Get outside, try something new, and find your people. Registered programs run all year across the Park District.
Science is all around us! Children will experience science firsthand through hands-on, and sometimes messy, activities! We will explore fascinating science concepts with a new theme each week. We are putting science to the test as your child learns about chemistry, biology and physics.
Registration deadline: Monday, October 26
Register nowTry new art skills during this fun, nature-themed crafting program. Each session will offer different options for participants to choose from, allowing them to work independently or get creative together!
Registration deadline: Thursday, November 5
Register nowThe ocean is calling and your child is invited on the journey! As the cold weather rolls in, we will kick off our evening with crafts and games reminiscent of a tropical vacation. Afterwards we will make a fruit-filled snack featuring fruits from mango to papaya! We will end the night with a screening of a beloved, ocean-filled movie. The best part? No school on Friday, November 13! Kick off your 3-day weekend with a splash!
Registration deadline: Friday, November 6
Register nowGrab a hammer and nails and help CWPD build some turtle platforms for the wildlife ponds at your parks! All supplies will be provided. No experience necessary. All Conservation Crew sessions qualify for volunteer service hours.
Registration deadline: Monday, November 9
Register nowIn this pumpkin-packed STEM class, kids will explore all things pumpkin through hands-on science experiments and tasty fall fun! From erupting pumpkin volcanoes to making pumpkin pie in a bag, participants will investigate, create, and discover as they dive into a variety of pumpkin-themed activities. Note: We will be making a tasty pumpkin treat to eat at this program. Please be sure to include any food allergy information for your child upon registration. No peanuts will be used; however other allergens may be present.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 11
Register nowThis take-home kit features crafts and activities revolving around a fun nature-based seasonal theme! There will be three different kits — one for each month!
Registration deadline: Thursday, September 3
Register nowFlying squirrels are Ohio’s most common squirrel, yet most people claim they have never seen one! Join us on a hike as we try to spot this elusive frequent flyer. This is a Tools to Trek program.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 17
Register nowJoin Katie Blauser from Eat Pretty Darling to make a turkey themed snack and then trek together around the meadow! Please note: This is not a drop off program, children are required to be accompanied by an adult. All major food allergens could be present in this class
Registration deadline: Sunday, November 15
Register now
More than 120 miles of trail across 51 parks — and most of it is a short walk from home.
Fall is almost over, so let’s get back onto the park trails and learn more about some of our favorite fall blooms! Five fall flowers are hidden around Grant Park! Each bloom you find is another entry into our raffle for a fall floral-themed basket. Once you find a flower, scan the QR code and fill in answers about fall blooms. Winners with be contacted December 9. This is a Tools to Trek Program.
Registration deadline: Thursday, December 3
Register nowJoin Kristin Bailey from The Purple Paintbrush to celebrate the season of gratitude by creating a meaningful piece of art. Work together to design a beautiful tree filled with fingerprint designs, painted initials and thoughtful embellishments that reflect what you’re most thankful for. This heartfelt experience is all about slowing down, sharing gratitude and making something special together. Note: The class registration includes one 11" x 14" (or similar) canvas, perfectly sized for two participants to create side by side. Families with more than two may wish to register for an additional canvas so everyone has space to contribute to their creation.
Registration deadline: Sunday, November 15
Register nowJoin us on a stroll through your park! A naturalist will point out seasonal changes and discuss the wildlife we observe. Hike is on a natural path.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 10
Register nowJoin us for a felt-filled evening of making cozy crafts! We will be using basic sew and stitch techniques to make felt bookmarks and cup cozies.
Registration deadline: Friday, November 6
Register nowCelebrate the season by creating a wreath watercolor painting utilizing basic brush and watercolor techniques. Makes a great gift or decoration. This class is best for beginner to intermediate level participants. All supplies will be provided, and you will leave the class with your completed artwork! Class is taught by visual artist and designer Renee Hopson.
Registration deadline: Sunday, November 8
Register nowLearn how to create a garden that comes alive at night with white flowers, silvery foliage and night-blooming plants. Moon gardens can be designed for visual appeal or to attract nocturnal wildlife such as moths and bats. This talk covers which native plants work best for a moon garden, how to layer plants for continuous bloom, and tips for planning a garden that is both beautiful and wildlife-friendly. Participants will receive a handout with a moon garden native plant list to help plan their own nighttime landscape.
Registration deadline: Monday, November 16
Register nowFee: $80 residents, $100 nonresidents Registration Deadline: Friday, November 13 Learn to make soap through cold processing from Beth Bridgeman, a full-time maker and weaver from Yellow Springs, Ohio. We will be using lye and fat to build our bars as well as essential oils and natural colorants. Participants will walk away with 8 – 10 bars of gentle, natural and handmade soap along with information, history and the confidence to make your own soap at home. All materials are included. Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration deadline: none listed
Register nowFee: $80 residents, $100 nonresidents Registration Deadline: Friday, November 13 Learn to make soap through cold processing from Beth Bridgeman, a full-time maker and weaver from Yellow Springs, Ohio. We will be using lye and fat to build our bars as well as essential oils and natural colorants. Participants will walk away with 8 – 10 bars of gentle, natural and handmade soap along with information, history and the confidence to make your own soap at home. All materials are included. Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration deadline: none listed
Register nowGet it all in one fitness class — a challenging workout and functional movement for vitality and longevity. This class is designed to maintain strength, mobility and power at an advanced level, regardless of your age. This is accomplished through a focus on grip strength, speed, balance, and building muscle. Exercises are also designed to improve breath work and fascia alongside joint and heart health. Due to the incorporation of a full range of exercises from calisthenics to long holds and deep stretches, prior exercise experience is highly recommended. Taught by Dan Loofboro. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Monday, October 12
Register nowAges 18 and up Wednesdays, September 2 – November 18 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $15 nonresidents Let's get you moving outdoors! What better way than through guided hikes in your parks? Staff and volunteers will lead groups at different paces. Hike for Your Health is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and get to know some of your parks better. All hikes are on natural trails. Please wear appropriate shoes for trails that may be muddy or slick. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Registration deadline: none listed
Register nowAges 18 and up Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 1 – November 24 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air while meeting other walking enthusiasts. These are self-guided walks around your community parks! Walking helps maintain a healthy weight, increases energy, lifts your spirits, strengthens memory and protects from heart disease and high blood pressure. Enjoy reduced stress, improved quality of sleep and the many benefits from an improved quality of life. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime!
Registration deadline: none listed
Register nowJoin us for a gentler, more adaptable yoga program. This class will feature additional guidance, modifications and props to assist in supporting postures and a slower pace. Taught by certified yoga instructor Kathleen Crosby. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, November 3
Register nowA welcoming, low-impact way to build strength, balance, and inner calm while learning a yang-style Tai Chi series. Designed for adults of all ages and fitness levels, this class introduces participants to the gentle, flowing movements of traditional Tai Chi, often called “meditation in motion", while also gaining insight to the martial aspects of the practice. Each session focuses on slow, intentional movement, mindful breathing and improved body awareness. This program is ideal for anyone looking for a calm, restorative form of exercise — no prior experience required. Movements can be adapted for different abilities.
Registration deadline: Monday, October 12
Register nowAges 18 and up Tuesdays & Fridays, September 1 – November 24 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Fee: $15 nonresidents Trekking with Nordic poles is a wonderful way to cross-train or try something new. The American Nordic Walking Association notes that this form of exercise engages 80% of your muscles while still remaining low impact. Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks through this self-guided meet-up program! Sign up to rent Nordic poles if you want to try trekking before you purchase your own set. You will be contacted to sign a borrower's permit and pick up your set for the fall. A limited number of rental poles are available. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Note: Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Registration deadline: none listed
Register nowAges 18 and up Tuesdays & Fridays, September 1 – November 24 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Trekking with Nordic poles is a wonderful way to cross-train or try something new. The American Nordic Walking Association notes that this form of exercise engages 80% of your muscles while still remaining low impact. Meet up with other trail trekking enthusiasts to trek through the parks during this self-guided meet-up program! You must bring your own Nordic poles if you sign up for this option. There is no registration deadline for this program. Join anytime! Tuesday Trail Trekking locations will be the same as the A Walk in the Park program.
Registration deadline: none listed
Register nowJoin CWPD for some mindful time in nature before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Quietly explore a less-frequented nature trail as the golden hour settles on the park.
Registration deadline: Sunday, November 8
Register nowGet it all in one fitness class — a challenging workout and functional movement for vitality and longevity. This class is designed to maintain strength, mobility and power at an advanced level, regardless of your age. This is accomplished through a focus on grip strength, speed, balance, and building muscle. Exercises are also designed to improve breath work and fascia alongside joint and heart health. Due to the incorporation of a full range of exercises from calisthenics to long holds and deep stretches, prior exercise experience is highly recommended. Taught by Dan Loofboro. Please bring a yoga mat and water.
Registration deadline: Friday, October 23
Register nowJoin Certified Pickleball Trainer James Lawson to develop the introductory skills to level up your pickleball game. James is a licensed and certified instructor with a current DUPR rating of 5.23. This 4-week lesson is designed for the beginner player looking to develop basic skills to move up to a more competitive level of play. This program will move indoors for adapted lessons in inclement weather. Please note different address for rain location.
Registration deadline: Friday, October 16
Register nowAirrosti’s Adelle Scott, Sr. Recovery Specialist, will teach you how to manage, reduce and eliminate musculoskeletal pain through preventative self-myofascial release techniques using a foam roller, lacrosse ball, and banded exercises. This class will focus on injury prevention. See Airrosti.com for more info on pain relief! Any additional follow-up or inquiries on the advice given will need to be conducted with Airrosti directly. CWPD is not able to provide any advice on further steps in treatment planning.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 18
Register nowAll ages Saturday, November 21 Noon – 3:00 p.m. (Last groups will be going on the 5k trail at 2:15 p.m.) Parking at Forest Field Park 2100 E. Centerville Station Rd. We need your help for this Thanksgiving adventure. Follow the clues along the routes and help us find the turkeys during an interactive walk or hike! There are two options for your quest, a one-mile paved/limestone path walk or a 3.1-mile (5k) adventure hike. Either trek you complete, there will be a fun Thanksgiving-themed prize! Our sponsor for this event is Dayton Children's Hospital. Travelin' Toms Coffee Truck will be in attendance with beverages available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unopened, colorful socks for Shoes for the Shoeless. Athletic socks that fit children ages 5 and up are preferred. T-shirt requests are due by the end of the day on Thursday, October 29, or until all t-shirts are claimed. Any extra t-shirts will be given out at 2:30 p.m. on the day of the event. This is a Tools to Trek program. Registration is requested.
Registration deadline: none listed
Register now