S’mores, butterfly hunts, fishing on tap

The Labor Day weekend means an extra day to get out and explore the Metro Parks, whether on your own or in organized activities.

Blendon Wood is going all-out with a three-day butterfly extravanganza, and the other parks have varied offerings as well, most of which will suit the entire family.

If you’ve ever wanted to try out a canoe or kayak, Prairie Oaks will give you a chance in a program where you just have to show up.

Or if fishing is on your wishlist, Dragonfly Daycamp will be offering catchand-release angling.

The more sedentary can enjoy s’mores around a campfire at Blacklick Woods, or get acquainted with the turtles at Sharon Woods.

And preschoolers with an appetite for apples can get to know the fruitbearing trees at Inniswood.

h Get a head start on the weekend from 7 to 8 p.m. Sept. 3 at Blacklick Woods, 6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, where you’ll get a chance to toast (or blacken, depending on your taste) marshmallows over a campfire and make s’mores.

h The Blendon Woods Butterfly Weekend runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 4-6 at the Nature Center at Blendon Woods, 4265 E. Dublin-granville Road, Westerville. Enjoy daily puppet shows, crafts, games, butterfly hunts and daily butterfly releases.

h Test drive a canoe or kayak from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Darby Bend

Lakes, Prairie Oak Metro Park, 2755

Amity Road, Hilliard. Canoe rides are available for those of all ages, while kayaks can be ridden by those 10 and older. All equipment is provided.

h Catch-and-release a fish or two from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Dragonfly Day Camp at Highbanks, 685 Powell Road, Lewis Center. The program is designed for those 6 and older. A limited supply of poles and bait will be available.

h Three resident turtles — Ebie,

Tuck and Three-toe — will greet admirers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6 at the naturalist’s office at Sharon Woods, 6911 Cleveland Ave., Westerville.

h Pick up a nature scavenger hunt kit and go for a hunt at your leasure from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Highbanks Nature Center, 9466 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center. Kits include a scavenger hunt list, magnifier, field guide and small prize.

h Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 can learn about apples and go in search of them on Sept. 8 at Inniswood Metro Garden, 940 S. Hempstead Road, Westerville. Sessions begin at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

All programs are free, and none require pre-registration. For more information, call 614-508-8111 or visit www.metroparks.net.

BARBARA J. PERENIC/COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ah, s’mores. Blacklick Woods will host an event on Sept. 3 in which you can toast your marshmallows and make the classic treat.