Related Videos: Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort Opens This Season
Cleveland (WJW) – Mild winter so far, but still plenty of time for cold and snow before spring arrives.
That doesn’t mean you have to keep them locked inside the house, though. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy in Northeast Ohio this winter.
ice skate
Ice skating is a winter staple for many. Look no further for outdoor rinks here in Northeast Ohio.
Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink
The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink in Public Square in downtown Cleveland is open on select days through February 20.
Tickets are $12 per person or $100 for a pack of 10. The rink also offers free skating him lessons for kids on Saturdays from 2pm to 3pm.
Crocker Park Link
The ice skating rink provided by the Cleveland Monsters is located in Union Square at Crocker Park in Westlake. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through February 19 and his last day of the season, Monday February 20.
Tickets are $12 per person, including skates.
Cuyahoga Falls Ice Skating Rink
The ice skating rink, located in the square by the Downtown Pavilion and Amphitheater at 2085 Front Street in Cuyahoga Falls, is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through February 20.
Admission is free, but if you want skates you can rent them for $5.
Halloran Skating Rink
The Halloran Skating Rink, located in Halloran Park on West 117th Street in Cleveland, offers ice skating every day of the winter. However, specific times are reserved for school groups and youth hockey, so check the schedule here.
Admission is free, and skate rentals at the rink are $1.
Link at Wade Oval
The Wade Oval rink on Wade Oval Drive on University Circle is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday through February 26th.
General admission is $2 ($3 for skate rentals) and student admission is $1 ($2 for skate rentals).
Visitors can bring their own skates or rent them locally. There are also stalls selling seasonal treats such as hot cocoa, coffee and snacks.
The rink also offers free ice skating lessons on Saturdays at noon.
ski
After a rather slow start to the season, ski resorts in northeastern Ohio are now open and ready to hit the slopes.
alpine valley ohio
Alpine Valley Ohio is located at 10620 Mayfield Road in Chesterland and is open daily, weather permitting, during the winter months. See trail map here.
Winter lift tickets, night lift tickets and special resort packages have different prices. Please check this out for details.
Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort
Sister ski resorts owned by Vail Resorts, Boston Mills and Brandywine consist of 88 acres of skiing with 16 lifts, 18 trails and 3 terrain parks.
Located at 7100 Riverview Road on the Peninsula, Boston Mills is open daily during the winter months, weather permitting. See trail map here.
Brandywine in Sagamore Hills, about two miles from its sister resort, is also open daily, weather permitting, during the winter months. See trail map here.
It also offers accommodation and dining options.
Winter lift tickets, night lift tickets and special resort packages have different prices. Please check this out for details.
sleigh ride
Thinking of taking your family on a sleigh ride this winter? When the snow is on, there are some great hills to check out on the Cleveland Metroparks Reservation in northeast Ohio.
Metroparks expects all guests to use the sleigh slides with proper equipment and care.
Big Creek Reservation
Engle Road Sledding Hill, off Engle Road between Bagley Road and Fowles Road, is a great place for beginners, says Metropark.
Located at the intersection of Memphis Avenue and Tideman Road, Memphis Threading Hill is a good choice for experienced riders, according to Metropark.
Euclid Creek Reserve
Sledding is available at the Kelly Picnic Area off the Euclid Creek Parkway off the Green Road entrance to the Euclid Creek Preserve.
hinkley reservation
Sleepy Hollow Golf Course’s driving range and Sleepy Hollow Threading area on the 10th tee are perfect for young children and families.
South of Bells Road in Hinckley Township, off State Road, the sled hill is long, steep and suitable for experienced riders.
Millstream run reservation
Sledding is available at the Paw Paw Picnic Area off the Valley Parkway on the Mill Streak Run Reservation. This hill is perfect for young riders and families.
North Shagrin Reservation
Sledding is available at the Old River Farm reserved picnic area off Chagrin River Road on the North Chagrin Reservation. Located south of Chardon Road/Route 6 in Willoughby Hills. Metropark describes it as a spacious, family-friendly hill.
Rocky River Reservation
Bullet Threading Hill, located 400 meters north of the intersection of Valley Parkway and Bullet Road, has a 200-foot slope.
The Mastic Woods Golf Course sled area is located on tee #9 of the golf course and is a gentle slope suitable for small children and families. The area will be closed on March 1st.
The Big Met Golf Course sledding area is located on tee #11 of the golf course and is a gentle slope suitable for small children and families. There is also a fireplace nearby for warmth. The area will be closed on March 1st.
South Shagrin Reservation
Coasting Hill is just south of Solon Road. Metroparks recommends no lighting on the hill.
Miles Road Threading Hill is located on the corner of Chagrin River Road and Sulfur Springs Drive. Metroparks recommends no lighting on the hill.
toboggan
Looking for something a little more extreme than just a sleigh ride? Strongsville’s 700-foot twin toboggan chute offers winter thrills anytime.
Located in The Chalet on the Mill Stream Run Reservation, Strongsville Toboggan Chutes is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the last weekend in February, weather permitting.
You must be at least 42 inches tall to ride and everyone must wear gloves or mittens that cover their fingertips.
Admission is $14 for adults and $12 for children 11 and under.
Reservations are required to use the toboggan chute. For more information, visit the Cleveland Metroparks website.
hiking
Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you have to get on the treadmill for exercise. Weather permitting, the area has plenty of trails for hiking, biking and snowshoeing.
Lake Metroparks
More than 60 miles of trails at Lake Metroparks are open year-round. This includes 4.8 miles of bike paths.
But according to the company’s website, fan-favorite winter hikes include Cardinal Loop Trail at Veterans Park, Riverwood Trail at Chagrin River Park, Carriage Lane Trail at Pete’s Pond Preserve, All People’s Trail at Lakeshore Reservation, Includes the Gully Brook Valley Trail at Gully Brook Park. .
Plus, if you’re looking for an evening winter walk, the trail lights on Chapin Forest Reservation’s Arbor Lane Loop Trail come on nightly.
Learn more about trails here.
Want to go snowshoeing? Penitentiary Glen Reservation and Chapin Forest Reservation offer rentals and marked routes. Click here for details.
Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland Metroparks has hundreds of miles of hiking trails throughout its reservation, with spots such as Squire Castle on the North Chagrin Reservation and loops at Edgewater Park overlooking Lake Erie. The trail is open daily. A complete breakdown of hiking trails can be found here.
According to the Cleveland Metroparks website, snowshoes are permitted on uncultivated hikes, reins, and multi-use trails. Snowshoeing is also permitted on the fairways and rough areas of the Big Met, Little Met, Shawnee Hills, Seneca, Mastic Woods and Sleepy Hollow golf courses if there is at least 4 inches of snow cover.
Need to rent snowshoes? Try calling Big Met Golf Course (440-331-1070), Hinckley Lake Boathouse and Store (330-278-2160), or North Chagrin Nature Center (440-473-3370).
igloo dining
It may be in the middle of winter, but you can still enjoy the fun of terrace seating. Several restaurants, bars and wineries in Northeast Ohio let guests rent heated igloos with friends and family.
You can check out the full breakdown of FOX 8 igloo rentals and prices around Cleveland here.
Visit festivals and craft shows
Are you an avid festival lover? No need to wait until the weather warms up. Here in northeastern Ohio, there are several winter festivals and craft shows.
Crocker Park Ice Festival — January 28-29
The Crocker Park Ice Festival features a large ice exhibit, live ice sculptures, live music, vendors and more in the heart of Crocker Park. Festival activities run from 11am to 4pm on January 28th and 29th.
Winter Craft and Vendor Show — January 28
The Winter Craft and Vendor Show in North Ridgeville features local vendors including woodwork, baked goods, candles and home décor. The show will be held at the HE 8820 Event Center on January 28th.
Cleveland Winter Beerfest — February 10
At the Cleveland Winter Beerfest, sample over 150 local and craft beers. The festival will be held at the Huntington Convention Center on February 10th and 11th. Tickets are available here.
Bright Winter — February 25
Bright Winter invites everyone to the Flat’s West Bank for an evening celebrating music and art. The activity will begin on February 25th at 3pm. General admission tickets are $10. Find out more or pick up your tickets here.