Archives: Events

Muskrats are small creatures that are shy and build homes at the edge of ponds. The story, Finders Keepers, which is about Cork the Muskrat and his friend Fuzz the […]

Explore hands-on displays, view live animals, play with animal puppets, complete a coloring sheet, and create a fun holiday craft. Oakwoods Nature Preserve Discovery Center 10 AM Ages 3-5 with […]

Create gifts this holiday season out of recyclable materials. Use old Christmas cards to make gift tags, bookmarks, and ornaments, create a homemade paper ball ornament, and decorate recyclable wrapping […]

Catch a glance at the last full moon of 2025. As our eyes adjust to the darkness of the night and then to the brightness of the moon, we will […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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; […]