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 during 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 at Crocker Park
The Northern Ohio Garden Railway Society – NOGRS will construct a customized train set that will be on display throughout the season. {Find Out More}
When: November 23-December 24, 2019; Mon-Sat: 12pm-8pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm
Where: Santa's Village in Crocker Park, 228 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145 (between Barnes & Noble and The Cheesecake Factory)
Cost: FREE
FREE Trains Display at Puritas Nursery
Bigger and better than ever! Bring the family out to visit 17th Annual Holiday Model Trains Display! The display is indoors and welcomes people of all ages. Plus, there are scavenger hunts and tunnels for the kids. {Find Out More}
When: November 29-December 31, 2019 (Closed on Christmas)
Where: 19201 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135
Cost: FREE (Donations are appreciated.)
FREE 7th Annual Model Train Extravaganza
See running model train displays inside the 1893 Town Hall. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesdays & Saturdays, December 4-28, 2019; Sat: 2pm-5pm, Wed: 5pm-8pm (Closed on Christmas)
Where: 8830 Park Dr., North Bloomfield, OH 44450
Cost: FREE
Express Train at Crocker Park * Not free, but is low cost
Enjoy a festive ride around Crocker Park this holiday season aboard the Holiday Express Train. {Find Out More}
When: November 24-December 24, 2019; Mon-Sat: 12pm-8pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm, Christmas & New Years Eve: 12pm-5pm, CLOSED on Christmas
Where: Crocker Park, 228 Market St., Westlake, OH 44145 (Pick-up and drop-off is located in front of Santa's VIllage between Barnes & Noble and The Cheesecake Factory, just across from the 50-foot Christmas Tree at the intersection of Main St. and Crocker Park Blvd.)
Cost: $3 per person per ride (cash only)
FREE Winter Celebration: The Magical Woods at Mill Creek Park
Come visit a magical land of gnomes and fairy families throughout the Davis Center lobby, and discover other mythical creatures in The Enchanted Hollow. Plus, enjoy the annual holiday tree walk, scavenger hunt, and seasonal flowers. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday-Sunday, November 30-December 29, 2019; 10am-5pm
Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
Cost: FREE
FREE Winter Nights at Mill Creek Park
Saturdays in December, Fellows Riverside Gardens is open late. Experience the outdoor light display and the Unicorn Games and crafts. Plus, find that perfect gift at the Shop in the Gardens and savor refreshments available for purchase in the Garden Cafe. {Find Out More}
When: Saturdays, November 30 & December 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2019; 5pm-7pm
Where: Fellows Riverside Gardens, 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509
Cost: FREE; Craft fee: $1 (cash only)
Skatetacular in The Square
Skatetacular in the Square, a season-long celebration of winter in Public Square, features a stunning holiday light display throughout the 6.5-acre park as well as entertainment, including live choral performances, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus every Saturday and Sunday in December, and other holiday character appearances. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, November 30, 2019-January 7, 2020; varies
Where: Ice Skating Rink at Public Square, 50 Public Sq., Cleveland, OH 44113
Cost: FREE lighting display and entertainment; fee for skating
FREE Snow Day at Cleveland Metroparks
Will it snow? We don't know. However, you can have fun with or without it. Join in for an afternoon of activities and crafts to celebrate the winter season. Ages 5+. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 29, 2019; 2pm-4pm
Where: Brecksville Reservation, Trailside Program Center, 9000 Chippewa Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Snow Crystal Exploration at Cleveland Metroparks
Bring your favorite adult during school break to learn about winter weather with snow-themed nature activities and a hike. Ages 12 and under with an adult. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, January 2, 2020; 11am-1pm
Where: West Creek Reservation, Watershed Stewardship Center, 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: Friday, January 3, 2020; 1pm-2:30pm
Where: West Creek Reservation, Watershed Stewardship Center, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, OH 44134
Cost: FREE
Watch FREE Family Movies
Friday Night Movie: Frozen at Cleveland Metroparks
It’s not just the people of Arendelle who live in the winter weather. The animals of northeast Ohio have interesting ways of surviving too. Some of it sounds like magic! Talk about how a few of Ohio animals survive before watching the epic adventure of Frozen. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 20, 2019; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave., Garfield Heights, OH 44125
Cost: (Registration is required.)
FREE Winter Break Movie at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Thursday, December 26: Toy Story 4 (PG) {Find Out More}
Friday, December 27: The Lion King (PG){Find Out More}
Thursday, January 2: Frozen Sing-a-long (PG){Find Out More}
When: December 26-27, 2019 + January 2, 2020; 1:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Movies@Main: The Lion King at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is left to care for the kids while Helen (Elastigirl) is out saving the world. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 27, 2019; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Brooklyn Cinema: Dumbo at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Come see the new Dumbo movie while enjoying freshly popped popcorn! {Find Out More}
When: Monday, December 30, 2019; 2pm-4pm
Where: Brooklyn Branch, 4480 Ridge Rd., Brooklyn, OH 44144
Cost: FREE
FREE Drop-ins at Cleveland Metroparks
December 20: Drop-By: Handmade Holidays – Sew felt ornaments, stockings, gift bags and more, as we learn about the benefits of sustainable skills. {Find Out More}
December 21: Snakes of Ohio – Learn about how snakes hunt, grow and survive in the wild. {Find Out More}
December 22: Drop-In Discovery: Pine Cone Craft – Stop in, warm up and make a pine cone ornament to take home. {Find Out More}
December 22: Bird Feeder Ornament Drop-In – Join Naturalist Natalie Schroder anytime during the listed hours to make your own bird feeder ornament to take home. {Find Out More}
December 31: Drop-By: New Year's Eve Celebration – Share your traditions, taste some traditional recipes, and state your resolutions while discovering New Year celebrations around the world. {Find Out More}
January 4: Drop-In Discovery: Survival Kids & Gadgets – Learn how to put together a kit with all the basics you need for most survival situations and watch demonstrations of some useful survival gadgets. {Find Out More}
January 5: Drop-By: Sustainable Resolutions – Create an up-cycled craft and learn tips on how to be sustainable and eco-minded in 2020. {Find Out More}
FREE Fun at the Library
FREE Water Safety With Bubbles the Fish at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Come meet Bubbles the Fish, hear a story, and learn about water safety. Ages 3-7. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 27, 2019; 10am-10:30am
Where: Solon Branch, 34125 Portz Pkwy., Solon, OH 44139
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Princesses, Dragons, and Knights OH MY! at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Come dressed as your favorite character for a fantastic photo opportunity. Stay for interactive stories and a craft. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 27, 2019; 10am-11am
Where: Chagrin Falls Branch, 100 E. Orange St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Elf Escape Room at Massillon Public Library
Help Buddy the Elf save Christmas by working together as a team to solve the puzzles and unlock the breakout box in time. Feel free to wear festive Elf or holiday attire! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 28, 2019; 12pm-4pm
Where: 208 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Build-o-Rama at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Play with cool Magna-tiles and build with bricks…plus other types of fun block toys for all ages. Ages 5 and under. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 28, 2019; 2pm-2:45pm
Where: Parma-Snow Branch, 2121 Snow Rd., Parma, OH 44134
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Winter Break: Family Play Day at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Play together as a family with giant Jenga, old-fashioned Skittles, Four-in-a-Row, checkers, hop-scotch, and board games. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, December 30, 2019; 1:30pm-3:30pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Family Time: Realm of the Reptile Animal Show at Akron-Summit County Public Library
All ages are welcome for a hands-on animal show featuring reptiles, turtles, and snakes. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, December 30, 2019; 2pm-3pm
Where: Norton Branch, 3930 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Norton, OH 44203
Cost: FREE
FREE Fun Science Lab at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Join in and make your own bouncy ball, bubbling lava bottle, and more – all while learning about the scientific principles that make them possible. {Find Out More}
When: Monday, December 30, 2019; 2pm-3:30pm
Where: Mayfield Branch, 500 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield Village, OH 44143
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Young Explorers: Mo Willems! at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Are you a fan of that pigeon who wants to drive the bus? Do you love Piggie and Elephant? Join in and learn more about the author, Mo Willems, hear some hilarious stories and enjoy some hands-on activities and crafts. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, January 2, 2020; 7pm-8pm
Where: Berea Branch, 7 Berea Commons, Berea, OH 44017
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Fun Science Lab at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Join in and make your own bouncy ball, bubbling lava bottle, and more – all while learning about the scientific principles that make them possible. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, January 3, 2020; 2pm-3pm
Where: Richmond Heights Branch, 5235 Wilson Mills Rd., Richmond Heights, OH 44143
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Library Mini Golf at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Families are welcome to enjoy a miniature golf course at the library! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, January 4, 2020; 11am-12pm
Where: North Olmsted Branch, 27403 Lorain Rd., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Cost: FREE
FREE Tropical Escape at Cuyahoga County Public Library
Brighten up your January and join us for an afternoon of tie-dyeing t-shirts, listening to the sweet sounds of summer jams, showing off your hula moves, and maybe even conquering the limbo stick! {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, January 4, 2020; 3pm-4pm
Where: South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch, 1876 South Green Rd., South Euclid, OH 44121
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
Live Nativities
FREE Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
This Christmas season, enjoy this annual nativity exhibit. With nearly 1,000 nativities from all over the world on display, you won’t want to miss it! {Find Out More}
When: December 1, 2019 – January 6, 2020; Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm & Sunday: 1pm-8pm (Closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day)
Where: Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center, 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: FREE
FREE Live Nativity at Painesville Church of the Nazarene
Come and experience this live Nativity. {Find Out More}
When:
December 20-21, 2019; 7pm, 7:30pm & 8pm
December 24, 2019; 5:30pm & 6pm
Where: PCN, 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE and open to the public. Donations of non-perishable food items for their Food Pantry are accepted, but not required.
FREE Noon Year's Eve Events
Noon Year's 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! Join the daytime celebration with stories, crafts, music, and dancing, and concluding with a balloon drop at noon! {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 10:30am-12pm
Where: 208 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE
FREE Noon Year's Eve at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Join in for snacks, crafts, activities, and dancing, and count down to the last noon of 2019! {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 11am-12pm
Where: Tallmadge Branch, 90 Community Rd., Tallmadge, OH 44278
Cost: FREE
FREE Noon Year's Eve at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Ring in the new year early at this family-friendly party, featuring games, crafts, and snacks. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 11am-12:15pm
Where: Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron, OH 44326
Cost: FREE
FREE Noon Year's Eve Party at Akron-Summit County Public Library
A New Year's celebration for those who just cannot stay up until midnight! {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Green Branch, 4046 Massillon Rd., Uniontown, OH 44685
Cost: FREE
FREE Noon Year's Eve Party at Akron-Summit County Public Library
Bring the family and get ready to ring in the New Year! There will be snacking, crafting, and dancing as you countdown to noon. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Portage Lakes Branch, 4261 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319
Cost: FREE
All Upcoming New Years Eve Events for KidsYou may be interested in:
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 Beech Creek Gardens and had a blast. See pictures and find out more about Our Trip to Handfeed Chickadees at Beech 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. Black oil sunflower seeds and instructions will be provided that help make this experience one to remember. {Find Out More}
When: December 21, 2019-February 29, 2020; 10am-12pm (Daily in December, Saturdays & Sundays in January and February)
Where: Brecksville Reservation's Brecksville Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville, OH 44141
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 Sledding
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 Winter Solstice Celebration & Candlelight Hike at Geauga Park District
Celebrate the longest night of the year as we explore the roots of our modern holiday celebrations indoors and out. Enjoy treats, hot beverages and music by the Pilgrim Brass Choir. Make a solstice-themed craft and stroll the self-guided Solstice Traditions Trail, a magical, candlelit route through the forest, complete with a bonfire. Plus, watch interactive skits highlighting solstice traditions of various civilizations with costumed interpreters. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 21, 2019; 7:30pm-9:30pm
Where: The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Novelty, OH 44072
Cost: FREE
FREE Hunt of the Month: Pinecones at Cleveland Metroparks
Stop in and search for the 20 paper pinecones hidden in the center. {Find Out More}
When: December 1-31, 2019
Where: Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation's Canalway Center, 4524 E. 49th St. Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
Cost: FREE
FREE Family Hike & Cocoa at Cleveland Metroparks
Get out and enjoy the winter woods with Naturalist Jenny McClain. Go for a hike in search of wildlife activity and seasonal happenings, then return to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa by the fire. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 26, 2019; 2pm-3:30pm
Where: Brecksville Nature Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE (Registration is required.)
FREE Winter Scavenger Hunt at Mill Creek Metroparks
Bring the whole family out to Ford Nature Center to enjoy the season with a Winter Scavenger Hunt. {Find Out More}
When: December 26-31, 2019; Wed-Sat: 10am-5pm, Sun: 12pm-5pm
Where: Ford Nature Center, 840 Old Furnace Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511
Cost: FREE
FREE Sunrise Celebration Hike at Cleveland Metroparks
Join Naturalist Foster Brown for the last sunrise of 2019. Walk under woodland giants, peer across a gorgeous overlook, and take in winter’s sounds and beauty as we look forward to 2020. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 7:30am-9am
Where: A.B. Williams Memorial Woods at North Chagrin Reservation, Cleveland Metro Park Dr., Mayfield, OH
Cost: FREE
FREE Last Hike of 2019 at Cleveland Metroparks
Enjoy the last daylight hours of 2019 and get ready to tackle 2020 on a peaceful walk around Rocky River Nature Center. {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2019; 4pm-5pm
Where: Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, OH 44070
Cost: FREE
FREE First Day Hike at Cleveland Metroparks
Join Naturalist Beth Joyave for your first hike of the New Year. {Find Out More}
When: Wednesday, January 1, 2020; 10am-11:30am
Where: A.B. Williams Memorial Woods at North Chagrin Reservation, Cleveland Metro Park Dr., Mayfield, OH
Cost: FREE
FREE New Year, New You: Winter Wellness Hike at Cleveland Metroparks
Hike the trails as we bring in the New Year with some healthy habits! Furry friends are welcome to join the walk. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, January 4, 2020, 2018; 8am-9am
Where: Bedford Reservation, 18753 Egbert Rd., Bedford, OH 44146
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!