During the winter month, guests are invited to several local nature centers to experience the thrill of hand-feeding wild birds out of the palm of their hands. Hand feeding chickadees is the perfect activity to get the whole family outside and enjoying nature during the winter. It’s an experience like no other to have a bird land on your hand and to feel the little feet as it eats the seeds. 

Pro Tip: Chickadees are most active when the temperature is cold and there is snow on the ground, plan your trip accordingly.

Brecksville Nature Center

Once the weather gets cold, visitors are encouraged to stop by the Brecksville Nature Center during the weekend for the unique opportunity to hand feed chickadees. The volunteers inside the nature center will explain what to do and give everyone a handful of black oil sunflower seeds to feed the birds. 

Quietly pick a spot along the fence to stand, place some seeds in your hand, and get ready for the excitement to begin! We waited less than a minute for the first bird to land on our hands and fed the birds for about 15 minutes. 

Brecksville Reservation also has several hiking trails to enjoy after you hand feed chickadees. Our favorite is the 2.5-mile Hemlock Loop trail that goes down by the river. If you want something shorter, drive five minutes to the Chippewa Creek Scenic Overlook and hike the Gorge Loop Trail, it’s a little over a mile along the river. 

You could also let the kids play on the nature playground near the nature center.

Brecksville Nature Center
9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville, OH 44141
Select Dates from mid-December through February
Website

Beech Creek Gardens

Visitors are invited to Beech Creek Gardens to hand feed chickadees on select dates during the winter as part of their Cool Adventures program. Once you arrive a volunteer will explain what to do and you a handful of sunflower seeds and crushed-up peanuts. 

We were lucky and waited only a few minutes for the first bird to land on our hands. It was amazing to feel the little bird’s feet on your fingers. After about 15 minutes and 20-30 birds, we got cold and decided to head over to the nearby bonfire and warm up. There was hot chocolate and other activities in the Amazing Garden Nature Center.

Beech Creek Gardens
11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601 
Saturdays and Sundays from January 6 through February 25, 2024
Website

You may be interested in: More fun things to do at Beech Creek Gardens

The West Woods in Geauga Parks District

From October to April, check out The West Woods to try and hand feed chickadees. When you arrive, stop by the nature center to grab some sunflower seeds to feed the birds. 

Then take a short hike down the Trout Lily Trail where you’ll find the feeding station. You’ll know you arrive when you see the mannequin that looks like a child holding out a hand. Locate the orange bucket and follow the instructions to cover the bird feeder and prepare for the birds to arrive. 

When you’re done feeding the birds, be sure to check out the other activities available at the West Woods. Let the kids play in the nature center or hike Ansel’s Cave Trail. 

The West Woods
9465 Kinsman Rd, Novelty, OH 44072
October through April 
Website

Summit Metro Parks Liberty Park Nature Center

All winter, the Liberty Park Nature Center offers different hand feed chickadee events. Check out their event calendar and look for the “Coffee with the Birds” events. During the events, a naturalist will take you to the bird feeding area and answer any questions you have. You can also help them count birds for Project Feeder Watch. 

After you’re done feeding the birds, we suggest hiking Ledges Trail. The trail is just over a mile and offers a beautiful walk through the woods, a cave, a wooden boardwalk, and huge rock formations. There are other trails at the park if you want to extend your hike and the nature center has some fun kids activities, books, and a nice bird watching area.

Liberty Park Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd, Twinsburg, OH 44087
Select dates during January and February
Website

Summit Metro Parks Nature Realm Visitors Center

Nature Realm invites you and your family to hand feed chickadees during the cold winter months. The birds are very accustomed to being hand fed so it’s a great spot to try. When you arrive at the park you can bring your own seed or stop in the visitors center and purchase some for a small fee. 

After that, head over to the feeding area to give hand feeding chickadees a try! We recommend asking the naturalist in the visitors center where they recommend going as they will guide you to the best spots.

Nature Realm Visitors Center
1828 Smith Rd. Akron, OH 44313
Website

Tips for Hand Feeding Chickadees:

• Go when the weather is prime condition for chickadees – cold with no snow
• Be patient – the birds will come eventually!
• Wear gloves – it can be very cold holding your hand out in front of you for so long
• Keep your hand as flat as possible so it’s easier for the birds to land
• Large groups tend to scare off the chickadees – groups of 2-4 work best
• Plan your day around feeding the chickadees, all the nature centers have other fun activities for you to do as well – like a family hike

You may also be interested in: Winter Fun Guide – 100+ Things to do across Northeast Ohio this winter