Cleveland Metroparks Chalet

STRONGSVILLE, Ohio - The holidays are over, you ate too many holiday cookies and are now feeling guilty. So get out and enjoy this winter and get moving. What better place to do that than our beautiful MetroParks in the Mill Stream Run reservation? We have been taking our two little dogs to the park almost daily in the unseasonably warm weather we have been having knowing that it is not going to last. We go to a large open field off the main trail and drop their leashes so they run can free. They love it! Plus there is still grass on the ground and for some reason they both love to eat grass.

If you don't have dogs to walk then walk your self on one of the many splendid trails. There is always something interesting to see in the park in any kind of weather. It doesn't look like there will be any cross-country skiing anytime soon but winter activities are still scheduled.

Winteriffic is planned for Sunday, January 10 from noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Chalet. But because of the ongoing warm and varying weather conditions, it is best to call 440-572-9990 or check the Cleveland MetroParks Facebook page for updates or changes to hours of operation before you come.

At this writing, the scheduled winter activities for Winteriffic include dog sled programs, winter survival skill demonstrations, ice fishing demonstrations, ice sculpting, snow bike ridings, winter crafts for kid, snowman building areas (not sure that this can happen unless we get walloped by a snowstorm). You can even enjoy a ride along the trails around the Chalet in a horse-drawn wagon.

Plus, if you are adventurous, try the Chalet Toboggan Chutes - again weather permitting. These are the only public ice chutes in Ohio, now with a toboggan lift. The daily admission fee for tobogganing is only $12 for adults and $10 for children 11 and younger. One-time ride tickets are available for $6. Food and refreshments are available for sale at the concession stand.The Chalet Recreation Area in Mill Stream Run Reservation is located at 16200 Valley Parkway.

Walk the Mall: If walking or hiking outside isn't your thing how about walking at SouthPark Mall? ParkFit Mall Walkers Club is a year 'round walking for exercise club in Greater Cleveland. The Club is a combined effort of Southwest General and SouthPark Mall and provides an opportunity for community residents to improve their health by walking for exercise in a safe, interesting and climate-controlled facility.

The ParkFit Walkers Club is an easy and effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness and overall general wellness. Walking on a regular basis can have many benefits, including: reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, controlling or maintaining body weight, building strength and toning muscles, increasing joint flexibility, reducing the risk of adult onset diabetes, helping to slow bone loss and promoting a sense of well-being.

If you have distance goals, the total distance of the upper and lower level of the Westfield South Park Mall is approximately one half mile per level. Some find it much more fun to walk with friends while enjoying the changing scenery as store displays and shoppers change with the seasons and all without worrying about weather or safety.