Hancock Park District

Autumn Night Hike
2025-10-25 19:00 - 20:00 UTC | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Near Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Ohio, 45840
Explore the trails on a guided night hike. View the park in the moonlight and search for nocturnal wildlife like raccoons, opossums, and owls.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Parking Lot by Shelter 3
7 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Millstream Astronomy Club: TBD by Steve Rice
2025-10-25 19:00 - 21:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Lakefront Activity Center, Findlay, OH, United States
Riverbend Recreation Area
Lakefront Activity Center
7PM

Self-Guided Fall Float Trips
2025-10-26 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-01 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-11-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Riverside Park Zonta Landing
Self-guided fall float trips on the Blanchard River Water Trail are available on select Saturdays and Sundays from mid-October to early November. Float trips begin and end at Zonta Landing at Riverside Park Waterfront. Canoeists and kayakers can enjoy early autumn along the Blanchard River as they paddle upstream past the Country Club’s golf course, Eastpoint Area, and Vogelsong Conservation Area to the State Route 568/Sandusky Street Bridge and back. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.

When: Saturdays: October 18, & 25 and November 1; Sundays: October 19 & 26 and November 2 starting at 1:00 PM. Trips will be cancelled in the event of flooding, rain, thunder and lightning, and strong wind.
Where: Meet at Zonta Landing at Riverside Park Waterfront.
Who: Adults and youth who are 16 or 17 years old (youth under the age of 16 are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by an adult).
Prerequisite: Participants must have the ability to swim.
Watercraft: Watercraft availability includes tandem canoes and solo kayaks. Specify watercraft preference when registering. The weight limit for a solo kayak is 275 pounds.
Enrollment: Maximum: 12 (maximum of two participants per canoe).
Registration: Click here to register by 1 PM on the Friday prior to the trip.
Fee: $10.00 per person with a signed Assumption of Risk/Liability Release/Waiver of all Claims form and/or a Parental Consent form if applicable. Forms will be available at Zonta Landing prior to the trip.
Supplies: Wear shoes that can get wet. Dress and plan accordingly for the weather. Alcohol is not permitted. Canoes, kayaks, personal floatation devices, and paddles will be provided.

Cryptozoology: Open House
2025-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Mysteries in the natural world are intriguing to study. Cryptozoology is a subculture that searches for unknown, extinct, or legendary animals known as cryptids. Learn about the cryptids of Ohio and others around the world along with the possible origins of these myths. Visitors can make a sasquatch face out of cut construction paper and glue.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Broom Making Workshop
2025-10-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Activity Barn, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840, United States
Learn about the history, tools, and techniques used to create a functional broom. Each participant will create their own turkey wing whisk broom from broom corn and receive a bag of broom corn seed to grow at home. All supplies will be provided.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Activity Barn
6 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Click here to register with $30 per person by 4 PM on Wednesday, October 22.
Minimum:3 /Maximum: 8
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Leaf Piles
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Near Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Ohio, 45840
Get your jumping legs ready because it’s time to play in the leaf piles. Take a closer look at the colorful fall leaves. Children will then be able to play in, jump in, and throw around the leaves. Wear clothes that can get stained.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Parking lot by Shelter 3
1 PM
Ages 3 and under with an adult. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Owls are a Hoot
2025-10-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Flying silently in the night, owls are unique birds with interesting features. Discover what makes owls special with informational displays and mounts. Observe the dissection of an owl pellet, an object that is regurgitated from the bird containing traces of the animals it ate.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Plein Air Gatherings
2025-10-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Waterfalls Overlook, Meet in parking area E. Main Cross Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
The Plein Air Gatherings are an opportunity for artists to get together and paint or draw outdoors “en plein air” in Hancock County parks. All adult artists who use any medium conducive to working outdoors are welcome. If you are new to plein air painting or are hesitant to go out on your own, these gatherings are a perfect opportunity to meet and work with other plein air artists. Please join us for our 12th season!
You should plan to bring whatever supplies and equipment you need and dress for ground and weather conditions. There is no fee or registration. It is not necessary to attend every session – come when you can. In case of rain, the session is cancelled. Gatherings will be held weekly on Thursdays.
For more information about this program, please contact volunteer coordinator Sharon Hammer Baker at bakerartstudio@gmail.com or phone the park office at 419-425-7275

Fairy Furniture Making
2025-11-01 16:30 - 17:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Make fairy furniture using things you find in nature. There are so many fun things to make from sticks, acorn caps, and moss to add a fun look to your garden. All supplies plus one fairy will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
4:30 PM
Ages 7 and up.
Click here to register with $5 per person by 1 PM on Friday, October 31.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 16
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Discovery Stories: Oaks and Acorns
2025-11-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Oaks are one of the most important trees in the forest. Listen to a story about a little acorn’s wild adventure into becoming an oak tree. Learn about the different types of oaks and acorns, what animals use oaks for food and shelter, and how people use oak trees. Create an acorn craft and use a feather quill to draw a picture using oak ink.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 4-5 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Gall Talk
2025-11-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Galls are a kind of swelling growth on the external tissues of plants. Learn what their purpose is, what trees and plants they are found on and what kind of insects make them. Examples will be displayed.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
7 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free, but click here to register by 1 PM on Monday, November 3.
Minimum: 3/Maximum: 30
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

How Animals Survive Winter for Homeschoolers
2025-11-04 13:00 - 14:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Learn about the different ways animals prepare for and survive winter. Explore the topics of hibernation, brumation, and food storage through displays and furs. Hike the trails to see examples of animals prepping for winter such as squirrels and birds searching for food.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-2:30 PM
Ages 5-14.
Free; but click here to register by 4 PM on Monday, November 3.
Minimum: 6/Maximum: 20
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Planetarium: Charles Messier
2025-11-06 18:30 - 19:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
One of the greatest minds in astronomy was Charles Messier. He helped advance the science of deep space and objects found outside of our solar system. Learn about the history of this famous astronomer along with how he was able to detect such far objects. Look at deep space objects named after Messier inside the planetarium and discover the many different types. Participants are required to sit on the floor. Ask about accommodations.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6:30 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Monday, November 6.
Maximum: 25
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Make Your Own Sock Puppet
2025-11-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Puppetry can be a fun hobby and a good way to start is with sock puppets. Create your own with a new tube sock and crafting materials. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
Ages 6-10 with an adult.
Click here to register with $5 per person by 1 PM on Friday, November 7. Adults do not need to register.
Minimum: 3/ Maximum: 15
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Gulls and Reservoir Bird Hike
2025-11-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Brugeman Lodge, 9250 TR 208, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
There are no “seagulls” in Ohio, but eight species of gulls are regularly seen in Hancock County, especially during the late fall and winter. Learn about gulls and how to identify this tricky group of birds. After a PowerPoint presentation, drive to the parking lot at Findlay Reservoir #1 to go on a hike in search of gulls and other waterbirds like ducks, eagles, and loons. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own. Hiking on the reservoir trail will be cold and windy. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Riverbend Recreation Area
The Meadows Activity Area
Brugeman Lodge
9 AM-12 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Squirrel Party
2025-11-08 09:30 - 11:30 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
Learn about squirrels through two of Beatrix Potter’s stories, “The Squirrel Nutkin” and “The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes.” Hike to look for squirrels and their food including acorns and walnuts. Children will make squirrels and their acorn out of paper bags and dine on hot chocolate and “nut” snacks by the fireplace.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
9:30-11:30 AM
Ages 7-10.
Click here to register with $3 per child by 9 AM on Friday, November 7.
Minimum: 4/Maximum: 16
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Oregon Trail Recipes
2025-11-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Life for the pioneers was hard as they traveled the Oregon Trail. The foods they ate had to keep well as they traveled, such as vegetables, bread and fruit. Recipes and samples will be shared with guests.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
Ages 8 and up.
Click here to register with $2 per person by 9 AM on Friday, November 7.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Cooking with Venison: Open House
2025-11-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
Fall is the time of year when the McKinnis men are out hunting meat for the family. Sarah Fishel will be preparing a venison stew with the deer meat her husband John brought home. The stew will be shared with guests that stop by to visit.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Wee Ones: Animals with Scales
2025-11-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Scales are important. They help some animals defend themselves. Learn about fish and reptiles with displays and hands-on stations that will have snakeskin and turtle shells. Make a paper bowl turtle and take home a lizard coloring sheet.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 3 and under with an adult. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Muskrat Adventures with Cork & Fuzz
2025-11-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Muskrats are short and opossums are tall. Cork likes small adventures and Fuzz likes big adventures, which always get him into trouble. Follow the tracks around the Discovery Center to see how this winter adventures ends.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Flint: Ohio's State Gemstone
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Ohio’s state gemstone is a rock known as flint. Learn about flint’s geology, what makes Ohio’s flint special, and its importance as a tool making material for both Native Americans and European settlers. View examples of different types of Ohio flint and the park’s collection of Native American arrowheads and other flint tools. Children who attend can color a coloring page and create their own arrowhead out of air-dried clay.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6-8 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Pioneer Crochet
2025-11-15 13:00 - 14:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
As a pioneer, it was important to tailor and make your own clothes. Learn how wool was turned into yarn and how it was used to crochet clothing. Participants will be able to try it out themselves by making a simple crochet doily. Both beginners and experts are welcome. Supplies will be provided.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Click here to register with $5 per person by 1 PM on Friday, November 14.
Minimum: 2/ Maximum: 15
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Omnivores: Open House
2025-11-16 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Omnivores are animals that have teeth designed for eating both plants and animals. Learn which ones can be found in the parks, including the raccoon and striped skunk, what foods they prefer and why it’s beneficial to eat this way. Mounts, furs, skulls, and other body parts will be on display.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Hike Bright Conservation Area
2025-11-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Bright Conservation Area, 10184 Township Road 244, Findlay, OH, 45840, United States
Bright Conservation Area is the largest of the Hancock Park District’s five conservation areas, which are designed to protect water quality, expand wildlife habitat, and provide natural beauty. Learn about the history of the land, the restoration of wetlands on the site, and search for interesting plants and wildlife like American mink and migrating waterfowl. The hike is approximately one mile on mowed trails. There are no supporting facilities such as restrooms or running water on this property. Please plan accordingly.
Bright Conservation Area
2 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

The Secret Life of the Woolly Bear Caterpillar Hike
2025-11-18 13:00 - 14:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Near Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Ohio, 45840
Wooly Bear can be seen everywhere in the fall. They are one of the most popular and beloved caterpillars. Take a hike to see if they are hiding along the trails or hiding under a log.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Parking Lot by Shelter 3
1 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Little Hands Nature Club: Going on a Turkey Hunt
2025-11-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Shelter, 6100 US 224 West
It’s time for a turkey hunt. Children will make a turkey snood headband and look at turkey feathers. A hike to look for turkeys or signs they’ve been there will follow.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Shelter
1 PM
Ages 3-6 with an adult; other ages siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Building Brick Engineering
2025-11-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
If you love building bricks, then join us for our program focused on building brick engineering. Learn good building practices, make a space station as a group, and create buildings for building a brick town. Toward the end, work together to build a strong bridge and see how much weight it can hold.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
Ages 10-12 with an adult.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Friday, November 21. Adults do not need to register.
Minimum: 2/ Maximum: 15
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

First Thanksgiving Hike
2025-11-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gatehouse, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, 45840
The landscape of Hancock County would have been much different at the time of the first Thanksgiving. Hike the trails and imagine how different it would have been in 1621. Look for fallen leaves, animals searching for food, and possibly even a turkey.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Gatehouse
1 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com
