Akron doesn't have to be boring in the middle of winter. Whether you want to stay warm indoors or brave the weather, there are many ways to stay active and enjoy family time in Akron this January and February.
Sled riding at the Summit County Metro Parks
(© Oldonliner/cc license)
To me, the best part of Ohio's winters is sled riding. Akron is fortunate to have many great sledding hills within our >metro parks. One of the most popular is at the Goodyear Heights Metro Park where you can find hundreds of sledders flying down the large hills. Amenities include heated restrooms, lighted hill, fire pit, and plenty of parking. Other parks with sledding hills include Firestone Metro Park, Furnace Run Metro Park, Munroe Falls Metro Park, Sand Run Metro Park, and Cascade Valley Metro Park.
Ice-Skating at Lock 3
(© kevinq2000/cc license)
Experience the thrill of ice skating in downtown Akron at Lock 3. Admission is free and skate rental is just $2. Hours start at 11am daily through February 3rd. Check the park's schedule for special skating times for preschoolers, to book at private party, or attend various special events.
Lock 3 Park
200 South Main St.
Akron, OH
330 375-2871
Lock 3 Park
200 South Main St.
Akron, OH
330 375-2871
Attend Kinderealm and Movies at Seiberling Nature Realm
Kinderealm is a special program that runs several times each month for children ages 3-5. A naturalist teaches children about the stars in January and owls in February on a fun, age appropriate level. The Nature and a Movie program runs several times monthly and is for children and adults of all ages. January's theme is on Beavers and Bats, learn about these creatures and then watch a movie about them. Watch the popular “Over the Hedge” movie in February while learning fun facts with the naturalist. Events are free.F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
1828 Smith Road
Akron, OH 44313
330 865-8065 or 330 865-8060
Drive through the Holiday Lighting Festival at Blossom
(courtesy of Live Nation)
Be amazed at the two million lights that illuminate Blossom Music Center's wooded acres through January 27th. The 2nd Annual Blossom Holiday Lighting Festival is a two-mile drive through a winter wonderland with lights, characters, scenes, and holiday themes. Open daily through January 6th and on weekends until January 27th. Cost is $15 per car, $25-50 for larger vehicles and buses. Season passes and group discounts are available.
Blossom Music Center
1145 W. Steels Corners
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
330 920-8040
Blossom Music Center
1145 W. Steels Corners
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
330 920-8040
Take a hike or learn to ski at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Have fun in the snow at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There are several programs for kids in January and February. The Snowshoe Workshop allows kids ages 7-12 to take a guided snowshoe hike through the forest for just $8 on January 6th, January 26th. Kids can also take a night hike with a bonfire afterwards for free on January 11th. Children ages 10-12 can learn to ski on January 20th, January 26th, and February 17th for $8-15.Take an Acting or Musical Theater Class
The Weathervane Playhouse offers many acting and musical theater classes for kids from February 23 - April 29. Toddlers learn theatrical fundamentals by using their imaginations during craft time, dramatic play, and storytelling activities. Acting classes are available for ages 5-8, 8-11, 11-14, and 13-18 with each class increasing work on theatrical fundamentals and processes, while enhancing their skills. The musical theater programs are for ages 5-8 and 9-13; this program focuses on acting, singing, and choreographed movement.
Weathervane Playhouse
1301 Weathervane Lane
Akron, OH
330 836-2626
Join the Local Community Center
It doesn't matter where you live in Akron, there is a community center nearby with a variety of activities for your kids and family to enjoy. Many activities are free or are very inexpensive. Just a few of the activities offered are basketball, tiny tot programs, soccer clinic, martial arts, ceramics classes, Chinese martial arts, art classes, dance, drama and theater, billiards, kids craft time, story time, kids cooking classes, and movies.Attend the Medina Square Ice Festival
All ages delight in the spectacular ice carving sculptures at the Medina Square Ice Festival held on February 18 -21, 2008. Amateur and professionals participate in this competition, with many live demonstrations. This free event takes place in the middle of Medina's historic public square. You will want to allow time to visit the many unique shops and restaurants on the square.Join an Art Class at the Akron Art Museum
(© jhiner/cc license)
The Akron Art Museum offers enriching programs for kids and families. Children's Studio Class is for ages 8-12 (January 5, February 2) and the Teens Studio Class (January 6, February 3) highlights art, craft, media, and design trends. The hands-on Family Workshop (January 19) is for families with kids ages 5-12. Family Drop In Day is February 16 and includes a special tour of the galleries, games, and art projects.
Akron Art Museum
One South High St.
Akron, OH
330 376-9185
Akron Art Museum
One South High St.
Akron, OH
330 376-9185
Ride the Rails of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
When the snow blankets the hills of the Cuyahoga Valley, it is a sight to behold. Take a train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad during the winter months. You'll enjoy the comforts of a warm train while enjoying the beauty of a winter wonderland. The Scenic Limited package offers an affordable package of 1-3/4 hours which is just the perfect amount of time for kids. The train departs from Rockside Station in Valley View. Call 330 657-2000 for reservations and information.
