Schoepfle Garden Trams
Visitor Center, 1106 Market St., Birmingham
Every Sunday, June-September | 1:00pm - 4:00 pm Every Thursday, June-September | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Hop on board for this free tram ride to tour Schoepfle Garden! We depart from outside the Visitor Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 15-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
Wellington Reservation Trams
Visitor Center, 535 Jones Rd., Wellington
Every Monday in May | 6:00pm - 8:00 pm
Every Saturday in June | 6:00pm - 8:00 pm Every Wednesday in July | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Every Tuesday in August | 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Hop on board for this free tram ride to see Wellington Reservation! We depart from outside the Visitor Center. These tram rides are first-come, first-served with limited seating and availability. The tram rides take approximately 15-30 minutes. All tram rides are weather dependent. The final tram rides depart approximately 30 minutes prior to the program’s scheduled end time.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
June - August 2026
Free | No registration required
Lakeview Summer Concert Series
1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain
Thursdays at 6:00 pm , June - August
Join us for FREE outdoor concerts on select Thursday evenings at 6:00 pm, June through August. Take a stroll through the Historic Rose Garden or bring a blanket and chair to relax and enjoy the show while watching the sunset over beautiful Lake Erie. Concert held at the Event Garden directly across from the Beach House.
Miller Nature Preserve Summer Concert Series
2739 Center Rd., Avon
Thursdays at 6:00 pm , June - August
Relax and enjoy a free outdoor concert on the pretty patio or among our picturesque gardens on select Thursday evenings at 6:00pm, June through August! Food & beverages will be available for purchase, courtesy of the Orchid Café. Select food items from the Orchid Café menu will be available for purchase. Outside food is not permitted on the patio. Parking is limited please consider carpooling with family and friends.
Vermilion River Reservation Summer Concert Series
Bacon Woods Amphitheater, 51211 North Ridge Rd., Vermilion
Sundays at 6:00 pm , June - August
The Vermilion River Reservation Summer Concert Series, held at the beautiful outdoor Bacon Woods Amphitheater, is a beloved summer tradition! These 1.5 hour-long, outdoor concerts are weather dependent, registration is welcomed, but NOT required. Concert parking is located on the Bacon Woods side, with handicap parking near the Bacon Woods Amphitheatre and restroom building. In addition to seating (wooden benches) in the amphitheater, there are picnic tables and a grassy lawn surrounding the amphitheater, so feel free to bring chairs and blankets to sit on. Smoking and dogs (except service dogs) are NOT permitted in the amphitheater.
PADDLE TRAX
May-October
Free
Discover new waterways, plan exciting paddling routes, and track your summer adventures with the Lorain County Metro Parks Paddling Challenge. Log your trip mileage throughout the season and earn exclusive boat decals as you reach new milestones!
The average recreational kayaker paddles about 3 mph, though speed can vary depending on water conditions, kayak type, paddling experience, and rest breaks along the way. Mileage can also be tracked using a variety of fitness apps/smart watches by choosing “paddle” or watersport as the tracking option.
How It Works
Record your paddling trips and mileage throughout the summer via a printed form (available at Carlisle Visitor Center, French Creek Nature Center, and Mill Hollow Carriage Barn) or by filling out an online form below.
Submit your completed trip log by October 31. Physical forms may be submitted at Carlisle Visitor Center, French Creek Nature Center, or the Mill Hollow Carriage Barn.
Earn specialized decals for completing one of the four tiers. Participants who complete Tier 4 will earn a long sleeve paddling shirt.
Challenge Tiers
Tier 1: 25 Miles
Tier 2: 35 Miles
Tier 3: 45 Miles
Tier 4: 45 Miles and attendance at 2 guided LCMP paddling programs
Participants may complete Tiers 1 through 3 independently. To achieve Tier 4, paddlers must attend two guided LCMP paddling programs. Questions? Contact Lexi Rohrbach, Senior Recreation Specialist at (440) 219-7873 or at arohrbach@loraincountymetroparks.com.
HOMESCHOOL EXPLORERS:
Various park locations
$3 per child
Homeschool Explorers is geared for children learning at home. This program series (September through May) will travel to different park locations to engage your children in nature, science, history, the arts, and recreation!
Depending on the program’s topic and location, children will learn through educational biofacts, nature hikes, activities, games, crafts, or meeting a live animal! Program fee is $3.00/child. To be able to accommodate as many students as possible only students within the age range listed in the program description (usually ages 7-12) will be permitted to attend and participation waivers are required. Please dress for the weather.
Registration opens one month prior to the program date.
SEPTEMBER: Science of Water
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | Time: 10:00-11:30 am
Splash Zone (Oberlin)Join us at Splash Zone as we conduct some hands-on experiments that will focus on water. Then, stick around after the program for some discounted pool time!
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 9/8/25. Registration opens 8/15/2025.
OCTOBER: Birding Hike
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | Time: 10:00-11:30 am
Sandy Ridge Reservation (North Ridgeville)Learn about the importance of wetlands and why so many species of birds are seen at Sandy Ridge Reservation.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 10/13/25. Registration opens 9/14/2025.
NOVEMBER: Wildlife Forensics
Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 am
Columbia Reservation, Briarwood Lodge (Columbia Station)Learn how to apply forensic techniques to solve wildlife crimes through hands-on activities and crafts.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 11/12/25. Registration opens 10/13/2025.
DECEMBER: Animal Tracks and Signs
Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 1:00-2:30 pm
French Creek Nature Center (Sheffield Village)Learn how to identify the animals who live in the forest by looking for tracks, trails, homes, scat, and other signs of wildlife. Please dress for the weather.
For children ages 7-12.
JANUARY: Raptors Eat What?!
Wednesday, January 15, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)What do raptors eat, and why? Find out during owl pellet dissection, bio-facts and an outdoor eating demonstration using our Raptor Center resident birds. Please dress for the weather.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 1/14/26. Registration opens 11/21/2025.
FEBRUARY: Snow & Ice
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
Vermilion River Reservation, Mill Hollow Carriage BarnLearn about snow and ice with a lesson, activity/craft and hike at Vermilion River Reservation! We will learn about the properties of snow and ice, snowflakes, glaciers and icebergs, and the Ice Age in Ohio.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 2/10/26. Registration opens 1/10/2026.
MARCH: Pollinator Diversity
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon)Discover and learn about some of the lesser-known but still really important pollinators and the plants that depend on them during a hands-on lesson, fun activities, and an engaging Conservatory Tour!
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 3/18/26. Registration opens 1/18/2026.
APRIL: Seed Starting
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham)Learn about how plants grow and how to start seeds at home for a flower or vegetable garden. Students will start a few seeds to take home and grow for the summer.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 4/14/26. Registration opens 1/15/2026.
MAY: Migration Madness
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 10:00-11:30 am
Carlisle Visitor Center (LaGrange)Learn how and why birds migrate as we explore all things bird.
For children ages 7-12. Register and pay $3/child by 5/12/26. Registration opens 4/10/2026.