Winter in the greater Cleveland/Akron area doesn’t mean family fun has to be put on ice. Find seasonal activities throughout Northeast Ohio with this guide, featuring family-friendly winter events that focus on snow, hot chocolate and outdoor adventure. (For even more ideas, check out our Winter Fun Directory.)
Through February 29
Winter Readers: The Hot Chocolate Challenge. As you read over winter, fill out the log and return with it to add the marshmallows you earn to the giant mug of cocoa. Complete your reading log to receive your very own mug and cocoa packet. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., 440-933-8128, alpl.org
February 1
Cocoa with the Birds. Enjoy a cup of cocoa and learn about birds from the warmth of the nature center. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org
February 6
Coco’s Cozy Comfy Movie Night. Grab your comfiest blanket, find your coziest stuffed animal and join Coco at the library for hot cocoa and a movie. 5:30-7:30 p.m. University Heights Branch Library, 13866 Cedar Road, 216-932-3600, heightslibrary.org
February 7
Tell Me S’more Hike. Venture into this nocturnal world and afterward, gather around the campfire to uncover what you heard on the trek over a fire-toasted marshmallow. 6-8 p.m. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, starkparks.com
Nature Baby: Dunkleosteus. Check out the model of Dunkleosteus inside the nature center, then hike with your baby. 10-11 a.m. Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, 440-734-6660, clevelandmetroparks.com
February 8
Nature Explorers: Ice & Snow. Learn the science of frozen water, and how it both challenges and protects wildlife, while hiking and having some fun. 1-3 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org
February 9
Winter Hike. Be a part of the 13th annual Winter Hike at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. 1-4 p.m. Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road, Willoughby, 440-256-1404, lakemetroparks.com
February 12
Snowflake Hike. Hike Glens Trail to learn about unique snowflakes and other seasonal nature features. 2-3:30 p.m. Gorge Metropark, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, summitmetroparks.org
Create Your Own Hot Chocolate Flavor. Invent your own unique flavor with special add-ins, learn about chocolate, and enjoy some stories. 4-5 p.m. Shaker Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd., 216-991-2030, shakerlibrary.org
February 16
Cold Hike Hot Chocolate. After hiking the Meadow Loop trail, warm up and relax with some hot chocolate indoors. 2-3:30 p.m. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, Lagrange, metroparks.cc
February 17
Family Snowshoe Hike. Learn the basics of how to use snowshoes before playing games and taking a guided snowshoe hike. 1:30-3 p.m. The Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenarb.org
February 21
Kid’s Night Out – Winter Trees Mixed Media Class. Drop your child off for a 2-hour paint and create night at Busy Bees. Children will participate in a Mixed Media class painting “Winter Trees.” Pizza will also be served 6-8 p.m. 440-571-5201, mentor.busybeesart.com
February 24
Winter Wonderland in the Ravine. Explore a new museum natural area – Kelsey Ravine in Geauga County. The east branch of the Cuyahoga River flows through this conservation area, which contains a great diversity of different habitats. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, cmnh.org
