Published October 2, 2020
Missing Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience? Here’s 8 things you can do to Get Out & Live this season
Heads up! This article was published 4 years ago.
Each year during the first weekend in October, MetroParks celebrates all the wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities Dayton offers during the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Though the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is cancelled this year, there are still many ways you can experience the outdoor adventure capital of the Midwest.
HIKE, BIKE OR PADDLE METROPARKS’ BEST TRAILS ROUND UP
Your Five Rivers MetroParks are home 160 miles of paved and natural surface trails for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and more. The greater Dayton region is home to more than 340 miles of recreation trails – the nation’s largest paved trail network – and 270 miles of river corridor. Whether you want to take a casual stroll to soak in your natural surroundings or have little ones who want to join in on your adventures, MetroParks has trails to help you find your adventure.
The MetroParks mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial, can help you plan your adventure and navigate the trails. You can find these trail recommendations listed as “outings” in the MetroParks mobile app so you can take this information to the parks with you. Download the free app at metroparks.org/mobile.
Learn more about MetroParks’ best trails round up.
FIND NEW WAYS TO GET FIT OUTDOORS
If you’re looking for a fun way to get in shape, take your workout outdoors. In fact, exercising outdoors provides benefits the traditional gym workout does not — and just 30 to 40 minutes of exercise a few times a week will improve your heart health.
To make it easy for you to exercise outdoors, Five Rivers MetroParks has launched a Heart Healthy Trails initiative. These trails are:
- Easy to moderate
- 1 to 2.5 miles long
- Walkable at a brisk pace
- Marked every quarter mile to help you track your pace
Learn more about MetroParks’ Heart Health Trails.
RENT ADVENTURE
- Take-home program kits: MetroParks’ new take-home program kits help you and your family safely engage with fun, educational programs that connect you to nature. Kits include tools for hands-on exploration, self-guided activities with outdoor recreation, nature, gardening and historic farming themes. New kits are issued each month with a designated pick up time. Learn more.
- Mountain Bike Rentals at MoMBA: Mountain bike rentals are back at MoMBA on select Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the fall. Make reservations online for adult and children’s gear. Learn more.
- Weekend equipment rentals: No gear? No problem! MetroParks is offering weekend equipment rentals. In additional to equipment, each set will include resources, such as tutorials, how-to videos and internet links to information that will aid in using equipment. Online reservations must be made at least three days in advance of the rental. Learn more.
JOIN A CLUB
The Dayton region has many outdoor clubs that cover the spectrum of activity, from fishing to running. While some clubs may have shifted the way they meet due to COVID-19, engaging with people who share an interest in your new or existing recreation hobbies can help you feel connected during a time when we must be apart. View a list of more than 50 local clubs here.
VISIT A LOCAL OUTDOOR RETAILER
The Dayton region is home to many retailers who have the expertise and gear you need to continue your outdoor adventures throughout the year. Some recreation-based business also offer experiential outings, so if you need guidance or gear, you can sign up for an adventure. Learn more.
DOWNLOAD METROPARKS MOBILE APP
MetroParks visitors now have a new, easy way to access information about parks and trails from their mobile devices. Using the OuterSpatial platform, MetroParks’ new mobile application is free and available for both iPhone and Android devices. The app includes offline mapping and navigation — and access continues even without a cell phone signal. Learn more and download MetroParks mobile app.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW WITH YOUR FAMILY
Many people love connecting to nature with help from MetroParks’ naturalists at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Families are finding themselves spending more time indoors – especially when it comes to learning. From MetroParks’ kid-friendly videos to the exciting adventures with Nature Cat, MetroParks educators have found unique ways to inspire and empower families to head outdoors. Learn more.
GET OUT & LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
MetroParks’ recreation team has a host of virtual tools, resources, videos and more hosted on social media that are updated frequently. Be sure to follow MetroParks’ recreation on Facebook and YouTube, and sign up for the monthly outdoor recreation newsletter.
Five Rivers MetroParks visitors should always follow the CDC’s recommendations while spending time outdoors. For the most current information on MetroParks’ COVID-19 response and related closures, visit metroparks.org/covid-19 and follow Five Rivers MetroParks on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
