Pet Costume Hike at Quarry Trails Dog Park

Quarry Trails Dog Park is hosting a Pet Costume Hike on Saturday, October 31, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. The premise is simple: dress your dog up for Halloween and take in the scenery together. Human costumes are optional, so you can go all out or just let your pet take the spotlight.

The hike is part of the fall programming from Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, a system that's one of the city's most overlooked resources. It covers more than 20 locations, with 75 miles of bike trails and 230 miles of hiking trails, and nearly every program they run is free. They keep things going 365 days a year, with hikes, paddling, creeking, arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, yoga, and family events. The system also includes eight natural play areas, four nature centers, dog parks, disc golf courses, fishing spots, and free outdoor movies under the stars.

If you've never spent much time with the Metro Parks, this is a low-stakes way to get into it. You don't have to commit to a whole day in the woods—just an hour on Halloween afternoon with your dog in a costume. The hike runs from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Quarry Trails Dog Park, 2600 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43228, and it's free.