It’s April and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s seasonal attractions are once again open. Come enjoy the Eagle Zip Adventure, Circle of Wildlife Carousel, Boomerang Line Train, and 4-D Theater, with the zoo’s expanded hours— rom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.

Here are some other seasonal attractions to check out across the Metroparks system.

 Wildflower power

Get out and enjoy the early spring’s wildflower offerings and the birds singing their tributes to a Northeast Ohio season.

This Tuesday, April 4 at 3 p.m., join naturalist Nicole Hindman on a free Deep Woods Wildflower Hike and discover the stunning variety of flowers that grow in North Chagrin Reservation’s ancient woods. Then on Wednesday, April 5 at 10 a.m., spot wildflowers on a hike through Euclid Creek Reservation on a free Wildflower Hike.

Also on April 5 at 4 p.m., look for tree buds, birds, and wildflowers at a free After School Drop-by Spring Walk in Mill Stream Run Reservation for students ages five and older with adult.

Then on Thursday, April 6 at 10 a.m. enjoy a free hike with naturist Jake Kudrna to experience cherry blossoms, a scenic overlook, and more at Best of Brookside at Brookside Reservation.

Later that day, at 7:30 p.m., head to Hinkley Reservation for the free Woodcock Watch. Listen for a distinctive call or the male woodcock, watch the sky to witness their dances, and learn about their adaptations for survival.

Plant a tree

On Saturday, April 8 at 10 a.m., come by the nature center in Rocky River Reservation to learn about spring planting and take home a seed to plant at home at Drop By: Plant a Seed.

Or, stop by the West Creek Reservation from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and explore the wonders of what’s hidden beneath our feet at Mad Science: Microscopic Marvels. For kids ages seven to 11. Registration required.

Last chance for fish

This coming Friday, April 7 is the last day to experience the Cleveland Metroparks annual fish fry. This year, online ordering and pick-up is available at four convenient locations across the Park District, including Big Met, Sleepy Hollow, and Shawnee Hills golf courses, and Emerald Necklace Marina.

Cleveland Metroparks Race Series presented by Cross Country MortgageEarth Day race

The Cleveland Metroparks Race Series presented by Cross Country Mortgage kicks off the 2023 season on Saturday. April 22 at 8:30 a.m. with the Earth Day 5K at the Metroparks Zoo. Stay for Party for the Planet after the race, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and connect with nature, learn how to help the environment, visit vendor displays, participate in fun activities, and meet costumed characters.

A portion of the proceeds from the race will support green practices and sustainability efforts at the zoo. The Earth Day 5K is the first of four races in the Cleveland Metroparks Race Series presented by Cross Country Mortgage.

Summer Nature Camp scholarships

Cleveland Metroparks Summer Nature Camps can help keep healthy, active outdoor education part of every student’s summer.

Now through April 15, qualifying residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township who receive aid in the form of SNAP, Medicaid or the National School Lunch Program can apply to receive a scholarship for a variety of summer nature camp opportunities, including nature exploration, sailing, hiking, rock climbing, archery and more. Learn more and apply here.