CLEVELAND — It's hard to believe, but we are in mid-January, people! This is the time of year when Clevelanders (well, some of us) start embracing the cold and look for fun things to do around town.
If you fall into that category, great news: We have compiled a list of 10 things to try in Northeast Ohio to beat the winter blues.
Check out our list, below:
1. Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
Both activities will help you burn calories while enjoying the beauty of a winter wonderland. In the Cleveland Metroparks, cross-country skiing is allowed on hiking, bridle and all-purpose trails that haven't been plowed. Additionally, most golf courses with a solid snow base are good places to try it.
Learn more about cross-country skiing, HERE.
Snowshoeing is a great winter activity to try as long as there is a four-inch snow base. You can rent them at the Big Met Golf Course, Hinckley Lake Boathouse & Store, and the North Chagrin Nature Center.
Learn more about snowshoeing, HERE.
2. Skiing/Snow Tubing
One of the best things about living in Northeast Ohio? Our nearby ski resorts, most of which are just a short drive away from Cleveland. Lessons, rentals and beginner hills are available. Plus, if you've never been snow tubing, Alpine Valley and Brandywine have you covered in fun!
Alpine Valley (Also includes Polar Blast snow tubing)
Address:
10620 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland, OH 44026
Hours of Operation:
- Monday - Friday: 3:30pm- 9:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am - 9:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Click HERE for more information.
Brandywine (Also includes Polar Blast snow tubing)
Address:
1146 W Highland Rd., Northfield, OH 44067
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 3:30pm - 9:30pm
- Friday: 3:30pm - 10:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am - 10:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Click HERE for more information.
Boston Mills
Address:
7100 Riverview Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
Hours of Operation:
- Monday-Thursday: 10:00am - 8:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am - 10:00pm
- Saturday: 9:00am - 10:00pm
- Sunday: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Click HERE for more information.
3. Tobogganing
Tobogganing is another Northeast Ohio gem. Experience the icy thrill of tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation. There are two, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes that operate with or without snow through late February, weather permitting.
Address:
16200 Valley Parkway Strongsville, OH 44136
Hours of Operation:
- Fridays: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Click HERE for more information.
4. Sledding
While there are many different hills to choose from, here are a few sledding hills in Northeast Ohio that are of epic proportions. So, grab your sled and hit the slopes (as soon as there is some snow, LOL).
Big Met Golf Course Sledding Area
Address:
Rocky River Reservation - Cleveland Metroparks (Sled riding at Tee #11)
Click HERE for more information.
Kendall Hills Sledding Area
Address:
Parking is located at Pine Hollow, Crow Foot Gully, and Little Meadow parking lots.
Click HERE for more information.
Cain Park Sled Riding Hill
Address:
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Click HERE for more information.
5. Outdoor Ice Skating
While there are plenty of indoor ice rinks in Northeast Ohio, there are also a few outdoor spots that are open through the end of February. If you're in the mood to bundle up and skate, below are a few places to check out.
Public Square
Address:
3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44115
Hours of Operation:
Various hours from January 17-February 20. Click below for full dates and times.
Click HERE for more information.
Crocker Park
Address:
Union Square at Crocker Park 186 Union St., Westlake, OH 44145
Hours of Operation:
Various hours from January 20-February 20. Click below for full dates and times.
Click HERE for more information.
Wade Oval
Address:
Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106
Hours of Operation:
- Fridays, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturdays, 12:00 to 7:00 p.m.
- Sundays, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Click HERE for more information.
6. Dine in an Igloo
Igloos exploded with popularity back in 2020, when folks were still weary of dining out in public. Many restaurants set up the outdoor eating spaces so people could enjoy the dining experience, no matter the season. Since then, because of the demand, many places still offer igloos for an outdoor, winter dinner. Check out our list below:
Georgetown Vosh
Address:
18515 Detroit Rd, Lakewood, OH 44107
Hours of Operation:
- Monday through Thursday
- 5:00pm-7:00pm OR 7:30-9:30pm
- $20 Rental Fee
- Tab Minimum per igloo: $125 (regardless of party size)
- Friday and Saturday
- 3:00pm-5:00pm
- $20 Rental Fee
- Tab Minimum per igloo: $125 (regardless of party size)
- Friday and Saturday
- 5:30pm-7:30pm OR 8:00pm-10:00pm
- $45 Rental Fee
- Tab Minimum per igloo: $250 (regardless of party size)
Click HERE for more information.
Merwin's Wharf
Address:
1785 Merwin Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
Hours of Operation:
Various hours and dates. Reserve your igloos today with a $25 rental fee.
Click HERE for more information.
Blue Heron Brewery
Address:
3227 Blue Heron Trace, Medina, OH 44256
Hours of Operation:
Sunday-Thursday $25 rental fee $100 food m
Click HERE for more information.
7. Ice Festivals
If you're a freeze baby, but you still like to have fun in the wintertime, an ice festival might be a good choice for you. There's several around town that offer beautiful ice creations, ice-carving demonstrations and competitions, hot cocoa and smores by the fire pit, and dozens of vendors to fit your winter-shopping needs.
Medina Ice Festival
Address:
Public Square Medina, OH 44256
Hours of Operation:
February 17-20
Click HERE for more information.
Farmpark Ice Festival
Address:
8800 Euclid Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Hours of Operation:
- January 27, 2023 -- 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- January 28, 2023 -- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Click HERE for more information.
8. Have a Museum Day
Some of Northeast Ohio's most valuable attractions are the museums. From the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Children's Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland History Center, the International Women's Air and Space Museum, Akron Fossils & Science Center, to Castle Noel in Medina, there's really something for everyone. So, if you don't feel like being in the cold this winter, make it a day at the museum!
Cleveland Museum of Art
Address:
11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Hours of Operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Click HERE for more information.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Address:
1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106
Hours of Operation:
- Tuesday through Sunday: 10am–5pm
Click HERE for more information.
Akron Fossils & Science Center
Address:
2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321
Hours of Operation:
- Open Saturdays ONLY 10am -5pm
Click HERE for more information.
9. Tour the West Side Market
For the past 110 years, the West Side Market has been a staple in Cleveland, merging families with the area's finest foods. Today the market is home to over 100 vendors of great ethnic diversity. You can find not only fine meats and fresh vegetables, but also fresh seafood, baked goods, dairy and cheese products, and even fresh flowers. There are also booths that sell ready-to-eat foods, herbs, candy and nuts, its website says. Have you been? It's a perfect place for a winter day: Shop, stroll, then stop for lunch. Enjoy!
Address:
1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Hours of Operation:
- MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY: 8am – 5pm
- SATURDAY: 7am – 5pm
- SUNDAY: 10am – 4pm
- Closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Click HERE for more information.
10. "Beetlejuice" at Playhouse Square
"Based on Tim Burton's dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), BEETLEJUICE is a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! - Ryan Haidet, 3News.
Address:
1501 Euclid Ave #200, Cleveland, OH 44115
Hours of Operation:
January 10-29, 2023
Click HERE for more information.
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Editor's Note: The video above this story is from a previous, unrelated report.