Stark Parks rolls out free Fall Fest and a full slate of October programs
From night hikes and birding to yoga, seed collections and lantern-lit lore, residents can register now for dozens of family-friendly activities across county parks.
Stark Parks is offering a full lineup of free and low-cost fall events in October, including Fall Fest, hikes, bike rides, kids’ programs, nature walks and community workshops.Stark Parks
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Stark Parks will offer a variety of upcoming programs and activities. For registration and details, visit StarkParks.com.
Stark Parks’ October schedule features a variety of guided hikes, including nocturnal wildlife walks, fungi and moss explorations, fall foliage treks and a lantern-lit folklore hike.Stark Parks
Fall Fest will return to Tam O’Shanter Park on Oct. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. The free, family event will feature crafts, games, wildlife encounters, live music and concessions. No registration is required.
Science and nature
Nature Nights: Nocturnal Sounds — Join naturalists at Fry Family Park on Oct. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. for an evening hike to listen for nocturnal wildlife, followed by a campfire with songs and s’mores. Free; registration required.
Finding Fungi — Take a fungi hike at Sippo Lake Park’s Wildlife Conservation Center on Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Learn to identify common mushrooms such as Dryad’s Saddle and Turkey Tail, and look for fall species like Jack-o’-Lanterns and Puffballs. Free; registration required.
Native Seed Collection — Collect seeds from native wildflowers Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Fry Family Park or Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon at Petros Lake Park. Free; registration required.
Avian Adventure — Join a birdwatching hike at Walborn Reservoir on Oct. 24 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. All skill levels welcome. Free; registration required.
Get moving
Ranger Walks — Take a one-mile guided walk at Deer Creek Reservoir on Oct. 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. with law enforcement rangers, who will share how they protect wildlife and visitors. Free; registration required at StarkParks.com.
Mossy Myco Walk — Explore mushrooms and mosses at Quail Hollow Park on Oct. 9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The program begins with a short presentation, followed by a guided trail walk. Free; registration required.
Night Bike Rides on the Towpath — Join Ernie’s Bicycle Shop on Oct. 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. for a 14- to 18-mile beginner-friendly ride on the Sippo Valley or Towpath Trails. Riders must wear helmets and have bikes with headlights and taillights. Free; no registration required. Rental bikes available. More at erniesbikeshop.com/events or 330-832-5111.
Date Night: Campfire Cooking — Couples can enjoy a scavenger hunt and learn campfire cooking at Quail Hollow Park on Oct. 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $5 per couple for in-county residents, $7 for out-of-county. Registration required.
Fall Foliage Hike — Explore Deer Creek Reservoir on Oct. 21 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. while learning to identify trees by their leaves, seeds and bark. Free; registration required.
Adventure Kids: Terrific Trees — Children ages 3-5 can join the program Oct. 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sippo Lake Park’s Exploration Gateway. On Oct. 25, children ages 3-5 meet from 11 a.m. to noon, and children ages 6-9 meet from 1 to 2 p.m. The program includes a story, craft and hike. Free; registration required.
E-Cycle/Goodwill Drop-Off — Stark Parks, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio and Summit E-cycle will host a donation drop-off Oct. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Walborn Reservoir in Alliance. Items accepted include electronics, books, household goods and toys.
Lore by Lantern Hike — Take a lantern-lit hike along the Towpath Trail on Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and hear local folklore tied to canal history. Lanterns are first-come, first-served. Be prepared for a two-mile walk. Free; registration required.
Yoga — Certified instructor Kim Kohler will lead one-hour sessions suitable for all skill levels. Participants must bring a mat. Cost is $8 for in-county residents and $12 for out-of-county. Dates include Oct. 4, 6, 18, 20, 25 and 27. Pre-registration required.
