The sky’s the limit for seniors

Metro Parks offers a variety of activities and programs to connect seniors, 50 and older, to the natural world. Programs are designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle but also offer opportunities for seniors who may need a bit more assistance.

Seniors can participate in Metro Five-0 Program held in various parks throughout the year. These programs are rated for different abilities ranging from fully accessible to strenuous.

Senior groups can also schedule a special program topic based on their interests, book the tram for a guided nature tour of one of the parks or schedule an educator to conduct a program at their senior center, assisted living facility or nursing home.

All programs are free and fun, especially the Senior Day Camp program.

Metro 5-0 News & Programs

News & Stories from your Metro Parks

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Metro Parks make life better for new Central Ohio residents

Metro Parks filled a void for a couple that recently moved to Central Ohio from Lansing, Michigan, to be close to their daughter. Barbara and Paul Toman are in their …Read More

Strolling through the decades

Blacklick Woods Metro Park opened 69 years ago, just as Sam Nonnamacher was settling back into civilian life. He served in World War II as a Marine and returned home …Read More

Senior Camp is a blast at Blacklick Woods

CARRIE KELLER Outreach Naturalist For nearly three weeks every fall about 700 of our more seasoned Central Ohio citizens pass through the gates at Blacklick Woods to enjoy a day …Read More

Stop by at Clear Creek for a premier birding experience

MARCEY SHAFER Clear Creek Metro Park is one of Ohio’s best spots to see birds. Every year the park comes alive with migratory birds. Some stop here for a break …Read More

Tram Programs

From April through October, groups may schedule a program on a Metro Parks tram. Participants will travel through a park with a naturalist and learn about the park’s natural and cultural features. For tram locations and availability please call the naturalist at the park where you’d like to schedule your program. The naturalist will have a list of available dates and times. Tram Schedule

Blacklick Woods Metro Park (September 11-30) 614.861.8759
Sharon Woods Metro Park (May 22-June 3, July 17-August 5) 614.865.4507
Three Creeks Metro Park (June 5-12) 614.409.9914
Blendon Woods Metro Park (June 19-28, October 23-28) 614.895.6221
Glacier Ridge Metro Park (August 7-19) 614.971.5211
Highbanks Metro Park (August 21-September 2) 614.846.9962

How do I know how difficult a program is?

Programs are rated by difficulty level, 1-4 with one being the easiet and four being the most strenuous.

LEVEL 1

Fully accessible. Stationary and/or move at own pace

LEVEL 2

Less than one mile, mostly flat, may include unpaved or uneven terrain, slow pace

LEVEL 3

Up to 2 miles, some hills or uneven terrain and/or moderate pace

LEVEL 4

More than 2 miles. Hills and/or uneven terrain. Strenuous pace

Program Descriptions

Free Programs & Activities for Seniors

Metro Parks’ outreach group offers free programs for seniors, age 50 and older. Programs are typically 60-minutes long. Difficulty levels vary. These programs are offered in various parks throughout the year, or you can schedule a program for your group. To schedule one of our current programs, call 614.508.8060

Educator Colleen Sharkey hosts a presentation at Innis House for a Metro Five-0 Gardening for Birds program
Photo: Cheryl Blair

Amazing Trees

Discover the leaves and seeds of common trees found in the parks and learn about their uses.

Animal Homes

See different types of homes that birds, insects and mammals use and how they build their abodes.

Archery

Learn how to use a bow and arrow.

Artifacts of the Past

See and touch tools and implements used in the 1880s as you take a journey back in time.

Backyard Birds

Learn about birds with sound recordings and a slide show, and how you can attract more birds to your yard.

Bees, Butterflies & Beyond

Explore the world of Ohio’s 6- legged creatures.

Birds of Prey

Discover how Ohio’s owls and hawks use their beaks, feet, eyes and feathers to hunt and survive.

Fishing

Catch and release fish. Bait and poles provided.

Nature Discovery

Discover the sights and sounds of Metro Parks.

Oh Deer

Learn about the life history of the white-tailed deer, using pelts, antlers and other touchable objects.

Ohio Mammals

Learn about mammals that live in the parks.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Learn about Ohio’s snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders.

Rock On!

Learn about rocks, minerals and fossils.

Wildflowers

Enjoy the seasonal beauty of spring, summer or fall on a walk along a trail. This program can also be experienced indoors through a slide show.

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!