Seven not-to-miss children's activities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Lauren Lemons, Five Rivers MetroParks
last updated 09/24/2016
Seven not-to-miss children's activities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Kick off October with an entire weekend of over-the-top outdoor fun with the kids.

Seven not-to-miss children's activities at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience

Five Rivers MetroParks’ Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is the region’s premier outdoor adventure festival, and this year boasts two full days of excitement for people of all ages. Both seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and nature newbies will enjoy more than 25 outdoor activities on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eastwood MetroPark, 1385 Harshman Road, in Dayton. Admission and parking are free.

Children's Activities at the Outdoor ExperienceFrom grade school adventurers to the family dog, Wager Subaru Outdoor Experience gives everyone an opportunity to try something new.

"Not only is this event a celebration that brings the outdoor community together, it is the perfect occasion for families to experience their natural surroundings in new, inspiring ways," said Brent Anslinger, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor recreation program manager.

Check out the top seven kid-friendly activities at the Wanger Subaru Outdoor Experience your family won’t want to miss:

Family camp out: Pitch a tent and have a family sleepover under the stars on the banks of the Eastwood Lagoon. Tell spooky stories, read your child’s favorite books and snack on delicious offerings from your favorite local food trucks. Camping is free and offered on a first come, first served basis. Learn how to step up your family’s camping game at the Outdoor School, featuring workshops on camp cooking techniques and outdoor skills.

Where the wild things are: From stunt performing pups to up-close animal encounters, nothing excites young explorers more than furry, scaly or flying friends. Children can visit the Youth Adventure Zone to see live animals and learn from their handlers. See the Team Zoom Disc Dogs take tricks to new heights, and then kids can watch their best furry friend make a splash in the Subaru Buckeye DockDogs competition.  

Learn from the best: New for 2016, children get a chance to work with the pros during skills clinics! Kids can watch the Craig Wright BikeStuntShow, and then grab their mountain bikes to learn the bunny hop, front wheel lifts, back wheel lifts, speed control and more.

Hands-on nature: From interactive water displays to autumn leaves, early learners love hands-on sensory activities. Five Rivers MetroParks naturalists offer guided activities that bring children close to their natural surroundings. Join the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio for outdoor playtime and additional nature-themed activities.

Paddle power: Try kayaking, canoeing, standup paddleboarding and more! If it involves water and a paddle, your kids can try it. Adventure into the Eastwood Lagoon for a family canoe session, or watch your kids kayak for the first time. Stick around to see kayaking pros perform impressive flips and tricks in the Mad River Run.

Tike bikes and pumptrack fun: Kids learn new cycling skills in the Bike Village. Little ones can learn the basics on balance bikes, while more experienced riders can put their skills to the test on the pumptrack.

It’s never too early for snow: Fast forward to winter and enjoy downhill fun in the Mad River Mountain Action Sports Zone. Covered with enough snow to fill a semi-truck, the mini-tubing park gives kids a chance to slip and slide in a safe environment.

Learn more about Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience by visiting metroparks.org/outdoorx.

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