Medina County Park District fills November with art, hikes and holiday fun
From Nature Art Fest to night hikes and birdwatching, the parks offer creative and family-friendly ways to celebrate the season.
The park district’s November lineup features hikes for every pace — from vigorous treks in the Healthy Dose of Nature series to relaxed walks like Natural Discoveries and Senior Strides, plus special outings such as the New Moon Stroll and K-9 Kapers.Medina County Park District
Published
November in the Medina County Park District promises a full calendar of events celebrating art, nature and community — just as autumn gives way to winter. From holiday photo sessions and birdwatching to the district’s popular Nature Art Fest, the month blends creative energy with outdoor exploration.
The 24th Annual Nature Art Fest, held Nov. 8-9 at Oenslager Nature Center, showcases professional artists offering paintings, woodwork, photography and other nature-inspired creations, making it a favorite free event for holiday shoppers and art lovers alike.Medina County Park District
The festivities begin Nov. 1 with two standout events. Fun Family Fotos at Oenslager Nature Center offers professional portraits for families looking to capture that perfect holiday card image. Participants can choose between cozy backdrops like the stone fireplace or a seasonal setting, with digital images delivered for easy printing. The same day, A Healthy Dose of Nature, a three- to five-mile hike at Buckeye Woods Park, invites outdoor enthusiasts to lace up their boots for a brisk trek through late-fall scenery.
The weekend of Nov. 8-9 marks the return of the 24th Annual Nature Art Fest, also at Oenslager Nature Center. The event showcases works from professional artists inspired by nature — from paintings and photography to woodcarvings and stained glass. The fest is free and open to all ages, making it an easy family outing or an early stop for holiday gift shopping.
That same weekend, the Fall into Nature program at the Susan Hambley Nature Center offers a quieter way to enjoy the season. Visitors can drop in to learn how local wildlife prepares for winter, from squirrels caching acorns to trees shedding leaves. The display runs both days, noon to 5 p.m.
On Nov. 9, the action shifts to Allardale Park, where the Orienteering Score Scramble challenges participants to navigate a timed treasure-hunt-style course using a map and compass. Hosted by the Northeastern Ohio Orienteering Club, the event combines problem-solving, endurance and a bit of friendly competition. Also that afternoon, book lovers can gather at Krabill Lodge for the Narrating Nature Book Club, discussing Peter Wohlleben’s The Hidden Life of Trees — a meditation on how trees communicate and support each other in the forest.
For those looking to give back to nature, It’s Time to Feed the Birds on Nov. 16 at Oenslager offers practical advice for winter birdwatching. Park staff will explain feeder types, seed choices and how to attract cold-weather visitors like chickadees and cardinals. The program also introduces Project FeederWatch, a citizen-science initiative that tracks bird populations across North America.
The month also features programs designed for families and younger visitors. On Nov. 2, kids can drop in for Who Dung It?, a playful educational program at Oenslager Nature Center where participants become wildlife detectives, learning to identify animals by the evidence they leave behind. Later in the month, Tales for Tots: Gobble! Gobble!, scheduled for Nov. 20, celebrates the wild turkey through storytelling, crafts and hands-on learning for children ages 3 to 6.
Several programs invite participants to experience the parks in new ways. K-9 Kapers on Nov. 15 at Lake Medina encourages dog owners to socialize their pets during a group hike. That evening, adults can join the Winter Centerpiece Workshop, led by the Medina County Herb Society, to craft holiday table décor from natural materials. The $30 session includes all supplies and guidance.
As the month winds down, late-autumn adventures continue. The New Moon Stroll on Nov. 21 at River Styx Park offers a rare chance to explore nature after dark, as naturalists lead an evening hike in search of nocturnal wildlife. On Nov. 23, the Natural Discoveries Hiking Series returns to Oenslager for the “Decomposition Dawdle,” a gentle walk highlighting how life continues even as the forest slows down for winter.
For those who enjoy photography, the Photographers of the Park Club meets that same afternoon at Oenslager. Open to all skill levels, the club provides a space for sharing techniques, discussing nature imagery and collaborating on future park photo projects.
Throughout the month, recurring favorites continue. The Senior Strides walking group meets Nov. 11 at Brunswick Lake Trail for a social one- to two-mile stroll, while Natural Discoveries at Holmesbrook Park on Nov. 12 offers an easy guided walk through the shifting landscape of late fall.
Most events are free and open to all ages unless otherwise noted. More events, details and registration information are available at medinacountyparks.com.
