Published January 29, 2025

MetroParks Monthly: Programs & Events for February

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 on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

PROGRAMS

For Everyone

Active Outdoors

Youth & Family

Adult Nature Exploration

Earth Friendly Living

SPECIAL EVENTS

2025 MetroParks Trails Challenge is Under Way

The 2025 MetroParks Trails Challenge includes 28 new trails for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, paddling and horseback riding to check off this year, including new opportunities to enjoy flat water floats at Eastwood Lake and Argonne Lake.

Because you can complete trails on your own time and at your own pace, participants can start with easier, shorter trails and move on to more challenging trails. To sweeten the deal, for each trail completed, participants have a chance to win awesome prizes.

Register and start checking off trails this Saturday!

The 2025 MetroParks Trails Challenge is presented by Huffy with additional support from Dayton Children’s, Wright State University and Miller Valentine Construction.

The Adventure Speakers Series starts Feb. 5

Five Rivers MetroParks and Wright State University have partnered to offer four presentations meant to inspire a sense of adventure in outdoor enthusiasts of all interests. The biennial Adventure Speaker Series begins on Wednesday, Feb. 5 and continues throughout the winter with local explorers covering such topics as climbing, travel, hiking and truck camping.

The Adventure Speaker Series talks are select Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free. The schedule is:

Speakers: Alex Petersen, Cedrick Gauthier and Eli Capasso

Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wright State University’s Student Union

Speaker: Tom Wright

Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wright State University’s Student Union

Check out March’s topics and learn more.

Last chance to skate at the MetroParks Ice Rink

The MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark is open daily through the end of February with special holiday hours on Presidents Day, in addition to special deals for Valentine’s Day.

  • Thursday, Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day Skate – Bring a bestie and enjoy 50% off admission and skate rentals.
  • Friday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 16: Sweetheart Skate – Enjoy two admissions, skate rentals, cups of cocoa and a box of Winans Chocolates for $20. Special hours apply; while supplies last. There will be regular scheduled music during Family Day Skate on Sunday, Feb. 16.

Family Skate Days are Sundays, from 1 to 5 p.m. These special skate days feature kid-friendly music, in addition to hands-on games and activities in the heated comfort tent. Also included with regular admission are themed skate nights, which are every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and feature a variety of music and chances to win prizes. Dates are:

  • Friday, Feb. 7: Cosmic Skate (music inspired by Star Wars)
  • Friday, Feb. 14: Valentine’s (love songs in celebration of Valentine’s Day)
  • Friday, Feb. 21: A Promenade on Ice! (music inspired by Bridgerton)
  • Friday, Feb. 28: Soul Night (music inspired by popular Motown tunes)
Related  The free Adventure Speaker Series starts Feb. 5

Programs and events are included with regular admission. Admission is $7 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $3. Children 3 years old and under are free with a paying adult. There is no charge for those who are not skating.

Thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation and its Access to Nature Financial Assistance program, reduced admission is available for those who use SNAP/EBT benefits. Discounts have increased from 50% to 75%, which is $1.75 for admission and $.75 for skate rentals. Customers just need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive the discount.

The RiverScape Café offers cozy beverages and treats, including drinks for those ages 21 and older. The RiverScape Café is open during the MetroParks Ice Rink’s daily hours of operation, which vary. Find additional information about special events, skating lessons and more, visit MetroParks Ice Rink’s website.

MetroParks has planned a special free Community Open Skate at the MetroParks Ice Rink on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a way to show some love to all our wonderful park goers and supporters before we say farewell to the 2024-25 skating season. Before you head to RiverScape MetroPark to hit the ice, make sure you know before you go:

  • Skates may be borrowed, but are available in limited quantity and sizes and given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Some guests may have to wait before skates become available.
  • Upon arrival, please review the MetroParks Ice Rink’s rules – this is how we keep people safe on the ice!
  • The RiverScape Café will be open and cozy drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
  • This event is weather dependent and may be cancelled due to unseasonably warm or inclement weather.

The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by MSD, USI Insurance Services, Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, WKEF/FOX45/Dayton 24/7 Now and WINANS Coffee + Chocolate.

Celebrate Black History Month at the 2nd Street Market

February is Black History Month and the 2nd Street Market has planned a month of programs that celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of Black Americans, both locally and beyond. The Market will also celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special chocolate-themed Culture Kitchen on Feb. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Learn about all of the Market’s programs.

MONTHLY MUST-DOS IN YOUR METROPARKS

Bird is the word: In preparation for the first ever MetroParks Birding Challenge beginning March 1, spend some time outside seeing what avian friends you can find. If you don’t know where to start, head to the Window on Wildlife bird blind at Germantown MetroPark to learn more about local birds and see them snack on some bird seed. Learn more about birding in MetroParks.

The Window on Wildlife is presented by Wild Birds Unlimited, Kettering and Huber Heights.

Planet parade: On Feb. 28, we get a rare treat in the night sky. All seven planets (still love you, Pluto!) will align and most of them will be visible to the naked eye – provided the evening sky is clear. This special astronomical occurrence is called a “planet parade.” Read about more happenings in the night sky during 2025.

On the watch for witch hazel: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark is home to an impressive collection of witch hazel, a plant with vibrant blooms that start to show in the late winter. Plan a visit to see them in bloom this month.

SUSTAINABILITY TIP: Recycle right!

Learning what can and cannot be recycled at home and at different locations in the community is a great way to start greener habits. To take a deeper dive into recycling, register for Master Recycling Class, which starts on Feb. 22.

FEBRUARY CHALLENGE: Complete all of MetroParks’ Heart Healthy Trails

February is Heart Healthy Month and just one way to squeeze in some cardiovascular health is by hiking MetroParks’ Heart Healthy Trails. These trails are shorter in length, easy to traverse and clearly marked signs ensure you keep a brisk pace. Learn more about these low-impact, high-adventure amenities.

Please note: Programs and events with limited capacity may fill quickly; however, in some cases waitlists are available. Please contact 937-275-PARK to inquire about being placed on a waitlist. Additionally, programs may be cancelled due to a variety of reasons – including weather conditions – please check MetroParks’ online calendar to check the status of a program or event before attending.

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