Hancock Park District

Life of a Snowflake
2025-12-05 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
With winter approaching, the possibility of snow is around the corner. Learn how snowflakes are made and why they come in different shapes. Listen to the story, The Snowflake and learn about one snowflake’s journey across the world. Make a snowflake craft using cotton swabs, construction paper, and glue. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
Ages 3-5 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Squirrels: Open House
2025-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Learn about the squirrel family, a wily bunch of rodents. See displays of various squirrels found in Ohio, including furs, skulls, and mounts, and make an acorn out of paper plates and construction paper. Squirrel coloring sheets will be available.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Wee Ones: Indoor Play
2025-12-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Escape the gloomy, gray, cold weather outside and play indoors! The caterpillar ball pit and tunnel, spaceship and school bus tents, puppets and the chance to make your own puppet show, coloring sheets, and other indoor games will be available.
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.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Nature 2.0: Beaver, Squirrels & Mice, oh my!
2025-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Do you know some things about nature? Do you want to learn more? Join Hancock Park District Naturalist Michelle Rumschlag in this new adult series during the winter months. The first program highlights the Rodent family, the largest family in the mammal order. You might think of mice and rats when you hear rodents but see who else is listed in this group. Participants will get hands-on with mounts, furs, and skulls.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
7 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free; click here to register by 1 PM on Monday, December 8.
Minimum: 3/Maximum: 30
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

What is a Reindeer?
2025-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Santa’s sleigh is pulled by eight magical reindeer, but what is a reindeer? Learn about reindeer and caribou and compare them to white-tailed deer. Participants will create a handprint reindeer ornament and play some reindeer games.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 6 and under with an adult.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Planetarium: Stories of the Big Dipper
2025-12-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
The Big Dipper is one of the best-known star formations in the night sky. Learn about the seven main stars that make up the dipper in the Ursa Major constellation, the different names the Big Dipper is called by other cultures around the world, and listen to some of the folklore stories associated with these stars. If time permits, view other objects that are visible in the sky. 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 Tuesday, December 9.
Maximum: 25
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Insects in Winter
2025-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
The insects of summer are gone in the winter, but where did they go? Learn how insects prepare for winter and about the different methods they use to survive the cold. We will focus on a variety of insects, including stinkbugs, praying mantids, and monarch butterflies.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Winter Bird Hike
2025-12-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Aeraland Recreation Area, Shelter, Fostoria, OH, United States
Even though many birds have left Ohio for the winter, there are still interesting species that can be found in the parks. We will search for year-round resident birds, such as the Northern Cardinal and the American Goldfinch, and for birds that are only in Ohio during the winter, such as the Dark-eyed Junco and the Northern Shrike. Binoculars will be provided or bring your own. Dress appropriately for the weather, which may include layered clothing, hats, and gloves.
Aeraland Recreation Area
Shelter
9 AM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Little Hands Nature Club: Getting Ready for Winter Hike
2025-12-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Near Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Ohio, 45840
With the official start of winter only a few days away, find out how animals are getting ready for the cold. During the hike, we will look for animal tracks made by the Eastern cottontail and the fox squirrel and listen for calls from the Blue Jay and the Northern Cardinal.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Parking lot by Shelter 3
1 PM
Ages 3-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Penguins and Friends
2025-12-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Everyone loves penguins, but they are only found in the southern hemisphere. However, you can find penguin-like birds and other sea birds in oceans all over the world. Learn about penguins and other sea birds like puffins, jaegers, gannets, and sea ducks, how these birds survive life on the open ocean, and about the ones that accidentally wander into Ohio during the winter. Children can participate in penguin activities, create a penguin craft, and complete a puffin coloring sheet.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6-8 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Dinosaurs
2025-12-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Explore the world of dinosaurs by listening to a fun story and viewing fossils of dinosaurs and other creatures. Create a handprint dinosaur, design a dinosaur activity sheet, and bring a dinosaur friend to share during Show and Tell.
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.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Winter Sky Mosaics
2025-12-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
The winter sky can be breathtaking. Recreate the wonder by crafting a winter sky mosaic. Cut squares of construction paper and arrange them on a black paper background. All supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
Ages 6-10 with an adult.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Friday, December 19.
Minimum: 2/ Maximum: 20
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Pioneer Food Preservation: Open House
2025-12-21 13:00 - 16:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, McKinnis House, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, Ohio, 45840
As winter arrived and food was less available, pioneers had to make sure enough food was preserved throughout the year. Learn about various methods of food preservation in the 1840s, such as drying and smoking. Samples of beef jerky will be available to try.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
McKinnis House
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Winter Storytime by the Fire
2025-12-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Get cozy by the Discovery Center fireplace and listen to a story about the arrival of winter. Children can make their own “snow” and a Canada Goose craft.
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.
Michelle Rumschlag
mrumschlag@hancockparks.com

Christmas Tree Hike
2025-12-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Meadows Activity Area, Brugeman Lodge
Evergreen trees are often used as Christmas trees during the holiday season. During a short hike, learn about evergreen trees, how people and animals use them, and search for different types of evergreen trees in the park. Participants will collect pinecones to create a Christmas tree ornament and paint a Christmas picture using pine needle brushes. Dress appropriately for the weather. Wear clothing that can get stained.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Meadows Activity Area
Brugeman Lodge
10 AM
Ages 5-10 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Tim Kleman
tkleman@hancockparks.com

Winter Landscape Photography Hike
2025-12-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Riverbend Recreation Area, Big Oaks Activity Area, Shelter #3, 16618 TR 208, Findlay, OH, United States
Hike the trails with your camera to get beautiful shots of the park’s landscapes. We will stop at certain spots to get picturesque photos. Bring your own camera or phone camera.
Riverbend Recreation Area
Big Oaks Activity Area
Shelter 3
1 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free; registration is not required.
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

National Chocolate Candy Day
2025-12-28 13:30 - 14:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Celebrate National Chocolate Candy Day at the park. Learn how to make fudge in a bag, which is also known as Armpit Fudge. Armpit Fudge may sound gross, but it is fun to make and it tastes great. Look around the Discovery Center, enjoy your fudge, and have a good time.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1:30 PM
Ages 4 and up with an adult.
Click here to register with $2 per person by 1 PM on Friday, December 26.
Minimum: 4/Maximum: 30
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

Internal Clocks
2025-12-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
The sun provides more than light and heat for animals; it also controls how animals sleep. Learn how internal clocks work (also known as circadian rhythm), when animals sleep, how long animals sleep, and how the heart and brain work together to tell an animal when it’s time for bed.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but click here register by 9 AM on Monday, December 29.
Minimum: 2/ Maximum: 30
Maclain Teeple
mteeple@hancockparks.com

Fireside Story: The Snow Thief
2025-12-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Squirrel woke up one day to find all his hazelnuts were gone, as well as the green grass. Where did they go? A thief must have stolen them. The story, The Snow Thief will be read, and a short hike will be taken.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1 PM
Ages 4-6 with an adult; other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.
Chris Allen
callen@hancockparks.com

First Hike of the Year
2026-01-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Litzenberg Memorial Woods, Gatehouse, 6100 US 224 West, Findlay, 45840
Enjoy the start of the new year by going on a guided winter hike through the park. Along the way, we will search for interesting nature and different firsts of the year, such as the first bird we see. Dress appropriately for the weather, including layered clothing, hats, and gloves.
Litzenberg Memorial Woods
Gatehouse
1 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.

Discovery Stories: How Animals Keep Warm
2026-01-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Different animals manage the cold weather in different ways. Learn how animals stay warm during winter with a story called Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate? View displays, touch furs, and create a winter animal craft.
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.

Weasels of Ohio
2026-01-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Learn about the mustelids, which are members of the weasel family. Touch furs and view skulls and tracks of various species of weasels, from the tiny least weasel to the large North American river otter.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.

Winter Crafts
2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Make winter inspired crafts, including a snowy owl out of a pinecone, crinkle tissue paper mittens, snowman sun catcher, and a cupcake liner cardinal. Warm drinks will be available, and all supplies will be provided.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Click here to register with $5 per craft set by 9 AM on Tuesday, January 6.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 20

Walk on the Wild Side
2026-01-09 10:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Experience what it’s like to walk like an animal. Visit different stations with a focus on animal movements, and then waddle like a penguin, gallop like a horse, and hop like a frog.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
10 AM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Other aged siblings are welcome to attend.
Free; registration is not required.

Bald Eagles of Ohio
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
The Bald Eagle was once on the endangered species list in Ohio and now it can be seen in all but one county. Learn about their habits and how they made a comeback from near extinction.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-3 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.

What Can You Do With A Rock: Open House
2026-01-11 13:00 - 16:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Rocks are fun to build with, paint and can tell a story. There will be items on display made from rocks, such as a hound dog, fairy house, toad house, painted rocks and more. Participants can paint a rock and add some eyes to make a special creature.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
1-4 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; registration is not required.

Wee Ones: Animal Tracks
2026-01-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Follow the tracks on the Discovery Center floor to see what animals made them. Children can make tracks in the sand and with stamp pads and look at rubber animal tracks of the beaver, snapping turtle, and American Crow.
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.

Pioneer Pest Control
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Pests have gotten into people’s homes all throughout history. Learn how pioneers trapped, exterminated, and deterred nuisance animals from coming inside. Observe displays of historic pest control and mousetraps from the 1800s.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Wednesday, January 14.
Minimum: 2/Maximum: 20

Nature 2.0: Talons of Terror
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00
Do you know some things about nature? Do you want to learn more? Join Hancock Park District Naturalist Michelle Rumschlag in this new adult series during the winter months. Raptors are the next to be highlighted. Learn about the differences between hawks, owls, falcons, and eagles. Get hands-on to look at their feathers, skulls, and talons.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
7 PM
Ages 16 and up.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Thursday, January 15.
Minimum: 3/Maximum: 30

Movie Night in the Park: How to Train Your Dragon
2026-01-16 18:00 - 18:30 | Oakwoods Nature Preserve, Discovery Center
Come inside on a cold Friday night and enjoy popcorn and the movie, How to Train Your Dragon. Each child will go home with a little toy dragon.
Oakwoods Nature Preserve
Discovery Center
6 PM
All ages are welcome.
Free; but click here to register by 1 PM on Friday, January 16.
Minimum: 4/Maximum: 30
