July 2: 8 p.m. Evening Bike Ride. Participants will pedal to Western Reserve Road and back in time for the rising of the full moon. Outspokin' Wheelmen President Ode Aduma will lead the ride. All

July 2: 8 p.m. Evening Bike Ride. Participants will pedal to Western Reserve Road and back in time for the rising of the full moon. Outspokin' Wheelmen President Ode Aduma will lead the ride. All bicycles must be equipped with lights; helmets are required. Call (330) 740-7107 to register by June 30. Meet at the MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at Kirk Road. Moderate difficulty; 12 miles.
July 3: 11 a.m. Health and Wellness Walk. Meet at the MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at Kirk Road. Moderate difficulty; 3 miles. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details).
July 4: 10 a.m.-noon. Firecracker Kayak Trip. On our nation's birthday, we'll explore the scenic beauty of Lake Newport. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See "Kayaking" for details).
July 4: 1-5 p.m. Woolly Wonders at MetroParks Farm. We'll have spinning demonstrations and show you a quick way to dye wool red, white and blue. Make a wool bracelet to take home.
July 6: 6 p.m. Hike with the Director. Chat about the future of the MetroParks with Executive Director Susan Dicken on this evening hike. Meet at MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty; 3 miles. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details).
July 6 and 8: 10 a.m.-noon. Beginner Tennis Camp. Children age 6-12 will learn the fundamentals of tennis. Course will be taught at Yellow Creek Park by Joanne Gardner, Ursuline High School tennis coach. Call (330) 740-7106 by July 2 to register for this free camp. (See Summer Camps).
July 6, 13, 20 and 27: 5:30-7 p.m. Yoga (intermediate/level 2). Yoga in the Gardens. Reduce stress and relaxation while learning the basics of energizing yoga movements taught by Heidi Suraci. Herbal tea will be served after class. Fee: $36. Call (330) 740-7116.
July 7: 9 a.m. People for MetroParks Golf Outing. 4-person scramble. Call (330) 749-7112 for information. Fee: $50 per player, includes lunch and prizes.
July 7: 7 p.m., 7up Summerfest Spectacular. Bob Matasy and Lipinski Brothers Family Band (polka), Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn seating.
July 7 and 21: 10 a.m.-noon. Morning Kayaks. Enjoy a morning excursion through the Newport Wetlands. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See Kayaking details below).
July 8: 10, 10:45 or 11:30 a.m. Tales for Twos: Honk If You're a Goose! Two-year-olds and their favorite adults will learn about geese through a story. Watch how these geese move and then participate in a role-playing game. Meet at the Lily Pond. Call (330) 740-7107 to register.
July 8: 6:30 p.m. Meet the Author. Donna DeBlasio, author of Youngstown, Ohio: Postcards From the Steel City, will show slides and discuss the popularity of postcards at the beginning of the 20th century, just as Youngstown was booming. Visit the Melnick Museum exhibit of postcards from Mill Creek Park before attending this lecture and book signing. Call (330) 740-7116 to register.
July 8, 15, 22 and 29: 8:30-10 a.m. or 5:30-7 p.m. (gentle yoga/level 1). Yoga in the Gardens. Reduce stress and relax while learning the basics of energizing yoga movements taught by Heidi Suraci. Herbal tea will be served after class. Fee: $36. Call (330) 740-7116.
July 10: 3-6 p.m., Summertime Jubilee. Visit the MetroParks Farm for an afternoon full of old-fashioned fun. Games for kids and kids-at-heart and visits with our farm animals will create many family memories. Sample homemade ice cream in honor of National Ice Cream Month. Our tour wagon will run throughout the afternoon.
July 10 and 11: 2 p.m. Civil War Skirmish. The United States Colored Troops and the North will battle the Confederate soldiers each day at Lanterman's Mill. Watch these re-enactments and view educational displays to learn the impact of the black's involvement during the Civil War.
July 11: 2 p.m. Animal Farm. See some of the lesser-known residents of the MetroParks Farm; draft horses, emus, guinea fowl and peacocks. Meet at the MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Easy rating; 2 miles. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details.)
July 11 and 25: 2-3:30 p.m. Guided Tour of Fellows Riverside Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the gardens to admire the vibrant hues of the bedding plants displaying their summer colors. A guide will point out highlights while sharing anecdotes and history. Sign in at the reception desk on the afternoon of the tour.
July 13: 7 p.m., 7up Summerfest Spectacular. Tommy Chris (rhythm and blues), Yellow Creek Park. Lawn seating.
July 13-16: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mill Creek Park Explorers Camp. (For children just completing grades 4 and 5). Find out how the Native Americans and early settlers lived 200 years ago. Then hit the trails of our scenic park to learn more about natural resources and wildlife in the area. Hikes are 2 miles or more. Registration deadline July 2. Fee: $40 R, $50 NR. Call (330) 740-7107. (See Summer Camps).
July 14: 8 a.m. Junior Tournament, 9 holes. Boys and girls age 17 and under. Registration begins July 1. Call (330) 740-7114 for information. Fee: $5, includes prizes.
July 14: 9 a.m. Health and Wellness Walks. Meet at Golf Course overflow parking lot on West Golf Drive. Easy or moderate difficulty, 1 or 3 miles. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details.)
July 14: 7 p.m. 7up Summerfest Spectacular. Rudy and the Professionals (Caribbean), Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn Seating.
July 15: 1:30-3 p.m. The Gnome Garden. Gnomes love to play in the garden, scampering over the stones and running across the moss. Children ages 6 and up will learn more about these red-hatted wee folk while planting an enchanting moss container garden. Call (330)740-7116 to register. Fee: $14.
July 16: 8:30-10 a.m. Breakfast Botany: The Lily Family. Start your morning with a brisk walk in Fellows Riverside Gardens to admire plants belonging to the lily family. Return to the Garden Cafe to learn more while enjoying a light breakfast. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $6 R, $8 NR.
July 16: 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Preschool Nature Hour: Frog Pond Adventure. Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their favorite adults will enjoy a story, a craft, outdoor activities, and an exploration at the frog pond. Meet at Birch Hill Cabin. Call (330) 740-7107 to register. Fee: $2 R, $3 NR.
July 17: 10 a.m. Preschool Nature Hour: Frog Pond Adventure. Preschoolers ages 3-5 and their favorite adults will enjoy a story, a craft, outdoor activities and an exploration at the frog pond. Meet at Birch Hill Cabin. Call (330) 740-7107 to register. Fee: $2 R, $3 NR.
July 17: 3 p.m. Saturday Saunter. Join us on the handicap accessible Virginia L. Axtmann Nature Trail For All People for a slow-paced summer stroll. This wooded 1/4 mile path is paved and barrier free. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Easy rating. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details.)
July 18: 10 a.m. Parent/Junior Tournament, 9 holes. Juniors ages 17 and under. Registration begins July 10. Call (330) 740-7114 for information. Fee: $10 per team.
July 18: 10 a.m.-noon. The View from the Water. Relax and enjoy Lake Newport and the wetlands from a kayak and experience the diverse flora and fauna of the area. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. (See "Kayaking" details below).
July 18: 1-5 p.m. Scavenger Hunt at MetroParks Farm. We'll send you on an adventure around the farm. Complete the hunt successfully and win a prize. Wagon rides leave every half-hour.
July 19 and 20: 8 a.m., 7up Junior Golf Tournament. Boys and girls ages 12-18. Call (330) 740-7112 to register. Fee: $35, includes lunch and prizes.
July 20: 6 p.m. Health and Wellness Walks. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty, 4 miles. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details.)
July 21: 7 p.m., 7up Summerfest Spectacular. Redline (Motown, rhythm and blues), Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn seating.
July 23 or 24: 10-11 a.m. "B" is for Blueberry. Children age 3-5 with their favorite adults will celebrate National Blueberry Month. Help pop some muffins into the oven before listening to a story about summer blueberry picking. There will be a blueberry surprise to take home. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $5.
July 24: 10 a.m.-noon. Flower arranging with Marie at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Marie Borocz will help you capture the essence of summer in this three-in-one arrangement. Yellow, purple and white blooms are complemented by fresh greenery and showcased in a trio of ceramic canisters detailed with a lemon motif. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $25 R, $32 NR.
July 24: 5-8 p.m. Kayaks, Crackers & amp; Cabernet. We'll kayak through the Newport Wetlands and then enjoy a picnic supper on Smythe Island. Since we don't want to fish any kayakers out of Lake Newport, the cabernet will be nonalcoholic. Call (330) 740-7107 to register by July 21. Meet at East Newport Boat Launch. Fee: $20 per person R, $25 per person NR; second person in tandem kayak 1/2 price. (See Kayaking details below).
July 25: 5:30 and 7 p.m., 7up Summerfest Spectacular. The Vegas Band (rhythm and blues) and The Original Fantasys ('50s and '80s rock), Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn seating.
July 25: 9 a.m.-noon. Sunfest. Test your golf skills in the Closest to the Pin competition at the Par 3 Golf Course. Enjoy a round of golf and nine chances to win a prize. Registration not required. Fee: $5.
July 25: 11 a.m. Sunfest Hike. (See "Hike for the Health of it" details). We'll explore the trails surrounding the Wick Recreation Area and return in time for you to participate in Sunfest's sand sculpture contest. Meet at the Wick Recreation Area by the kiosk. Moderate difficulty; 2.5 miles.
July 25: noon-5 p.m. A Bridal Fair at the Gardens. Plan the wedding of your dreams with creative ideas revealed at this free event. Beautiful bridal gowns accented with unique flowers will be modeled at the 2 p.m. fashion show. Vendors will be available throughout the afternoon to answer questions regarding your wedding needs. Held at Fellows Riverside Gardens.
July 25: 1-4 p.m. Sculpt a one-ton pile of sand into a work of art. Reserve your sand "canvas" by calling (330) 740-7107. Staff from the Town Crier will judge the sculptures and award prizes. This year's special category will be Movie Themes. Fee: $5.
July 25: 1-5 p.m. F Is For Felt at MetroParks Farm. Join guest Barb Moff as she demonstrates the process of felting wool. Make a craft to take home. Wagon rides leave every half-hour.
July 27: 6-8 p.m. Glorious Garlic. Learn about the unusual varieties of garlic, the herb of the year. Cultivation, harvesting, braiding and cooking information will be shared. Participants will enjoy food samples and take home garlic braids and recipes. Held at Fellows Riverside Gardens. Call (330) 740-7116 to register. Fee: $15 R, $20 NR.
July 28: 9 a.m. Health and Wellness Walk. Meet at the MetroParks Bikeway trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Easy or moderate difficulty; 1 or 3 miles. (See "Hike for the Health of It" details.)
July 28: 7 p.m. 7up Summerfest Spectacular. Blue Lunch (Swing), Judge Morley Pavilion. Lawn seating.
July 30: 6 p.m. Greek Odyssey Garden Party. Revel in the splendor of the Mediterranean and the succulent cuisine of ancient Greece. Join the Greek Odyssey with the Friends of Fellows Riverside Gardens at this annual fund-raiser. Fee: $60 per person.
Aug. 4 and 5: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Lil' Rascals in Yellow Creek Park Camp. (For children just entering kindergarten). We'll have fun activities for indoors and outdoors, plus story times and crafts at this beginner day camp. Campers will go on short walks to learn about nature. Fee: $10 R, $15 NR. Call (330) 740-7107. (See Summer Camps).
Exhibits: Fellows Riverside Gardens Davis Education & amp; Visitor Center Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.
Melnick Museum: Postcards From the Past. Over 100 years of sentiments are expressed in the colorful personal postcard messages written by summertime tourists describing the beauty of Mill Creek Park. Open through August.
Weller Gallery: Watercolor Blooms. Gardenscapes and close-ups of flowers painted by Lynne Rosati capture the delicacy of summer flowers. Meet the artist July 11 from 2-4 p.m. Open July 9-Aug. 22.
"Hike for the Health of it." Health and fitness walks. Experience the many benefits of walking including strengthening muscles and bones, improving cardiovascular function and relieving stress in this series of escorted walks while enjoying the beauty of the MetroParks. You'll receive a "Hike for the Health of It" pin after participating in three hikes, a logo T-shirt after 10 hikes and a handcrafted walking stick after 20 hikes. Get on your way, step by step, to a great new habit.
Kayaking: Kayakers of all skill levels are invited to join these escorted trips through the waters of the MetroParks. Single and tandem kayaks are available; reservations are necessary. Minors age 11-15 must share tandem kayak with an adult; age 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult. Call (330) 740-7107 for registration information. Fee: $12 per person R, $15 per person NR; second person in tandem kayak 1/2 price.
Summer at MetroParks Farm: Barns are open every day throughout the summer during the hours listed, and visitors are welcome to see the animals. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Group tours by appointment only. Off-site programs are available. Wednesdays, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call the Farm to reserve a space for your family on the 10 a.m. tractor-wagon guided tour. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The AgVenture Exhibit Barn and playroom will be open. Stop by and learn about agriculture while having fun. Sundays, 1-5 p.m. A new activity is scheduled each week for you and your family to enjoy.
Summer Camps: Day camps are designed for specific grade levels. All campers must bring a lunch. Registration is complete upon receipt of fee. Space is limited.