Explore the Enchanted Forest at The Wilderness Center

Connect with nature this fall during The Wilderness Center’s Enchanted Forest event. Visitors can explore the forest after hours while discovering the wildlife that calls Ohio home. This family-friendly event, set for Oct. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 10 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. is designed to make the woods welcoming, memorable and educational.

Led along a pumpkin-lit trail by volunteer “fireflies,” visitors stop along the way to meet costumed woodland characters, including a new character for 2026. 

“For more than 30 years, Enchanted Forest has been part of fall for families in our community,” Angela Henary, marketing and outreach manager at The Wilderness Center, said in a Sept. 30 press release. “What makes it so special is that underneath all the costumes, pumpkins and fun, children are building a connection with nature.”

Hear stories and songs from the flying squirrel, mouse, coyote and other forest residents while learning about their habitats and roles in the natural world, combining environmental education with a fall tradition.

The event is also The Wilderness Center’s largest environmental-education fundraiser of the year with proceeds helping support the nonprofit organization. After the event, visitors are invited to watch the stars with The Wilderness Center Astronomy Club.

For more information, visit wildernesscenter.org.

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