MEDINA, Ohio -- As winter drags on in Medina County, the Park District is offering a February schedule of outdoor hikes and indoor activities to save the whole family from boredom.
Guided hikes
Trails in the parks are always open for self-guided strolls, but here are a few guided hikes to pique your interest in the great outdoors:
- A Healthy Dose of Nature: 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 1, Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park. Join a naturalist and volunteers to hike at a vigorous pace. Enjoy beautiful views, fresh air, and the sounds and smells of nature while you reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and bring a bottle of water. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.
- Natural Discoveries: 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 5, Hidden Hollow Camp. Join the park staff for an easy walk to observe the unfolding of nature. Visit the park district’s website (medinacountyparks.com) for a brochure listing complete hike details. Ages 7 and up. No registration required. Free.
- Winter Bird Hike: 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 15, Wolf Creek Environmental Center. Hike through fields and forests to collect valuable information for the Great Backyard Bird Count, a worldwide citizen science project launched by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society. This program will take place primarily outside, so dress for the weather. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
- Sweetheart Hike: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Susan Hambley Nature Center. Bundle up and bring your sweetheart to enjoy a romantic stroll along the (hopefully) snow-covered trails at Brunswick Lake. The hike is self-guided and can be done any time during program hours. Upon your return to the building, you may delight in each other’s company, hot beverages, delicious treats and a cozy fire. No registration required. Ages 18 and older. Free.
- Winter Tree ID: 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16, Allardale West. Looking at leaves makes it easy to identify trees, but what about when the leaves have fallen and are covered with snow? Learn to identify trees by bark and twig on a winter woodland walk. No registration required. Ages 7 and older. Free.
Indoor activities
- Bored Games: Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 8 and 9, Susan Hambley Nature Center. Beat cabin fever by heading to the nature center for quality time playing board or card games. All materials provided. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
- Puppet Show -- Animal Olympics 2010: 1 to 2 p.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. Feb. 8, Wolf Creek Environmental Center. Follow Timmy Turtle on his hilarious journey to discover his adaptations and his best contest. Afterward, kids can enjoy making a craft. Children must come with an adult companion. Interest level is ages 4-10. No registration required. Free.
- Travel Back 200: 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 9, The Lodge at Allardale. Hear ye! Hear ye! In this year of 1820, the Township of Granger in the County of Medina in the State of Ohio is hereby established. Celebrate this momentous anniversary by traveling back 200 years. Expect interactive games and activities, crafts and snacks. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
- Bored Games: Noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16, Susan Hambley Nature Center. See above. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.
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