Top Winter Activities in Ohio

With the holiday season wrapping up and deer season coming to an end, some people are starting to go into hibernation mode. I don't know about you, but I'm not a fan of the cold, so it takes something special to get me out of the house this time of year. Luckily, I have some fun ideas to keep you and the family busy during these daunting winter months.

Mad River Mountain

Located in Zanesfield, Ohio, Mad River Mountain is Ohio's largest ski and tubing resort. The 144-acre resort features a 300 ft vertical drop mountain with 1,460 ft elevation, 100% snowmaking coverage, 11 lifts, 20 trails, and a terrain park. No need to worry about equipment, you can rent everything you need from their rental facility. Even if you have no experience with skiing, you can enjoy some family time on the tubing slopes, no experience necessary!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Every year during the holiday season, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium turns into a winter wonderland. Their "Wildlights" exhibit lasts until January 1st. You won't want to miss the animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer, and other holiday festivities! I wouldn't want to leave out the new attractions they offer this year, including the Jolliest Holiday Craft Beer Celebration, featuring more than 40 seasonal craft beers, ciders, and seltzers and the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride.

Mohican Winterfest

Mohican Winterfest is a free festival in Loundonville, Ohio. Enjoy ice sculpture and carving competitions featuring award-winning ice carvers. There will also be a figure skating exhibition, carriage rides, a train expo, and more. Afterwards, participate in a 5k or 10k hike, followed by a warm fire, hot soup, cookies, and drinks. This is the perfect way to spend a winter day with the family.

Ice Fishing

The first ice of the season is the most successful time to ice-fish because there is normally not much snow cover. Many of the lakes in Ohio are smaller man-made lakes, which make ice fishing ideal because they freeze faster compared to large natural lakes like The Great Lakes. However, some of the most intense ice fishing can be done on Lake Erie. Wherever you decide to fish, safety comes first. Make sure to check ice conditions, have a valid fishing license, and know the size and daily limits for the lake you are fishing.

Lock 3

Have you ever watched one of those Christmas movies where the people go ice skating on some magical ice rink? You know, where they skate together during a beautiful snow fall, sipping hot chocolate. Well, this is it! Located in Akron, Ohio, is Lock 3, the largest seasonal ice-skating rink in Ohio. This 10,000-sq. ft. rink is sure to have the whole family wishing to come back next year.

Wine Country

If you're anything like me, you enjoy a nice glass of wine to help unwind from your day. Why not take it a little further and take a trip to Wine Country in Ashtabula County. You can go for a day trip or take a romantic weekend winter getaway. With more than thirty wineries you are sure to find something you love. Make sure to try the ice wine; the grapes are only harvested in winter when they are frozen on the vine.Ice wine is one of the specialties of several Geneva-On-the-Lake wineries and one of the few places in the United States that produces it!

The Chalet

If you have never experienced tobogganing, make sure to visit The Chalet, located in Strongsville, Ohio. It's an exhilarating ride down a 700-foot ice chute. Afterwards, warm up by the wood burner on the back patio and enjoy food and drinks from the concession stand. This event requires a reservation. Please make sure to check the site for more information.

Don't get cabin fever this winter! These are just some of the top activities that you should check out during the winter months. Ohio offers several other activities and events including stargazing, snowboarding, train rides, light shows, and festivals.