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 finalists in the “Best park or place to explore nature” category.
Click here to view winners and finalists in all 26 categories.
Winner: Holden Arboretum
Named as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, the Holden Arboretum is a haven for bird watchers as well hikers, gardeners and nature enthusiasts. Become one with the trees by trekking the Murch Canopy Walk and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area — all the way to Lake Erie — atop the Kalberer Emergent Tower. Families shouldn’t miss the Habitat Hut, filled with activities to help young children explore a bog, prairie, stream and woodland. With 3,500 acres and more than 120,000 documented plants, there’s something for everyone to discover.
holdenarb.org
Finalists:
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Providing free admission seven days a week and performing wildlife rehabilitation at no charge to the public, LENSC offers nature, environmental and science experiences through school field trips; preschool, family and scouting programs; its planetarium; nature hikes; a variety of wildlife exhibits; and domestic and wildlife close encounters.
lensc.org
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Experience a real, interactive farm by touring the dairy parlor and processing room; meeting goats, pigs and sheep in the Well Bred Shed; and seeing different breeds and sizes of horses in the stables. Horse or tractor-drawn wagons offer visitors rides to all destinations throughout the park, located in Kirtland.
lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/farmpark
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Founded in 1966 to prevent a highway from destroying treasured green space, today the nature center welcomes more than 40,000 annual visitors to its 20 acres. See native species in their natural habitats, participate in family-focused events, hike serene trails and enjoy the new ADA-accessible All People’s Trail.
shakerlakes.org
North Chagrin Reservation
Located in Mayfield Village, Willoughby Hills and Gates Mills, this Cleveland Metroparks reservation includes a nature center and nature education building. The center features a variety of native live-animal exhibits, a children’s play area, multiple wildlife viewing areas, and a Nature Shop. Also check out Sanctuary Marsh and Sunset Pond, popular areas to observe waterfowl.
clevelandmetroparks.com