Bring along a picnic dinner and enjoy a relaxing night out listening to live music at Summer Serenades in the Park with the Canton Symphony Orchestra from 6:30-7:30 p.m. After the music, join Stark Parks staff for an exclusive hike along the trails from 8:00 pm - 9:00 p.m. The evening's route will be on turf trails with changing elevations, so come dressed for the weather and terrain. Insect repellant is recommended. Hike highlights will be wildlife sights and sounds as the sun sinks into twilight. Special thanks to our host, Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center. There is space for 15 couples for this event. Please just register one member of your party. Pre-registration is required.

National snail day is near! If you're giddy for gastropods then gather with us in learning about these small, slimy creatures. Come for a snail themed book, craft and game. Please be prepared to go outside.

What does it take to become a skilled archer? Join us for an evening class full of recreational shooting. Learn about the equipment, proper shooting technique, and safety before spending some time working on your skills. All equipment will be provided, and classes are taught by USA Archery certified staff. Participants should arrive on time and must wear closed toe shoes. Participants must be 18 year of age to sign up. Pre-registration is required, and due to limited class size please let us know if you cannot attend for any reason so we can notify those on the waitlist.

Throw and grow a beautiful pollinator garden by making seed balls to help support and attract pollinators to your backyard. Native seeds used in this program were collected at Stark Parks and have been hand-selected and cleaned by Naturalists and volunteers. This seed ball mix could include any combination of the following seeds: Wild Bergamot, Purple Coneflower, Milkweed, Mountain Mint, Maximillian Sunflower, Black-eyed Susan, and Rattlesnake Master. Each participant will make and take their seed balls home supplied with ‘how-to’ directions. This class is part of the backyard habitat certification program.

For more information or to register go to https://www.erniesbikeshop.com/events or call 800-291-0099. No registration available at the Stark Parks website.

Join Ernie’s Bicycle Shop for a free monthly guided night ride. Starting from the Lake Avenue Trailhead, we’ll head out on the Sippo or Towpath trails to enjoy the evening and see these familiar paths in a whole new light (or lack thereof). This is a 14- to 18-mile beginner-friendly ride over flat terrain, with an Ernie’s team member at the front and rear of the group. Riders must have a helmet and bikes must be equipped with head and taillight. Times vary according to sunset. No fee to participate. Rental bikes are available for a nominal cost with advance registration. This is a FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT.

Join the 2nd Annual Stark County Bird Quest. This family-friendly, 24-hour challenge has two goals in mind - get people into the outdoors using birds as a catalyst, and to accumulate data about bird populations in Stark County. This event is free including resources on where to go birding, guided walks during the event, and the celebration at the end. For more information and to register your team, go to cantonaudubon.org/stark-county-bird-quest.

Calling all 3 - 5 year-olds! Bring your grown-up, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of pollinators and water-dwelling insects with our Bug Out Camp! Explore the vital role of bees and aquatic insects through interactive sessions, hands-on activities, and crafts. Pre-registration is required.

Stark Parks has joined the annual garlic mustard pulling contest against the City of Green, Put-In-Bay, Portage Park District, and others. Join us at the Wildlife Conservation Center to help Stark County come out on top! Garlic mustard, an invasive weed that poses a threat to our native plants and wildlife, is easily pulled by hand. In rare cases it can be mildly irritating to the skin, so wear long sleeves, and bring your competitive spirit! Registration not required, drop-in anytime to help.

The Richard Fry Memorial Catfish derby, for children ages 4 - 15, will take place at Petros Lake Park. Bait, beverages, and food will be for sale. Bring your own pole. Sponsored by Stark County Federation of Conservation Clubs, Berkley Fishing Team, and Stark Parks. Registration begins at 7:30 am with fishing from 8 am to 11 am. No pre-registration required.

The hike-a-thon is back! Ring in summer by hiking on the longest day of the year at several Stark Parks locations! You may choose to hike all day long and follow the staff from site to site or pick which hike(s) you would like to attend. You are registering for the 6:00 am Quail Hollow Segment. 2.5 - 3 miles).
Locations and times are:
1) 6:00 am to 8:00 am: Quail Hollow (Manor House-13480 Congress Lake Ave. Hartville) - 2.5 to 3 miles
2) 9:00 am to 10:30 am: Nickel Plate Trail (Metzger Park- 1420 S. Nickelplate St. Louisville) – 3 miles
3) 11:30 am to 12:30 pm: Hoover Trail (Washington Square-1325 E. Maple St. North Canton) – 3 miles
4) 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm: West Branch Trail (Gatehouse- 1305 Stadium Park Dr. NW. Canton) – 3 miles
5) 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Sippo Lake Park (Marina Parking-5300 Tyner St. NW, Canton) 3.5 to 4 miles
6) 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm: Petros Lake Park (Perry Drive Long Parking Lot - 3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton) 2.5 to 3 miles
7) 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm: Towpath (Craig Pittman Trailhead-8218 Hudson Dr. SW. Navarre) 1.5 to 2.5 miles

Are you a fan of Ohio frontier history? Do you relish touring historical homes with their unique designs and hearing the stories of the families who lived there? Then you are sure to enjoy a guided tour of the 100-year-old, 1920s era, H.B. Stewart Manor House. Tours begin promptly at 2 pm and last approximately one hour. This building has no elevator so be prepared to climb stairs
Walk-ins only. No pre-registration required. Fee is $5 cash at the door for ages 5 and up with a maximum of $20 per family.
Join docents from the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association on the following tour dates:
May 12 and 26
June 9 and 23
July 14 and 28
August 11 and 25
September 8 and 22

Splash into the exhilarating world of kayaking! Led by experienced instructors, this beginner class is designed for individuals eager to explore the fundamentals of kayaking. Beginning on land, participants will learn the essentials of trip planning, types of paddling equipment, and key safety practices while paddling. Then, take these newfound skills onto the water as we practice basic paddling techniques to kayaking with confidence. No prior experience necessary. All necessary equipment provided. Dress prepared to possibly get wet. Due to limited equipment, pre-registration is required.

Bring an instrument and join in, or enjoy listening to traditional, bluegrass, and Celtic tunes. $2 admission for everyone. Music Nights are held inside the Manor House on select Thursdays from June through September. No registration required.

Challenge your land navigation skills with the Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club. Courses for all skill levels offered. Bring a whistle and a compass. Map fee: $10.00 for NEOOC members or $15.00 for non-members. Pre-register at this Link, or pay by cash/check at event. Registration at 10:30 am at the Fry Family Park Shelter with starts beginning at 11:00 am. This is a rain or shine activity. For more information visit NEOOC.com or contact [email protected].

Members of the Park Commission are very interested in your thoughts and comments, and invite members of the public to the monthly meetings.

Learn about stars, planets, constellations, nebulae and galaxies with The Wilderness Center Astronomy Club as they navigate the night sky around us.  Practice using telescopes, learn how to navigate the stars, and where to look during different seasons! Feel free to bring your own equipment (telescopes, binoculars, cameras, etc.). Registration is required and the program will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or calls for inclement weather.

Join Stark Parks and Canton City Parks for an exhilarating Discovery Day filled with diverse activities, from kayak programs for water enthusiasts to captivating encounters with live animals and the thrill of hoverball archery. This drop-in event offers a unique blend of adventure and education, providing an immersive outdoor experience for all. No registration required.
Location: 800 Mc Kinley Monument Dr NW

Splash into the exhilarating world of Stand Up Paddleboarding! Led by experienced instructors, this beginner class is designed for individuals eager to explore the fundamentals of Stand Up Paddleboarding. Beginning on land, participants will learn the essentials of trip planning, types of paddling equipment, and key safety practices while paddling. Then, take these newfound skills onto the water as we practice basic paddling techniques to SUP with confidence. No prior experience necessary. All necessary equipment provided. Dress prepared to possibly get wet. Due to limited equipment, pre-registration is required.

Join the Trailhead Canoe Livery and enjoy the Tuscarawas River by the light of the moon for a monthly night canoe event! Paddle 3 miles downriver as twilight sets in, then enjoy hot dogs and s’mores around a riverside campfire. Reservations are required and must be made at least a day in advance. Call 800-226-6349 today to register (reservations not available on the Stark Parks website) – this popular event regularly sells out. Boats will launch between 7:00 pm and 8:30 pm. Fee: $25 per person.

Looking for an island of calm and serenity from all the chaos and stress a busy week can bring? This hour-long yoga practice will leave you feeling relaxed and strong! Certified yoga instructor Kim Kohler will help you challenge yourself while working at your own level in a safe and supportive environment. Modifications are offered to appeal to all skill levels.

Pre-registration is required, and you will need to bring your own mat.