There’s nothing more beautiful than a walk through the snowy woods of the Great Parks of Hamilton County
Winter is in full swing and there is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the season than to venture to one of the many parks that make up the Great Parks of Hamilton County. There is plenty for the whole family to do and the kiddos will love exploring the outdoors while having fun and learning more about nature. Take a peak at this handy calendar of events and start planning your trip to the Great Parks of Hamilton County today!
Sharon Woods/Sharon Centre
Event: Nature Stories: Snow
Date and Time: Tue 1/3, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Parents and children are invited to join us for a short story and activity about this sign of the season!
Event: Owl Quest
Date and Time: Sun 1/8, 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free- Register by 1/7
In the deep depths of Sharon Woods, there are creatures that are rarely seen. Join the naturalist as we go off trail in search of owls.
Event: Operation Observation: Project Squirrel
Date and Time: Sun 1/15, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free- Register by 1/12
Have you seen any of these furry critters in your yard lately? Join us to discover how you can contribute your own observations to this exciting citizen science project. No prior knowledge is required!
Event: Wee Wonder About Birds
Date and Time: Thu 1/19, 11 a.m.
Cost: $6/child- payable at the door
Parents, bring your 3–5 year-old to learn all about some of the birds we see at the winter feeder! Children will enjoy making a craft, reading a story and an activity.
Event: Under the Stars
Date and Time: Fri 1/20, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
For centuries, the stars have been full of mystery. Come take an evening walk as we explore some of the myths and legends surrounding the constellations.
Event: That’s a Rat?!
Date and Time: Sat 1/28, 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Get the scoop on squirrels, rats, mice and their cousins as we learn all about the wild rodents that live in Ohio. We’ll also meet Sharon Woods’ resident rats in person. For ages 8 and up.
Event: Winter Wonders
Date and Time: Sun 1/29, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Winter may not have the obvious abundance of wildlife as spring and summer, but hidden beneath the snow and hiding behind the dark of winter’s night, there are wonders to behold. Bring your family to Sharon Woods to experience some of the wonders of winter.
Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm
Event: Growing Up a Farm Kid: Wooly Sheep
Tue 1/10, 9:30–11 a.m.
Cost: $10/child + 1 free adult, $5/additional adult- Register by 1/8
Even though the weather is cold, the sheep are still playing outdoors. Come learn how their wool keeps them warm and can keep you warm, too. For children ages 2–5 accompanied by an adult.
Don’t know how to shoot a bow and arrow? Come learn at an archery class at Winton Woods
Event: Outdoor Archery
Date and Time: Sat 1/14 & Sun 1/29, 1 p.m.
Cost: $15/person- Register 2 days in advance
Aiming for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors? Try out your skills with a little target practice! Our archery instructor will guide you through the basics of shooting a compound bow while explaining the archery steps to success. All equipment is provided. For adults and children ages 8 and up.
Event: Winter Track Scramble
Date and Time: Sun 1/22, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Winter is probably the best time to discover where animals have been active. Sharpen your observation skills and unravel some of nature’s mysteries.
Event: Wilderness Skills: Fire & Marshmallow Challenge
Sat 1/28, 10 a.m.
Cost: $10/person- Register by 1/26
The skill to create fire is crucial for survival by providing heat, water purification, signaling, food preparation and comfort. We’ll go over different fire-starting techniques before participants take on a s’more challenge!
Event: Winter Hat Walk
Date and Time: Sat 1/28, 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Calling on hats of all kinds! We want color, flash, variety and the most remarkable! Wear it proudly as we traverse a woodland path.
Event: Homeschool Science (Central): Winter Tracks
Date and Time: Mon 1/30, 11 a.m.
Cost: $6/child- Register by 1/26
Home-schooled students, ages 5–12, and parents are invited to explore interactive learning stations, take part in lessons and enjoy a guided hike.
Mitchell Memorial Forest/Pine Meadow picnic area
Event: First Full Moon Campfire
Date and Time: Thu 1/12, 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Flickering flames and frosty air will be our partners this evening as we watch the first full moonrise of the year. We will share storytelling and hot chocolate.
Miami Whitewater Forest/Visitor Center
Event: All About Squirrels
Date and Time: Fri 1/13, 11 a.m.
Cost: $6/child- Register by 1/11
Register your 2–4 year-old for this exciting program all about one of our favorite fuzzy animals. The program will be followed by story time and a craft.
Event: Operation Observation: Project Squirrel
Date and Time: Sat 1/14, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free- Register by 1/12
Have you seen any of these furry critters in your yard lately? Join us to discover how you can contribute your own observations to this exciting citizen science project. No prior knowledge is required!
Event: Amazing Animals
Date and Time: Sun 1/15, 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Meet some of our feathered, furry and scaly friends and learn about their amazing features as we celebrate the beginning of the new year.
Event: Homeschool Science (West): Animals in Winter
Date and Time: Thu 1/19, 1–3 p.m.
Cost: $6/child- Register by 1/17
Home-schooled students, ages 5–12, and parents are invited to explore interactive learning stations, lessons and a guided outdoor exploration.
Event: Feather Forensics
Date and Time: Sun 1/29, 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Can you tell who left their feathers behind? Get some tips and tricks to identify single feathers and then test your knowledge.
Woodland Mound/Seasongood Nature Center
Event: Winter Crafts
Date and Time: Sun 1/15, 1–3 p.m.
Cost: $1/craft- payable at the door
Children ages 5–12 will enjoy making winter-themed crafts. Kids can make up to two crafts to take home.
Event: Fox Jamboree
Date and Time: Fri 1/20, 10 a.m.
Cost: $6/child- Register by 1/15
Register your 3–5 year-old for this month’s jamboree. Through crafts and activities, we will learn all about foxes.
Come learn about all the trees at the Parks during the Winter Tree I.D. Hike
Event: Winter Tree I.D.
Date and Time: Sun 1/22, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Buds and bark is the key to winter tree identification. Join the naturalist as we hike and learn all about trees in winter.
Event: Animal Tales
Date and Time: Thu 1/26, 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Nature has many stories to tell. Families are invited to join a naturalist for a nature-themed story.
Event: Cabin Fever Reliever Hike
Date and Time: Sun 1/29, 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Is old man winter keeping you trapped inside? Come out and join us for a laid back stroll along the trail to help relieve your cabin fever! Please wear your sturdy hiking shoes for this hike in case of icy conditions.
Campbell Lakes Preserve
Event: My Great Parks in Pictures Photo Walk
Date and Time: Sun 1/22, 3 p.m.
Cost: $20/person- Register by 1/18
Join us as we try to get the perfect shot of a national symbol that lives in the parks: the bald eagle. Photojournalist Malinda Hartong will share tips for getting great pictures with your smartphone or SLR camera. Longer lenses will be available for you to borrow and use with your camera. No photography experience is necessary!
Farbach-Werner Preserve/Ellenwood Nature Barn
This little one is having a blast exploring at Kids Day at the Park
Event: Kids’ Day at the Park
Date and Time: Mon 1/16, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Cost: $6/person- payable at the door
Kids, bring your grown-up to learn all about nature in winter! We’ll take a hike, have some hot chocolate and make a craft.
Event: Beginner’s Woodcarving Class
Date and Time: Thu 1/19 & Thu 1/26, 6–8:30 p.m. and Sat 1/21 & Sat 1/28, 9 a.m.–noon:
Cost: $14/person- Register by 1/12
This two-session class is for beginning woodcarvers. Carve a small decorative shelf goose in a natural finish. Wood blank and pattern provided. You must provide your own knife or you may purchase one from the instructor at the time of the program.
Glenwood/Highfield Discovery Garden
Event: Who’s Been Here?
Date and Time: Wed 1/25–Sun 2/5, Wed–Sat, 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. & Sun, 1 & 4 p.m.
Cost: Program included with admission: $2/person
While we are sleeping and keeping warm inside, the garden’s residents are living their lives and leaving clues in the snow and mud. Get ready to be a garden detective and see what they have been up to.
