There is something for everyone in Geauga Park District this summer – from a “Night Out” with an Elvis tribute artist, to a chance to earn a burger or hot dog by catching a bug, to bat exploration on a bike or fish exploration in snorkeling gear, to the brand new West Woods Wednesdays Farm Market! Here are our offerings for July 2017.
Nature Sunday Fun Day
Sunday, July 2nd 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The West Woods – Drop in anytime during program hours to enjoy naturalist led outdoor exploration and indoor activities like a puppet show, “meet an animal friend” and crafts. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
X-TREME Days: Explore Ravines & Ledges (Teens entering grades 8-10)
Monday, July 3rd, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – The West Woods – Fee: $30 – Join Chief Naturalist John Kolar in search of wildlife and history on a rugged, backcountry adventure into some of the remote rock ledges, streams and ravines in The West Woods! Scholarship sources available; call for details. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
X-TREME Days: Off-trail Navigating (Teens entering grades 8-10)
Wednesday, July 5th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Big Creek Park, Meyer Center – Fee: $30 – Learn outdoor navigation and survival skills in this day-long camp. We’ll learn how to “stay found,” navigate with a map and compass, plan off-trail routes and more! Scholarship sources available; call for details. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
X-TREME Days: Natural Science Challenge (Teens entering grades 8-10)
Thursday, July 6th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Swine Creek Reservation, Lodge – Fee: $30 – Join naturalists Tami Gingrich and Dottie Drockton to explore several different facets of wildlife research including bird banding, trail camera checks, butterfly monitoring and stream exploration. Scholarship sources available; call for details. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
X-TREME Days: Kayak River Challenge (Teens entering grades 8-10)
Friday, July 7th, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Eldon Russell Park – Fee: $30 – The wilds of the Upper Cuyahoga River are home to a wondrous variety of birds and beasts. Join camp staff on this 10-mile “X-treme” adventure as we paddle our way, discovering plants and wildlife in and along the river. Participants will be dropped off at Eldon Russell Park and picked up at Camp Hi Canoe Livery, 12274 Abbott Road, Hiram. Scholarship sources available; call for details. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
“Planet Nine”
Friday, July 7th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, July 21st, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Observatory Park – Is there a giant planet beyond Pluto? Examine the evidence, and join in the investigation for the mysterious “Planet Nine.” Followed by night-sky viewing using the park telescopes until 11 PM, weather permitting. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
High Rise Homes: Osprey Van Tour
Saturday, July 8th – 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – The West Woods – Take a tour of local osprey nests atop cell towers. Having made an astounding comeback in Ohio, these “fish hawk” are seen plunging for fish on Geauga’s lakes. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
Nights Out in the Parks: Jim Felix “Sounds of Elvis” in Concert
Saturday, July 8th, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Big Creek Park Amphitheater – Enjoy some of “The King’s” best selections performed by Jim Felix, an Elvis tribute artist who strives to keep Elvis’ music and memory alive for future generations to enjoy. Held inside nature center if inclement weather. Refreshments served. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Night Sky Viewing
Saturday, July 8th, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 22nd, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Observatory Park – Take in the wonders of the night sky using park telescopes! Planetarium program in inclement weather. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Burgers ‘n Butterflies, Dogs ‘n Dragons
Sunday, July 9th, 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Swine Creek Reservation, Lake Side – Earn your free lunch as you participate in this annual butterfly and dragonfly survey of Swine Creek. Nets provided. Experts will identify your specimens. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible. Nature’s Not to Be Missed.
The Sky Tonight Planetarium Show
Sunday, July 9th, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 23rd, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Observatory Park – Join us for a planetarium presentation about what to watch for in the night sky each week. Building open house 1-4 PM. Weather permitting, also view the sun using our safe solar-viewing equipment. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Hound Hike: Paws to Planets
Sunday, July 9th, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Observatory Park – Explore these trails with your dog! Walkers without dogs also welcome. Only one non-aggressive dog per handler, kept on leash at all times (8 ft. max). Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Kelso Full Moon Kayak (Ages 12+ w/adult)
Sunday, July 9th, 8:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve – Watch the moon rise over the beautiful waters of Lake Kelso. Basic kayaking skills required. Ages 12+ with adult. Registration opens July 2. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
The Full Thunder Moon
Sunday, July 9th, 9:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Observatory Park – Come learn some moon lore in our planetarium, then observe the rising Thunder Moon, named for July’s stormy weather, using park telescopes. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Adventure Day Camp (Youth entering grades 5-7)
Monday, July 10th – Friday, July 14th, 9:00 a.m -4:00 p.m.
The West Woods – Fee: $150 – Are you adventure ready? Sign up for an exciting week of exploring, biking, kayaking, fishing, sending rockets high into the sky and more. Each day begins and ends at The West Woods Nature Center, with transportation provided to other parks for various activities with highly qualified staff. Schedules and required waivers sent after registration. Bring lunch, water and a raincoat in a backpack each day; other equipment is provided by the fee. Optional before care will be available at an additional fee for campers enrolled the weeks of July 17th and 31st. Scholarship sources available. Please call 440-286-9516 for details and to register your camper. Registration required. Not wheelchair/stroller accessible.
