Keeping the kids entertained over winter break can be a challenge. Luckily, there are many jammed-packed activities to do with the whole family around Northeast Ohio. From indoor to outdoor, thrill to educational, there is surely something that your children will love. Check out our list of things to do during winter break and have fun planning your next family adventure!

Hike to Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Put on some layers, a hat, and some gloves, and get outside to enjoy the fresh air and a beautiful waterfall. This easy to access waterfall is a must visit anytime during the year. It’s especially fun in the winter months if because you can see ice forming on the falls.

There are two observation decks. The top deck is handicap accessible with no steps and provides a beautiful birds eye view of the falls. The lower observation deck winds along the river and does have a series of steps to reach. 

Brandywine Falls
8176 Brandywine Road, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067
Website

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Race Indoor Go Karts at K1 Speed

Do you or your kids enjoy go-karting? Well you’re in luck, K1 Speed takes this traditionally outdoor activity inside! The facility has a large track, arcade, and bar for food and drinks. No reservation is required, so you can just walk in and start racing.

Each race is about 10 minutes long, and it’s unique because you race against other’s best lap time instead of placement. The carts drive very smoothly and they can go pretty fast as well! Wait time between races can be up to 30 minutes. During this time we recommend grabbing a bite to eat or trying your luck at pinball in the arcade. 

K1 Speed
8373 Port Jackson Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Website

Take a Ride Down the Toboggan Chutes

Another thrill destination to take your family, toboggan chutes can be underestimated. They are about 700 feet long and with a partner or two, you get past speeds of 30mph! That being said the toboggan chutes are very tall and if you’re afraid of heights, they could be extremely scary. Use caution if you are brining young kids. 

A couple other things to note, gloves that cover your fingertips are REQUIRED to be worn at all times during the ride. In addition, you must read the rules in order to participate. Lastly, as of the 2023/24 season, reservations are needed in order to use the toboggans. 

Toboggan Chutes
16200 Valley Parkway Strongsville, OH 44136
Website | Read more about our experience (with more tips) at the Toboggan Chutes at the Cleveland Metroparks. 

Go Ice Skating at Lock 3

Outdoor ice skating is one of the most sought after activities during the winter and there is no better place to skate than Lock 3 in downtown Akron. The ice rink is very large and it’s lined with cool lights with music being played most of the time. You can rent ice skates for a small free or bring your own if you have them. Looking for more fun? They also have ice bumper cars and ice bikes available to rent. Plus, there is an indoor mini golf course that you can also enjoy.

Lock 3
200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308
Website

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Drive Around to See Christmas Lights

The list of Amazing Christmas Light Displays is growing more and more each day. Many thanks to those who have emailed to let us know about new displays to add. We’ve added a map to make it even easier for you to plan your driving routes!

Play Life Size CandyLand at Lake Metroparks

What’s better than the CandyLand board game? A life-size CandyLand! Lake Metroparks creates a life size version of CandyLand in one of their nature centers that is fun for kids of all ages. It’s just like the board game, but with a twist! There are bird crafts, scavenger hunts, activity pages, and hands-on-activities, all while walking around the candy path.

Interested in making this a day trip for the family? The nature store located right by CandyLand offers food and drinks, as well as some nature themed gifts. In addition, there are other fun activities to do in the area. Every Saturday, enjoy a campfire with smores from 12-3pm with animal chats at 1, 2, and 3pm.

Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd. Kirtland, Ohio 44094
Website

Go to Winter Blitz at Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Village is turning into one of the best family fun zones in all of Northeast Ohio. Not only do they offer the popular hall of fame attractions, but there are also many other fun and interesting things to do around the grounds. Exclusive to the winter is their Winter Blitz program. At winter blitz, you can purchase tickets to ride down their tubing hill that takes you through the goal post on the football field! You can also rent an igloo with a campfire and s’mores.

Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708
Website

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Visit Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark

During the winter Great Wolf Lodge is transformed into a winter wonderland. Plan a trip while the kids are off school break for a long weekend or a mid week adventure. In addition to the fun of the indoor waterpark, during their Snowland event they host extra activities including dance partis, yoga sessions, arts & crafts, and more! You can even schedule visits with Santa.

Great Wolf Lodge
Locations in Sandusky and Cincinnati

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Try Snow Tubing

If you like sledding, you’re going to love tubing! Ride the conveyor to easily get to the top of the hill and then prepare for an exhilarating ride down one of the lanes in the comfort of a cushy tube. The whole family will have a blast at any of these fun places to go snow tubing in Ohio. Check out our list of the coolest snow tubing locations in Ohio. 

DiscoveryWorks at Avon Lake Public Library

When you step inside Avon Lake Public Library, you’ll discover more than your typical library scene! The library is home to DiscoveryWorks, a free hands-on learning environment. There are multiple play structures, engaging experiments, arts and crafts and more.

The facility has created two age-appropriate areas for your little ones. You’ll receive a wristband for the correct age level of your child. Be sure to check the website for DiscoveryWorks hours, as they differ from the library’s hours.

Avon Lake Public Library
32649 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, OH 44012
Website

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Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Your New Year’s Eve may look a little different than it did before you welcomed children into the family. Whether you are planning on keeping your little ones up until midnight for an apple juice “cheers” or you would rather follow their normal bedtime routine, there are plenty of ways to make the day memorable. Check out our ideas for Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Kids.

You may also be interested in:

• Things to Do with Kids in Ohio – Ideas for fun things to do across the state
• 100 Things to do this Winter – More winter activities you’ll sure to love!