Want to have some free and cheap fall fun? Look no further than Great Parks!
Experience all that Great Parks has to offer this fall! From soaking in the changing seasons to hikes with naturalists to getting crafty with the kids, there’s something for everyone. And as a special bonus, all of these events are either free or super cheap (after you have your park sticker).
If the event you’re interested in does not contain a link, you can find more information about all of these events on the Great Parks Event Calendar.
Be aware that a valid Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the parks. 2019 costs for residents of Hamilton County: $10 annual/$5 daily; other visitors: $16 annual/$8 daily. Details here.
Our Picks for September Events at Great Parks:
Harper Quilt Show
Stop in to see Charley Harper’s artwork re-imagined into quilt form. The River City Quilt Guild will display numerous quilts featuring the designs of Charley Harper.
When: September 21-29, 11am – 4pm
Where: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve/Ellenwood Nature Barn
Cost: Free
Luminary Night Hike
Meet the characters of nature along the luminary lit trail at Glenwood Gardens. This family friendly event will feature hikes that depart every 10 minutes, making stops to meet first-person interpreters who will reveal glimpses into the live of local flora and fauna. End the evening by toasting marshmallows over the fire.
When: September 21, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Glenwood Gardens/Gatehouse
Cost: $5/person, children under age two are free, register by 9-19
Great Outdoor Weekend Fun with Great Parks
Great Outdoor Weekend is the region’s largest outdoor events sampler and it’s a great time to try a new outdoor activity!
Great Parks is participating with the following events (all on Sept. 28):
Off Trail at Oak Glen Nature Preserve, 8am and 11:30 am
Creepy Critters, Glenwood Gardens, 9:30-11:30am
The Great Hunt, Miami Whitewater Forest, 11am-2pm
Adventure Time at the Summit Center, Summit Center, noon-3pm
Hives, Holes & Hideaways, Sharon Woods, 1-3pm
National Public Lands Day
Join in to improve Parky’s Farm for the animals that call it home. From planting wildflowers to removing invasive vines and cleaning up the rain garden, we’ll have a fun day of work that will positively impact the land while enhancing the farm for years to come. All ages welcome.
When: September 28, 9am-noon
Where: Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm
Cost: Free, register by 9/27
Maker Trades and Historic Schoolhouse Open House
Head to Shawnee Lookout for their Maker Trades Event: Leather Pounding and learn all about this essential part of frontier life. While you’re there, be sure to explore the Historic Schoolhouse too!
When: September 29, Maker Trades 2:30-4:30pm, Open House 2-5pm
Where: Shawnee Lookout/Historic Cabin Area
Cost: Maker Trades is $5/person and payable at the door; Schoolhouse Open House is free
Our Picks for October Events at Great Parks:
Park After Dark
Experience Miami Whitewater Forest after dark for three nights! Take a nature hike, learn about animals that go bump in the night, and play some games.
When: October 3-5, 6:30-9pm
Where: Miami Whitewater Forest / Visitors Center
Cost: Some activities may cost a small fee
Black Walnut Weekend
It’s the nuttiest harvest in the midwest! This family friendly event includes live music from Jake Speed and the Freddies (12:30-3:30pm), games, crafts, tastings, and more.
When: October 19-20, noon-4pm
Where: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve/Ellenwood Nature Barn
Cost: Some activities may cost a small fee
Fall Leaves Hike
It’s the perfect time for this hike! A nature interpreter will lead this hike and you’ll learn to identify many of the species at Glenwood Gardens.
When: October 26, 10am
Where: Glenwood Gardens, meet at the Gatehouse
Cost: Free, registration required by 10/24)
Yoga After Work
This is an adult, mixed-level yoga class and it’s taught by a certified instructor. Beginners are welcome, especially those who have never tried yoga.
When: Tuesdays in October starting at 5:30pm
Where: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve / Ellenwood Nature Barn
Cost: $10/class, payable at the door
Our Picks for November Events at Great Parks:
Thanksgiving on the Ohio Frontier
Step back more than 200 years to celebrate Thanksgiving on the Ohio frontier. Enjoy settler games, crafts and even try samples of period fare. Exchanges between Native Americans and settlers will be portrayed by the Society of Northwest Longhunters throughout the event.
When: November 9, 2-5pm
Where: Shawnee Lookout / Historic Cabin Area
Cost: Some crafts may cost a small fee
Fall Bird Walk
Hike the 1 mile paved trail at Glenwood Gardens and learn about the birds that frequent this park. Bring binoculars if you have them or share some of theirs. Ages 8+
When: November 9, 9am
Where: Glenwood Gardens
Cost: Free, register by 11/7
Harper Art Show
Enjoy viewing and purchasing Harper prints at the annual art show. A free print, titled “Once There was a Field” will be given with the purchase of a framed or unframed print. Featured this year is “Lovey Dovey.” Brett Harper will be signing books on 11/16 and 11/17 from 1–3 p.m.
When: November 13-17, 11am-4pm
Where: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve/Ellenwood Nature Barn
Cost: Free to admire
Yoga After Work
This is an adult, mixed-level yoga class and it’s taught by a certified instructor. Beginners are welcome, especially those who have never tried yoga.
When: Tuesdays in November starting at 5:30pm
Where: Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve / Ellenwood Nature Barn
Cost: $10/class, payable at the door
Thanks to Great Parks of Hamilton County for sponsoring this post.
