Outdoor Connections
Understanding Leave No Trace in Your MetroParks
Updated March 28th, 2024
Spring is here, and that means a lot more people are about to head out to enjoy their local MetroPark. Are you making plans on heading out for a hike or a ride? Here are a few outdoor principles from Leave No Trace, an organization on a mission to ensure a sustainable future for the […]
Hike your way to heart health with the MetroParks Trails Challenge
Published March 20, 2024
Now that the weather is warming and there are more hours of daylight, it’s a great time to start a new wellness journey. Engaging in healthy activities outdoors provides a boost of benefits that indoor workout sessions do not, such as decreased stress and increased vitamin D and heart health. Indeed, heart disease is the […]
Be a mud skipper during this weird weather season
Updated March 7th, 2024
For the third year in a row, winter’s flip-flopping temps and wet weather have probably resulted in many of your favorite natural surface trails being muddy. When this happens, regional park manager Mike Osborne encourages parkgoers to avoid these trails or take your adventures to the region’s many paved trails. “When there are muddy patches […]
MetroParks Ice Rink hosts new Family Day Skates and popular favorites through March 1
Published January 9, 2024
Offering a safe, family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages, the MetroParks Ice Rink will host new Family Skate Days and themed skate nights this winter at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. Family Skate Days are on select Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Each has a family friendly theme with additional off-the-ice activities […]
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for January
Published December 18, 2023
Below you’ll find a list of programs and events for all ages, from children to lifelong learners, in addition to MetroParks must-dos, sustainability tips and information on what’s growing in the parks this month. Take a deeper dive into your areas of interest by signing up for MetroParks’ email newsletters and following Five Rivers MetroParks […]
6 tips to tackle your New Year’s resolutions outdoors this year
Updated December 14th, 2023
The new year has many people feeling the pressure to improve their lives by adopting new habits. “New Year, new you,” is the common trope associated with resolutions, although studies show that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail. So, rather than “new year, new you,” perhaps think, “new year, new habits” — and look to […]
Save money and the planet on Secondhand Sunday
Published November 21, 2023
You’ve likely heard of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but the Sunday following the two-day shopping frenzy ends with an invitation to craft, create and discover gently used items for yourself or others. Secondhand Sunday is the perfect occasion to save money and make sustainable choices when it comes to the holiday season. In […]
MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for November
Published October 26, 2023
Below you’ll find a list of programs and events for all ages, from children to lifelong learners, in addition to MetroParks must-dos, sustainability tips and information on what’s growing in the parks this month. Take a deeper dive into your areas of interest by signing up for MetroParks’ email newsletters and following Five Rivers MetroParks […]
Less than a week left to submit your MetroParks Trail Challenge Log
Published October 20, 2023
Time’s almost up! The 2023 MetroParks Trails Challenge ends on Oct. 31, when trail logs are due. Participants should be proud of exploring new trails and trying new outdoor recreation activities this year. Your MetroParks wants to be sure to reward a few lucky Trails Challenge adventurers, but in order to do so you must […]
Know before you go: Tips to shrink line time, essentials to bring and more for this weekend’s Wagner Subaru Outdoor Ex...
Published October 4, 2023
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, presented by Huffy, is this Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday Oct. 8 at Eastwood MetroPark. With nearly a dozen activities to try, live music, competitions, demonstrations and more, it’s best to plan ahead to maximize your experience during the festival. To ensure you have the best experience possible at the […]