During the winter month, visitors are welcome to Beech Creek Gardens to experience the thrill of hand feeding wild birds out of the palm of their hands.  

We were excited about the opportunity to feed birds and the experience was amazing! When we first arrived, the volunteer explained what to do and gave us each a handful of sunflower seeds and crushed up peanuts.  She mentioned that the mixture is like candy to the birds.

Because the birds are most active when the temperature are cold and there is snow on the ground, the conditions were perfect when we visited.  We waited less than a minute for the first bird to land on our hands.  It was amazing to feel the little bird feet on your fingers.

The setup is perfect for kids because they have arranged small boards for people to rest their hands on.  These boards made it possible for my kids to hold their hand still for long periods of time without dropping the bird food.

We fed the birds for about 15 minutes and each of us had between 10-20 birds land on our hands during that time.

After our excitement we warmed our hands by the nearby fire, had some hot chocolate and spent about an hour exploring the Amazing Garden Nature Center.  We got to see animals, a train table, a wide variety of plants and flowers and the kids had fun with all the interactive games and activities.

Overall it was a great experience and I can't wait to visit in the summer to see the Butterfly House.

Places to Hand Feed Birds across Northeast Ohio

In addition to the ability to hand feed birds at Beech Creek Gardens, there are a variety of other parks and nature centers that allow guest to hand feed birds during the winter months. 

Bird in Hand at Beech Creek 
Experience the thrill of hand-feeding wild chickadees at Beech Creek Gardens! Enjoy the fresh winter air as you explore the outdoors and connect with nature. Visitors will also enjoy a warm outdoor fire, hot cocoa, and marshmallows for roasting. Bring the whole family to this unique experience! {Find Out More}
When: January 4, 2020 through March 1, 2020; Saturdays and Sundays from 12-3 pm
Where:  11929 Beech St. NE Alliance, Ohio 44601 (The bird feeder is just across the main bridge over Beech Creek, about a 5 minute walk from the parking lot).
Cost: General admission is $5 per person. Beech Creek members and children ages 2 and younger receive free admission

FREE Hand-Feed Chickadee at Brecksville Reservation
Looking for something to do with your family and friends? Stop by to hand-feed the chickadees. Black oil sunflower seeds and instructions will be supplied to make this experience one to remember. {Find Out More}
When: Weekends starting December 21, 2019
Where: Brecksville Nature Center at Brecksville Reservation, 9000 Chippewa Creek Dr., Brecksville, OH 44141
Cost: FREE

Bird in the Hand Feeding Station at The West Woods
Geauga Parks District has a dedicated spot at The West Woods where guest can hand feed birds. {Find Out More}
When: Daily. Note: If visiting between 10am-4pm visit the nature center to get your seeds. If you visiting during a time when the nature center is closed, you can get your seeds from the feeder located at the feeding location.
Where: The West Woods – 9465 Kinsman Rd Russell, OH 44072. Follow the Trout Lily Trail, then hang a right at the fork after the boardwalk across the wetlands, following the sign. Soon you'll come upon the feeding station marked by a feeder and a mannequin.
Cost: FREE

FREE Hand-Feed a Chickadee at Mill Creek Metroparks
Black-capped Chickadees are inquisitive birds that can be coaxed into landing on your hand – especially if you tempt them with food. Learn more about these incredible songbirds with a Naturalist. Birdseed will be provided. {Find Out More}
When: Saturdays, January 18 & February 1, 2020; 9am-11am
Where: Mill Creek MetroParks Ford Nature Center, 840 Old Furnace Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511
Cost: FREE

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• Winter Fun Guide – 100+ Things to do across Northeast Ohio this Winter