Looking for something to do after your Thanksgiving dinner? Head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

The park is offering free admission on Thanksgiving and is open from 10am to 5pm. In addition, there will be special animal feedings and enrichment demonstrations.

^{(photo courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo)}

The Cleveland Metroparks Toboggan runs are ready for the season and will open for business on November 27 (2009). The "Chutes" are located on Valley Parkway in the Metorparks' Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville. The refrigerated runs are open Thursdays through Sundays until the first weekend in March, with additional hours during the holiday season.

A one-day pass is $8 for adults and $6 for children 11 and under. Single rides are $3 each. Riders must be at least 42" tall.

For other winter activities, see:

• Ski Ohio
• Boston Mills Ski Area
• Winterhurst Ice Rink
• Skating in Northeast Ohio.

^{(photo courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks)}

Gun season for deer in Ohio begins November 30 and lasts through December 6 with an extra weekend December 19 and 20. For more about getting an Ohio hunting license and how to prepare your venison, see the following resources:

• How to get an Ohio hunting license
• ODNR hunting regulations
• Venison pot roast recipe
• Peppered Venison Steak

^{(photo courtesy of ODNR)}

Celebrate Cleveland's culinary scene and save money, besides. Cleveland Independents Restaurant Week runs through Saturday, November 14. Dozens of eateries are participating and all are offering three-course menus at $30 per person.

Among the restaurants included are Sergio's, Ponte Vecchio, Beach Club Bistro in Euclid, John Q's Steakhouse, and Gamekeeper's Taverne in Chagrin Falls. For a complete list, click here. Reservations are recommended.

^{(photo courtesy of John Q's Steakhouse)}