Winter wonders fill January calendar at Medina County parks

Winter may keep some people indoors, but Medina County Park District staff are inviting residents to bundle up and head outside with a January lineup that blends seasonal adventure, wildlife discovery and creative learning for all ages.

From moonlit hikes and bird walks to Ice Age explorations and family-friendly scavenger hunts, January programming highlights how the parks remain active even during the coldest months. Many programs are free, require no registration and are designed to encourage exploration at each visitor’s own pace.

One of the month’s most popular offerings returns at the start of the year with the Yule Lads Outdoor Scavenger Hunt at Oenslager Nature Center. Available daily through Jan. 4 during daylight hours, the self-guided activity sends visitors onto the trails in search of the 13 mischievous Icelandic folk characters, each tucked away with a bit of humor and storytelling. Designed for all ages, the scavenger hunt encourages families to explore together while enjoying fresh air and winter scenery.

Those looking for a more vigorous outing can lace up their boots for the A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series, offered twice this month at different park locations. The hikes, held Jan. 3 at Killbuck Lakes and Jan. 15 at Sharon Nature Preserve, feature three- to five-mile continuous treks led by naturalists and volunteers. Aimed at participants ages 10 and older, the series emphasizes both physical and mental wellness through time spent outdoors.

For a uniquely atmospheric experience, Rivendell Nature Preserve hosts Howl at the Moon on Jan. 3. Timed with January’s full “wolf moon,” the evening program invites visitors to explore the preserve at dusk while learning about nocturnal wildlife. The moonlit setting offers a rare chance to see the park in a different light – literally – and appeals to families as well as solo explorers.

Wildlife enthusiasts have multiple chances to sharpen their observation skills throughout the month. Birds & Beverages, offered Jan. 7 and Jan. 21 at Oenslager Nature Center, combines indoor birdwatching with warm drinks and expert guidance from a naturalist. Participants can watch feeder activity up close while learning to identify species common to winter in Medina County.

For those who prefer the outdoors, Winter Bird Walks on Jan. 17 at Buckeye Woods Park and Jan. 31 at Oenslager Nature Center offer guided hikes focused on spotting and listening for winter birds. Binoculars are encouraged, and no prior birding experience is required.

History and geology take center stage during Through the Ice Age, a recurring weekend feature at Susan Hambley Nature Center. Offered Jan. 10–11 and again Jan. 17–18, the program explores Ohio’s ancient past, when mammoths, ground sloths and towering glaciers shaped the landscape. Interactive displays and hands-on activities make the topic accessible for children while still engaging curious adults.

Families with younger children may gravitate toward Discovery Drop-In: Winter Wildlife on Jan. 11 at Oenslager Nature Center. Designed for unstructured exploration, the drop-in format allows visitors to come and go while learning how animals survive winter through camouflage, migration and adaptation.

Homeschool families also have several targeted options this month. Creative Writing for Homeschoolers on Jan. 8 uses nature as inspiration for poetry and storytelling, while Homeschoolers Outdoor Education: Beaver on Jan. 20 combines classroom learning with outdoor observation to highlight the role of one of Ohio’s most influential native mammals.

Rounding out the month is Medina’s Marvelous Mammals: Bobcats on Jan. 24. The program begins indoors with a discussion of bobcat behavior, habitat and history before heading outside for a guided hike. Though no live animals are involved, the program offers insight into one of Ohio’s most elusive species.

In addition to these highlights, the park district offers photography clubs, preschool gardening programs and award-based nature series throughout January.

A complete list of January programs, registration details and location information is available at medinacountyparks.com/public-programs.