Bringing a little bit of fun and nature directly to you with TOPS Virtual Programs!
Check back regularly on all our social media for activities and adventures you can do at home and in our parks.*
If you would like to share a resource to be posted, please email the info and/or link to programs@olanderpark.com.
*TOPS parks will remain open until we are directed otherwise by the local health department.
- Explore TOPS Virtual Programs
- Park It At Home - Kids Fun Packs
- Storybook Trails
- TOPS Wellness Challenges
- Create with Sylvania Arts & TOPS
- Fun from Our Partners & Local Organizations
- Celebrate the Holidays with TOPS
iSpy Colors in Nature
iSpy Colors in Nature with TOPS
“Colors are the smiles of nature.” – Leigh Hunt
Look outside. How many colors can you see? Mother Nature’s palette is so magical. It changes with the seasons, the time of day, and where you are located. Colors can evoke feelings. Colors can give us information – a blue sky says we don’t need our umbrella. Colors in nature are so beautiful we try to replicate them in our lives – paint colors, nail polish, clothes. etc.
No matter the season, walking in nature is not only good for your heart and fitness but according to numerous studies, it has measurable mental benefits and may also reduce the risk of depression. Grab your coat and mittens during the winter, or put on some sunscreen during the summer and explore the world outside your front door.
Let’s Play A Game – Can you find these colors in nature?
January – Let’s find the color BROWN: It’s wintertime and much of nature has gone to sleep. The trees are bare but check out the beauty of their winding brown branches. Pinecones and fallen leaves look beautiful with their brown hues on display with snow as their backdrop. Click the picture below to view and download a printable iSpy activity. Can you find them all?
More colors coming soon.
The Science Behind Colors in Nature: Want to learn more about how we see colors in nature? Click the link for a cool article. Link: https://caltechletters.org/science/color-in-nature
DIY Paper Bag Recipe Book
DIY Paper Bag Recipe Book
Click HERE to download the directions and some favorite holiday recipes from the TOPS staff.
TOPS Favorite Recipes
*Dave’s favorite holiday recipe is called rejuvenation. Start with a nap, then add a little TV and a little bit of food, mix for 24 hours and then redo it again the next day. Best recipe!
Winter Solstice Crafts & Activities
TOPS Crossword Puzzle
At Home BINGO with TOPS
At Home BINGO with TOPS
Directions: Download these two BINGO cards and play individually or as a team. Look for items in your home and outside. Can you make a BINGO?
How to Win? Five in a Row or Four Corners or Fill Entire Card
Build a Fort in Your Living Room
Build a Fort in Your Living Room
Before the digital age, children spent hours trying to entertain themselves. Building a fort in the living room was a childhood favorite. If you didn’t get a chance to do this as a child, now is the time to break this oldy but goody out. Minimal supplies are needed. All you need are a couch or some chairs, pillows, a blanket or two, plus a little imagination. Want to get fancy? Add some holiday lights, toys, books, or anything else that would make you happy.
Need a little inspiration? Check out the links below for some ideas. Share photos of your forts on our social media with #olanderparks #TOPSforts
Links:
- https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/family/kids-parenting/blanket-fort?slide=40329#40329
- https://www.fatherly.com/play/activities/an-architects-tips-for-turning-the-living-room-into-an-epic-pillow-fort/
- https://prettyprovidence.com/how-to-build-blanket-fort-tips-tricks/
- For the super adventurous: https://diply.com/diy-forts-escape-adult-life
Make Your Own Mancala Game
Make Your Own Mancala Game
Directions:
- Take your empty egg carton.
- Carefully cut off the top.
- Feeling creative? Color the egg carton with markers or crayons to make it festive.
- Fill each small pocket with four of anything, any color (candy, pebbles, Cheerios, beans, …be creative!) Now you are ready to play!
- Click HERE for directions on how to play.
For more information, visit https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/alycia-zimmerman/mancala-classroom/
Explore Virtual Tours
Explore Virtual Tours
Have you ever taken a virtual tour before? They are pretty amazing. Explore something local or something from afar, all from the comfort of your couch. Check out our favorites this week – March 24, 2020.
Local Virtual Tour: The Toledo Zoo is offering virtual tours of their exhibits. This week they are offering a virtual tour of the Aquarium. Check out the variety of fish on display and even get a peek at the gift shop. This 3D tour must have been filmed before a fancy event. Any guesses what the event was for? Click HERE for the link to the 3D Virtual Tour of the Aquarium. To stay up-to-date with all the fun things happening at the zoo, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.
National Virtual Tour: The National Park Service has partnered with Google Arts and Culture to bring you the Hidden Worlds of the National Parks. Discover in-depth stories and insights from the experts. Explore panoramic views of famous sites in 360˚ Street View tours. Explore images, artifacts and more in high resolution. Take a tour of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. Click HERE to start exploring. What is your favorite national park?
Make a Photo Collage
DIY Nature Tic Tac Toe
DIY Nature Tic Tac Toe
Let’s Get Crafty! How many games of Tic Tac Toe have you played so far this month? We are betting it’s a lot! Need an alternative to the traditional paper and pen? Try using rocks!
Gather some rocks or stones from your house or out and about. (*Remember not to take rocks from private property.) You can also purchase rocks at your local home improvement store, just check the garden area. Get creative by painting them different colors, different designs, cute creatures, and more. The only limit is your imagination!
The best paint to use is acrylic paint or paint pens. If you have access to a sealer, spray them for longer use.
Use a cut wood slice, chalk on your driveway or sidewalk, or even a large piece of paper to create the tic tac toe grid. For game play, remember to make sure you have 10 stones – five of each type.
How to play Tic Tac Toe:
- The game is played on a grid that’s 3 squares by 3 squares.
- You are X, your friend (or the computer in this case) is O. Players take turns putting their marks in empty squares.
- The first player to get 3 of her marks in a row (up, down, across, or diagonally) is the winner.
- When all 9 squares are full, the game is over.
Have a bunch of rocks laying around? Check out this fun website for more rock painting ideas!
The Bird Nest
The Bird Nest
Find It!
Find It!
Rabbits Everywhere!
Rabbits Everywhere!
Spring is here and little bunnies can be seen hopping all around town! Have you seen any in your yard? Celebrate the fluffy bunny by clicking on one (or all) or these fun activities.
Want more information about bunny rabbits, check out THIS LINK from the Ohio Wildlife Center.
Blue Week Celebration
Blue Week Celebration: Butterfly Gardens for Kids
- Click HERE to watch the Butterfly Gardens for Kids video on our new TOPS YouTube channel!
- Click HERE for Printable Butterfly Outlines
Resources from the video:
- Ohio Department of Nature Resources – YouTube Channel – featuring Ohio Protects Pollinators Part 1 & 2
- Growing Wisdom – How to Plant a Butterfly Garden
- North American Butterfly Association – How to Start a Butterfly Garden
- U.S. Forest Service – Monarch Butterfly Habitat Needs
- The Holden Arboretum – Butterfly Garden Host Plant List
- This Old House – How to Plant a Butterfly Garden
- Rob Nelson @UntamedScience – How to Create A Butterfly Garden
- Canadian Wildlife Federation – Give Butterflies a Place to Drink
Check out the full list of Blue Week events at www.oakopenings.org/blue-week
Virtual Earth Week Celebration : April 20 to 26, 2020
Virtual Earth Week Celebration: April 20 to 26, 2020Monday:
Travelling Tuesdays: Let’s virtually explore our National Parks!
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- Grand Canyon National Park
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- Crater Lake National Park
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- Yellowstone National Park
- Virtual Tour of Crater Lake National Park: https://findyourpark.com/…/crater-lake-national-park-360-to…
- Live Webcams from Yellowstone National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
- Virtual Hike & Rafting Trip in the Grand Canyon: https://www.nps.gov/…/learn/photosmultimedia/virtualtour.htm
For more activities and tours, visit the National Park Service website at https://www.nps.gov/…/npscelebra…/find-your-virtual-park.htm
or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice
Wednesday – Earth Day!:
Tag us on Facebook – @theolanderparksystem, share it on social media with #olanderparks, and/or email the photos to programs@olanderpark.com.
Check out these great photos by: Todd Crail, Erika Buri, Brian McGuire, and Danielle Marino
Celebrate Earth Day with an Upcycle Craft!
Thursday:#ThankfulThursdays
Did you know April is also National Volunteer Month?As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day this week, we want to give a huge thanks to all of our volunteers. In 2019, 375 individuals joined the TOPS incredible volunteer team and contributed over 1400 hours of service to our community!
Much of what we accomplish each year is with the help of our dedicated volunteers who share their time and talents with TOPS. Many of the groups that volunteered worked with the natural resources department in the parks’ native areas. Volunteers assisted with invasive species removal, seed collection, planting and weeding native gardens, and tree planting. Our volunteers also helped with various park maintenance projects, assisted with special events, and educated visitors at Fossil Park.
Although we have had to postpone our spring volunteer dates, please consider becoming a TOPS volunteer. Whether your interests are ecological or your strength is working with people, we have the right program for you. Find out more at www.olanderpark.com/volunteering
We thank you! Every logged hour by a TOPS volunteer directly translates into a stronger local ecosystem, more opportunities for kids to discover and explore, and a healthier community!
Volunteers Pictured: The Toledo Zoo ZOOTeens, McCord Road Christian Church, and Timberstone Junior High Students
Thursday Activity: Earth Day Mad Libs!
Who remembers playing Mad Libs as a kid? The game was invented in the United States, and more than 110 million copies of Mad Libs books have been sold since the series was first published in 1958. In honor of Earth Day, try out this fun Mad Lib. Click HERE for the link to a printable version.
Want to try more, check out these printable Mad Libs from Woo Jr. at https://www.woojr.com/earth-day-mad-libs-for-kids/
Friday: Celebrate Earth Week & Arbor Day by making a Pine Cone Bird Feeder!
Saturday: Let’s talk about Gardening! Rain Barrels, Composting, and Rain Gardens…on my!
- Did you know that RAIN BARRELS are a great way to conserve water and provides you free water for use in your lawns, gardens, and/or indoor plants? Rain barrels capture rainwater from a roof and hold it for later use. Check out the DIY video on how to make your own. Not handy? Think about purchasing one. Check out the links below.
- Did you know that COMPOSTING is a wonderful way to add nutrients to your garden with your own waste scraps? Composting is simply breaking down organic materials into nutrient-rich soil that you can then spread on your vegetable or flower gardens. It also lets you dispose of certain waste materials without throwing them in the trash so it’s a really environmentally friendly project. Check out the DIY instructions on a variety of ways to make your own. Not handy? Think about purchasing one. Check out the links below.
- Did you know a RAIN GARDEN is a low spot in the yard that is designed to capture rainwater from roofs, driveways, and sidewalks? The rain garden temporarily stores stormwater while it reduces flooding and provides habitat for bees and other pollinators. The hardy native plants and soil clean the stormwater naturally, reducing water pollution. Want to plant your own?
Check out Toledo-Lucas County Rain Garden Initiative’s website at http://www.tlcraingardeninitiative.org/whats-a-rain-garden/
DIY Rain Barrel Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0y0BmEFUcs
DIY Composting Bin: https://www.diyncrafts.com/…/35-cheap-easy-diy-compost-bins…
Purchase a rain barrel and/or compost bin at this event sponsored by the Village of Ottawa Hills and the Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District; see this link for more information: http://enviroworld.us/ottawa
Want to learn more about what Northwest Ohio is doing to improve the environment? Check out these links:
• Toledo-Lucas County Sustainability Commission: http://www.lucascountygreen.com/about.html
• Partners for Clean Streams: https://partnersforcleanstreams.org/
• Lucas Soil & Water Conservation District: https://www.lucasswcd.org/
• Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, Inc.: https://www.co.lucas.oh.us/…/Keep-Toledo-Lucas-County-Beaut…
Sunday: Plant a Veggie Garden!
Vegetables can grow just about anywhere if they have enough sun and water. Try a “square foot garden” in a raised garden bed, plant a tomato in your favorite pot, plant some herbs for your windowsill, or you can even rent spaces in community gardens like at Olander Park.
*Interested in renting a community garden at Olander Park? We have one spot left for this summer. The fee is $25 and planting season is from May 15 to October 31. Email programs@olanderpark.com for more information.
What are the Benefits of Growing a Vegetable Garden?
• It’s Eco-Friendly
• Minimize Waste
• Improve Your Health
• Save Money on Food
• Burn Calories
PLUS: Kids (and adults) will often try new foods if they have grown them!
Want more information on starting your own garden? Check out these links –
• Starting an organic garden: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/…/organic-gardening-tips-…/
• Plant a Snack Garden with your Kids: https://kidsgardening.org/garden-activities-plant-a-snack-…/
• Plant an Herb Garden with your kids: https://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/starting-herb-garde…
Virtual Egg Hunt – Completed
Virtual Egg Hunt – Completed
TOPS March Madness - Completed
TOPS March Madness
Millions of basketball fans around the world are super bummed that the NCAA Basketball tournament was cancelled. We didn’t want you to miss out on filling out those brackets. Fill out your the TOPS Fan Favorite bracket today! Voting begins Friday, March 27 at 5pm. Vote on the TOPS Facebook page and Instagram stories for your chance to win too! TOPS Championship is April 6 beginning at Noon. The winner will be declared at 8pm!
Missing out on basketball? Check out these fun facts about the NCAA Basketball tournament.
Want to create your own bracket, click HERE. Want to pretend the tournament is still happening? Sporting News is still offering the chance to pick upsets and virtually watch your favorite teams advance, round-by-round to the Final Four. Click HERE for their website.
Shamrock Scavenger Hunt – Completed
Shamrock Scavenger Hunt – Completed
Lucky the Leprechaun paid a visit to The Olander Park System. He left his lucky shamrocks at TOPS parks, the TOPS website, and on the TOPS Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page. Congrats to all the winners of the hunt. Check social media to see if you are a winner. Email us your information at programs@olanderpark.com
Stay connected with TOPS with our all-new Kids Fun Packs.
We miss seeing you this year at TOPS youth programs. To stay connected, TOPS will be giving out FREE Kids Fun Packs monthly throughout the summer. Each fun pack will include activities, games, and crafts you can create and play with in the comfort of your own home or as you explore TOPS parks independently. Each fun pack will be themed around a topic featured in one (or more) of our new videos series – Park It At Home with TOPS. Visit our Facebook page for announcements.
Winter is HERE! January’s Kids Fun Pack is about all things winter.
Registration is now open for Sylvania School District Residents and TOPS Members. Click HERE to learn more and register for your kids pack. Registration closes Tuesday, January 27.
February Kids Fun Pack information coming soon.
All About Conifers! This month’s episode focuses on those majestic trees we all love – Conifers. Erika and Madeline will show us fun activities using pinecones, give fun facts about these awesome trees, and more!
Want to watch the video on our YouTube channel? Click this link! https://youtu.be/uvIXYzNqNg0
Plus: Download the TOPS Conifers Kids Pack filled with more fun ideas exploring more activities you can do with pinecones. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Bonus! Click this link for coloring pages and activities about conifers and pinecones! CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Let’s explore space! This month’s episode is all about Astronomy! Erika and Madeline will show us fun activities about constellations, phases of the moon, and more!
Want to watch the video on our YouTube channel? Click this link! https://youtu.be/Aq7izfb0YdE
Plus: Download the TOPS Astronomy Kids Pack filled with fun activities to explore the science behind all the amazing things in space. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
Bonus: Check out the links below to explore more fun ideas online.
- Earth Sky Tonight: earthsky.org/tonight
- THE WVHS PLANETARIUM–Backyard Stargazing: planetarium.ipsd.org/Subpage.aspx?id=279
- Mass Audubon: Winter Activity Page: www.massaudubon.org/learn/families-with-children/young-explorers/activity-sheets/the-winter-night-sky-activity-page
- Australian National Maritime Museum–Mini Planetarium: https://www.sea.museum/2016/06/21/how-to-make-a-mini-planetarium
- They Might Be Giants Kids: https://www.youtube.com/user/officialTMBGkids
- Winter Constellations: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/depts/parks/DistanceLearning/Fall-WinterConstellations.pdf
- Constellations Cootie Catcher: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ouarf2CL8Ives_H6i7L4et4YbSuAuVhe/view
- Pipe Cleaner Constellations: https://www.123homeschool4me.com/pipe-cleaner-constellations_61/
- Oreo Cookie Moon Phases: https://sciencebob.com/oreo-cookie-moon-phases/
- Moon Phase flip book: https://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/2014/11/phases-of-moon-flip-book_21.html
- Moon Phase Journal: https://buggyandbuddy.com/astronomy-kids-moon-journal-free-printable/
- Make a Bedroom Planetarium: https://www.education.com/download-pdf/activity/18037/
- Comet Ball: https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/comet-stick/en/#:~:text=Cut%20three%20pieces%20of%20tin,more%20sheets%20of%20tin%20foil
- Constellation Painting: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/camp/paint-a-constellation/
- Phases of the Moon Game: https://deceptivelyeducational.blogspot.com/2014/11/free-printable-phases-of-moon-game.html
Celebrate Fall with TOPS! Check out the science behind changing leaf colors, and do some fun activities to take advantage of this beautiful season.
SOLD OUT: Register for one of our accompanying Kids Fun Packs and explore the science of fall leaves in the comfort of your own home. Limited quantities are available. One per family. Contact programs at 419-882-8313, ext. 1004 or programs@olanderpark.com to get your park. Free for Sylvania School District Residents & TOPS Members.
Not able to pick up a kit? Don’t worry! Check out the links below for access to all the materials inside the kit.
- Fall Leaf Packet and Activity Pages: CLICK HERE
- Hammered Leaf and Flower Prints: https://www.
instructables.com/Hammered- leaf-and-flower-prints/ - Leaf Chromatography: https://www.
playdoughtoplato.com/leaf- chromatography/ - Fun with Leaf Rubbings: https://
preschoolsteam.com/textured- leaf-rubbings-preschool- science/ - Fall Leaf Science Videos:
- Leaf Color Chromatography – Bite Sci-zed https://youtu.be/qH-AJDqsSII
- The Real Reason Leaves Change Color In the Fall – Minute Earth https://youtu.be/JWva5AaDkXw
- Why Leaves Really Fall Off Trees – NPR https://www.npr.org/templates/
story/story.php?storyId= 114288700 - Leaf Activities for Preschoolers: https://
teachingmama.org/8-leaf- activities-for-preschoolers/
Crinoids, Brachiopods, and Trilobites, OH MY! Our next Park It At Home video is all about FOSSILS.
Check it out our YouTube channel – CLICK HERE
SOLD OUT: Register for one of our accompanying Kids Fun Packs and discover fossils in the comfort of your own home. Limited quantities are available. One per family. Contact programs at 419-882-8313, ext. 1004 or programs@olanderpark.com to get your park. Free for Sylvania School District Residents & TOPS Members.
Not able to pick up a kit? Don’t worry! Check out the links below for access to all the materials inside the kit.
- Devonian Seas of Ohio Coloring Sheet – CLICK HERE
- Fossil Park Field Guide Handout – CLICK HERE
- Fossil Park Find Sticker Printout (while need to provide own sticker sheet) – CLICK HERE
- FOSSILS! Word Search – CLICK HERE
- FOSSILS! Word Search Answers – CLICK HERE
- What Can I Find at Fossil Park Handout – CLICK HERE
- Make Your Own Trilobite Printout – CLICK HERE
- Fossil Cookie Recipe via MarthaStewart.com – CLICK HERE
- Easy DIY Bath Bombs Recipe – CLICK HERE
- How to Reserve Your Spot at Fossil Park – CLICK HERE
Big thanks to Dental Health Associates of Sylvania & Brookview Dental for donating toothbrushes for the Kids Pack.
Special thanks to Tom Marok. He has volunteered for over a decade at Fossil Park. He graciously donated fossils for each kit and individually labeled them so all the kids (and parents) would know what they were looking at.
Let it Glow • Lightning Bugs or Fireflies – no matter what you call this insect – they are awesome! Don’t forget to check out our companion video – Park It At Home: Let It Glow YouTube video featuring these awesome creatures and some of the activities in the packet.
- Click HERE to download the packet and check out the fun links throughout each page.
- Click HERE & HERE to download firefly/lightning bug coloring pages.
- Click HERE to download the Five Little Fireflies activity.
- Click HERE to visit the Mass Audubon website for more information on the Firefly Watch.
Backyard Camping Idea Packet is available to view and download! Check out all the fun you can have in your own backyard! Click HERE to view and download the packet.
Youtube Series – Park It At Home: Backyard Campout Edition: Click HERE
Ideas for Indoor Creative Forts: Click HERE
Great Campfire Songs: Click HERE
Pine Cone Bird Feeder Craft: Click HERE to watch the video!
Special Thanks to Burlington Parks & Recreation for their help making the Backyard Camping Idea Pack!
This first Park It At Home – Kids Summer Fun Pack is all about nature. There are activities, games, and crafts featuring birds, butterflies, pollinators, seeds, and plants. Each activity features a list of supplies we will provide, as well as, a list of supplies you will need to supply.
Miss out on the kit? Don’t worry! Click HERE for the booklet with instructions.
Click HERE to watch our videos from our YouTube series – Park It At Home with TOPS featuring activities and crafts you can do at home!
Most activities are featured in our video series which you can find on our new YouTube page HERE. Written directions will also be provided in each fun pack.
Follow us on Facebook for announcements about when and how to register for each fun pack.
Limited quantities are available. Available for free to Sylvania School District Residents and Members. Recommended ages: 4 to 12 years old
For more information, email programs@olanderpark.com
Join a TOPS Wellness Challenge!
TOPS Wellness Challenges are designed for miles completed at TOPS parks. While we hope you complete your miles at one of our five parks, these programs are designed to help you maintain and enhance your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. If you earn miles at the gym, your local park, or even around your neighborhood, please count those miles toward your challenge goals.
CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE!
Nature + Art
Enjoy this special nature-inspired project presented by Sylvania Arts celebrating I Love Olander Day and The Olander Park System.
Colleen Yappueying, Executive Director of Sylvania Arts, shows us how to create nature-inspired wall hangings using simple materials you can purchase or even find at home. Check out the video on the TOPS YouTube page. Click HERE!
Limited free kits will be available at Olander Park from Tuesday, September 29 to Friday, October 2 between 10am and 6pm at the Callahan Administrative Office, while supplies last. Don’t worry if you don’t make it to the park to get a kit. Colleen provides an easy recipe to make your own DIY air dry clay. Visit TOPS parks or find nature in your back yard to create your masterpiece. Download the directions. Click HERE
Do you love this project? Check out the Sylvania Arts YouTube series “Create with the Director” to learn how you can create works of art at home. Learn more at https://www.sylvaniaarts.org
Fun from Our Partners & Local Organizations
- Heritage Sylvania: Camp AH-HA! where At Home History Adventures begin! Check out their daily postings of projects for you and your children to do together to keep the learning going. Visit: https://heritagesylvania.org/educational-resources/camp-ah-ha-at-home-history-adventures/
- Toledo Lucas County Public: The library’s entire online eMedia collection including eBooks, audiobooks and streaming movies, music and television shows is still available for use with your Library card. If you don’t have a Library card, you sign up for one today and get instant access to these materials! Visit: https://www.toledolibrary.org/
- Imagination Station: Check out some of their favorite DIY experiments that can be replicated at home or in your classroom. Visit: https://www.imaginationstationtoledo.org/educator/activities
- Metroparks Toledo: Check out all the trails you can explore! Visit: https://metroparkstoledo.com/explore-your-parks/
- Toledo Zoo: Check out their Animal Meet & Greets on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheToledoZoo/. Learn about the animals at the Toledo Zoo on their website at https://www.toledozoo.org/animals
Stay tuned for more information on the Fun from Our Partners & Local Organizations.
