Inclusive Outdoor Experiences

Outdoor Experience Programs and Nature Centers

  • All centers are free and open to the public. For hours and directions see https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/nature-centers
  • The great majority of programs are free of charge.
  • Kulture City Sensory bags with headphones and fidgets available to borrow with ID at all five of our nature centers.sensory bag
  • Wheelchair available to borrow with ID at all five nature centers.
  • Assisted Listening devices with receiver and earpiece for use during programs (24-hour notice required).
  • Sign language interpreter services available for programs (72-hour notice required).
  • Program locations include at centers, in any of the Cleveland Metroparks Reservations, off site locations within Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township and virtually.
  • Custom programs for groups– please call the center of choice to make arrangements or visit https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/education/education-programs for more information regarding natural and cultural history programs, contact us at 216-954-3405 or email us [email protected].

Outdoor Recreation Programs

group handcyclingAll Outdoor Recreation programs have been evaluated regarding accessibility and activity level. With our professionally trained staff and ability to make equipment adaptations, most programs are accessible to anyone who would like to participate. A complete list of Cleveland Metroparks programs can be found here. Reasonable accommodations can be made, and those requests are best made no later than 72 hours prior to the program. For further information regarding program accessibility, please contact Outdoor Recreation at 216.341.1704 or e-mail [email protected]. Program fees are based on group size and duration.


Custom and group programs are available for those desiring a more specialized accessible adventure. Program ideas available include:

  • Fishingkayaking.JPG
  • Handcycling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Kayaking

General Outdoor Living Skills

  • Fire building
  • Camp Cooking
  • Leave No Trace
  • Mock camp set-up
  • Camping

Click here for Programs

ADAPTIVE SCHOLARSHIPS

Cleveland Metroparks is dedicated to helping reduce barriers for guests with disabilities. We understand financial need can be one barrier, so adaptive scholarships are available for both individuals and organizations.  Adaptive scholarships can be applied to program fees for Outdoor Experiences programs that meet the criteria noted on the corresponding application. Programs generally include Outdoor Recreation programs (kayaking, camp cooking, handcycling, fishing, etc.), cart tours, archery, or other naturalist-led programs. It excludes Nature Preschool and any registrations not taken directly by Cleveland Metroparks. We ask that you respect scholarship amounts  and apply only if program fees are a financial burden for you or your organization, so scholarship funds stretch and stay available to everyone who needs them. 

Adaptive scholarship applications must be submitted at least 7 days prior to program date to be considered.  

Cancellation 

Once a scholarship is awarded, if the individual or organization/group cancels, then the scholarship will be considered used, and that individual/organization is no longer eligible for a scholarship during that calendar year.   


Trail Accessibility

Cleveland Metroparks recommends the following locations as the most accessible trails within its park district. All trails are paved and are flat or have minimal slopes (generally 5% grade or less). Trail amenities include accessible parking and restrooms. Explore accessible trails with TrailView. Note that TrailView images displayed below may not be an accurate representation of trail conditions in all seasons and weather scenarios.

STAY CONNECTED

Interested in learning more about Cleveland Metroparks adaptive and inclusive  opportunities? Sign up for Cleveland Metroparks quarterly newsletter to get updates on upcoming adaptive and inclusive programs, events, adaptive equipment available, accessibility and more!