Don’t spend the winter cooped up in front of the television. Get out and enjoy all of the activities, festivals, and general fun Ohio has to offer. Here are our top 10 things to do in Ohio in winter:
Ski
You don’t have to fly to Vail for top-notch skiing: some of the best slopes are right here in our backyard. The Boston Mills Brandywine ski resort has 17 trails covering 88 skiable acres, including the steepest slope in the state. The ski season at northeastern Ohio’s Snow Trails kicks off on December 14. Don’t miss this resort’s popular weekend night skiing. Cross-country skiers will also find ample trails throughout the extensive state park system. For information on learning to ski, the ski girl has some helpful tips here.
Sled
Great hills for sledding and tobogganing are located throughout the state, most notably in the Hocking Hills region. Make a weekend of it! Take the family for a day of sledding in Hocking Hills State Park, and then warm up in your personal hot tub in our Turkey Run cabin. This property has recently been updated with even more family-friendly features like new pool and air hockey tables.
Cleveland-area dwellers can get their thrills hurtling down the tobogganing chutes at Mill Stream Run Reservation.
Hike
You haven’t really seen Ohio until you’ve seen it in the winter. Rediscover your favorite trails covered in snow and learn about the region’s unique winter ecosystem. Click here for our guide to the state’s top winter hikes.
Ice Skate
Whether you are practicing your double axels or gearing up for hockey season, Ohio has many opportunities for both indoor and outdoor ice skating. Several of the state parks have outdoor rinks and lakes that freeze over in the winter, as do some Cleveland Metroparks. The Columbus area Chiller Ice Rinks are popular indoor venues for sports, classes, and birthday parties.
Snowshoe
Many hiking and cross-country skiing areas throughout the state are perfect for snowshoeing. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a popular snowshoeing mecca, offering $5 snowshoe rentals. You can also snowshoe in many of the other state and national parks located throughout Ohio.
Visit a Sugar Shack
January to March is sugaring off time, when maple tree sap is transformed into the star of the breakfast table. Visitors can witness the transformation and taste local specialties, like maple taffy made on snow. See the Ohio Maple Producers Association website for a directory of sugar shacks in Ohio.
Shop at a Winter Farmers Market
Most farmers markets only run in the summer, but winter farmers markets are starting to pop up across Ohio, so now you can support your local farmers year-round. These markets are not only great places to pick up seasonal produce, but they are also full of Christmas present ideas. Check out Ohio Proud to find a winter farmers market near you.
See the Festival of Lights
Now in its 14th year, the Alum Creek State Park Festival of Lights has displays featuring more than 1 million lights. Visit between November 22 and January 5. The cost per standard car is $15, hot chocolate and cookies included.
Ride the Polar Express
Kids of all ages enjoy dressing in their pajamas and experiencing Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book in real life. The train leaves from the Rockside Station in Independence and the trip takes 2 hours. Read more about the journey here.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Not every state has Ohio’s vast selection of homegrown Christmas trees. Whether you are looking for a 15-foot behemoth for your arched entryway or something out of A Charlie Brown Christmas, you are sure to find the perfect tree for you. Visit the Ohio Christmas Tree Association website for information about how to find and cut your own Christmas tree.
Cap off your day of hiking, skiing, or Christmas tree hunting with a night in one of our rental cabins. Click here to find the perfect stay for you and your family.
