I always appreciate finding activities to get us out of the house during days off school. It's even more exciting when those events are FREE. Hopefully this list of fun and FREE (or almost free) things to do over winter break will help you as well. Enjoy!
Note: Some of these events are weather dependent, so depending on the amount of snow we have the events may be canceled or changed. Links are provided to find out more, so please verify the details before you attend. Thanks!
If you know of any other FREE events taking place over Winter Break, submit the details here and I'll add it. Thanks for helping us all find affordable fun this break!
Go Directly To: Indoor Events | Outdoor Events
Indoor Fun
Trains, Trains & More Trains!
If you have a little one who loves to look at model trains there are many options to do so.
FREE Toy Train Town & Gingerbread Village at Crocker Park
Toy Train Town and the Gingerbread Village will be open once again this holiday season! After you’re done shopping, take a walk around the store and check out Toy Train Town–a beautiful handmade train display. Toy Train Town is located next to Arhaus Furniture, near the Main Circle. Gingerbread houses will also be on display around Toy Train Town throughout the holiday season. {Find Out More}
When: November 18-December 29, 2017
Where: 228 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: FREE
FREE Trains Display at Puritas Nursery
Puritas Nursery is proud to present, for the fifteenth consecutive year, a truly unique landscaped holiday model train display that captures the spirit of the season and brings out the kid in all of us. Bring your camera to take free photos; the display makes for great family photos and cherished holiday memories for years to come! {Find Out More}
When: November 24-December 31, 2017 (Closed on Christmas)
Where: 19201 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135
Cost: FREE
Window train display in downtown Wadsworth
Come walk downtown and enjoy a trio of trains, including Thomas, in a beautifully decorated window display through the end of the year. Push the button to watch the three trains chug around the tracks.
When: Nov. 17 – Jan. 3, 2018, anytime day or night
Where: American Legion Post 170, 125 Main St., Wadsworth, OH 44281
Cost: FREE
You may be interested in: Our Review of the Wadsworth Train Display including tips of other fun things to do while visiting Downtown Wadsworth
FREE International Trees & Model Trains Display
Sponsored by the Lorain Growth Corp. Tourism Committee and Lorain Port Authority, view nationality decorated Christmas trees along with an array of model train displays. {Find Out More}
When: November 25-December 30, 2017
Where: Black River Landing Transportation Center, Black River Ln., Lorain, OH 44052
Cost: FREE
FREE Trains in Town Hall: 4th Annual Model Train Extravaganza
Trains in the Town Hall is a giant annual display of model trains inside a grand building with 22-foot-tall cathedral ceilings! There are three separate layouts, as well as trains kids can control. New this year: Area 54 display and LEGO Contest. {Find Out More}
When: Begins December 2, 2017
Where: 8830 Park Dr., North Bloomfield, OH 44450
Cost: FREE
While the next two train events aren't free, they are low cost.
Holiday Express at Crocker Park
Choo, Choo! All aboard the MetroHealth Holiday Express Train. Take a break from shopping and enjoy the beautiful holiday decor at Crocker Park! The train is located in front of Guest Services, by Barnes and Noble. {Find Out More}
When: November 19-December 26, 2017
Where: 228 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: $3 per person per ride
Christmas at Beech Creek Botanical Garden
Enjoy Candyland and the Christmas Express, explore the Festival of Trees, visit with the Grinch, participate in kids' make-and-take workshops, enjoy Christmas lights, roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa, follow the Storybook Trail, experience the Snowflake Theater, and more on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in December! {Find Out More}
When: November 24-December 23, 2017
Where: 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
Cost: $5 per person, FREE for children from infant to age 2 and BC members
FREE Winter Break Scavenger Hunt at Cleveland Metroparks
Come in between noon and 2pm to pick up a Scavenger Hunt. Explore CanalWay Center inside and outside as you look for natural and unnatural winter items and receive a reward when completed. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, December 27, 2017; 12pm-2pm
Where: CanalWay Center at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE Folktale Fun: The Mitten at Cleveland Metroparks
Snug in for this cozy, winter wildlife tale. The whole family can enjoy an indoor reading and craft a mitten full of woolly characters. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, December 27, 2017; 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek Reservation, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, OH 44134
Cost: FREE
FREE Build-a-Bird at Cleveland Metroparks
What pieces and parts make a bird, a bird? Discover all things bird with Naturalist Matt, and then design and build your own bird to take home. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, January 3, 2017; 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek Reservation, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, OH 44134
Cost: FREE
Watch FREE Family Movies
FREE Winter Break Family Film Matinees at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Tuesday, December 26: Cars 3 (G)
Wednesday, December 27: Princess and the Frog (G)
Thursday, December 28: Aristocats (G)
Friday, December 29: Despicable Me 3 (PG) {Find Out More}
When: December 26-29, 2017; 1:30pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Movie, Munchies and More at Portage Lakes Branch Library
Beat the winter break blues! Come out of the cold and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and some munchies while watching Arthur Christmas (PG). Learn how Santa delivers all those presents in one night! {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, December 27, 2017; 2pm
Where: 4261 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter Break Movie at Tallmadge Branch Library
Watch Frozen (PG) and enjoy some popcorn with your library friends. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 28, 2017; 6pm
Where: 90 Community Rd., Tallmadge, OH 44278
Cost: FREE
FREE Movies@Main: Despicable Me 3 at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Gru meets his long-lost twin brother who wants to join forces for one last criminal heist. Wonderful animated fun with the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and Trey Parker. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 28, 2017; 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Canalway Classic Movie: “Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas” at Cleveland Metroparks
Told in the classic style of songs that will warm the hearts of the whole family, Jim Henson’s charismatic puppets share a story of family and friendship through tales of animal life on the river. Register by phone beginning December 1 at 9 am. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 22, 2017; 7pm-8pm
Where: CanalWay Center, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Hts, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE Indoor Mini Golf with Media County Parks District
Putt-ing Through the Ages at Buffalo Creek Retreat {Find Out More}
When:
December 27-31, 2017; noon – 7pm
Weekends from January 5 to February 25, 2018: Fridays noon-4pm, Saturdays noon-7pm, Sundays noon-4pm
Where: 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville, OH 44273
Cost: FREE (Donations to Medina County Park District Appreciated)
FREE Drop-in Discovery at Cleveland Metroparks
December 28: Flint & Steel – Drop by and learn to create a spark by striking steel against flint, the first step in starting a campfire. {Find Out More}
December 29: Knots – Stop by to learn some basic yet useful knots, and try out some that are just plain fun. {Find Out More}
January 6: Conifers – Drop by anytime this morning to learn the difference between pines, spruces and other conifers, then create your own painting using needles, cones, and other natural paint brushes. {Find Out More}
When: December 28-29, 2017 & January 6, 2018; 10am-12pm
Where: Brecksville Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE
FREE Fun at the Library
FREE Game Day at Mogadore Branch Library
Come in for an afternoon of classic games. Both board and card games will be provided. Feel free to bring any cards or games of your own to play! {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, December 27, 2017; 3:30pm
Where: 144 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, OH 44260
Cost: FREE
FREE Wii Gaming at Kenmore Branch Library
For school age kids and teens. Hang out with your friends and test your gaming skills! {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 28, 2017; 4pm
Where: 969 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, OH 44314
Cost: FREE
FREE New Years Eve Extravaganza at Maple Valley Branch Library
Make crafts, get a snack and sparkling cider, and get ready to ring in 2018! {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 29, 2017; 12pm-6pm
Where: 1187 Copley Rd., Akron, OH 44320
Cost: FREE
FREE Life-Sized Candyland at Norton Branch Library
Walk and Play a larger than life size version of Candy Land the popular board game. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 29, 2017; 2pm-4pm
Where: 3930 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Norton, OH 44203
Cost: FREE
Noon Years Eve Party at Massillon Public Library
Children in 6th grade and under and their families are invited to a celebration counting down to the New Year without staying up late! Enjoy stories, crafts, music, and dancing, concluding with a balloon drop at noon! No registration required. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 30, 2017; 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE
FREE Countdown to Noon Year's Eve at Kenmore Branch Library
It's a celebration that you won't sleep through! Crafts, balloons, songs, and dancing will make this a Noon Year's Eve to remember. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 30, 2017; 11am
Where: 969 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, OH 44314
Cost: FREE
FREE Do you want to Build a Snowman? at Maple Valley Branch Library
Stop in to experience a snowy, fun-filled afternoon with Ms. Erica! Plus, make snowmen outside, so be sure to dress warmly and prepare to get messy. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 30, 2017; 2pm
Where: 1187 Copley Rd., Akron, OH 44320
Cost: FREE
FREE Saturday Story Time Sampler: Penguin Party! at Akron-Summit Main Public Library
Did you know that there are penguins that live in warm places? Learn fun facts about penguins through penguin stories, rhymes and songs, and make your own edible penguin craft! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, January 6, 2017; 2pm-4pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Wild Days of Winter at Lake Metroparks
Candy Land has gone WILD! is an indoor, life-sized game board; set up like the iconic board game CANDY LAND, but with a “natural twist.” As visitors draw a card, they become the game piece and move along the game board from space to space. As they play along, their travels take them through a beautifully decorated wonderland where they can discover the many natural wonders nature gives throughout the year. Children will enjoy scavenger hunts, making a craft and working on seasonal activity pages. It’s wild fun for the whole family! {Find Out More}
When: November 18, 2017-January 1, 2018; 12pm-5pm, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day: Closed, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: 12pm-1pm
Where: 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: FREE
See Pictures and Read a Review of Our Trip to Wild Days of Winter Game
FREE Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Nationally acclaimed nativity exhibit featuring nearly 1,000 nativities from all around the world and more than 150,000 Holiday lights. World-wide Christmas media “Share the Light” shown every half hour. A number of live musical performances from local groups will highlight the exhibit; all performances start at 7pm on select days. {Find Out More}
When: November 26-December 31, 2017
Where: Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center, 7800 Kirtkand-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter Celebration: Toyland at Fellows Riverside Gardens
Bring the family to “come play!,” as you discover Toyland in the Davis Center. Show your kids favorite games and toys from your past as you wander amongst giant game pieces, ten-foot toy soldiers, and more. Plus, enjoy the annual holiday tree walk, scavenger hunt, and of course, the seasonal blooms. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday through Sunday from December 2-31, 2017; 10am-5pm
Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
Cost: FREE
FREE Live Nativity at Painesville Church of the Nazarene
This Live Nativity is a 30-minute narrated, live reenactment of the Christmas story, with authentic costumes, and LIVE animals. Light refreshments inside our Connect Café before and after. {Find Out More}
When: December 15-16 & 22-24, 2017
Where: 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE and open to the public. Donations of non-perishable food items for our Food Pantry accepted, but not required.
FREE School's Out: Ice Crystal Blast at Cleveland Metroparks
Come learn about the atmosphere and precipitation through water crystals. Start a dazzling experiment to visualize crystalline structures, and take home your creation at the end of this indoor program. Registration is required. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 29, 2017; 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Watershed Stewardship Center at West Creek Reservation, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, OH 44134
Cost: FREE
20 Fun Indoor Activities for Kids at Home
Fun Activities to do at Home – If you'd rather stay home, here are a list of fun activities for your kids.
Kids Eat FREE
Kids Eat Free locations in Northeast Ohio – You'll still have to pay for the adult meals, but it may be worth it to take a break from cooking and get the kids meals for free.
Outdoor Fun
Hand-feed Chickadees
We got to feed them before at Beach Creek Gardens and had a blast. See pictures and find out more about Our Trip to Handfeed Chickadees at Beach Creek Gardens. Try your luck at hand feeding chickadees at one of these fun events:
FREE Hand-feed Chickadees at Cleveland Metroparks
Looking for something to do with your family and friends over the holidays? Stop by to hand feed the chickadees. We'll supply the black oil sunflower seeds and instructions that help make this experience one to remember. {Find Out More} The program then continues on Saturdays from January 6-27, 2017.
When: Daily from December 16-31, 2017; 10am-12pm
Where: Brecksville Nature Center at Brecksville Reservation, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE
FREE Chickadee Feeding Hike at Cleveland Metroparks
Wild black-capped chickadees can be remarkably friendly. Join in an attempt to lure this gentle creature to your hand. Black oil sunflower seed will be supplied. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 23, 2017; 11am-12pm
Where: Rocky River Nature Center at Rocky River Reservation, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Cost: FREE
Drive Around to see the Christmas Lights
Best Christmas Light Displays in the Area – Many of the displays will be up through the end of December.
Go Sled Riding
Top Sled Riding Hills in NE Ohio – Head to one of these hills and go sledding. Be sure to bring along some hot chocolate!
Join in a Hike or a Winter-themed Scavenger Hunt
FREE Hunt of the Month: Mittens at Cleveland Metroparks
Temperatures are dropping, snow begins to fall: it is winter. Stop by and find our 20 hidden paper mittens. Then bundle up and go outside for a winter walk in the woods. {Find Out More}
When: December 1-31, 2017
Where: CanalWay Center at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Hts, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter Solstice Celebration & Candlelight Hike at Geauga Park District
Celebrate the longest night of the year in this all-new format and explore the roots of our modern holiday celebrations, indoors and out. Enjoy treats, hot beverages, and music by the Pilgrim Brass Choir and make a solstice-themed craft. Then, outdoors, stroll the self-guided “Solstice Traditions Trail,” a magical, candlelit route through the forest, stop by a bonfire, and enjoy interactive skits highlighting solstice traditions of various civilizations with costumed interpreters. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 21, 2017; 7:30pm-9:30pm
Where: The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Novelty, OH 44072
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter Break Scavenger Hunt at Cleveland Metroparks
Come in between noon and 2pm to pick up a Scavenger Hunt. Explore CanalWay Center inside and outside as you look for natural and unnatural winter items and receive a reward when completed. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, December 27, 2017; 12pm-2pm
Where: CanalWay Center at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Hts, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE Joy to the Birds at Ford Nature Center
Let’s spread the joy of the season by lending a hand to our overwintering birds. We’ll create edible bird ornaments, then hike to place them on an evergreen tree. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 28, 2017; 1pm-3pm
Where: 840 Old Furnace Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter is Wonderful at Cleveland Metroparks
The cold can’t keep us inside! In this program, explore the joys of winter through a story, a short hike, and a craft. The craft is fun for many ages and will freeze our experience in time. Registration is required. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 29, 2017; 10am-11:30am
Where: CanalWay Center at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Hts, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE New Year's Stroll with Cleveland Metroparks
Enjoy hiking along the scenic Rocky River in celebration of the coming new year. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 31, 2017; 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Cost: FREE
Free Noon Year’s Eve program at the Massillon Public Library on Wednesday, December 31st from 10:30 am to 12 pm. For families of kids 6th grade and under. Stories, crafts, dancing, and a balloon drop at noon.
And again this year—same time!