- Make Memories: Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC has transformed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo into a winter wonderland with more than 1.5 million lights. Get your tickets now and save for this family-friendly holiday event.

 - Look Ahead: Save the date for Eagle Weekend! Join us for hikes, cart tours, children’s activities, a live eagle and more on Fri., Dec. 8 through Sun., Dec. 10 at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation.

 - Shop with us: Visit Cleveland Metroparks Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Mastick Woods Clubhouse to get that perfect gift for all nature lovers and visit Santa. Bring your own phone or camera and take photos at our Santa Selfie Station on Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT MERWIN'S WHARF

Reserve an igloo at Merwin’s Wharf for your next group outing. The fully furnished, heated and decorated igloos provide a unique dining experience with views of the Cuyahoga River in a winter landscape.
 
Breakfast with Santa is back! Enjoy family style breakfast, gift bags and a personal visit from Santa himself on select dates through Dec. 23.

LEARN ABOUT EXCITING TRAILS PROJECTS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

 - Join us on Saturday, Dec. 2 at CHEERS Community Conversations and Walkshops to learn more about the transformative lakefront project and share your own ideas!

 - Join us Wednesday, Dec. 6 to discuss east side trails being planned in Broadway-Slavic Village/Union Miles and Collinwood/Euclid! This meeting will discuss all four trail projects with a focus on the Slavic Village Downtown Connector, Opportunity Corridor Connector and Morgana Run/Booth Ave Extension.

 - Join us on Thursday, Dec. 7 to discuss east side trails planned in Broadway-Slavic Village/Union Miles and Collinwood/Euclid. This meeting will discuss all four trail projects with a focus on the Euclid Creek Greenway Extension.

TOBOGGAN SEASON IS HERE!

Experience the icy thrill of tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation, located at 16200 Valley Parkway in Strongsville. The twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes operate with or without snow through late February, weather permitting. Reservations are now open to secure your spot.

REGISTRATION FOR WINTER BREAK CAMPS OPEN TOMORROW!

Get the kids out of the house and into nature during their winter break from school. From crafts and games, to hikes and waterfalls, there’s an adventure for every child at Cleveland Metroparks’ Winter Break Camps. Registration for programs across the Park District opens Dec. 1 at 9:30 a.m. Camp scholarships are available to help cover the cost of Cleveland Metroparks Winter Camps to qualifying individuals.

UPCOMING NATURE PROGRAMS

Fri., Dec. 1: Explore your parks with baby in tow at Littles at the Lodge in South Chagrin Reservation. Free.
 
Sat., Dec. 2:

 - LGBTQ people and allies are invited to Out in the Parks: Nature, Canal Stories and a Campfire at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. Free.

 - Drop-by: Holiday Card Craft in West Creek Reservation and create your own holiday cards for this special season. Free.

 - Hike to the ridgetops of the Tinker's Creek Gorge in Bedford Reservation at Hilly Hike with a View. Free.

 - Explore the world around us with a story, activities and a craft at Mill Stream Story Time. Free, ages 3 – 8 with adult, registration required. Also available on Fri., Dec. 15.

Sun., Dec. 3:

 - Join us at Adaptations Hike in Brecksville Reservation as we search for signs of wildlife and discuss how animals spend their winter. Free.

 - Explore the subtle changes of the natural landscapes of North Chagrin Reservation at One Trail Twelve Times. Free.  

Mon., Dec. 4: Discover and identify the diverse range of duck species found in the state of Ohio at What’s That Waterfowl in North Chagrin Reservation. Free.
 
Tues., Dec. 5: Learn how to use bark, buds and branching to identify native Ohio trees at Frozen Foliage Foray in North Chagrin Reservation. Free.
 
Wed., Dec. 6: Join us at Nature Sprouts: Fireside “Brrr” as we give bird watching a try from the comfort of West Creek Reservation’s Watershed Stewardship Center and build a flock of our own winter-loving birds. Free, ages 3 – 5 with adult.
 
Thurs., Dec. 7: Drop-by Rocky River Nature Center to learn about how animals adapt to winter, such as hibernation, fat storing, migration, and camouflage at Animals in Winter. Free.