It may be cold and dreary, but local parks are staying busy with outdoor activities

While it may be tempting to curl up at home and wait for winter to end, there is still plenty to do outside during the winter months. Local parks, in particular, are offering a packed schedule of events to help you get moving and exploring nature. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or find a family-friendly activity, you can find something outdoors that best matches your interests.

Cincinnati Parks

Those looking to learn more about McFarlan Woods and Mount Airy Forest—or if you just want to enjoy a four-mile hike—can join Cincinnati Park’s The Cure for Cabin Fever hike at 10 a.m. Saturday. A Cincinnati Parks naturalist will be taking hikers from McFarlan Woods to Mount Airy Forest while discussing the history of the area, the local wildlife and seasonal change. The hike is free for all, but registration is required.

Great Parks of Hamilton County

Each Saturday through Feb. 5, Great Parks of Hamilton County will be hosting its Winter Hike Series. Each week, the hike is hosted at a different park, and those who attend are invited to enjoy a different soup when they finish. This Saturday’s hike starts at 10 a.m. at Woodland Mound and ends with vegetable and beef barley soup; the Jan. 29 hike starts at 10 a.m. at Shawnee Lookout and ends with chili and crackers; and the Feb. 5 hike starts at 10 a.m. at Miami Whitewater Forest and ends with bean soup and cornbread. Each hike is $9 a person and free for children 12 and younger. Registration is required.

Metroparks of Butler County

During the months of January and February, Metroparks of Butler County is inviting hikers to learn more about the region’s local birds with its Owl Prowl Night Hike Series. Each Saturday, starting this weekend and ending Feb. 5, you can enjoy a hike at 5:30 p.m., which includes a program about Ohio’s most common owls. This week’s hike takes place at Indiana Creek MetroPark, Jan. 29 at Chrisholm MetroPark and Feb. 5 at Rentschler Forest MetroPark. The hikes are free, and registration is required.