What to do over winter break
December 8, 2011
When Fall semester finally comes to a close, students can enjoy the winter weather without worrying about upcoming projects or exams.
And northeast Ohio has no shortage of winter activities to keep you moving during your weeks off.
We’ve made a list of the top five things to do on your winter break (and we checked it twice).
1. Snow Days at Progressive Field
Baseball season is long gone, but there’s still plenty of action on Progressive Field. From Nov. 25 to Jan. 16, snow lovers are invited to go tubing, or go ice skating on three different rinks. If the cold becomes too much, warming areas – complete with crafts, holiday games, holiday movies and video games – are available.
The weekday visits are available for buyout.
Friday to Sunday are open to the public from 4 to 10 p.m.
Times differ on holidays
Tickets are $28 per person.
2. Cleveland Botanical Garden’s WinterShow 2011
A winter “daycation” doesn’t have to devour a full tank of gas. Enjoy the hour-long road trip to Cleveland Botanical Garden by listening to Christmas carols or swapping holiday memories with passengers. The cheer will continue through the annual WinterShow, which features an elaborate gingerbread house display with contributions from bakers across the Cleveland area. The sweet show runs from Nov. 5 to Dec. 31.
Open Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $8.50
For more information, visit
3. Skiing/Snowboarding
Whether students are seasoned on the slopes or heading out for the first time, skiing and snowboarding are the most exhilarating activities on the list. Boston Mills and Brandywine are two separate resorts, but they sit 35 minutes from campus and just five miles from each other. For a break from the action, tubing is available at nearby Polar Blast.
| Day | Boston Mills | Brandywine | Polar Blast |
| Mon-Wed: | 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | Closed |
| Thursday: | 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. |
| Friday: | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.-10 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
| Saturday: | 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. |
| Sunday: | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | 9 a.m.-9 a.m. | 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. |
*Prices vary
For more information, visit
4. Ice skating
Slipping on ice on the way to class can ruin a day, but sliding across ice in the Ice Arena can make a night. Grab a group of friends – or a significant other – for some quality time in the indoor winter atmosphere. For skaters who spend more time falling than gliding, hot chocolate is the perfect remedy for any chilled bruise.
$3 tickets with FlashCard
$6 tickets for general public
Days and times vary
For more information, visit
www.kent.edu/icearena/publicskate.cfm
5. Sled riding
Celebrate the beginning of break like an elementary school student: sled ride. Plastic sleds are less than $15 at most retailers, but a lunch tray or baking sheet will suffice. There are plenty of hills around campus, but we recommend the one by Hilltop Drive. Start near the white “KENT” embedded in the grass at the top of the hill and rocket straight down to Rockwell Hall.
Contact Rachel Jones at [email protected].
