Opening Weekend: Nature Realm Celebration Activities

The long awaited reopening of the Akron Metroparks’ Nature Realm is this weekend! I couldn’t be happier. We love, love, love this beautiful park. My family enjoy the beauty of nature, the variety of gardens, and educational opportunities this park offers. Plus, my hubby and I got engaged here, so it is extra special for me and I’m glad it has reopened.

The Naure Realm underwent an amazing facelift over the last 15 months and we are eager to see it this weekend.  There have been new features added including a more accessible entrance to the center with a gradual grade walkway, new exhibits replaced the 18 year old exhibits,  new observation pond deck right off the back of the nature realm visitor center, updates on the bird observation area, new waterway that leads parking lot run off into the pond, new restrooms, renovated auditorium, earth sustainable products were used throughout, and more. The Akron Metroparks’ Nature Realm has amazing kids and family programs offered year round, with the renovations, even more opportunities for schools and groups are available.

Renovated Nature Realm Auditorium

Nature Realm Grand Opening Events

Saturday, March 20, 8 a.m.
OPENING WEEKEND: HIKE & BREAKFAST
Hike the transformed Nature Realm grounds and get behind-the-scenes insight into our green decisions. After the hike, enjoy breakfast and tour the building. REGISTRATION BEGINS 3/11: 330-865-8065. Participants are asked to contribute to the morning feast. FASN/Visitors Center

Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
OPENING WEEKEND: NATURE REALM CELEBRATION
Visit the new-and-improved Nature Realm. Children can make a take-home craft with Naturalist Meghan Doran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone can enjoy a 1.3-mile hike with Naturalist Danusia Casteel at 1 p.m. to learn about the history of this park. And at 3 p.m., Naturalist Mike Greene leads a one-mile hike of the Cherry Lane and Fernwood trails to search for signs of spring. Due to limited parking, shuttle details will be announced on summitmetroparks.org closer to the event. FASN/Visitors Center

Visitors Center hours will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The center is closed Mondays.