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 18 to Thursday, December 24, 2015
Featured Event
A Log Cabin Christmas
Saturday, December 19 & Sunday, December, 12 to 5 p.m., Medina County Parks, 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.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Canal Exploration Center
7104 Canal Road, intersection of Canal and Hillside roads
Valley View, Ohio 44125, (216) 524-1497
The park's newest attraction was once used as a tavern, a general store, a residence, and a park visitor center. This historic building now features in-depth, interactive Canal Era exhibits for children and adults.
Spring: Wednesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Summer: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fall: Wednesday through Sundays in September and October, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays in November, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Winter: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
For the complete Cuyahoga Valley National Park events calendar click:
http://www.nps.gov/cuva/planyourvisit/events.htm
Ohio State Parks
Hiking Trails in Ohio State Parks
Come prepared to hike at an Ohio State Park! For long hikes, bring water and a high-energy snack, dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear. On shorter walks, pack field guides, binoculars, and a camera. More here: http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hiking
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
Chickadee Hike
Saturday, December 19 at 2 to 3:30 p.m., North Chagrin Reservation, A.B. Williams parking lot, Willoughby Hills
Venture through the forest to the overlook, where chickadees, titmice and nuthatches take seed from your hand. Your patience may be rewarded with a magical moment of interaction with nature! Terrain Difficulty: moderate, 2 – 2.5 miles. Free.
Winter Bird Walk
Sunday, December 20, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Euclid Creek Reservation, Wildwood Marina parking lot.
Many birds call the Great Lakes home for the winter. Join Naturalist Natalie Schroder on a survey of Wildwood Park and Euclid Beach to see what we can find. Please park in the lot closest to the new foot bridge. Terrain Difficulty: paved, up to 1.5 miles. 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
Firelands Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 19, Dawn-Dusk.
Join us in this citizen science project as we work in teams to identify and count birds. Contact us at firelandsaudubon@gmail.com for more information.
Winter Solstice Night Hike
Tuesday, December 22, 8 to 10 p.m., East Sandusky Bay MetroPark, Enchanted Cottage, 4011
Cleveland Rd, Sandusky. Meet for a walk during the Winter Solstice. Registration required. Limit 20.
For the complete Erie County Parks events calendar click:
http://eriemetroparks.org/index.php/programs/programs/
Geauga County Parks
Frohring Meadows Snowshoe (Ages 10+)
Saturday, December 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Frohring Meadows
Snowshoe through the meadow and forest in search of wildlife evidence. Hike if insufficient snow. Registration required.
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.
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.
For the complete Lake Metroparks events calendar click:
http://www.lakemetroparks.com/programs/events.shtml
Lorain County Parks
Lunch With Santa
Saturday, December 19, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Columbia Reservation, Briar Lodge.
Come have lunch with Santa! We will have a magic show, crafts and pizza! Bring your own camera! All person's attending must pre-register by 12/16 and pre-pay $5 per person by calling Sundae Funday's at 440-236-3663. Registration required.
Dams, Lodges & More
Sunday, December 20, 1 to 2 p.m., Columbia Reservation. No registration required. Free.
Visit with us to see various activities of Beavers here at the park! Level 1
For the complete Lorain County Metroparks events calendar click:
http://reservations.metroparks.cc/programs/
Medina County Parks
Hiking for the Health of it: Lester Rail Trail
Saturday, December 19, 9 to 11 a.m., Lester Rail Trail
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. Ages 10 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
Lantern Hike & Campfire: Winter Animals
Monday, December 21, 6 to 8 p.m., Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail, John Glenn Grove Trailhead
Make Memories with Stark Parks as we explore winter animals along the trail at a moderate pace by lantern light. Then enjoy hot chocolate, S'mores, and stories around a relaxing campfire. Dress for the weather and bring your own camp chairs. Meet at the John Glenn Grove trailhead. Free.
For the complete Stark Parks events calendar click:
http://reservations.starkparks.com/programs/
Summit County Parks
Coffee with the Birds
Saturday, December 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join us for a peaceful morning discussion at the wildlife viewing area. We will find out why this area is a favorite of our winter residents. Bring a mug. Coffee is provided. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Audubon Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 20, 9 to 11:30 a.m., F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron
Join us for the annual Greater Akron Audubon Christmas Bird Count. We will walk Seneca, Cherry Lane and Fernwood Loop trails to count the different birds that we see and hear. For beginners and avid birders. Binoculars recommended. For information, call 330-865-8065.
Almost-Winter Hike
Sunday, December 20, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg
Welcome winter back to Northeast Ohio on this leisurely stroll with a naturalist along the beautiful Ledges Trail. For information, call 330-865-8065.
For the complete Summit County Parks events calendar click:
http://www.summitmetroparks.org
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