Kids in CLE: Holidays

To say that this year has brought a slew of challenges for everyone is an understatement. But for parents? Exhausted moms and dads have had to roll with punch after punch: no childcare, online learning, having the family together under one roof ALL the time… sigh. 2020, amirite?

Don’t let pandemic fatigue turn you into the Grinch. After all, the holidays have arrived. It’s time to restore some magic and hope. Luckily, seasonal happenings in Cleveland — while operating with health and safety guidelines top of mind — are offering families a bit of that holiday wonder.

Bundle up for an outdoor event, attend a warm and cozy virtual activity from home, or even enjoy the season from your own vehicle. Whatever you do, change up your normal routine and get in the spirit with the kids.

Cabin fever and pandemic precautions aren’t behind us yet, but it’s the perfect time to reconnect safely with the outside world and experience the joy of the holidays. Here are a few ways to do that in CLE:

Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

See the zoo’s wild residents in a whole new light — actually, make that more than one million new lights. The zoo, transformed into a winter wonderland, will offer guests plenty of outdoor fun with walk-through displays, carousel rides, costumed characters, model train displays, ice carvers, live music from festive choirs and an all-new dynamic light show featuring a 50-foot-tall tree. View the hundreds of lighting displays — including Candyland, Enchanted Forest, Conservation Trail, Santa’s Workshop and more — from the warmth of your own car during special drive-through nights. Attendance is limited and advance reservations are recommended.

Select dates from Nov. 17-Jan. 3.

Glow at Cleveland Botanical Garden

Visitors are transported to a festive wonderland featuring outdoor activities and displays including dynamic lighting and a story trail. New this year are Glow Nights, with special evening hours and unique outdoor experiences like live music, dance parties, ice sculpting, chainsaw carving and more. Timed entry tickets are required.

Select dates from Nov. 21-Jan. 3.

Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Step back in time and prepare to be dazzled, at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, where the Manor House and gardens are illuminated with more than one million holiday lights. Don’t miss the fan-favorite light show choreographed to music, the charming Gingerbread Land, and more. Advance tickets required.

Select dates from Nov. 27-Dec. 30.

Winter RiverFest at Rivergate Park

Cleveland Metroparks’ Winter RiverFest will transform Rivergate Park and Merwin’s Wharf for the holiday season. The new seasonal event along the Cuyahoga River in The Flats will feature synthetic ice skating, festive light displays, a beer garden and firepits, igloo village and more at Merwin’s Wharf. Reservations are recommended; capacity on the rink will be limited.
Select dates from Nov. 27-Jan. 18

Tobogganing at Mill Stream Run Reservation

Enjoy the thrills and chills of the tallest, fastest toboggan chutes in Ohio. At this Cleveland Metroparks spot, your family can spend the day laughing all the way down the twin, 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes (no snow necessary!). For a post-run warm-up, visit the to-go window at The Chalet for food and a cup of holiday cheer. Advance reservations are required.

Select dates from Nov. 27 through the first weekend in March, www.clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/activities/event-activity-types/tobogganing

The Rink at Wade Oval

Lace up your skates (rentals, too) and glide across the ice the Rink at Wade Oval in the University Circle neighborhood. The rink is open throughout the holiday season and beyond, allowing for plenty of time to show off your figure eights, jumps and spins.

The Rink at Wade Oval is open Dec. 4-Feb. 15.

Polar Blast Snow Tubing

Check the snow report and head to nearby Boston Mills/Brandywine Ski Resort to experience the cushy thrill of Polar Blast snow tubing, where even the tiniest tots can glide down the hill on inflatable tubes. The resort’s two conveyor lifts ensure you’ll conserve energy for hours of downhill adventure.

Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays all season long.

Holiday Lighting Displays

Head to Public Square to check out Downtown Cleveland's official holiday tree, as well as six acres of magical lights that dazzle all season long. You also can opt to stay toasty in your own vehicle at a drive-through light display like Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea.

Select days.

Marine Animal Virtual Meet & Greets at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Zoom your way to a warmer, wetter climate with the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s Virtual Family Programs. Choose from the Shark Exhibit Encounter, the Stingray & Coastal Exhibits Encounter, or the Animal Encounter to learn about each creature from an aquarium team member. Have your kids come prepared with questions about the animals to ask during the live Q&A sessions.

Select days.