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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out park events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the park events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

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Park Events Today

Join in-person Park events happening right now

🌳🥾 Afternoon Hike in Spa 🔥🎒☕
🌳🥾 Afternoon Hike in Spa 🔥🎒☕
Small sporty crew • Woods • Rivers • Fresh air Join us for a relaxed but energizing afternoon micro-adventure in the beautiful forests and river valleys of Spa. Perfect for anyone who wants to move, explore, and enjoy nature without committing to a full-day trek. ' **registration possible the week before** 🕒 Plan • 👥 Small group for a cozy, friendly vibe • 🥾 Sporty pace, but accessible for all regular hikers • 🌲 Forests, 🌊 rivers, 🏞️ open valleys ⸻ 🚗 Car Pool from Brussels **10 Eur participation fee when you join a car** 🎒 What to Bring • 🥾 **Good walking shoes** • 💧 Water • 🍎 Small snack
🌟Winter Solstice Fondue Evening at Grand Place 🌟
🌟Winter Solstice Fondue Evening at Grand Place 🌟
*IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here](https://www.sundayvacations.com/membership).* As the year reaches its darkest night, we gather in warmth and friendship to welcome the return of the light. Join **Sunday Vacations** on **Saturday, December 20th**, for a special **Winter Solstice Fondue Evening** in one of Brussels’ best hidden gems: **Secret Chalet**, a cozy Alpine refuge tucked above the Grand Place. 🍷 **What to expect** * A welcoming evening in chalet atmosphere, as if transported to the Swiss Alps. * A rich, authentic **Swiss cheese fondue** (or raclette), prepared with care by maître fromager Julien Hazard. * Stories of the **Winter Solstice** – a tradition older than Christmas, celebrated across Europe from Celtic bonfires to Alpine feasts, marking the turning of the seasons and the promise of light’s return. * Great company, laughter, and the warmest way to close the year together. 📍 **Location**: Secret Chalet, Grand Place 24-25, 1000 Brussels 🌍 In the spirit of Sunday Vacations, this is not just a dinner but a chance to connect, share, and celebrate traditions both ancient and modern — together, in the heart of Brussels. 👉 Places are limited — reserve early to secure your spot By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)
🥐☕ Saturday Brunch @ Aksum Coffee – Coffee, Culture & New Connections
🥐☕ Saturday Brunch @ Aksum Coffee – Coffee, Culture & New Connections
_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)
Rouge Run Club : Saturday Easy Run - 5km
Rouge Run Club : Saturday Easy Run - 5km
Hi, Brussels Runners is also accessible as a club on Strava where you can sign up for the same events. ([Strava Event](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/2021351)) Join us for our weekly Saturday run at 10 am at Bois de la Cambre ! We run 5 kms around Bois de la Cambre divided in one bigger lap of 3,5 kms and a smaller one of 1,5 kms. Both start and end at the Woodpecker so, if needed, you can stop there after the first lap. Our goal is to make running more accessible, for that, the pace is very beginner friendly which is around 06:30-07:00 min/km. Let's all have a drink after and chat at the Woodpecker of Bois de la Cambre. Excited to see you there, Rouge Run Club Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.
Saturday Morning Coffee at 10:00 @KAWA - Galerie Bortier!
Saturday Morning Coffee at 10:00 @KAWA - Galerie Bortier!
Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ KAWA - Galerie Bortier! Saturday, 20 December 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. It's limited to 65 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. **Galerie Bortier opened its doors about a year ago, and KAWA café is inside the gallery.** **The bar, however, is at the entrance of the gallery. Get your drink there, and then walk into the gallery to the café/sitting area.** Its Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/gallery.bortier/ https://www.instagram.com/kawaclub.bxl/ **The address is:** KAWA - Galerie Bortier Rue de la Madeleine 55 1000 Bruxelles *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**
Football match at Parc du Cinquantenaire
Football match at Parc du Cinquantenaire
If you have a ball, please bring it... Let's gather at the Parc du Cinquantenaire close to the Tour de Tournai (https://goo.gl/maps/RsxFtTJydq92) and organize a *low-level* football match on the grass. Unless it rains badly as we're about to play, the game is on. Players of any age, weight, sex and size are allowed. Come as you are, at any time after 4pm. IMPORTANT REMINDER -- As Shitty Players, we don't bite or growl when someone misses the ball. We don't do penalties or yellow cards because we're so gentle we don't need them. We vaguely know of the existence of other rules like off-side but we'd rather ignore them than argue about them. We may or may not keep track of the score: this is a game where everyone wins. To help build the Team, come with 2 t-shirts white and black (or similar colors: light grey and dark blue etc). Beer session will follow on the grass, for those who survive till the end. You can also join the Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176606662846112/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/b/3/600_460870931.jpeg
Riding Foret De Soigne
Riding Foret De Soigne
!!!!!!!!!!!!! READ ALL OF THIS - MANDATORY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it is raining at or close to start time consider the ride cancelled. Common sense prevails. Ride length is generally about 35 kms at a pace of 18 kph with stops as needed so people catch up. We are advanced in terms of fitness and speed. We do have occasional beginner rides too. (http://redirect.viglink.com?key=bbb516d91daee20498798694a42dd559&u=https%3A//goo.gl/maps/qKG78wnW2dk) Please bring: A MOUNTAIN BIKE ! This is important. NO hybrids or road bikes - they won’t make it where we ride. The club is a MOUNTAIN BIKE club. E-Bikes are discouraged – we are trying to get some exercise 😊 A HELMET - MANDATORY ! No helmet = no ride with us. WEAR A HELMET !!!!!! And no, I don't care if you drove 2 hours and forgot your helmet ! Bring some water and a snack. A spare tube. DON'T BRING: A bike that is going to fall apart. Brakes need to brake, tires need to be properly inflated. Shifters need to shift ! The time to confirm this is a few days BEFORE the ride so you are not scrambling the morning of the ride. Don’t bring: kick stands, bike locks, fenders, baskets or fenders/mud guards they will just fall off and slow you down! Take this stuff off before you come. Meet at: Cool island / Ave Louise Avenue Louise 589, 1000 Bruxelles goo.gl/maps/qKG78wnW2dk (http://redirect.viglink.com?key=bbb516d91daee20498798694a42dd559&u=https%3A//goo.gl/maps/qKG78wnW2dk) As an FYI we're the http://www.bigm.be/ (http://redirect.viglink.com?key=bbb516d91daee20498798694a42dd559&u=https%3A//goo.gl/maps/qKG78wnW2dk) Big M mountain bike club. We invite you to come out and join us. If you decide that this is a club you'd like to join the yearly dues are 15 euros and that entitles you to access to our members only forum and calendar etc.

Park Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

✨  Winter Solstice Drum & Spirit Ritual: Returning to the Silent Sun ✨
✨ Winter Solstice Drum & Spirit Ritual: Returning to the Silent Sun ✨
**✨** **Winter Solstice Drum & Spirit Ritual: Returning to the Silent Sun** ✨ 📅 **Date & Time:** Saturday, 21 December 2025 • 17:00 – 20:30 CET 📍 **Location:** Inner Spark Ashram, Woluwe Saint Pierre, Brussels 💸 **Price:** €47 per person (limited to 10 spots) 🗣️ **Language:** English (facilitator also speaks Spanish and Polish) **🎟️ Registration Information 🎟️** Register for the event via Ticket Tailor at the following link: [https://innersparklife.com/winter-solstice-drum-ritual-into-the-silent-sun/](https://innersparklife.com/winter-solstice-drum-ritual-into-the-silent-sun/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **🌑 Description** As the calendar year reaches its deepest breath, we gather in the stillness of the winter solstice — the moment of the **“zero point,”** where culmination meets the seed of the next cycle. 🌬️✨ In this sacred container, we invite you to release the past chapter, reclaim your vitality 🔥, and align with your truth as the sunlight begins its slow return. ☀️ **This ritual is designed for you if you:** • 🔄 feel you’ve lived the year on autopilot, carrying mental noise and anxiety • 🧠 struggle to let go of what’s concluded and ruminate on unresolved past events • 💫 feel disconnected from your body and overly identified with your mind • 🔥 sense that you’ve lost your creative spark, spontaneous joy, or inner magic • 🌟 are seeking clarity on your direction and purpose for the coming cycle **🌞 Why Attend** By participating, you will: • 🌿 feel lighter, more at peace — leaving behind guilt, burdens, and tension • 🔍 gain inner clarity — sensing where you’re headed and what you no longer carry • 💪 reconnect with your power — rooted in your body, renewed in vitality • 🕯️ create a sacred pause — closing one cycle with awareness, beginning the next with intention **🥁 Agenda** 1. **✨ Introduction** – Understanding the energy of the winter solstice and the concept of the “Fourth Sun” or the returning light. 2. **🌑 “Zero Point” Practice** – A guided journey to reclaim hidden or stuck energy from the past year and consciously release it. 3. **🥁 Shamanic Drum & Spirit Ritual** – Drumbeats and movement as we traverse the four worlds of shamanic consciousness (lower, middle, upper, cosmic) and welcome the returning stillness and light. 4. **🤝 Sharing Circle & Integration** – Time for reflection, connection, and integration. **🧘 Practical Details** • 👕 Comfortable clothing recommended (optional: journal + pen) • 🍵 Light snack & herbal tea provided • 🌱 Small group (max 10) for depth and intimacy • 📬 Venue address & map sent after RSVP • ❤️ Bring an open heart and curiosity **📩 RSVP & Booking** Reserve your place by booking via Meetup RSVP, paying **€47** to confirm. 🌟 *Spaces are limited to 10 — first come, first served.* 🌟 **🎟️ Registration Information 🎟️** Register for the event via Ticket Tailor at the following link: [https://innersparklife.com/winter-solstice-drum-ritual-into-the-silent-sun/](https://innersparklife.com/winter-solstice-drum-ritual-into-the-silent-sun/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Pre-Christmas walk+coffee Bois d/l Cambre
Pre-Christmas walk+coffee Bois d/l Cambre
Easy walk & talk of approx. 1,5 -2 hours starting at the music pavilion of Bois de la Cambre (see Google maps & photo in event info), thru' the park and thru' the Forêt de Soignes, and back. Coffee or snack at the buvette (somewhat confusingly also called "le kiosque"). https://maps.app.goo.gl/n251GsZhoY8aC3mv6 If you're more than 10 min. late, go to the following next point en route https://goo.gl/maps/ak8wL3ZLqgtvu8ER9 The parc has easy access by public transport, e.g. trams 8, 25 Solbosch stop, or by bicycle, car ...
Into the Woods... (~15k)
Into the Woods... (~15k)
Start the festive season with a run in the woods! we head back into the Forêt de Soignes, we meet at the entrance to Bois de La Cambre - in front of the white pavilions. We will go over light trails and firm forest paths (trail shoes aren't a necessity but advisable) - depending on the weather conditions the route may be adapted. [Find us on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/3431563936572874958) What to Expect: * Distance: \~15 km * Pace : 6-6:15 min/km * Good Company: Run with like-minded individuals and make new friends. * Post-Run Coffee: Optional gathering at 'Cafe de La Presse' for coffee and refreshments. * **Bag Drop: Available** Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.
 Luminexus Festival: Winter Solstice Light Walk
Luminexus Festival: Winter Solstice Light Walk
Join us on the **Winter Solstice** \- the shortest day of the year \- for a spectacular light adventure\! We are heading to the **Luminexus Festival** in the beautiful domain of Terhills. ### **👇 How to Join** 1. Send a WhatsApp message "Your name + Lum" @+32 483 464 569 2. Buy your entry ticket online. **Let’s light up the darkest night of the year together! ✨**
Soignies - Mons (24 km)
Soignies - Mons (24 km)
For those who are still in Brussels the last weekend before Christmas, I propose a somewhat different hike with not one, but two Christmas markets to visit! We will start the hike in the little town of Soignies, best known for its quarries where the famous "pierre bleue" is cut. After about 2 hours we will reach the Chateau de Thieusies, where this weekend the artisanal Christmas market "Chemins de Creation" is held. We will stop for about 1 to 1.5h, depending on how much there is to do. I assume there will also be food, but I can't guarantee, as I've never been there (i.e. bring something for lunch to be on the safe side). From there we'll continue the hike for about another 3 hours to Mons, with its Christmas market taking place on the Grand Place and some other locations, so plenty of opportunities for glühwein, food or whatever reward you feel you deserve at that point ;-) As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/soignies-mons-244040667 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2704055934?share_token=aLqj7pOmFh44XD5yKgCnU9wcjeZ9EkTo5q0phzHp1u5yxt9oFe&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 9h30 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks, and take the train at 9.48 (IC3730 to Mons). We arrive in Soignies at 10.22. ●● Train tickets: BXL-Soignies 5.70€ (3.40€ with Train+), Mons-BXL 8.30€ (5.00€ with Train+) ●● Back to Brussels: From Mons there is a train back every hour, at XX.20 (53 min to Gare Central) ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 24 km Elevation gain: almost nothing Net walking time: ca 5 h Weather forecast: quite grey and cool, maybe some rain In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes (waterproof unless you don't mind wet feet) * rain gear * water and drink for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.
Drinks and Games 🍺🎲
Drinks and Games 🍺🎲
What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Special theme: light strategy games (Catan 🐑🪵🌾 or similar). Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 14:00, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉
Queer  Winter Market and crêpes at Grands Carmes
Queer Winter Market and crêpes at Grands Carmes
Hey Folks, Grands Carmes is hosting their 3rd annual winter queer Market this coming weekend. Whether you need a last minute gift for a loved one ( or for yourself) or just want to enjoy some crêpes come enjoy the holiday spirit and support queer artists and places that foster them ! Nb: I'll need to leave around 3:30 pm as I'm catching a train later that day, but you're very welcome to stay until 8pm See you soon, Janai

Park Events Near You

Connect with your local Park community

Franklin Park Conservatory (and optional stop at East Market)
Franklin Park Conservatory (and optional stop at East Market)
First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).
Sunday at Highbanks Metro Park
Sunday at Highbanks Metro Park
We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.
Ultimate Frisbee at Lincoln Tower Park
Ultimate Frisbee at Lincoln Tower Park
Hiking 7 miles at Slate Run Metro park
Hiking 7 miles at Slate Run Metro park
NYE Party - Potluck and BYOB
NYE Party - Potluck and BYOB
Highbanks After Dark: Christmas Lights
Highbanks After Dark: Christmas Lights
**Summary** I love hiking [Highbanks](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) in the winter after the sun has gone down. Highbanks is never really dark -- there's too much ambient light from Lewis Center. But I love the trails at night. When I started hiking Highbanks, I was afraid of getting lost and particularly at night. But now that I know my way around, nighttime is one of my favorite times to hike there. In addition, near the end of our hike, we will take a few minutes to walk around the Nature Center and look at the Christmas lights. (The Nature Center itself will be closed, however, by the time we get to it.) We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks and [food](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood). Last year, the weather wasn't too terrible, and the Brewery had their patio fire pits going and we were able to sit outside. The fire pits at night are kind of amazing. The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by 7:45. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left. **Note on our starting time** Highbanks closes at 8:00 this time of year, and they get kind of snarly about getting everyone out of the park by then. So please be on time for this hike. I want to allow two hours for the hike and be back at Big Meadows by 7:30. So we're shoving off at 5:30, with or without a quorum.
Hike Inniswood Metro Gardens
Hike Inniswood Metro Gardens
We will hike approx 4 miles looping through the gardens, boardwalk trail and chipmunk trail.