(December 28, 2023) – Stark Parks will offer a variety of winter programs and activities including educational programs and activities such as archery, glow hikes as well as a Groundhog Day event and Frozen Toes Challenge in February. Yoga classes will also be offered throughout January and February. Visit StarkParks.com for class information and registration for all events and programs.
Upcoming Events and Programs:
Skiing and Snowshoe Rental
Starting in January, Stark Parks will be providing skiing and snowshoe rentals at Quail Hollow Park if weather permitting. Sign up for the winter alerts to find out when the ski shop will be open at Starkparks.com/winter/
Groundhog Day Open House – February 2nd
Our esteemed animal ambassador, Rolland the Groundhog, invites you to the Wildlife Conservation Center at Sippo Lake Park for live animal viewing, woodchuck games, crafts, and listening for nighttime animal calls from the warmth of the Wildlife Conservation Center Classroom using our indoor/outdoor speaker system. Please dress warmly if you plan to visit the outdoor animal enclosures. The event is free from 5:00 – 7:00 PM.
Frozen Toes Challenge – February 10th
The challenge is to endure 5 miles while running or walking the unique topography that Fry Family Park has to offer in the winter. The goal is to complete the course in 3 hours from when you start. Check-in will begin at 11:00 am, and participants may begin the challenge any time between 11-11:30 am. This event is open to both runners and walkers of all ages and will take place rain, snow, or sunshine. Registration is required on or before 2/5/24. Cost is $5.
Science and Nature
STEAM Teens:
Birdfeeder Workshop – January 9th
Wild Valentine – February 13th
The monthly STEAM Teens program connects 13 – 18-year-olds to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, using hands-on learning. The programs are from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at the Exploration Gateway. Pizza will be provided. Pre-registration is required and cost is $5.
Wildlife Wednesday:
Hibernators – January 10th
Flappy Vowlentines Day – February 14th
Each month, during the Stark Parks Wildlife Wednesday encounters, participants will meet an animal ambassador followed by a naturalist-led walk outdoors. Located at the Exploration Gateway from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. The program is free but registration is required.
Navigating the Night Sky – January 12th and February 9th
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 equipment (telescopes, binoculars, cameras, etc.). Registration is required and the program will be canceled if the sky is cloudy or calls for inclement weather. Visit starkparks.com for details on locations, times, and future dates. Programs are free but registration is required.
Identitree:
Winter Tree ID – January 13th
Learn ways to identify common trees in Stark County by their leaves, seeds, and more in our IdentiTree series. This month, start in the classroom learning tips and tricks for identifying leafless trees in the winter. Then we’ll hit the trail and practice our new skills. Meet at the Exploration Gateway in the downstairs Science Lab. Program is from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Program is free but registration is required.
Trees on Skis – February 15th
Hop on cross-country skis through Quail Hollow Park and stop and learn about common trees of Ohio. All ski equipment and boots will be provided. The program will begin with a quick introduction to cross-country skiing skills. If snow is not present, there will be a hike in place of cross-country skiing. Program is free but cost to rent skis is $5.00 payable by cash at the door. Starts at 5:00 PM
Wild Workshop: Bird Feeder – January 29th and Flying Squirrel Nest Box – February 26th
Join us for a night of learning, craftsmanship, and fun at our Wild Workshops. The program is held in the Science Lab at the Exploration Gateway from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. The cost is $25 for in-county residents and $30 for out of county. Price is per feeder or nest box not per person.
Activities
Youth Archery – January 11th and February 7th
This introductory-level archery program is for youth ages 10-17. This class emphasizes safety, proper shooting form, and recreational target shooting presented by USA Archery certified staff. All archery equipment will be provided for this class. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $5 for in-county residents and $7 for out of county. Class is held at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park.
Adventure Kids 3 – 5 and 6 – 9 year-olds
Winter Wanderers – January 17th and January 20th
Great Backyard Birds – February 10th and February 14th
Pre-registration is required. Visit StarkParks.com for class times. Program is free but registration is required.
Marvel at the Moon Hikes – January 25th and February 23rd
Learn about moon phases and how this satellite affects our daily lives. The program is free but registration is required. Located at Quail Hollow Park on January 25th and Middle Branch Trail on February 23rd.
Adult Archery – January 25th and February 28th
Join Stark Parks 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 must be 18 years of age to sign up. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $5 for in-county residents and $7 for out of county. Class is held at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park.
Date Night: Batty for You – February 9th
This month learn about the importance of bats as you meet one of our bat ambassadors at Tam O’Shanter Park in the Clubhouse. Then, build your own bat box to take home to support your local bats. Price includes one bat box per couple. Must be 21 or older, and you must register both members of your party. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase during the program. The cost is $25 for in-county residents and $30 for out of county.
Lantern Hike – February 16th
Experience the evening hours by lantern light as we explore nocturnal sights and sounds on this one-mile hike at Quail Hollow Park. The program is free but registration is required.
Snowshoe Glow Hike: Foxes – February 24th
Learn about our park’s nocturnal creatures on this glow-in-the-dark hike at Fry Family Park. As we make our way along the trail we will talk about why foxes are up this late and keep our eyes and ears peeled for any that may be lurking nearby. Glow accessories provided. The program is free but cost to rent snowshoes is $5.00 payable by cash at the door. Registration required.
About Stark Parks
Stark Parks manages 15 parks, 4 lakes, and over 120 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, totaling over 6,800 acres of land. For more information on Stark Parks, visit StarkParks.com.
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Angela Palomba
Community Engagement Manager
Ph 330-479-2336
5712 12th Street NW
Canton, Ohio 44708