Cleveland Metroparks Weekly Spotlight

- Ten Best Hikes: Check out January’s Ten to Explore presented by Wayside Furniture for the Ten Best Winter Hikes to take in the sights and sounds of wintertime.

- This weekend: You’re invited to our annual Frostbite BBQ presented by Serpentini Chevrolet on January 20 & 21 at Merwin’s Wharf! Enjoy house smoked BBQ specials, ice carving demonstrations and live music!

- Fun season: While the Browns season came to an end last weekend, animals at the Zoo had some playoff fun with footballs leading up to the big game.

What's New on Cleveland's Waterfront?

Make your voice heard and ask questions of project leaders on many of Cleveland’s emerging waterfront projects at one of two upcoming webinars hosted by the Cleveland Parks & Greenspace Coalition with speakers representing the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Metroparks, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Port Cleveland, and LAND studio! Sign up today!

Baby Announcement!

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo recently welcomed the birth of a Francois langur on January 4! Langur babies are often born orange or partially orange and darken to black as they mature. Guests can visit the new baby on the second floor of The RainForest during regular Zoo hours.

Stay Warm at the Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 362 days a year and there’s plenty of opportunities to stay warm during your visit. While many know that the two-story RainForest stays 80 degrees year-round, there are several other opportunities to warm up on a winter stroll through the Zoo including the African Elephant Care & Visitor Center, Gumleaf Hideout and the Primate, Cat & Aquatics building!

Join us on an ice climbing adventure

Do you have what it takes to climb a 72-foot-tall ice tower? The Outdoor Recreation team is inviting you to Peabody Ice Climbing in Fenton, Michigan on February 3 for the opportunity to take on giant man-made ice towers. No experience is necessary and transportation is provided for this wintry adventure. Don’t miss the pre-trip meeting on February 1.

Upcoming Nature Programs

Fri., Jan. 19: 

• Take in the beauty of winter through a story and activities at Sprouts: Winter Wows in North Chagrin Reservation. Free, ages 3 – 5 with adult. 
• Explore the secluded natural features of Garfield Park Reservation at Rocks, Waters & Springs of Garfield Park Hike. Free.  

Sat., Jan. 20: 

• Join a historian for a short walk in Viaduct Park to see the beautiful falls of Tinker’s Creek in Bedford Reservation and learn how humans captured the power at Hike: Place of Power. Free. 
• Compete in a variety of simple events in West Creek Reservation to explore how water works at Drop-By: Water-Lympics! Free, ages 5 years & up with adult.

Sun., Jan. 21: 

• Join us at Hike: My Mountain Overlook to explore these new trails along the top of the ravines in Brecksville Reservation. Free. 
• Calling all educators! Learn how to incorporate the Total Solar Eclipse into your 2024 lesson plans at the Eclipse Workshop for Educators. Free, registration required. Also available on Wed., Jan. 24. 
• Drop by North Chagrin Nature Center for STEM Sunday and learn how local wildlife can be used to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Free. 

Tues., Jan. 23: Discover a lost section of trail that leads to a small ephemeral waterfall at Winter Waterfall: The Moss Wall. Free. 
 
Wed., Jan. 24: Walk the new White Oak Loop and My Mountain trails in search of winter views and woodland wildlife at Midweek Meander in Brecksville Reservation. Free. 
 
Thurs., Jan. 25: 

• Start the year off strong by searching for native wildlife in West Creek Reservation under the light of the first full moon of 2024 at Full Moon Hike. Free. 
• Learn to navigate the outdoors with confidence at Map & Compass Snowflake Scavenger Hunt in Brecksville Reservation. Free, registration required.
• Join us at Merwin’s Wharf for Nature on Tap, a 4-part series of adult programs that explore fascinating aspects of the natural world. $5, food and drink available for purchase. Ages 21 years & up.