Fall is one of the best times to explore Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, and October’s lineup of free programs has something for just about everyone.
Whether you’re into history, wildlife, or family fun, the park is rolling out hikes, hands-on activities, and seasonal celebrations that make the most of cooler days and crisp evenings.
One of the highlights of the month is Darby Creek Day (Oct. 5, 2–5 p.m.), a celebration marking the anniversary of Darby Creek’s designation as a Scenic River.
Visitors can get their feet wet with seining, meet live animals, try their hand at archery, and explore kid-friendly crafts. Food trucks will be on hand, and local conservation groups will share their work to protect the Darby Watershed.
History buffs (and adventure seekers) should mark their calendars for the Adults-Only Cemetery Hike (Oct. 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.), a 4-mile off-trail trek that visits pioneer cemeteries tucked away in the park and even an Adena Mound, a reminder of the area’s deep Indigenous history.
Other October events bring nature to life in creative ways:
- Full Moon Hike (Oct. 2) – A brisk 4-mile evening hike through forests and fields.<.li>
- Whooo Cooks for You? (Oct. 11) – Learn about Ohio’s barred owls, then make a themed treat.<.li>
- Magic for Muggles (Oct. 16) – Explore the science of animal transformations through the lens of pop-culture spells.<.li>
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt (Oct. 25) – Put on a costume and follow clues with Jackie O’Lantern.<.li>
With more than a dozen programs packed into the month—from preschool leaf crafts to fireside talks on animal survival strategies—there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature, history, and community this fall at Battelle Darby.
To learn more, you can head over to the park’s Facebook page, or check out metroparks.net.
