Winter Survival Guide 2015: Frosty Fun
If you hibernate all winter long, you'll be missing out. There's a lot to do during these cold months, and many activities for the whole family. After you've had a snowball fight or two and maybe built a snowman, consider giving these outdoor adventures a
Totally Tubular
Brandywine's super-slick Polar Blast Tubing chutes are more than three football fields in length. Rent a tube and hop on — you're even allowed to form a chain with your buddies or little ones. And, once you reach the end, there are conveyors to take you back to the beginning.
> Three-hour session $25; all-day session $59; season pass $69. 1146 W. Highland Road, Sagamore Hills, 330-657-2334, bmbw.com
Break the Ice
You can ice fish in any public pond in the Cleveland Metroparks — just not on the rivers because its ice is unpredictable — says aquatic biologist Mike Durkalec. Popular spots include Wallace Lake in Berea and Shadow Lake in Solon, both of which are stocked with rainbow trout twice each winter. "It's a nice excuse to get out of the house, and maybe catch some dinner," he says.
> Remember, ages 16 and older need an Ohio fishing license, which can be obtained at wildlife.ohiodnr.gov. clevelandmetroparks.com
Chute for the Sky
No snow is no problem with the two refrigerated ice chutes at the Toboggan Chute at Cleveland Metroparks Chalet Recreation Area. Both are 700 feet long and, at 70 feet tall, pretty darn high too. "They're the tallest and fastest public toboggan chutes in Ohio," says Metroparks spokeswoman Sue Allen, citing its speeds of up to 50 mph.
> Must be at least 48 inches tall and wear gloves or mittens. One-time ride $6; day pass adults $12, kids 11 and under $10; season pass adults $60, kids $50, family $135. Mill Stream Run Reservation, Valley Parkway between state routes 42 and 82, Strongsville, clevelandmetroparks.com
