McLean Teddy Bear Park

Please join us for the 11th consecutive year of the popular Walking Thru Autumn series. Each week, 50-70 participants meet for camaraderie and to explore some of the 27 miles of Metro Park trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 offered hikes, participants will receive a 2017 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made wood hiking sticks will be available for purchase for $10. All participants are required to pre-register by calling 419-221-1232. All hikes start at 9:00 a.m., will…

We all know what’s coming - a seemingly endless supply of delicious food as we begin the winter holiday season! To make matters worse for our waistlines, all the stress and cold weather makes that couch so much more inviting. Perhaps you can get your mind ready to withstand the scale-tipping, stress-causing storm that is coming (or maybe justify a second helping?) with a brisk pre-holiday hike! Register By Nov. 16 at 419-221-1232.  

A multitude of birds fly through this area during the     migration and many more are resident for some portion of the year. Join Naturalist Dan Hodges on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month and lend a watchful eye to help create a list of all the different types of birds that migrate through and stay in Allen County. All skill levels are welcome; it’s a great way to learn about birds or become a better birder. Participants will…

Owls are fascinating creatures, perfectly designed for life in the darkness. As they prepare for nesting season, they are setting up territories and calling to their mates right now. Join us as we hike in search for these owl-some birds. Dress for the weather and ground conditions. Register by Jan. 9 at 419-221-1232.  

Enjoy a guided tour along a 1/2 mile wooded trail to take an historic look at Maple Sugaring. There are several stops along the trail, depicting the Maple Sugaring story from early Native Americans, to Pioneers to the modern methods of tapping, collecting and boiling down. The walk concludes with a visit to our “Sugar House” to view a modern evaporator followed by a taste of “real” maple syrup on a silver dollar pancake. Maple syrup and maple candy will…

Enjoy a guided tour along a 1/2 mile wooded trail to take an historic look at Maple Sugaring. There are several stops along the trail, depicting the Maple Sugaring story from early Native Americans, to Pioneers to the modern methods of tapping, collecting and boiling down. The walk concludes with a visit to our “Sugar House” to view a modern evaporator followed by a taste of “real” maple syrup on a silver dollar pancake. Maple syrup and maple candy will…

Take a break mid-week with a twilight walk as we look and listen for the American Woodcock. After a short presentation we will hike to see the male “timberdoodle” perform his unique sky dance to show off for the ladies as part of their courtship rituals. Be prepared for a hike in the (wet) woods. Call 419-221-1232 to register.  

Learn to “flow like water,” quiet your mind, and improve your balance as you practice simple Tai Chi movements. You will learn a “short form”, Sun style, which is ideal for those with arthritis and balance issues. We will meet every Thursday evening in June. Join us for just one or as many classes as you would like. This class will be taught by Mary Lou Paisley who has studied and taught Tai Chi/Qi Gung for over 20 years. No…

Learn to “flow like water,” quiet your mind, and improve your balance as you practice simple Tai Chi movements. You will learn a “short form”, Sun style, which is ideal for those with arthritis and balance issues. We will meet every Thursday evening in June. Join us for just one or as many classes as you would like. This class will be taught by Mary Lou Paisley who has studied and taught Tai Chi/Qi Gung for over 20 years. No…

Spiders aplenty! Spiders galore! Come learn about our eight-legged friends. We’ll try our hand at web building, wrapping and walking. We’ll dress like a spider, act like a spider and eat like a spider. We’ll even have the chance to meet a real spider, Charlie!! Bring a sack lunch and water bottle Registration along with a $15 fee is required by June 14th.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Although modern technologies are making our life easier, more and more people are experiencing a sense of unease and anxiety. New scientific research is concluding that our disconnect from nature may be the cause. Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a naturalist on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month this summer to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Experience the calm and peace that nature provides as you…

Come join our flock as we learn all about birds. You’ll leave as wise as an owl! You’ll be as happy as a lark once we make our binoculars and use our eagle eye to spot different birds on the trail. You’ll be as proud as a peacock to complete all of the exciting planned activities. And you’ll be as crazy as a loon as we play fun games. Don’t miss this day camp! It will be something to crow…

Pollinators are incredibly important to us—1 out of every 3 bites of food we take is thanks to these groups of animals. A variety of shapes, colors and sizes, these animals provide a service we can’t live without! Come learn about bees, butterflies, moths and more as we enjoy the outdoors! Be prepared for the weather and dress to explore the wild, including wearing closed toed shoes. Bring a sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen/bug spray as needed. Registration along…

Due to their nighttime activity, moths often get the short end of the stick. Truth is, moths are overwhelmingly more abundant than their daytime cousins, the butterflies. Not only that, but many are arguably as beautiful or even more so! Join a Naturalist for a look at these nocturnal beauties. We will set up blacklit sheets to attract moths, put out bait, and explore the woods at night! Dress for the weather and ground conditions. A flashlight and photography equipment…

Ribbit, Ribbit! Ready for a “toad-ally” awesome camp? Come spend the day with some live amphibians and reptiles! Slither like a snake as we hike though the forest; run like a lizard as we play games; hop to the pond for exploration with nets; saunter like a turtle as we have loads (or is that “toads”?) of fun! Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Registration along with a $15 fee is required by July 26.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Although modern technologies are making our life easier, more and more people are experiencing a sense of unease and anxiety. New scientific research is concluding that our disconnect from nature may be the cause. Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a naturalist on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month this summer to reap the health benefits of being in nature. Experience the calm and peace that nature provides as you…

There’s nothing quite like a walk on a sunny, crisp autumn morning! Please join us for the 12th consecutive year of the popular Walking Thru Autumn series. Each week, 50-70 participants meet to explore some of the 29 miles of Metro Park trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 offered hikes, participants will receive a 2018 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made wood hiking sticks will be available for purchase for $10. All participants are required to pre-register by…

Our parks are always lively but the abundance of nocturnal activities are sometimes forgotten. Come join a naturalist on a night time stroll in the moon light. Compare your experience to our New Moon hike next month. Please dress for the weather. Register by Sept. 21.  Please call 419-221-1232 to register.

Join a naturalist on a nighttime stroll in the dark of night. Compare your experience to our Full Moon hike last month. Register by Oct. 5.  Please call 419-221-1232 to register.

Take a break this week with a twilight walk as we look and listen for the American Woodcock. After a short presentation we will hike to see the male timberdoodle perform his unique sky dance to show off for the ladies as part of their courtship rituals. Be prepared for a hike in the (wet) woods. No registration required.

While not fire-breathers, dragonflies are incredible creatures and seldom disappoint any audience. Damselflies, while they may be daintier then their cousin dragons, are truly formidable as well. Come learn about these cool bugs and search them in the wild! Be prepared for the weather and dress to explore both land and water, with closed toed shoes. Bring a sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen/bug spray as needed. Registration along with a $15 fee is required by June 6.  Please call…

Join us as we explore the wonderful world of trees through games, stories and crafts. We will spend time hiking through the park to make friends with many of the local trees. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Registration along with a $15 fee is required by June 13.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Come explore the natural world of science in a three day camp. We’ll play, create and experiment with natural materials like sunlight, water and wind. Some things change color in the sun, other change shape in water. We’ll make crystals, bracelets and tie-dye our camp t-shirts. Please bring your camper dressed for the weather and with closed toed shoes. Bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Registration along with a $15 fee is required by June 20. Please call 419-221-1232.

If you thought the fireworks were over, think again! Whatever you call them; these bioluminescent beetles enchant children and adults alike with their fantastic displays. Join a naturalist to learn a little and enjoy the show. Kids and kids-at-heart are welcome. Dress for the weather and ground conditions and bring bug spray (not for the bugs that flash though!). Registration required by July 7.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Come learn about the importance of taking care of the world around us. The fun will include games, stories, crafts and hikes. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Registration along with a $15 fee is required by July 3.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Animals have incredible features that help them survive in all sorts of environments and situations. Come and learn about a few of my favorites. We’ll explore how birds fly, fish, swim and mammals crawl, climb or dig. We’ll test some of our own adaptions while we’re at it. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Registration along with a $15 fee is required by July 18.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Join a naturalist for a short presentation on these incredible insects followed by fun activities! Learn why dragon and damselflies are important for wetlands, how to safely handle dragons, and much more. Try your hand at using dip nets to find nymphs or practice with your camera to document species for a statewide survey. Some nets will be provided, be prepared for the weather and to get your feet wet/muddy. Registration required by Aug. 2.  Please call 419-221-1232.

Enjoy a Saturday evening with friendly creatures of the night-time forest! Guides will be on hand to meet and greet you and then escort you through the forest to meet our Wildlife in Legendary Disguise (costumed animals)! The short walk will include take-home treats for the youngsters and will conclude with a bonfire for s’mores. On arrival, please check in at the B.E.E.T.L.E., as groups will leave every 15 minutes starting at 6:00 pm. The last hike will leave at…

HIKE 7 OF 8 There’s nothing quite like a walk on a sunny, crisp autumn morning! Please join us for the 13th consecutive year of the popular Walking Thru Autumn series. Each week, 50-70 participants meet to explore some of the 29 miles of Metro Park trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 offered hikes, participants will receive a 2019 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made wood hiking sticks and specially designed t-shirts will be available for purchase for…

Let’s see what nighttime winter activity is going on in our park. Come join a naturalist on a nighttime stroll in the moonlight. Compare your experience to our New Moon hike later in the month. Please dress for the weather and ground conditions.

Let’s see what nighttime winter activity is going on in our park. Come join a naturalist on a nighttime stroll. Compare your experience to our Full Moon earlier in the month. Please dress for the weather and ground conditions.

The festival features a guided tour along a ½ mile trail. Several interpretive stops explain maple syrup production from early Native American times to modern day. The walk concludes with a visit to our “sugar shack” and a taste of real maple syrup. Ohio maple syrup in various sizes will be sold, along with maple products such as candy, sugar, etc. For more information call the Park District Office at 419-221-1232.

CANCELLED Finally! Spring is officially here, so start the new season the right way – with a walk in nature! Join a naturalist for a hike in beautiful Hermon Woodlands. Dress for the weather and ground conditions. Register by March 20 at 419-221-1232.

Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a naturalist on the first Tuesday evening of each month this summer to reap the health benefits of being in nature as we mindfully use our senses during slow-paced activities. Experience the calm and peace that nature provides as you decrease your stress hormones. (This is not a typical naturalist-led hike.) Register online or by calling 419-221-1232  by May 28.  

Celebrate National Trails Day with a walk on some of JAMPD’s 30+ miles of trails! Staff will lead guided hikes at all our major parks at 10 am. Guided hike locations include: Allen County Farm Park, Fort Amanda Park, Heritage Park, Haver Ridge, Hermon Woodlands, Kendrick Woods, McLean Teddy Bear Park, Motter Metro Park & Ottawa Metro Park.  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by June 4.

Two Day - Day Camp Day 1 of 2 June 15 & June 16 Join us as we use our senses to search for signs of nature.  We will be searching the park for different plants and animals and will learn how to use a hand lens as we go on a “micro-hike”.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  $15 fee is required.  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by June 11.  

Stay up late to watch nature’s fireworks!  Whatever you call the little guys, these bioluminescent beetles fascinate children and adults alike with their fantastic displays. Join a naturalist to learn a little and enjoy the show. Kids and kids-at-heart are welcome. Dress for the weather and ground conditions .  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by June 14.  

Two Day - Day Camp Join us as we use our senses to search for signs of nature.  We will be searching the park for different plants and animals and will learn how to use a hand lens as we go on a “micro-hike”.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  Registration and a $15 fee is required by June 11.  

Two Day - Day Camp Day 2 of 2 June 15 & June 16 Join us as we use our senses to search for signs of nature.  We will be searching the park for different plants and animals and will learn how to use a hand lens as we go on a “micro-hike”.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  $15 fee is required.  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by June 11.  

Summers are made for evening campfires!  Families with children ages 3-12 are welcome to join us for a fun evening of songs and stories around the campfire, followed by a hike as the forest creatures settle in for the night. Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by June 16.  

As a prequel to the BioBlitz (see next program), we will canvas the park to find, identify and photograph as many birds as we can! Bring your camera and your binoculars (a limited number will be available). Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by June 17.  

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many living species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. Come for the whole time, or just a little while; join in the fun or just observe! Groups will be led off trail through the park to find and document as much life as possible.  A smartphone (or camera) is recommended. Be prepared for the weather and ground conditions.  Morning & afternoon snacks…

Two Day - Day Camp & optional evening event Day 1 of 2 June 29, June 30 & optional evening event on July 2 Come learn about the creatures who are awake when we are asleep.  We will learn about nocturnal animals such as owls, bats, and moths through games, crafts, and stories.  Hikes will be included.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  Join us Friday evening for an optional family campfire and evening hike.  $15 fee is…

Two Day - Day Camp & optional evening event Day 2 of 2 June 29, June 30 & optional evening event on July 2 Come learn about the creatures who are awake when we are asleep.  We will learn about nocturnal animals such as owls, bats, and moths through games, crafts, and stories.  Hikes will be included.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  Join us Friday evening for an optional family campfire and evening hike.  $15 fee is…

Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a naturalist on the first Tuesday evening of each month this summer to reap the health benefits of being in nature as we mindfully use our senses during slow-paced activities. Experience the calm and peace that nature provides as you decrease your stress hormones. (This is not a typical naturalist-led hike.) Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by July 2.  

Pack a picnic lunch (don’t forget the blanket to sit on!) and bring your best stuffed bear friend for a fun Teddy Bear Picnic at Teddy Bear Park!  Enjoy teddy bear games and activities.  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by July 8.  

Two Day - Day Camp Day 1 of 2 August 3 & August 4 Come learn about the exciting world of insects through hikes, stories, and crafts.  We will create insect collecting boxes and use them on our insect safari.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  $15 fee is required.  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by July 30.  

Scientists are finding that a connection to the natural world is crucial for our health and well-being. Join a naturalist on the first Tuesday evening of each month this summer to reap the health benefits of being in nature as we mindfully use our senses during slow-paced activities. Experience the calm and peace that nature provides as you decrease your stress hormones. (This is not a typical naturalist-led hike.) Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by July 30.  

Two Day - Day Camp Day 2 of 2 August 3 & August 4 Come learn about the exciting world of insects through hikes, stories, and crafts.  We will create insect collecting boxes and use them on our insect safari.  Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  $15 fee is required.  Register online or by calling 419-221-1232 by July 30.

There is nothing quite like a brisk walk and a breath of fresh air on a crisp autumn morning! Please join us for our 15th annual Walking Thru Autumn hiking series. Each week 50-80 participants gather for a guided hike, to take in the beauty of fall and explore some of the 30+ miles of Metro Park trails. Upon completing 6 out of the 8 offered hikes, participants will receive a 2021 Metro Parks hiking stick medallion. Hand-made wood hiking…

Enjoy a Saturday evening with park rangers and friendly creatures of the night-time forest! Our Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Rangers will be on hand to meet and greet you and then escort you through the forest to meet our Wildlife In Legendary Disguise (costumed wild animals)! The short walk will include take-home treats for the youngsters and will conclude with a bonfire for s-mores. On arrival, please check in at the B.E.E.T.L.E., as groups will leave every 15 minutes…

Explore the woods and prairie in late fall at McLean Teddy Bear Park. We’ll inspect the leaf litter in the park (see program above) and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in autumn. Dress for the weather and ground conditions. Register by Nov. 19.  

Learn about the biology of maple syrup, some of its cultural history, and enjoy a short hike through the woods to see where it all begins! We’ll highlight how maple syrup has played a large role in the 50-year history of the Park District. Be prepared for the weather and ground conditions. Limited space, register online by Mar. 4.  

Families, celebrate the Park District’s 50th Anniversary this year by trying to complete all 50 activities listed on the UK National Trust’s list of “50 Things To Do Before You Are 11 ¾”. Dress to be outdoors. For more information, see the article on page 7. Register online by April 22. Our society has raised an entire generation of children who do not spend much time outdoors.  Research is showing that inactive, indoor living is affecting children’s physical, mental and…

Families, celebrate the park district’s 50th Anniversary this year by trying to complete all 50 activities listed on the UK National Trust’s list of “50 Things To Do Before You Are 11 ¾”. Dress to be outdoors. This month, we will be exploring a pond. Parents might want to bring towels or extra clothes for the ride home! For more information, see the article on 7. Register online by May 20. Our society has raised an entire generation of children…

Animals have incredible features that help them survive in all sorts of environments and situations. We will have so much fun exploring the adaptations of various live animals and comparing them to our own human adaptations. We will then use our imaginations to create adaptations for our own 3-D creatures. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Dress appropriately to be outdoors. Registration along with a $20 fee is required by June 24.  

Animals have incredible features that help them survive in all sorts of environments and situations. We will have so much fun exploring the adaptations of various live animals and comparing them to our own human adaptations. We will then use our imaginations to create adaptations for our own 3-D creatures. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Dress appropriately to be outdoors. Registration along with a $20 fee is required by June 24.  

Animals have incredible features that help them survive in all sorts of environments and situations. We will have so much fun exploring the adaptations of various live animals and comparing them to our own human adaptations. We will then use our imaginations to create adaptations for our own 3-D creatures. Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Dress appropriately to be outdoors. Registration along with a $20 fee is required by June 24.  

You can be a Nature Hero! Together we will learn to explore nature around our homes and be amazed with what we can find! We will spend time learning hands-on what nature needs to survive, and we will use these tools and knowledge to improve the habitat in our yards and watch the beneficial wildlife flourish! Hikes to throughout the park will be included, be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack…

You can be a Nature Hero! Together we will learn to explore nature around our homes and be amazed with what we can find! We will spend time learning hands-on what nature needs to survive, and we will use these tools and knowledge to improve the habitat in our yards and watch the beneficial wildlife flourish! Hikes to throughout the park will be included, be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack…

You can be a Nature Hero! Together we will learn to explore nature around our homes and be amazed with what we can find! We will spend time learning hands-on what nature needs to survive, and we will use these tools and knowledge to improve the habitat in our yards and watch the beneficial wildlife flourish! Hikes to throughout the park will be included, be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack…

  Ribbit, Ribbit! Ready for a “toad-ally” awesome camp? Come spend time with some live amphibians and reptiles! Slither like a snake as we hike through the forest; run like a lizard as we play games; hop like a frog to the pond for exploration with nets; and, saunter like a turtle as we have loads (or should I say “toads”) of fun! Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Dress appropriately to be outdoors. Registration along with a…

Day 2 of 2 Ribbit, Ribbit! Ready for a “toad-ally” awesome camp? Come spend time with some live amphibians and reptiles! Slither like a snake as we hike through the forest; run like a lizard as we play games; hop like a frog to the pond for exploration with nets; and, saunter like a turtle as we have loads (or should I say “toads”) of fun! Please bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Dress appropriately to be outdoors. Registration…

Come explore the first JAMPD park! 50 years ago McLean Teddy Bear Park was the first property in Allen County to become part of the Park District. Plan on a 1-1.5-hour hike, be prepared for the weather and ground conditions. Register by July 15.

Pack a picnic lunch and join us for this month’s “Picnic & Mud” program. After our picnic we will have fun playing with mud!  Dress to be outdoors. See the article on page 10. Register by July 22.  

Bugs! Not just the crawly, squirmy kinds, but bugs that swim, fly, burrow, jump, and more! Youth ages 7 through 9 years old will learn about bugs of the land, water, and air. Hikes throughout the park will be included.  Be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.   Registration along with a $20 fee is  required by July 22.  

Bugs! Not just the crawly, squirmy kinds, but bugs that swim, fly, burrow, jump, and more! Youth ages 7 through 9 years old will learn about bugs of the land, water, and air. Hikes throughout the park will be included.  Be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.   Registration along with a $20 fee is  required by July 22.  

Bugs! Not just the crawly, squirmy kinds, but bugs that swim, fly, burrow, jump, and more! Youth ages 7 through 9 years old will learn about bugs of the land, water, and air. Hikes throughout the park will be included.  Be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.   Registration along with a $20 fee is  required by July 22.  

Bugs! Not just the crawly, squirmy kinds, but bugs that swim, fly, burrow, jump, and more! Youth ages 7 through 9 years old will learn about bugs of the land, water, and air. Hikes throughout the park will be included.  Be prepared for the weather and wear shoes to potentially get muddy!  Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle and sunscreen.   Registration along with a $20 fee is  required by July 22.  

Come join our flock as we learn all about birds. You’ll leave as wise as an owl! You’ll be as happy as a lark once we make our binoculars and use our eagle eye to spot different birds on the trail. You’ll be as proud as a peacock to complete all of the exciting, planned activities. And you’ll be as crazy as a loon as we play fun games. Don’t miss this day camp! It will be something to crow…