14 Fun Holiday Activities for Foster Families in Cleveland

Dec 13, 2024

Are you looking for ways to make this winter extra special for your child in care?

Cleveland transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season, offering foster families countless opportunities to grow closer through shared adventures and joy.

Whether the kids in your life are drawn to the sparkle of holiday lights, the thrill of outdoor activities, or the cozy comfort of indoor experiences, there are plenty of activities perfect for building connections and creating memories.From watching Santa scuba dive with sharks to gliding across historic ice rinks, these activities range from simple afternoon outings to grand holiday traditions. Many are budget-friendly or free, chosen with foster families in mind.

Bundle up and get ready to discover the magic of winter in Cleveland!

1. Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

• Location: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland OH 44109
• Dates: November 14 through December 30
• Price: Price ranges from $21 to $27

Experience a dazzling display of holiday magic at Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!

Over a million lights weave through the zoo's pathways, creating distinct magical realms to explore. In Santa's Workshop, traditional holiday charm comes alive with twinkling displays and festive music.

Venture into Glacier Glade, where cool blue and white lights create an arctic wonderland. Beyond the lights, enjoy special attractions like the Grand Carousel, holiday-themed treats, and seasonal crafts.

Running select evenings from late November through early January, this experience offers both drive-through and walk-through options. The accessible pathways and variety of activities make it easy to set your pace while exploring this winter spectacle.

2. Public Ice Skating at Winterhurst Arena

• Location: 14740 Lakewood Heights Blvd, Lakewood, OH 44107
• Dates: Select dates throughout the winter
• Price: $10 for all skaters, skate rental is free

Share laughs and build confidence together at Public Skating at Winterhurst Arena!

This indoor rink offers the perfect setting for family bonding, whether you're holding hands for first steps on ice or cheering on newfound skating skills.

The climate-controlled environment takes the stress out of winter activity planning. Meanwhile, skating aids and patient staff help everyone feel comfortable at their own pace.

Take breaks in the cozy viewing area, where hot chocolate and snacks turn rest time into quality time.

With regular public skating hours throughout the winter season and affordable admission (including family rates), Winterhurst makes it easy to create weekly traditions or special afternoon memories together.

3. Holiday Magic at Majestic Meadows

• Location: 4195 Abbeyville Road, Medina, OH 44256
• Dates: Select dates throughout the winter
• Price: Price varies by event

Create special holiday memories at Majestic Meadows, where winter weekends transform this working farm into a festive wonderland.

During Holiday Cheer Weekends, foster families can share gentle moments with farm animals, decorate treats with Mrs. Claus, and meet both Santa and the Grinch in a relaxed, countryside setting.

As evening falls, Winter Wonderland Nights illuminate the farm with themed light displays, offering perfect opportunities for family photos and peaceful walks together.

Take time to explore The Alpaca Boutique and Gift Shop, where unique treasures and cozy winter accessories await. Advance reservations help ensure a comfortable visit for everyone.

4. Snow Tubing at Boston Mills Brandywine

• Location: 1146 West Highland Rd, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
• Dates: Runs until March 9th (advance booking recommended as slots are limited)
• Price: $35 per person

Ready for some winter thrills?

Share winter thrills and laughter at Snow Tubing at Boston Mills Brandywine, just 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland.

This welcoming winter destination makes adventure easy for everyone - no experience needed! The magic carpet lift whisks you to the top of multiple 1,000-foot runs so you can focus on the excitement of sliding down together.

Whether you race side-by-side or link tubes for a family chain, each four-hour session gives plenty of time to build confidence and try different lanes at your own pace.

The cozy lodge offers a perfect spot for warming up with hot chocolate between runs, letting you alternate between excitement and relaxation.

Thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking, you can count on great conditions all season long, making it easy to plan this memory-making adventure whenever your family is ready.

5. Sledding at Edgewater Park

• Location: 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland OH 44144
• Dates: Throughout the winter
• Price: Free

Create winter memories for free at Sledding at Edgewater Park, where snowy hills transform into the perfect family playground.

Choose from a variety of slopes that welcome all comfort levels - from gentle bunny hills where you can build confidence together, to more exciting runs for sharing thrills.

The park's open layout means plenty of space for everyone to find their perfect spot, and the beach house offers a cozy retreat for warming up and sharing hot chocolate between runs.

Lake Erie's stunning backdrop adds extra magic to your day, especially during sunset. Open daily during daylight hours, this free activity lets you embrace winter fun whenever the snow falls, making it perfect for spontaneous afternoon adventures or weekend traditions.

Remember to bring your own sleds and dress warmly!

6. Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet

• Location: 714 North Portage Path, Akron Ohio 44303
• Dates: Dec. 5-23, 26-30
• Price:
  
  • Mon. - Thurs.: $20 adults 18+; $9 youth (3-17); children 2 & under, free.
  • Fri. - Sun.: $24 adults 18+; $11 youth (3-17); children 2 & under, free.

Experience timeless holiday grandeur at Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens!

This stunning historic estate transforms into a luminous wonderland with 1.4 million lights adorning its grounds. Inside the Manor House, masterfully decorated rooms showcase elaborate holiday displays that capture the magic of a bygone era.

After exploring the grounds, warm up with hot cocoa and fresh gingerbread cookies at Molly's Courtyard Cafe, or explore unique gifts at Molly's Shop.

Located in Akron, the estate is an easy-to-reach destination for families in Northeast Ohio.

7. Holiday Lights at Public Square

Step into downtown's glittering heart at Public Square, where Cleveland's most spectacular holiday display creates endless opportunities for wonder!

After Thanksgiving, thousands of twinkling lights transform this historic space into an enchanted plaza, complete with a towering Christmas tree and magical light tunnels perfect for evening walks together.

Watch children's faces light up as Terminal Tower comes alive with dazzling light shows every twenty minutes (4-10 PM nightly through early January). You can also warm up with a stroll through Tower City's festively decorated halls.

The outdoor ice rink adds extra charm to this free celebration of the season, inviting families to create special traditions in the city center. Open daily, Public Square welcomes everyone to experience Cleveland's holiday spirit at their own pace.

8. Tobogganing at The Chalet

Share winter thrills and giggles at Tobogganing at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation!

Two 700-foot refrigerated chutes offer the perfect mix of excitement and safety, letting families experience the joy of sliding together at speeds that bring out everyone's biggest smiles.

The Swiss-style chalet provides a cozy home base between runs, where you can warm up by the fireplace, share snacks from the concession stand, and plan your next descent.

Thanks to refrigerated tracks, you can count on consistent conditions from November through early March, making it easy to plan your visit whenever your family feels ready for adventure.

Two-hour sessions give plenty of time for building confidence, and all safety gear is provided (children must be 42 inches or taller to ride). We recommend booking early to make sure you can get in.

Watch as initial nervous energy transforms into proud accomplishment with each successful run down the chutes!

9. WinterLand in Downtown Cleveland

• Location: Downtown Cleveland
• Dates: Running through the end of December
• Price: Varies by event

Experience holiday magic together at WinterLand in Public Square!

This is where Cleveland's heart transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for creating special memories. The towering Christmas tree and choreographed light shows provide a dazzling backdrop for family photos. Meanwhile, horse-drawn carriage rides offer peaceful moments to snuggle close and take in the festive sights.

Wander through pop-up markets at your own pace, where local vendors offer unique treasures and warming treats. Street performers and musicians fill the air with holiday cheer, creating a welcoming atmosphere where families can feel comfortable exploring and connecting.

Whether you spend an hour or an afternoon, WinterLand provides countless opportunities for sharing smiles and building holiday traditions together.

10. Hiking at Cleveland Metroparks' Winter Trails

• Location:Various locations (check the website for details)
• Dates: Any time
• Price: Free

Discover the quiet beauty of winter at Cleveland Metroparks' Winter Trails!

Choose from trails that welcome all comfort levels - from gentle nature walks where you can take time to spot wildlife together, to more adventurous hikes that build confidence with every step.

The Rocky River Reservation invites families to marvel at nature's ice sculptures along the river, while South Chagrin Reservation offers rewarding views that make perfect backdrops for family photos.

Warming centers along many trails provide cozy spots for breaks and hot chocolate, helping everyone stay comfortable during your outdoor adventure.

Before visiting, check the Metroparks website for current trail conditions to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone.

11. Kringle's Inventionasium Experience

• Location: 230 W Huron Rd., Suite # 7294, Cleveland, OH 44113
• Dates: Runs until December 24th
• Price: Tickets start at $35, free for kids under 23 months old

Unleash creativity at Kringle's Inventionasium Experience, where holiday magic meets hands-on innovation in Tower City.

This interactive adventure transforms children into official toy inventors for Mr. Kringle's workshop. You can journey through secret passages to reach specialized labs like the Grow Snow Lab™, where winter science comes alive.

In the Whatchamacallit Workshop™, young inventors bring their toy ideas to life before presenting them in the grand Invention Hall™.

Each 75-minute experience concludes with a private visit with Mr. Kringle himself. Running from November 23 through December 24, 2024, this unique holiday experience offers timed entry slots to ensure personalized attention.

Don't miss Kringle's Toy Shoppe® on your way out, featuring one-of-a-kind inventions and holiday treasures!

12. Snow Play and Exploration at North Chagrin Reservation

• Location: 4101 Fulton Parkway, Cleveland OH 44144
• Dates: Anytime
• Price: Free

Make the most of snowy days at North Chagrin Reservation!

This 2,140-acre park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering wide-open spaces perfect for building snow forts, staging friendly snowball battles, or creating snow angels.

The Nature Center provides a warm refuge between outdoor adventures, with wildlife viewing windows and interactive exhibits. Animal loving kids can explore the accessible trails around Sanctuary Marsh as they look for winter wildlife, or venture to Squire's Castle for a unique backdrop to spark your child's imagination!

The park welcomes visitors daily from dawn to dusk, and all activities are free, making it an ideal destination for repeated winter visits.

13. FROST: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience

• Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
• Dates: Wednesday, December 04, 2024 - Sunday, January 05, 2025
• Price: Tickets range from free to $25

Discover winter's gentle magic at FROST, where the Cleveland Botanical Garden transforms into a peaceful wonderland perfect for family exploration.

Follow paths through glowing flower tunnels together, share moments of wonder at towering animal sculptures, and surround yourselves with the warmth of 500 bright poinsettias.

Soft music and nature sounds create a relaxing atmosphere where families can move at their own pace, making this indoor garden adventure welcoming for everyone.

FROST offers a cozy escape from winter's chill, letting you enjoy nature's beauty in a climate-controlled setting. Each display creates natural opportunities for connection and conversation, whether you're counting lights in the tunnel or picking favorite animal sculptures.

The garden's accessible paths and plenty of resting spots make it easy to enjoy this magical experience together!

14. Holiday Shows at Playhouse Square

• Location: 1519 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115
• Dates: Varies by show
• Price: Varies by show (find pricing and ticket info here)

Experience the grandeur of live entertainment at Playhouse Square, one of America's largest performing arts centers.

During the holiday season, this dazzling theater district comes alive with festive performances across its ten venues, including five meticulously restored 1920s theaters.

Beneath the world's largest outdoor chandelier, you'll find various seasonal shows perfect for all ages - from beloved Broadway productions to family-friendly performances.

Before or after the show, explore the vibrant district's dining options, including Republic Food and Drink or Cibreo Italian Kitchen.

The theaters' central location and variety of showtimes make it easy to create a complete evening of entertainment, dining, and holiday magic.

Heartfelt Stories from Other Foster Parents Just in Time for the Holidays

It's heartwarming to hear stories from other foster parents who know what it's like, especially with the holiday season approaching.

Hear stories from parents who have been there with Letters Written with Love - a collection of letters from foster parents to the children in their care.

Access your free copy now, and experience the love, hope, and joy of foster parents just before the holidays!

Foster Care