Have plans for winter break or are you still looking for things to do around town or at home? Here are some ways to celebrate the winter break and spend time as a family before break ends.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, events are subject to change. Please check with venues before attending events to ensure times and availability are valid and to understand health guidelines.
1. See the Lights
Before the holiday season ends, there’s still time to see the lights! Visit Magic of Lights, a drive-through holiday lights experience at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds through January 2, at 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts., magicoflights.com, cuyfair.com or Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-635-3391, FutureForWildlife.org/lights
In Akron, through December 30, Deck the Hall 2021: Lights, Camera, Christmas! at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-863-5533, stanhywet.org and Wild Lights at Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org
2. Visit the Parks
Take a winter hike with the family. Check with your local park listings for winter fun make-and-take crafts, animal encounters and more.
3. Have a Family Movie Day
Get all your family’s favorite snacks and have a movie marathon in your PJs.
4. Go Ice Skating
Many rinks are currently open, including Lock 3 Akron, Wade Oval, Cleveland Foundation Ice Rink in Public Square, Crocker Park, and Cleveland Metroparks Winterfest. Also, check with your local ice rinks for open skate times.
5. Family Donate Day
Have the whole family pitch to gather donation bags and drop them off at your nearest donation center.
6. Visit Cleveland’s Script Signs
Have you been to the Cleveland Script signs? Find one to visit here.
7. Family Scavenger Hunt
Devise a hunt at home or head these local self-guided hunts such as Summit Metro Parks, Lorain County Metro Parks, Medina County Park District, Lake Metroparks, or Portage Park District
8. Take a Car Ride
Plan a specific car ride for the kids to show them the local historical sights. See here or here for some ideas around Cleveland and Akron or check with your local history center.
9. Visit the local attractions
There are plenty of local attractions to visit around town. Visit here to see where to go in Cleveland and Akron.
10. Family Book Week
Make a family plan to read a book together.
11. Bake Cookies
Have a cookie-making marathon, and then drop off the extra treats to relatives. Here is an idea on how to bake cookies with kids.
12. Family Game Night
Whether you are playing board games, bowling in the basement, or playing a video game together, enjoy spending time together as a family without worrying about staying up late on a school night.
