As the temperature begins to drop and the snow begins to fall, many Ohioans may find themselves feeling trapped indoors during the subzero holidays. However, for those looking to step out of their comfort zones into the chills of the outdoors, there is a bounty of seasonal excursions waiting just beyond the front door. Don’t let the frigid weather interrupt the excitement of winter, step outside to any of the multitude of local ventures below!
1. Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort (7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264)
Featuring Ohio’s steepest slope and largest snow tubing park, Boston Mills Brandywine in Cuyahoga Valley invites skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to experience their series of slopes and seasonal fun. Between their two featured locations, the resort presents trails of all intensities, from beginner-friendly learning slopes to the greatest terrain parks and black diamond slopes in the mountains. At a reasonable price, trained instructors are even available to provide on-the-slope lessons to first-time skiers or snowboarders. Boston Mills Brandywine also offers specific lift tickets including ski, snowboard, and helmet rentals for those who don’t own personal gear. For those who prefer lower-intensity thrill, the Polar Blast Snow Tubing Park offers unforgettable family fun in a less laborious way. Lift tickets and rentals can be purchased in person or online at www.bmbw.com Overall, the Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort is a phenomenal cold-weather day trip providing never-ending excitement.
2. Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo (500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, OH 44307)
The Wild Lights Festival, hosted at the Akron Zoo, is a unique holiday celebration featuring one of the largest light displays in the local area. Alongside nature’s most magnificent furry friends, individuals can experience the spirit of the season in a way that no other event offers. Throughout the zoo, millions of individual lights are sequenced around dozens of fun photo opportunities. To escape the chills of the December season, assorted food and beverages are available for purchase at the abundance of pop-up stands established around the exhibits. Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo is an affordable, family-friendly event that won’t disappoint. Tickets for the event can be purchased online at akronzoo.ticketapp.org. Prices may continue to increase as the date of admission approaches, so purchasing tickets ahead of time is encouraged. Plan to visit on any day before December 30th to participate in the renowned, excitement-filled experience at the Akron Zoo facility.
3. Lock 3 Park in Downtown Akron (200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308)
Lock 3 offers a variety of winter activities for individuals of all ages. Their renowned ice skating rink will be open throughout the holiday season and will continue hosting family fun through the depths of winter. At an affordable price, skate rental and rink time are available to everyone wishing to enjoy the cold season. Beyond ice skating, Lock 3 also offers the unique opportunity of ice bumper cars. By reservation only, participants can partake in a 10-minute ride to experience the ice rink in a brand-new, thrilling way. Appointments for this event can be completed in person or online at booking.appointy.com. As another alternative to ice skating, the rink presents the opportunity for ice bikes, a 15-minute exhilarating pedal across the ice. Waivers are mandatory for all participants and can be completed in person at the skate rental desk. Visit Lock 3 Park on any day but Monday and Tuesday to enjoy first-hand the excitement of winter in Akron, Ohio.
4. Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall (714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303)
Featuring over 1.4 million different lighting additions, Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet is a holiday celebration presenting both indoor and outdoor festivities. Deck the Hall includes a self-guided walking tour of the entirety of the 64,500-square-foot Stan Hywet Manor. From the outside, the estate is embellished with an awe-striking light display paving the way to the elegantly fashioned interior. During the tour, various festive food and beverage opportunities are also available to warm the soul with holiday cheer. Open throughout the entire holiday season, Stan Hywet is a fabulous family-friendly excursion to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets must be purchased online at tickets.stanhywet.org. Availability and prices may vary, so be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time to guarantee admission. An essential holiday outing to relish in the jolly atmosphere of the season, Stan Hywet Hall is a destination that can’t be passed up this Christmas.
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park (6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH 44264)
Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides an abundance of winter recreation opportunities for every sort of audience. The park contains over 125 miles of hiking trails open to the public all year round at no additional cost. The most popular trail during Ohio’s chilly season is the famous Ledges Overlook Trail, featuring immaculate views of mystical icicles and scenic overlooks. For the snowy days of the midwest winter, Cuyahoga Valley also offers snowshoe rentals to be utilized on nearby trails. Rentals are available for purchase seasonally at the Boston Mills Visitor Center. Over at Kendall Hills, families and friends of all ages enjoy the ultimate sledding domains of Cuyahoga Valley. A staple seasonal thrill, sledding is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors amid the frozen season. As for those looking to take on life underwater, the park holds a series of ice-fishing locations home to a bounty of fish and aquatic creatures. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a perfect stop for those looking to explore nature under the blanket of winter for little to no cost.
Don’t waste away indoors this holiday season, get outside to any of the numerous local events hosted during the holiday season! Christmas is a time for adventure and high spirits, made possible by the presence of friends and family of all sorts. So grab a loved one or two and enjoy the essence of the season in a way that would leave anyone bursting with merry delight.
