Ohio residents can take advantage of traditional winter activities to help endure the cold winters in a healthy fashion. When seeking out winter events, residents in the central area of the state have the resources of the large city of Columbus, a major state university and numerous state parks with winter facilities.
During the winter, youth who want to enhance their skills in ice hockey can take lessons from the coaches at Ohio State University in the state capital of Columbus. The clinics are for youth ages 6 to 12. Kids receive expert instruction in small groups of no more than 25 skaters and four goalies.
There are two sessions offered and signing up for both is allowed. In 2010, the fee totaled $125 per session and $230 for both sessions.
Buckeye Sports Camps
1066 Jerome Schottenstein Center
555 Borror Drive
Columbus, OH 43210-1187
614-247-2267
ohiostatebuckeyes.com
Throughout the year, including the winter, parks in central Ohio host outdoor natural history educational programming for youth. These excursions provide a fun, educational and healthy way for kids to learn about the state’s environment and wildlife.
Winter programs include nature hikes in forests, winter weather lessons, wildlife-themed sessions and pollution education. Children from preschool to 12th grade can participate. Students in Scout programs may be able to earn badges from some activities.
All sessions are free of charge. Programs fill up quickly, according Metro Parks. Reservations should be made at least one month in advance.
Metro Parks
1069 West Main St.
Westerville, OH 43081
614-891-0700
metroparks.net
Outdoor ice skating opportunities are available at state parks for central Ohio residents. Enjoy scenes of winter wonderland while skating at Blendon Woods in Westerville. The 653-acre park of oak-hickory and beech-maple forests has a pond that is open to skaters when it is frozen.
Battelle Darby Creek, an area of 7,000 acres of forests and prairies, also offers an ice skating area.
Both parks are open year-round.
Blendon Woods
4265 E. Dublin-Granville Road
Westerville, OH 43081
614-891-0700
metroparks.net
Battelle Darby Creek
1775 Darby Creek Drive
Galloway, OH 43119
614-891-0700
metroparks.net
From November to January, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium features the annual “Wildlights” showcase. The zoo lights up in a spectacular display of light sculptures.
Activities include ice skating, photos with Santa Claus, musical performances and horse rides. Kids can participate in a cookie decorating activity at “Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen” in the Santa’s Holiday Home exhibit and visit a holiday-themed reindeer area.
On New Year’s Eve, there is a celebratory animated light show that runs throughout the evening.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
9990 Riverside Drive
Powell, Ohio 43065
800-666-5397
colszoo.org
