Music Under the Paper Moon

Preservation Parks in Delaware County offer lots of free events for the whole family this summer.  Between hikes, educational events, and fun for kids, you’ll find plenty to do this summer while enjoying some fresh air – and it’s all FREE.

World of Water

Check out the featured exhibit for the summer with World of Water, and explore the new exhibit on bogs, marshes, vernal pools, wetlands, and watersheds. Learn what you can do at home to help keep water clean and safe. Exhibits will be open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day at Deer Haven Park and Shale Hollow Park.

Deer Haven Park, Daily, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Exhibits at Deer Haven Park will focus on ponds, wetlands and lakes and introduce you to the living things that depend on them. 

Shale Hollow Park, Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. (closed MON & TUE)
Exhibits at Shale Hollow Park will look at moving water, from streams to oceans, and demonstrate how the things that happen upstream matter downstream too! 

World of Water events

We have many programs planned that tie into the World of Water theme. See the names and dates, below. Then go to the online events calendar and click on the program dates for complete information, including addresses, ages and program details.

Save the Frogs Weekend, April 27-28
Float with a Naturalist, May 5
Cisterns and Rain Barrels, May 18
Going Creekin’, June 8
Little Adventurers, June 9 & 18; July 21 & 30; August 4 & 20
Story Time in the Park, June 10; July 8; August 12
Olentangy River Canoe Float, June 16
Fishing Fun, June 23; July 28; August 25
Marine Mammal March, July 7
Try it Out: Kayaking! July 20

Closing Weekend

Friday, August 30 at Deer Haven Park from 6-11 p.m.
Hold tight to your loved ones and enjoy the classic horror flick JAWS. Before the movie, meet live sharks from the Newport Aquarium WAVE Foundation, dip net in the wetland, and take a sunset hike to the pond to observe wildlife. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 9 p.m. NOTE: Watch our Facebook page for a chance to be a movie VIP, with choice seating and snacks!

Saturday, August 31 at Shale Hollow Park from 12-4 p.m.
Storm Science: Stop by and discover the science behind storms! COSI will visit 1-3 p.m. with — among other things — a 5-foot-tall wind tube.

Hikes and Walks at Preservation Parks

Summer Bird Walk Series

Saturdays, 8 a.m. . See what birds are flitting around the parks this summer during walks with a staff member. All skill levels welcome, ages 7+; loaner binoculars will be available.

• June 29 (HRP)
• July 27 (BCP)
• August 31 (ETP)

Night Hike Series

How do animals survive in the darkness? Discover how animals use sight, smell, hearing and touch to navigate, as we use OUR senses to explore the parks at night. Ages 7+

• June 14, 9:30 p.m. (SHP)
• July 19, 9:30 p.m. (BCP)
• August 16, 9 p.m. (HRP)

Adventure Run

Get “in” to nature — literally! Take a run on Gallant Wood’s primitive trail while maneuvering through mud pits and conquering both natural and man-made obstacles. Course is just under 2 miles. Ages 8+. Free; register by July 20.

• Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.

Discover at Preservation Parks

Fun at Gallant Farms

Gallant Farm represents a 1930s Delaware County family farm with a farmhouse, barn, livestock and lots more – and it’s free to visit. 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road.
Winter Hours: September-April: Thursday – Sunday, 12 – 5 p.m.
Summer Hours: May-August: Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5 p.m., and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Little Adventurers Series

Join us each month and explore the wonders of nature with little ones ages 0-5. Select Tuesdays 10 a.m. & Sundays, 1 p.m.

June 9 (DHP) — Frogs
June 18 (ETP) — Pollinators
July 21 (BCP) — Scales
July 30 (SHP) — Oceans
August 4 (GWP) — Water Science
August 20 (GF) — Water on the Farm

Story Time in the Park

Join staff from the Delaware County District Library as they read books on various topics. Then take part in a craft or other activity, and a short walk afterward. Ages 0-3 with an adult at 10 am. 

June 10 (DHP) — Rivers
July 8 (GF) — Rainbows
August 12 (GWP) — Wetland Animals

Fishing Fun at Blues Creek Park

All ages Children 6 and under must be assisted by an adult. Come out and learn the basics of fishing and try your hand at angling some of Ohio’s most common species of sport fish! Poles and bait will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.

Saturday, August 21, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m

Railroad Fun at Sandel Legacy Trail

Stop in at the model railroad display open houses and meet members of the Delaware County Model Railroad Club. They are available to talk about the history of railroads in America and model railroading. 

• Saturdays, July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Sundays, July 18, Aug. 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 17, 12 – 4 p.m. Sandel Legacy Trail Depot,

Be entertained at Preservation Parks

Folk Songs Around the Fire

Fridays, 7 p.m. at Gallant Farms. Bring a musical instrument, or just your voice, and songs to share during nights of music around the fire. Listeners welcome, too!

• June 21
• July 12
• August 9

Thursday Evening Concert Series

We have a great lineup for this annual free concert series for all ages! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Refreshments available. No alcohol, please. Thursdays, 7–8:30 p.m. Gallant Woods.

• July 11: SPITTIN’ IMAGE (Music/ comedy)
• July 18: MARQUIS 66 (Classic rock)
• July 25: HEDGEHOG STRING BAND (Bluegrass/ folk)
• August 1: LONE RAVEN (Celtic/gypsy)
• August 8: CENTRAL OHIO SYMPHONY (Ensemble)
• August 15: PARTY OF 5 (Rock)

Music Under the Paper Moon

In the 1930’s, one could pose with their special someone on a “paper moon hanging over a cardboard sea” at a carnival or fair for a nickel. Visit the farm, get your one-of-a-kind photo taken in front of our paper moon, and enjoy refreshments and live music. Gallant Farm, 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road

• Saturday August 17, 6:30-8:30 pm
  

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