Outdoor Recreation

Scranton FlatsBob PerkoskiScranton Flats

No matter what the weather—a wide-open lawn on a bright, warm, sunny day, snow-covered trails and a bitter wind, or overcast and looking like rain, Clevelanders relish the chance to get outside and enjoy the region’s variety of parks, beaches hiking trails, gardens, and urban greenspace.

Cleveland Museum of Art brings Renaissance tradition
 to life with 36 annual Chalk Festival
The Cleveland Museum of Art's annual Chalk Festival, a modern interpretation of a 16th-century Italian tradition, is this weekend on the south plaza, walkways, and the Fine Arts Garden. Artists of all skill levels are invited to create chalk masterpieces, with professional artists joining community groups and families in a colorful celebration of art and self-expression.
Rid-All Farm’s Fresh Fest returns for sixth year with art, food, activities, and music
Rid-All Green Partnership's Fresh Fest Cleveland, now in its sixth year, will transform the Kinsman neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of food, art, wellness, and music this Saturday, Sept. 13. The free festival, headlined by hip-hop legend MC Lyte, will feature more than 80 local vendors, 12 food trucks, and a variety of activities at the revitalized Rid-All Farm and Otter Park.
CLE-Vignettes: Soaring high at the Cleveland National Air Show
CLE-Vignettes are photos that show how people in Northeast Ohio spend their time—what they are doing for fun and entertainment or just hanging out with friends and family. Share your CLE-Vignette with us!
Cavaliers unveil revitalized basketball courts at Trent Park
The Cleveland Cavaliers unveiled newly renovated outdoor basketball courts at Trent Park in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood last week, marking the organization's 18th recreation court revitalization project and largest investment to date. The community-driven initiative, supported by local leaders and organizations, provides safe spaces for youth and families while fostering unity and creativity in the neighborhood.
Amusement Preservation Museum: Triggering memories of parks and rides of the past
Troy Parsh started the Amusement Preservation Museum in Grafton to preserve and restore artifacts from Northeast Ohio's historic amusement parks. The museum's collection includes rides, parts, and memorabilia from over 30 Ohio parks, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the region's rich amusement park history.
Nature's symphony: Cleveland's spring bird migration explained
Cleveland plays a crucial role in bird migration, situated between two major migratory corridors. Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland's Harvey Webster offers insights on bird watching, conservation efforts, and the importance of creating bird-friendly habitats during Cleveland's peak bird migration season.
Holden Forests & Gardens to celebrate 15,000 trees planted during Arbor Week activities
Holden Forests & Gardens is celebrating the achievement of its five-year goal of planting and caring for 15,000 new trees to increase Cleveland's urban tree canopy with a People for Trees Celebration Week during Arbor Day Week, April 21 to April 26. The week features activities at Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden.
Canal Basin Park reimagined: Canalway moves forward with plans for historic riverfront park
Canalway celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this month with the approval of new design plans for the 22-acre Canal Basin Park along the Cuyahoga River. The interpretive park will honor the city's industrial heritage while adding a gathering place on Cleveland's riverfront landscape.
Turkey Trot costumes: Vote for your favorite pet and human outfits
Vote for your favorite pet, human, and group costumes from las week's 43rd annual Cleveland Turkey Trot. 
Family affair: Cleveland Turkey Trot is a 43-year Thanksgiving tradition
More than 9,000 participants will celebrate Thanksgiving next week in the 43rd annual Cleveland Turkey Trot. And don't forget to vote for the winners of the annual costume contest on FreshWater after the event!
Spiders, skeletons, and candy! Enjoy kid-friendly spooky, silly crafts at the Nature Center
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes will be celebrating Halloween today, and all weekend long, with plenty of spooky kid fun at the welcome desk. Stop in wearing your favorite costume and celebrate the season!
Easy riders: Cycling group Slow Roll Cleveland to close out touring season with Halloween ride
Slow Roll Cleveland, a community cycling group that takes leisurely 10-mile bike rides each week through various Cleveland neighborhoods, concludes its 2024 season next week with a Halloween ride—costumes and bike decorations encouraged.
For the birds: Stock up at Nature Center’s bird seed sale
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has teamed up with Wild Birds Unlimited in Mayfield Heights for its annual Bird Seed Sale fundraiser. A variety of seeds, suet, and accessories are available. Read some tips for feeding the birds in your yard this winter.
Fairytales in the Forest: Nature Center welcomes Fall with AutumnFest this weekend
AutumnFest: Fairytales in the Forest, a free family-friendly event, is set to enchant visitors at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes this weekend with a variety of activities, storytelling, s'mores, craft-making, and food trucks. Guests can also check out the annual bird seed and perennial plant sales.
Ready all, row: Head of the Cuyahoga takes to the river
The 28th Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta takes place this Saturday at Cleveland's Rivergate Park. With more than 1,500 athletes from across the U.S., the free event highlights Cleveland's rowing tradition dating back to the 1980s.
Bubble blizzard: Two-day Bubblefest hits Edgewater, Wade Oval, Heights High
Steve Presser, owner of the former Big Fun, and Gary Pearlman, aka, Dr. U.R. Awesome, are bringing Bubblefest to Cleveland in September. The two-day event hosts bubble artists from around the world and features activities, demonstrations, food trucks, music, and, of course, plenty of bubbles!
Signs of life: Artists, volunteers prepare for Parade the Circle
The giant white tent has gone up in University Circle—indicating it's almost time for the Cleveland Museum of Art's 32nd annual Parade the Circle! The University Circle Inc. institutions and groups like Hildebrandt Artist Collective, Inlet Dance Theatre, Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center, Samba da Cidade, as well as volunteers, vendors, and other groups, are getting ready for a day of Visions of Harmony.
First leg: Canalway Half Marathon kicks off 2024 Towpath Trilogy
Canalway kicked off its 2024 Towpath Trilogy race series with the Towpath Half and 5 Mile Race last Sunday, with more than 500 runners participating. Bob Perkoski caught the runners and the fans at the Cleveland Metroparks Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation.
Lighting the way: Nature Center’s annual Luminary Walk celebrates Winter Solstice
Come celebrate the upcoming Winter Solstice this Friday at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes' Luminary Walk & Holiday Market. Enjoy the luminaries on the All Peoples' Trail, then warm up with hot mulled Syrah or blackberry merlot hot chocolate from Cleveland Urban Winery, and shop with local vendors and artists for your holiday shopping needs.
Ice Capped: A seasonal Botanical Garden in photos
A completely new holiday experience has arrived at the Cleveland Botanical Garden with Frost: An Ice Capped Garden Experience—featuring Winter botanical displays, holiday lights, and immersive, themed rooms that will transport guests to an enchanting world. Bob Perkoski took a tour to give our readers a preview of what’s in store for guests at Frost this holiday season.