The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards seeks to gather the opinions of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Our readers and online followers voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, family services and more.
Here are the winner and runners-up in the “best park or place to explore nature” category.
Click here to view winners and runners-up in all categories.
Winner: Rocky River Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation is located in Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River. The reservation is known for its scenic beauty with massive shale cliffs that rise above the willows, sycamores and cottonwoods, and over 35 miles of trails that wind through the valley’s deep floodplain forests, meadows and wetlands. The reservation also is home to the Rocky River Nature Center, which offers opportunities to discover and learn about local wildlife, areas for kids to play, and spectacular views of the Rocky River and surrounding landscapes. The reservation also features several signature annual family-friendly events including Birds of Prey Day and maple sugaring.
clevelandmetroparks.com
Runners-Up:
Holden Arboretum
The Holden Arboretum, located east of Cleveland in Kirtland, sprawls over an enchanting expanse of land in Lake and Geauga Counties and offers gardens, trails, lakes and meadows. The Holden Arboretum is part of Holden Forests & Gardens, along with the Cleveland Botanical Garden in Cleveland’s University Circle cultural district. Holden Forests & Gardens is making a positive impact through urban greening and forestry initiatives, environmental research, educational programs, and world-class visitor experiences at its two campuses.
holdenfg.org
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes offers a 20-acre outdoor classroom nestled in the heart of the 300-acre Shaker Parklands on Cleveland’s east side. Unleash your curiosity and discover nature. Informational signage will guide you through their trails, habitats and exhibit area as you escape and explore together and make lasting memories — all while learning the importance of the preserved ecosystems. Six restored and conserved habitats fill your senses and provide wonderful nature experiences for all ages and through all seasons.
shakerlakes.org
North Chagrin Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks’ North Chagrin Reservation, located in Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills and Gates Mills, offers a special combination of outdoor recreation areas and wildlife sanctuaries. Among the reservation highlights include numerous trails and picnic areas, the North Chagrin Nature Center, Owl Aviary, Sanctuary Marsh, Sunset Pond, and Squire’s Castle. The reservation also is home to one of Cleveland Metroparks’ two nature-based preschools.
clevelandmetroparks.com