family-friendly

Explore how some animals power down to make it through winter. This is the time of year we start to miss seeing some of the furry critters; the chill in the air is too cold for our cold-blooded friends, and many trees and shrubs have already gone dormant. Learn how our local wildlife and ecosystem slow down for the season.

• When: Saturday, November 28, 3:30–4:30 PM
• Where: Deer Creek State Park Nature Center (///biologist.gatherings.bowhead)

Good to know

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• All programs are subject to change. Watch the Deer Creek State Park Facebook page for updates.
• Need special accommodations to participate? Let the naturalist know ahead of time.
• No fee is listed on the park’s program schedule.
• Questions? Contact Naturalist Rylee Santini at rylee.santini@dnr.ohio.gov.

Tip: what3words addresses point to an exact 3-meter spot. Look them up in the free what3words or Outerspatial apps.

Source: Deer Creek State Park November 2026 Naturalist Program Schedule (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

From fire by friction to flint and steel, learn how people started their campfires before matches and lighters. Review fire safety and see examples of fire-starting methods passed down over time.

• When: Saturday, November 14, 4–5 PM
• Where: Stop by the Deer Creek State Park Nature Center (///biologist.gatherings.bowhead)
• What to bring: Nothing; no equipment or experience necessary
• Registration: Not required; drop in during the program

Good to know

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• All programs are subject to change. Watch the Deer Creek State Park Facebook page for updates.
• Need special accommodations to participate? Let the naturalist know ahead of time.
• No fee is listed on the park’s program schedule.
• Questions? Contact Naturalist Rylee Santini at rylee.santini@dnr.ohio.gov.

Tip: what3words addresses point to an exact 3-meter spot. Look them up in the free what3words or Outerspatial apps.

Source: Deer Creek State Park November 2026 Naturalist Program Schedule (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Join the naturalist for a lesson about how we classify different species! Learn about the surprising similarities and differences between animal groups.

• When: Thursday, November 12, 11 AM–noon
• Where: Deer Creek State Park Nature Center (///biologist.gatherings.bowhead)
• Who: Intended for ages 9–14 and their families

Good to know

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• All programs are subject to change. Watch the Deer Creek State Park Facebook page for updates.
• Need special accommodations to participate? Let the naturalist know ahead of time.
• No fee is listed on the park’s program schedule.
• Questions? Contact Naturalist Rylee Santini at rylee.santini@dnr.ohio.gov.

Tip: what3words addresses point to an exact 3-meter spot. Look them up in the free what3words or Outerspatial apps.

Source: Deer Creek State Park November 2026 Naturalist Program Schedule (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Come out and try your shot at archery! All equipment is provided, along with instruction from an archery instructor. Fun for the whole family.

• When: Saturday, November 7, 4:30–6 PM
• Where: Meet at the Deer Creek State Park Nature Center (///biologist.gatherings.bowhead)
• Sign up ahead: register online or in person during Nature Center hours
• Required: A liability waiver signed by an adult and closed-toe shoes
• Arrive on time: All participants must attend the safety brief at 4:30 PM
• Equipment: Bows, arrows and instruction provided

Deer Creek Nature Center hours: Friday & Saturday 2–4 PM; closed Sunday–Thursday. Planned changes: closed November 20 & 21; open November 27 from 2–6 PM.

Good to know

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• All programs are subject to change. Watch the Deer Creek State Park Facebook page for updates.
• Need special accommodations to participate? Let the naturalist know ahead of time.
• No fee is listed on the park’s program schedule.
• Questions? Contact Naturalist Rylee Santini at rylee.santini@dnr.ohio.gov.

Tip: what3words addresses point to an exact 3-meter spot. Look them up in the free what3words or Outerspatial apps.

Source: Deer Creek State Park November 2026 Naturalist Program Schedule (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)

Ohio has a vast range of ecosystems and an even bigger variety of animals! Stop by and talk with the Deer Creek State Park naturalist to learn about our local wildlife. This drop-in program includes displays and interactive features for all ages.

• When: Friday, November 6, 4:30–6 PM
• Where: Deer Creek Lodge & Conference Center lobby, 22300 State Park Road 20, Mount Sterling (///afford.piping.lagoon)
• Who: All ages
• Registration: Not required; stop by anytime during the program

Good to know

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• All programs are subject to change. Watch the Deer Creek State Park Facebook page for updates.
• Need special accommodations to participate? Let the naturalist know ahead of time.
• No fee is listed on the park’s program schedule.
• Questions? Contact Naturalist Rylee Santini at rylee.santini@dnr.ohio.gov.

Tip: what3words addresses point to an exact 3-meter spot. Look them up in the free what3words or Outerspatial apps.

Source: Deer Creek State Park November 2026 Naturalist Program Schedule (Ohio Department of Natural Resources)