Get Rich Outdoors
Here you will find a weekly update on select events and activities happening in northern Ohio national, state and county parks, which are in the NewsChannel 5 viewing area. Programs sometimes change for weather and other unforeseen circumstances! Check the park web-site before traveling.
Pick of the Parks for Friday, Dec. 4 to Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015
Featured Event
Country Lights
December 3 through 23, 5 to 9 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark
$11 per person ages 2 and older; tickets must be purchased in advance, maximum 15 tickets total
Children (ages 2 through 11) select a toy to build from more than 70 different styles. Santa’s elves help them use drills, screwdrivers, hammers and nails to put it together. The children then paint and decorate their toy to take home. Take a wagon ride through a beautifully-lit winter wonderland. (Wagons run 5 to 9 pm). Visit Santa in the Theater. In the Arena, visit with Farmpark animals, discover Santa’s Train Room (miniature train displays) and enjoy performances by the Holiday Horses or Christmas Canines. The J & J Café is open from 5 to 8:30 pm for walk-in dining, snacks and beverages. Tickets sales begin 8 am November 6 for Lake County residents and Farmpark members (joined before/on 10/31/15). Out-of-county customers and new Farmpark members (joined on/after 11/1/15) may order beginning November 12. Tickets available online at lakemetroparks.com, by calling the ticket hotline 440-256-2122 x2, or in person at Lake Metroparks Farmpark and Lake Metroparks Registration Offices. Please note, you must print your own tickets and bring them with you to the event. Two dollar ($2) handling fee applied to all mailed orders.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake
Truxell/ Kendall Park Road, 2 miles west of Akron Cleveland Road
Peninsula, Ohio 44264
There must be four inches of snow to open. Call (330) 657-2752 for current snowfall depth. The typical schedule is Saturdays and Sundays in December, January, and February; daily, December 26 through 31; and the holidays of Martin Luther King Day and Presidents' Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It may be open additional days during heavy snowfall.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Candlelight Holiday Tours: Malabar
Saturday, December 5, 5 to 9 p.m., Malabar Farm State Park
Tour Louis Bromfield's Big House all decked out for the Holidays. Enjoy freshly baked cookies & hot cider. $5/adults; $3/children
For a complete list of Northern Ohio State Park events click:
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/resources/events/tabid/487/Default.aspx
Cleveland Metroparks
Emerald Necklace Hikers
Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m. to noon, Brecksville Reservation
Oak Grove Picnic Area is located off Valley Parkway in Brecksville Reservation, between Chippewa Creek Drive and Meadows Drive
Don't feel comfortable navigating the trails on your own? Join this monthly hike to explore the Emerald Necklace, get some exercise and enjoy each other’s company. We’ll enjoy the late fall woods via hiking and bridle trails. Free.
Scenic Hike
Saturday, December 5, 2 to 3 p.m., Rocky River Reservation
North Olmsted
Join Naturalist Marty Calabrese for a cold and windy hike. Brace yourself for scenic views atop the valley ridge along Cedar Point Loop. From this vantage, we’ll gaze upon the confluence of the East and West Branches of Rocky River from 100 feet above. Trail is moderate & wet, 1 mile. Free.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Ashland County Parks
The Ashland County Park District (ACPD) is currently composed of 16 parks. Each offers a unique experience and support a variety of recreational activities including hiking, bird-watching, canoeing, dog-walking and hunting.
For the complete Ashland County Parks events calendar click:
https://sites.google.com/site/ashlandcoparks/
Crawford County Parks
Colonel Crawford Bikeway
Biking is an excellent form of exercise and offers people an opportunity to get outdoors. The Crawford Park District has established a route for cyclists to ride and enjoy the wonderful scenes of Crawford County. The route starts and ends at Lowe-Volk Park. The bikeway winds its way through country roads and through Galion and Crestline. A turn by turn map is available on our web site.
For the complete Crawford County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org/
Erie County Parks
Trail Transformation
Saturday, December 5, 10 to 11 a.m., Castalia Quarry MetroPark, 8404 SR 101, Castalia.
Come see how a trail transforms throughout the year with a monthly walk on the same trail! Bring a camera to document the changes.
Nature Baby!
Tuesday December 8, 10:30 to 11 a.m., East Sandusky Bay MetroPark, Enchanted Cottage, 4011 Cleveland Rd, Sandusky.
Get ready to explore! Using a baby backpack is a great way for parents to get outside and for
baby to discover his natural world. If it is too cold we will stay inside and play. Ages 0-3. Older siblings are welcome. Registration appreciated. Limit 10.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga County Parks
Greens for Giving
Saturday, December 5, Noon to 4 PM, The West Woods, Nature Center
Help brighten a senior’s holiday season by participating in this “make-and-GIVE” event to create 250 evergreen decorations to accompany the Geauga County Department on Aging's home-delivered meals for seniors. All supplies provided.
For the complete Geauga County Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.geaugaparkdistrict.org/programs/index.shtml
Lake Metroparks
The WILD Days of Winter game: Candy Land has gone WILD!
November 21, 2015 through January 3, Noon to 5 p.m., Exhibit closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, Penitentiary Glen Reservation
Northeast Ohio’s “Wildest” holiday tradition continues this year. The Wild Days of Winter game is played just like the iconic board game CANDY LAND, but with a “natural twist” ...of course. This year’s theme is Candy Land has gone WILD! On a life-sized game board, discover the many “natural” flavors that nature gives us as you play along and travel through the seasons in our indoor wonderland. Draw a card, move from space to space, and explore nature through the year. In addition, enjoy a craft, activity pages and scavenger hunts—it’s fun for the whole family! Snacks and beverages are also available. Enjoy holiday shopping at The Nature Store. Snowshoe rentals are available, weather permitting. Join us on Saturday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. for special, free activities. Free to all; all ages welcome.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/events.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Campfire Hike
Saturday, December 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Sandy Ridge
Join us for a campfire followed up by a hike. Hiking level 2. No registration required. Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of it
Saturday, December 5, 9 to 11 a.m., Summit Metroparks’ Silvercreek Park (meet at Beach House parking lot)
This is a hiking club for those adults who can hike four to five miles at a brisk pace. Walking trails can be mildly strenuous with a limited amount being off trail. Please dress for the weather, and be sure to have appropriate footwear. No registration required. Ages 10 to adult. Free.
A Log Cabin Christmas
Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6, 12 to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center Stop in any weekend in December to learn about traditional holiday customs of the past, warm up with a hot beverage, and enjoy the atmosphere of a cozy log cabin at Christmas. We will get you into the Christmas spirit with a variety of make n take craft projects (a new one each weekend) that will add an old fashioned flair to your holiday decorating. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Animal Myths
Sunday, December 6, 3 to 4 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center
Natural Discoveries is a series of free nature themed programs designed for ages seven to adult. Participants in the program who complete certain hike requirements are eligible to receive awards. See the Natural Discoveries link on our website for award details. Get acquainted with some of our most misunderstood animals! From snakes to daddy long legs to coyotes we'll debunk the myths and set straight the folklore. Ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.
For the complete Medina County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.medinacountyparks.com/
Portage County Parks
Looking to embrace the beauty of the outdoors? Portage Parks offers a variety of educational activities, outdoor adventures, races and walks, and numerous other events throughout each season. Portage Park District conserves important natural areas and creates parks and trails for public use and enjoyment. We partner to improve the health and quality of life in our communities, while realizing significant economic benefits. There are many ways that you can help support the Portage Park District in our mission to conserve Portage County’s natural and cultural resources. Learn more about donation and volunteer opportunities and then contact us.
For the complete Portage County Parks events calendar click:
http://portageparkdistrict.org/programs/upcoming-events/
Stark Parks
Adventures in Birding
Tuesday, December 8, 7:30 to 9 p.m., Mahoning Valley Trail, Deer Creek Reservoir
Come take a leisurely walk along the Mahoning Valley Trail at Deer Creek Reservoir and search for birds. We may see migrating waterfowl, gulls, and overwintering birds. Birders of all levels of experience are welcome. Please bring your own binoculars. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Animal Tracks
Saturday, December 5, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula
Join a naturalist to see what is on the move at Deep Lock Quarry. Participants will see and learn about the animals that leave their marks behind. Dress for the weather. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Hike for Cocoa
Sunday, December 6, 2 to 3:30 p.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join us for a winter's walk, then warm up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. We will search for signs of wildlife on our way. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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