Ohio in February: A Winter Wonderland of Fests, Frozen Falls and Family Fun

As winter maintains its icy grip across the Buckeye State, February offers an abundance of frosty delights and seasonal merriment for Ohioans and visitors alike. From frozen waterfalls and outdoor adventures to eclectic fests and cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone to embrace the chill this month.

Icy Natural Wonders

One of the most awe-inspiring sights in February is witnessing Ohio’s waterfalls transform into glistening icescapes. When frigid temperatures persist for extended periods, areas like Cuyahoga Valley National Park become a real-life “Frozen” realm. The mighty Brandywine Falls partially freezes over, creating a dramatic backdrop of icicle-clad cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Crystal Palace” ice formations along the river trail at The Gorge MetroPark as well.

Metroparks around Cleveland, from Euclid Beach to Lakewood Park, grant views of Lake Erie’s shoreline glazed in ice. Venture farther afield to spots like Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills to behold frozen waterfalls, rock houses, and other icy geological wonders. Just be sure to exercise extreme caution around icy areas and never venture out onto frozen waters.

Frozen Fun at Festivals

What better way to embrace an Ohio winter than at one of the state’s signature ice festivals? The first Saturday in February, the village of Vermilion holds its beloved IceFest. Witness expert ice carvers chisel 50+ sculptures throughout downtown, from frozen swans to fantasy tableaus.

Don’t miss the “Fire & Ice” grand finale as sculptors create a colossal ice chimney that’s then set ablaze for a fiery spectacle complete with fire dancing and music. Trolley tours, shopping, dining, and demonstrations round out the frosty festivities. Admission is free, so you can splurge on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or two.

Presidents’ Day weekend means it’s time for Medina’s Ice Festival, where the charming historic square hosts carving competitions, an ice garden, and more icy artistry. Linger into the evening to witness an illuminated ice tower and fire display. With the storybook scenes and quaint shops, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Currier & Ives lithograph.

Outdoor winter adventures extend into the night at the Burning Snowman Fest in Port Clinton at month’s end. This quirky 21+ event pairs live music with frozen fun like ice sculptures, hot tubs, and hobo fires for roasting s’mores. The grand finale? A colossal snowman inferno to welcome spring’s return.

Sweet Events for Valentine’s Day

With its romantic “Loveland” connection, Ohio knows how to celebrate Valentine’s Day right. The city’s famed Valentines Re-Mailing Program allows lovebirds to send their paper valentines to a special P.O. box. A team of “Valentine Ladies” then stamps each envelope with a customized cachet and heart-emblazoned postmark before sending them on their way.

In Northeast Ohio, Ma & Pa’s Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides offer the perfect old-fashioned date night. After gliding through a snowy wonderland behind a draft horse team, cozy up by the woodstove in their rustic 1820 log cabin. Sip hot cocoa and maple coffee alongside Ma’s fresh baked cookies for the ultimate romantic experience.

Family Fun Indoors & Out

Though February demands some indoor time, families can still find plenty of fun around Ohio without going stir crazy. Hit your local library for special kids’ events, explore the fun reading nooks and nab some new books. Get up close with sharks, rays and other marine life at Cleveland’s Greater Aquarium or venture indoors at places like the Urban Air Adventure Park in Akron or Westlake for climbing, go-karts, bowling and more.

On milder days, get some fresh air on a geocaching scavenger hunt around town using a free app. Or take your little ones on an educational adventure by visiting one of Ohio’s unique museums and presidential sites. Did you know eight U.S. presidents were born in the Buckeye State? Tour the expansive McKinley National Memorial in Canton to see the regal monument and museum dedicated to Ohio’s William McKinley.

For a weekend escape from the cold, book a family trip to an indoor waterpark hotel like Great Wolf Lodge. Once there, it’s endless splashing amid the swimming pools, water slides and water playgrounds, all set to a balmy 84 degrees. Afterward, dry off in your clan’s kid’s suite and warm up with hot cocoa by the fireplace.

Valentine’s Day brings a bounty of affordable family fun too. Celebrate your loved ones over heart-shaped pizza, skating, laser tag, museums visits and more. One sweet option is touring a chocolate factory to pick up sugary souvenirs.

Don’t Overlook Special Events

From niche art and cultural exhibits to sporting competitions and symposiums, February tends to be ripe with unique gatherings in Ohio. Using the resources and event calendars, scope out some only-in-Ohio happenings matched to your crew’s quirky interests.

For a truly distinctive experience, don’t sleep on the Contemporary Gunmakers & Allied Artists Show in Marietta. Hosted at the Campus Martius Museum, the event showcases artisans creating 19th-century style rifles, knives, powder horns and accoutrements. See live demonstrations celebrating this vanishing folk art and its crucial role in Ohio’s pioneering days.

So whether you love the brisk chill of winter or just can’t wait for spring’s first thaw, February in Ohio has memorable activities to embrace the season’s frosty beauty and character. Layer up and get out there to make those winter memories!