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 Park's for Friday, December 11 to Thursday, December 17, 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
Boston Store Visitor Center
1550 Boston Mills Road, east of Riverview Road
Peninsula, Ohio 44264, (330) 657-2752
The visitor center is a good place to start your visit at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Meet park staff, get questions answered, and learn more about park scheduled events and places to visit. There is a short park video available upon request. You can pick up relevant brochures, maps, passport stamps, purchase park-themed merchandise, and America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
Spring: Daily, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. in March and April; Daily, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. in May
Summer: Daily, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fall: Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Winter: Daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed December 25, and January 1
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 12, 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
Extreme Hiking
Saturday, December 12, a9 a.m. to noon, Brecksville Reservation, Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr, Brecksville, OH 44141
The snow could be falling and covering the hemlock trees today. Join Naturalist Pam Taylor as we set out for an early winter hike. Wear appropriate footwear. Free.
A Changing Season Hike
Sunday, December 13 at 1 to 2 p.m. Rocky River Reservation, Nature Center
24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted
Join us to investigate the changing of the seasons. Buds to blooms and green to white, what will change as you walk the same trails starting in March through December each month? Bring along a notebook to write down some interesting tidbits. Terrain: mostly flat, 0.5 mile. Free.
For the complete Cleveland Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/index.asp
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
What Tree Is That? Winter Edition
Saturday, December 12, 1 to 3 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center Deck.
Go on a hike and learn how to identify common trees just by looking at buds, bark, and twigs! Dress for the weather.
Sunday Morning Trail Run
Sunday, December 13, 9 to 11 a.m., Wyandot Meadows, 5703 Cleveland Rd, Huron.
Meet at the parking lot for a morning run. Limit 30.
Winter Residents
Sunday December 13, 12 to 1 p.m., Osborn MetroPark, Frost Center Deck.
Take a hike and look for signs of wildlife that stay in the parks all winter long! Learn about how our residential wildlife survive the cold winters. Dress for the weather.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga County Parks
Ho-Ho-Ho Hiking with Santa & Buddy the Elf
Saturday, December 12, 1 to 2:30 p.m., The West Woods, Nature Center
Discover the wonders of the season on a magical hike with Santa Claus and Buddy the Elf! Great photo opportunity, with Santa available after the hike for photos and wish lists. Partially wheelchair/stroller accessible.
Geminid Meteor Shower
Saturday-Sunday, December 12 & 13, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Observatory Park
December's Geminid meteor shower should put on a spectacular show! Join us anytime from sunset to sunrise for a chance to see winter's shooting stars - as well as a cocoa break in the warmth and comfort of the McCullough Science Center building. Wheelchair/stroller accessible.
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
Astronomy: Geminid Meteors
Friday, December 11, 7 to 9 p.m., Carlisle, Nielsen Observatory
Co-Sponsored by the Black River Astronomical Society. Clear skies only! Check www.BlackRiverAstro.org Free.
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
A Log Cabin Christmas
Saturday, December 12 and December 13, 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.
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
High Mileage Hike
Saturday, December 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Hoover Trail, meet at Hoover High School Trailhead
Lace up your hiking boots and get out with Stark Parks for this 5 mile hike along the Hoover Trail. Be prepared for a strenuous hike--wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring water. Meet at the 7th St. parking lot. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Bird Hike
Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Join a naturalist on a hike in search of birds who reside in Ohio year-round, along with winter's winged visitors. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Cardio Hike
Monday, December 14, 1 to 2 p.m., Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Rd., Akron
Join a naturalist for healthy outdoor exercise by hiking at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Drinking water is recommended. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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