Published: July 7, 2015
Summer is here and northeast Ohio offers a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors as the days grow longer and the temperatures rise! Going outdoors and remaining active are important for healthy living at every age. Here are just a few examples of things you might want to see and do.
Area Parks and Recreation
The parks programs in northeast Ohio are second to none when it comes to summertime fun for all ages. The Cuyahoga County and Lorain County Metroparks offer miles of trails and beautiful green spaces. Warmer weather means walking outside for exercise. No equipment is needed, just a pair of comfortable and supportive shoes! Ask a friend to join you. Start slow and work your way up. There are also outdoor concerts and other activities planned throughout the summer in different parks in the region.
One park of particular interest is Lakeview Park. Located on 20 acres of Lake Erie shoreline, this park offers a stunning and historic rose garden, lighthouse views, kayaking, swimming, lawn bowling, picnic opportunities, brilliant sunsets and more.
Northeast Ohio also offers many opportunities to enjoy a great game of golf, go hiking (you can even join the Cleveland Hiking Club for group hikes), and more.
Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
Whether you’re interested in bird watching, participating in exciting and educational summer events, or simply enjoying the abundance of nature in the area, the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center offers a wide range of programs throughout the summer, suitable for people of all ages.
Not only does the Nature and Science Center provide educational opportunities, but it makes learning fun with a planetarium, live indoor and outdoor animal exhibits and special programs--some specifically for children, some for adults and some made for the whole family.
Bicycling Opportunities
Summer is a great time to explore areas close to home, and bicycling offers the perfect opportunity to exercise while you explore. You can take in the shops of the downtown area that you may speed by every day in a car on your way to work. Or you can enjoy some of the scenic routes northeast Ohio has to offer. If you prefer your bicycling in a group, consider joining an organized bicycling club like the Silver Wheels Cycling Club. This club features organized rides with an experienced ride leader and offers star chart designations for distance, difficulty, terrain, speed, etc. to help cyclists determine which rides might fit their personal preferences..
Looking for the scenic route? Perhaps bicycling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park will help you enjoy the beautiful natural landscape northeast Ohio has to offer. The park offers cycling on the historic Towpath Trail, as well as the Bike Aboard! program. This allows visitors the opportunity to bike in one direction and then take the train back, making it an exciting way to explore the park! And it only costs $3 each way. Check the CVSR web site for station locations and schedules.
Summertime is a great time to explore the great outdoors and northeast Ohio offers plenty of natural landscapes to cover. So plan to get outside and enjoy!
