Medina County Park District plans festive hikes, scavenger hunts and holiday cabin events in December

The Medina County Park District is celebrating the holiday season with a full slate of free family-friendly programs this December. From invigorating hikes and creative writing sessions to festive cabin gatherings and scavenger hunts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in nature this winter.

Saturday, Dec. 6 – A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series, Oenslager Nature Center, 10 a.m. to noon Hiking outdoors has plenty of perks — and it’s good for you mentally and physically, too. Join a naturalist and volunteers for a three-to-five-mile vigorous hike along a different trail each month. This is a continuous hike. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 – Natural Discoveries, Schleman Nature Preserve, 10 to 11 a.m. Enjoy an easy walk to observe the unfolding of nature throughout the year. Natural Discoveries is an award-based series of free nature programs for ages 7 to adult. No registration required. Free.

Thursday, Dec. 11 – Creative Writing for Homeschoolers, Oenslager Nature Center, 2 to 3:15 p.m. Nature will inspire homeschoolers to improve their writing skills by imitating skilled authors and using patterns to write poetry. Students need a pencil, journal and thesaurus. Part of the class may be outdoors, so dress appropriately. A writing assignment will be given after each class, and students will share their work the following month. Children in second grade must have an adult scribe. Class will be canceled if any Medina County school district is closed due to weather. Ages 7 to 12. Register by Dec. 9. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14 – Holidays at the Cabin, Susan Hambley Nature Center, noon to 5 p.m. As winter rolls in cold and dreary, the cabin at Susan Hambley Nature Center offers warmth and cheer. Stop by for festive displays, decorations and activities. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Sunday, Dec. 14 – Narrating Nature Book Club: Coyotes Among Us, Oenslager Nature Center, 2 to 4 p.m. Join a discussion on Stan Gehrt’s Coyotes Among Us, which explores how wild coyotes thrive in cities like Chicago. Ages 18 and older. Register by Dec. 12. Free.

Thursday, Dec. 18 – A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series, Green Leaf Park, 10 a.m. to noon Enjoy another invigorating three-to-five-mile hike led by a naturalist and volunteers. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Meet by the cabin parking lot. Ages 10 to adult. No registration required. Free.

Friday, Dec. 19–Sunday, Jan. 4 – Yule Lads Outdoor Scavenger Hunt, Oenslager Nature Center trails, 6 a.m. to one hour past sunset The mischievous Yule Lads are lost again after a trip to visit their friend Buddy in New York City. Help them find their way home by searching for all 13 hidden along the trail. This self-guided scavenger hunt runs Dec. 19–Jan. 4. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21 – Holidays at the Cabin, Susan Hambley Nature Center, noon to 5 p.m. Enjoy another weekend of festive displays, decorations and activities at the Susan Hambley Nature Center. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 20 – Meet the Animals, Oenslager Nature Center, 1 to 2 p.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with the Oenslager Nature Center’s wildlife ambassadors and meet some of them up close. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28 – Holidays at the Cabin, Susan Hambley Nature Center, noon to 5 p.m. Finish the year with one more weekend of holiday warmth and cheer at the Susan Hambley Nature Center. All ages welcome. No registration required. Free.

Register for programs at www.medinacountyparks.com.