One of the best bargains around is at your local city or county park system. A great example is Summit Metro Parks in Akron where people of all ages can explore creeks, bike paths, lakes and fields, often with a helpful naturalist as a guide.
And the best part? Almost all of the activities are free.
Go to summitmetroparks.org to see the lineup. Want to try your hand at archery? There’s a class for that (and for kids, too). Bats? Snakes? Biking?
Back to archery. Summit Metro Parks has three ranges open to the public. Bring your own equipment, follow the posted rules, and let the arrow fly. The ranges are at:
HAMPTON HILLS METRO PARK
At 1940 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls; also includes an elevated platform
LIBERTY PARK
In the Tinkers Creek Area, at 10303 Aurora-Hudson Rd., Streetsboro
SILVER CREEK METRO PARK
At 89 Eastern Rd., Doylestown; also includes an elevated platform
Did you know that you can also camp at a Summit Metro Park? Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park has 29 sites, six of them with electricity. Primitive camping is permitted at two places along the Towpath Trail: the Big Bend Trailhead in Akron and near the Franklin Trailhead in New Franklin.
While the Cleveland Metroparks get a lot of attention throughout Northeast Ohio, our neighbors to the south have a lot going on, too. We’ve got a wealth of nature in our backyards.
Oh, and if you’re 60 and older, ask for the 25 percent senior discount available Mondays through Thursdays.
Have fun exploring.
