This is to purchase a Daily Fishing Permit only. The Voice of America Lake is stocked annually in the spring. MetroParks fishing permits are only required to fish at VOA Lake. A State of Ohio fishing license is required to fish at all other park locations. If you are interested in purchasing an annual fishing permit, please visit the Voice of America Welcome Center during business hours. Children 5 years and younger can fish for free.
Ice Fishing is NOT Permitted.

Meet live animals as we talk about how nature prepares for and survives winter. Who sleeps, who leaves town, and who adapts to the conditions?

Experience Nature in a Blink, a year-long series where you become eyewitness to the elusive wonders of nature at your favorite MetroParks.

While we may not associate Ohio with the coast, many waterfowl and shorebirds fly their way across the state heading south for the winter. The wetlands at Gilmore Ponds make for a perfect stopover, depending on water level - come join us to see what we can find!

Registration required.

How do you identify trees without their leaves? Use clues such as bark, branching, and buds to learn how to identify common trees during winter. Please dress for the weather.

Learn about different methods of making soap, traditional and modern. Design your own glycerin soap to take home and craft fun, handmade gifts to share with loved ones during the holidays.

Ages 10+ (children under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult).

How did early Ohioans stay occupied when it was much too cold to go outside? Walk through the Pioneer Village at Governor Bebb to experience a wintry evening from over 200 years ago. In this self-guided exploration, fires will be roaring in the cabins to help keep away the cold, and educators in historical dress will be on-site demonstrating traditional seasonal pastimes. Hot cider will be provided.

Registration required.

Experience Nature in a Blink, a year-long series where you become eyewitness to the elusive wonders of nature at your favorite MetroParks.

The Geminids are considered one of the best meteor showers of the year for younger viewers, as the shower starts earlier in the night than many others. Bundle up to enjoy this cold, bright evening under the stars in your park after dark. This program will only take place if the weather is clear; please check for cancellation on our website and social media the day of the program to verify.

Join us for a hike to participate in Audubon's 126th Christmas Bird Count. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced birder, you can help collect December bird species numbers for the longest-running community science survey in North America. Dress for the weather and prepare to walk on uneven trails and across fields.

All ages
FREE

Join us for the MetroParks of Butler County Winter Hike Series! This weekly hiking event will highlight the beauty of Butler County in winter by exploring a different park each week. Winter Hike Series 2026 starts off with a bang at Rentschler Forest MetroPark, featuring winding trails through the woods along the Great Miami River. These guided hikes will average about 3 miles and end with a hot beverage and a bowl of soup. Vegetarian option available.

Let's hike by the light of the moon! See the park in a different light as we talk about moon lore and animal communication. Please dress for the weather and bring appropriate footwear for steep and icy trails.