It’s March 15, 2020 and all the schools in Ohio are closed for at least the next 3 weeks as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. For those of you with kids (like me), there’s probably a sense of dread in trying to figure out what to do with them during this time, especially when so many indoor things are closed as well. There will likely be schoolwork to do and I’m not entirely sure how we’re going to balance getting their work done while also trying to work from home. It’s going to be an adventure for sure! Even for folks who don’t have children (or whose children are adults), traditional avenues of entertainment are closing down as we do our best to protect the vulnerable and #flattenthecurve by practicing social distancing. So now what?
Well the good news is that spring is making some footholds and the outdoors are a good way to stave off cabin fever. (This is where I want to note that I’m only a doctor of history, which means I am in no way qualified or trying to give medical advice. Please continue to follow the statements of various health officials and actual medical doctors for the latest best practices.) So here are some ideas of places to go when you can’t stand listening to either the news or another Minecraft video. Be sure to go back and look at some of my previous posts for additional parks to try. (PLEASE NOTE: I’m using the most up-to-date information I have on what’s opened or not, but even in the course of writing this post, things have changed yet again, so please make sure that you’re checking websites before you go in order to make sure things are still open and that it’s still ok to go.)
The F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm
Located in Akron, the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm has several trails to choose from. Please be aware that as a nature preserve, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the trails. The Cherry Lane Trail and Fernwood Loop are both under a mile and are pretty easy. The highlight of both is the suspension bridge:
The Seneca Trail is longer and unpaved, but it’ll take you over a small creek, up some hills, and past a prairie before bringing you back through the rock and herb gardens near the entrance.
Another fun part of the Nature Realm is feeding birds right from your hand! For years, birds in the park have been trained to fly to people’s outstretched hands for a quick treat. You’re most likely to have a black-capped chickadee make the approach, but there are plenty of other birds hanging near the trail to pick up anything left afterwards.
You’ll have to bring your own birdseed though. Normally, you can buy it at the visitor’s center, but as of now, all the indoor facilities in the Summit Metroparks and Cleveland Metroparks are closed through at least April. But if you have birdseed, pour a little into your hand, hold it up and open, and then just wait. Even if you didn’t originally notice any birds around, they’ll come. You have to be a bit patient, but eventually one of them will dart in. It’s a pretty cool experience!
Firestone Metro Park
Near the Firestone Golf Course just south of Akron, Firestone Metro Park has a couple of trails and a fishing pond specifically for kids 15 and younger. The Redwing Trail is periodically closed because of flooding, but the Willow Trail will take you around the park alongside the Tuscarawas River.
There are lots of birds and ducks to watch and I’ve seen other people have birds eat seed out of their hands just like at F.A. Seiberling. (A reminder – never throw bread crumbs or other people food to birds and ducks. It’s not good for them and can cause real damage. It’s also against city ordinances.)
Sometimes you’ll also see blue herons along the path, which is always a treat.
The Buckeye Trail along the Mogadore Reservoir
As I’ve discussed in other posts, the Buckeye Trail is all over Ohio, so there are lots of places you can pick it up. One option in Portage County is at the Mogadore Reservoir. This part of the trail offers some beautiful views of water and tree-covered islands. The parking is right off of Route 224. You can either go to the end of the parking lot and pick up the trail there or, as I did, you can cross the street and pick up the trail on the other side. The trail itself runs right behind peoples’ homes, so you don’t get as much of a sense as being out in the wilderness, but the reservoir is beautiful, particularly at sunset (and I’m assuming sunrise, but I’m not up early enough for that)!
The Akron Zoo
UPDATE 3/17/2020: As of today, the Akron Zoo is closing in accordance with directives from the CDC. According to the email I received from the zoo, they hope to reopen on March 31, 2020, but as we’ve learned, nothing is guaranteed, so be sure to check first before heading out! Stay safe everyone!
This is a little different from my regular hiking recommendations, but I’ve been impressed with how much the Akron Zoo has improved from when I first moved to the area to now, and more work continues to be done. The Akron Zoo is a perfect size for young visitors to run through without being so long that they’re ready to go before you get through it all.
At the moment, the outdoor parts of the zoo are still opened, but the indoor exhibits (like the lemur house), the Carousel, and the Komodo Kingdom (which includes animal exhibits and the café) are closed. The Cleveland Zoo is closed completely, so I don’t know if the Akron Zoo will follow suit soon; make sure you check their website or call ahead before you go.
The bald eagle exhibit is really cool. The eagles are all injured and can no longer live in the wild, but it’s a great opportunity to see these beautiful creatures up close.
Your Own Backyard
There are plenty of other trails that I’ll continue to post about going forward, but don’t discount what you can find in your neighborhood or your own yard! Take some time to truly explore what’s around you, especially as spring returns and things start growing again. Look at things from a different angle, get up close and personal, watch birds returning, and all with the benefit of having your bathroom right there.
So go explore as safely as you can, keeping in mind that you need to be aware of the additional health concerns. While the younger and healthier among us are less likely to be severely affected by COVID-19, it’s imperative that we do everything we can to protect those who are at higher risk. The disease can be spread even if you aren’t showing symptoms, so remember to wash your hands, keep your distance, and always err on the side of caution. Just as importantly, be kind, be patient, and look out for one another.
~The view of Earth is spectacular.~ Sally Ride