Whether the weather is frightful or delightful, there’s always wintertime fun to be found in Delaware County. Check out this list of winter activities and start planning your season.
Winter Sports at Alum Creek State Park
Age: All
Activity Level: Moderate to High
This massive park offers loads of opportunities for winter sports lovers to indulge in their passion. When conditions are right, the miles and miles of trails here are open to snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers. Once the lake is properly frozen, ice-fishing and ice-boating begin. With ice-skating and sledding areas, it’s the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy winter — not just survive it.
Check the Preservation Parks Event Calendar For Seasonal Activities
Age: varies
Activity Level: varies
The Delaware County Preservation Parks play host to an array of amazing events and activities. The offerings change from season to season and year to year, so there is always something new and interesting to check out, even in the dead of winter. You might see anything on the calendar, from indoor ‘make and take’ activities, where you’re guided through a seasonal craft, to group hikes on New Year’s Day.
Walk the Sugar Shack Storybook Trail at Stratford Ecological Center
Age: All
Activity Level: Moderate
Visit the Stratford Ecological Center’s Sugar Shack Storybook Trail, especially towards the end of winter. Trail walkers are invited to search for signs of spring using their senses, through laminated storybook pages and suggested activities posted along the trail. Pass by tapped maples and end up at the Sugar Shack. Maple Syrup tours are occasionally offered, check the website for details.
Walk the Winter 100
Age: any
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Starting just after Christmas, the Winter 100 is a yearly challenge to the inhabitants of Delaware County to stay active and get outdoors during the winter months. Sign up, then head to your nearest park and hit those trails. Make sure you track all your miles, there are prizes for completing the challenge.
Escape into Art at the Richard M. Ross Museum
Age: any
Activity Level: Low
When you need a vacation from what feels like endless winter, but can’t hop on a plane, take a trip of another kind at this art museum located on OWU’s campus. Their permanent collection is impressive and well worth a visit, and changing exhibitions keep things fresh.
Note that the museum follows the university schedule for academic and holiday breaks.
Surround Yourself With Music and Warmth at the Central Ohio Symphony
Age: 6+
Activity Level: Low
The winter lineup of this 65-member professional ensemble often includes a holiday series. No matter what is on the program, it’s guaranteed to sound great, thanks to the talent of the performers and the acoustical features of the performance space. The Gray Chapel, built-in 1893, is located inside University Hall on OWU’s main campus. The plush concert hall features a massive, gorgeous Klais organ — one of only six such organs in the US.
