Youth Outdoors Program Offerings

Discover the art and sport of archery—a hands-on activity where youth learn to use compound bows and traditional fletched arrows under the guidance of certified instructors. Set in a professionally managed archery range, this experience emphasizes focus, patience, and precision. Participants will strengthen hand-eye coordination while aiming for the target, building confidence with every shot. It’s a safe, structured, and exciting way to introduce young people to a timeless sport that blends physical skills with mental clarity.  

Takes place at: Garfield Park Reservation 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall

Beach Day offers a relaxed, open-ended experience where youth can enjoy the sun, sand, and shoreline in a safe and engaging environment. We provide castle-building supplies, a seine net for shoreline exploration, and a variety of beach games to spark creativity and connection. With lifeguards on duty, participants can wade in the water with confidence and ease. It’s a chance to explore the natural beauty of our North Shore beaches, learn about our Great Lake Erie, and create lasting memories through play and discovery. 

Takes place at: Huntington Reservation, Lakefront Reservation, Euclid Creek Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Summer

Our bike ride experience begins at the Canalway Center and follows the scenic Towpath Trail, offering beautiful glimpses of a variety of plants and animals. Each participant is provided with a properly fitted bike and helmet, ensuring comfort and safety from the start. Before hitting the trail, riders take part in a fun and educational “bike rodeo” in the parking lot—an opportunity to assess skills and practice key techniques like maneuverability, hand signals, and trail communication. We also introduce the “ABCs” of bike care—Air, Brakes, and Chains—so riders understand the basics of bike maintenance. Ride lengths are tailored to experience levels, making this activity accessible and enjoyable for all. 

Takes place at: Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall

Creek walking invites youth to step into the cool, shallow waters of a local creek and explore the vibrant ecosystems hidden within. With a mindful approach, participants wade through the water, observing and identifying native wildlife such as salamanders, crayfish, frogs, turtles, fish, and macroinvertebrates. This immersive experience encourages curiosity and environmental awareness, highlighting the importance of water quality in our local habitats. It’s a refreshing way to connect with nature, learn through exploration, and stay cool while doing it. 

Takes place at: Rocky River Reservation, Brecksville Reservation, North Chagrin Reservation, South Chagrin Reservation, Hinckley Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs.  

Available in: Summer

Fire building is a hands-on activity where youth learn the fundamentals of safely creating and managing a fire. Participants explore the differences between tinder and kindling, and experiment with various fire-building techniques such as the teepee, lean-to, and log cabin styles. For an added challenge, they may even try sparking a flame using flint and steel. 

Throughout the experience, we emphasize fire safety—from preparation to proper extinguishing—while encouraging a STEM mindset through observation, experimentation, and problem-solving. It’s a powerful way to blend outdoor adventure with practical learning. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: All seasons

Fishing is one of our hallmark programs, offering youth a hands-on introduction to a timeless outdoor tradition. Participants will learn how to bait a hook, cast a line, reel in a catch, and safely dehook their fish—all under the guidance of experienced instructors who provide step-by-step support. 

This activity blends skill-building with quiet reflection, teaching patience, focus, and respect for nature. Whether it’s a first catch or a seasoned cast, fishing creates memorable moments and fosters a deeper appreciation for our waterways and the life within them. 

Takes place at: Garfield Park Reservation, Acacia Reservation, Euclid Creek Reservation, Astrohurst Park Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall

Games and initiatives are dynamic, free-form activities designed to spark laughter, teamwork, and connection. From high-energy favorites like Gaga Ball to thoughtful challenges like Common Ground, Keep It Up, or Hunker Hauser, these games serve as powerful icebreakers and team-building tools. Participants engage in playful problem-solving, building trust, and learn more about their fellow campers or teammates. These activities are flexible, inclusive, and always focused on creating a fun, supportive group experience. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 1 – 3 hrs.  

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ice skating is a joyful and active experience held at the Halloran Recreation Center, where youth can learn the basics of skating in a supportive and well-equipped environment. Skates and skate assists are provided by the center, and basic instruction is available from on-site staff to help participants feel confident on the ice. Whether it’s a first-time glide or a practiced spin, this activity offers a great opportunity to build skills, enjoy movement, and embrace the fun of skating. 

Takes place at: Halloran Recreation Center 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs.  

Available in: Winter

Kayaking offers youth a calm-water adventure that blends skill-building, exploration, and personal growth. Led by certified instructors, each participant is fitted with a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device (PFD), then guided through the basics of paddling and on-water communication before launching. 

As they navigate the water, youth develop coordination, confidence, and resilience—learning to trust their abilities and communicate effectively with peers. The experience fosters independence, self-awareness, and teamwork.  

Takes place at: Garfield Park Reservation, Euclid Creek Reservation, Hinkley Reservation 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Summer

Kite building is a hands-on STEM activity that invites youth to explore engineering and creativity in the open air. Using dowel rods, kite fabric, string, tape, and a winder, each participant constructs a simple “sled” style kite and personalizes it with their own designs. 

As they build and fly their creations, youth engage in problem-solving, patience, and self-expression. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall

Make-Do is a hands-on STEM activity that transforms everyday cardboard into imaginative structures and creative crafts. Using child-safe screws and tools, participants cut, shape, and connect pieces to bring their ideas to life—whether it’s a towering fort, a wearable costume, or a functional invention. This open-ended experience encourages critical thinking, resourcefulness, and collaboration, as youth problem-solve and adapt their designs in real time. Make-Do invites participants to take creative risks, work together, and feel proud of what they build from the ground up. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Nature Craft is a relaxed, indoor-based activity that invites youth to explore their creativity through nature-inspired projects. From dragonfly clothespins and gecko bead keychains to fish prints, pinecone bird feeders, vision boards, and nature haikus—each craft offers a unique way to connect with the natural world. This low-pressure environment encourages imagination, self-expression, and thoughtful reflection. Whether crafting solo or alongside peers, participants build confidence in their ideas, share inspiration, and take pride in creating something meaningful that celebrates the beauty of nature. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Nature hikes invite youth to slow down and explore the outdoors with curiosity and all five senses. Guided along trails and pathways, participants learn to observe their surroundings—listening for birds, identifying wildflowers, noticing the scent of the forest air, and feeling the textures of leaves, bark, and soil. This experience helps young hikers grow more comfortable in our parks and forests, encouraging a sense of belonging in natural spaces. To add a playful twist, we may include a scavenger hunt, turning the hike into a sensory-rich puzzle that deepens awareness and sparks discovery. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Outdoor cooking is a flavorful adventure that blends fire, food, and fun. Whether using hot dog forks, pie irons, a grill, or a camp stove, youth get hands-on experience preparing meals in the great outdoors. From classic s’mores and hot dogs to inventive pie iron pizzas, the menu is as flexible as the method. Typically held during cooler months, this activity offers a chance to warm up by the fire while learning the essentials of outdoor meal prep. Participants practice timing, fire safety, and handling hot tools—all while building confidence and independence in a relaxed, sensory-rich setting. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Slacklining is a dynamic activity that challenges balance, core strength, and concentration. Set low to the ground for easy dismounts, the slackline can be rigged between trees or used with a freestanding system, indoors or out. Participants test their stability and focus as they walk, wobble, and adjust on the line. It’s a playful way to build body awareness and mental control through movement. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks location or your own 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Sledding is a classic winter activity that invites youth to enjoy the outdoors and embrace the season. Held outside and dependent on snow conditions, this experience offers participants the chance to glide down gentle hills with provided gear and supplies. Whether racing with friends or taking it slow, sledding encourages movement, laughter, and comfort in snowy environments—all at your own pace. 

Takes place at: North Chagrin Reservation, South Chagrin Reservation, Garfield Park Reservation, Lakefront Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Winter

Tobogganing is a high-energy winter adventure that takes place at the Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation. Participants gear up and launch down a 700-foot ice chute—racing side-by-side and clocking their speed as they fly toward the finish. It’s fast, fun, and guaranteed to get hearts pumping. With all gear provided, riders experience the rush of icy acceleration, then climb the stairs to do it all over again. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just soaking in the adrenaline, this is winter excitement at its finest. 

Takes place at: Mill Stream Run Reservation 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Winter 

Canoeing is a great entry point into the world of paddling sports. This 1.5-hour program introduces youth to basic paddling strokes in a calm, scenic setting. Held at Hinckley Reservation within Cleveland Metroparks, the experience runs from June through September and is limited to 12 participants for a more personalized, hands-on approach. 

Whether it’s their first time on the water or a chance to refine technique, this program helps youth build confidence, coordination, and comfort in a canoe—all while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. 

Please discuss your expected attendance with us during the scheduling process to ensure we best accommodate your group. 

Takes place at: Hinkley Reservation 

Lasts for: 2 – 3 hrs. 

Available in: Summer

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is a fun and active way to experience the water while building balance, coordination, and confidence. In this 1.5-hour program, participants learn how to stand on the board and practice basic paddling strokes in a calm, supportive environment. Participant numbers may be a scheduling limitation for this program. Whether it's a first-time paddle or a chance to refine technique, SUP offers a refreshing way to connect with nature and challenge yourself on the water. 

Please discuss your expected attendance with us during the scheduling process to ensure we best accommodate your group. 

Takes place at: Garfield Park Reservation, Hinckley Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Summer

Map Basics introduces youth to the fundamentals of reading and using maps—what they are, why they matter, and how they help us stay found in parks and natural spaces. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, participants learn how to interpret symbols, understand scale, and orient themselves in the environment. It’s a great way to build spatial awareness, boost confidence outdoors, and spark curiosity about the world around us. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks Reservation or your own location 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Snowshoeing is a fun and active way to explore snowy trails and connect with the winter landscape. This program introduces the basics of snowshoe use, followed by a guided hike and engaging activities that encourage movement, observation, and seasonal discovery. 

It’s a great way to build comfort in cold-weather environments while enjoying the quiet beauty of winter. 

This experience requires at least 5 inches of snow. 

Takes place at: Any Cleveland Metroparks Reservation or your own location 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Winter

Ready to glide into winter fun? This energizing outdoor program introduces participants to the basics of cross-country skiing—a low-impact, high-reward activity that’s perfect for youth groups looking to explore the snowy season in a new way. We’ll kick things off with a quick intro to gear and technique, then hit the trails to put those new skills into action. Whether your group is brand new to skiing or just looking for a fresh winter challenge, this program offers a great mix of learning, movement, and adventure. 

Takes place at: Bedford Reservation 

Lasts for: 1 – 2 hrs. 

Available in: Winter