Summit County is a winter sports getaway for families, friends and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun on the slopes, sledding hills and snowshoe trails, chasing thrilling adventures with friends or simply enjoying the beauty of Greater Akron’s parks dusted in snow, a variety of opportunities await for bonding, adventure and unforgettable winter memories.
Boston Mills Brandywine
Winter sports enthusiasts can experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding at Boston Mills Brandywine, a ski resort in Summit County located near Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
From beginner hills to more advanced slopes and moguls, this winter getaway offers a variety of experiences that cater to visitors of all ages and skill levels. First time hitting the slopes? Don’t worry! The resort also offers ski and snowboard lessons with expert instructors who will build your confidence and help you have downhill fun at one of Summit County’s best winter attractions.
While you’re there, be sure to visit Polar Blast Snow Tubing, Northeast Ohio’s largest tubing park. This family-friendly attraction delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience for children and adults alike. Choose between traditional lanes or super lanes for a faster tubing adventure.
Summit Metro Parks
Summit Metro Parks is home to 104 acres that set the stage for a winter wonderland. Borrow snowshoes for free at Liberty Park Nature Center to explore the Bluebird Trail, or go on a scenic ice skating adventure at Furnace Run Metro Park when ice and snow conditions are right.
The parks have no shortage of sledding options for families and thrill-seekers. Discover hills at Cascade Valley Metro Park, Firestone Metro Park and more. (Pro tip: Aim to go sledding when the ground is frozen with at least two inches of snow cover for the best sledding conditions.)
Winter activities don’t stop there. Try your hand at ice fishing as conditions permit (Ohio fishing license required), or hit the trails for cross-country skiing at Munroe Falls Metro Park, Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Springfield Bog Metro Park and other locations throughout the park system.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Spanning more than 33,000 acres of breathtaking landscapes and trails to explore, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) offers adventure in every season, and winter is no exception. As the snow falls, the CVNP comes alive with cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing and sledding. It’s the ideal destination for families, friends and nature lovers alike.
Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals are available at Boston Mill Visitor Center when snow is four inches or deeper, with equipment for both adults and children. Snowshoes provide a simple, family-friendly way to explore nearby CVNP trails.
Trails for cross-country skiing include Bike & Hike Trail, Ledges Field and Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Ice fishing is also available in the park’s lakes and ponds, where anglers can catch large-mouth bass, crappie and bluegill. (Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged, and you do need an Ohio fishing license.) For family-friendly sledding and tobogganing fun, head to Kendall Hills on Quick Road in Peninsula.
Whether you’re planning a family-friendly winter getaway or exciting snowy adventures with friends, the Greater Akron area has it all. From scenic ski trails to adrenaline-pumping snow tubing, plan your visit today and learn why Summit County is the perfect destination for winter fun.