For many families, the holidays are a time to enjoy traditions passed down through the generations. But there’s always room for a new tradition — and this might just be the year to gather the whole family for a holiday celebration at your Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
“Your Metroparks are the perfect place to start a new family tradition,” says Hilary Simmet, marketing specialist with Huron-Clinton Metroparks. “Think about exploring new trails or visiting Santa — socially distant of course. With 13 parks, and boundless activities available, you can create memories with your family all season long.”
If you’re contemplating the safest ways to get together with family this year, consider building special memories that you might not otherwise have planned. “Spending time together this holiday season will look a little different, but your Metroparks offer opportunities to get into the holiday spirit and social distance,” Simmet says.
What else can you do at Huron-Clinton Metroparks this winter? Simmet offers these suggestions:
Get active.
“Staying active is important and winter doesn’t mean you need to stay inside. Cross-country skiing is a great way to explore the parks during a new season and if you are new to the sport, rentals are available at multiple parks,” Simmet says. “From sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, cross country skiing or even an outdoor education program, there is something for everyone to do or experience this winter.”
See wildlife in a different season.
With fewer leaves on the trees, wildlife may just be more visible in the winter, and they even live a different lifestyle during the colder months, says Simmet. “During late fall hikes the wildlife you will see is getting ready for cold weather and winter and that means foraging for food and preparing shelters,” she explains. “But you may also see birds that make stops in the parks on their journey south for the winter. Attend one of our interpretive hikes to learn animal and nature facts and explore different areas of the park to see wildlife in a new way.”
Create your own personal favorite memory.
“After the first big snow fall hits our area, I like to walk one of our hike-bike trails and see just how beautiful it is,” Simmet shares. “On a sunny day, the snow will sparkle, and everything looks magical. There really is nothing like it.”
Give your family the gift of year-round Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Keep the fun coming with a Metroparks annual pass. Now is a perfect time to make visiting your Metroparks a go-to activity for your family 365 days a year. Through Dec. 31, the Metroparks 2021 annual pass can be purchased for just $35. Starting Jan. 1, the pass will again cost $40 for residents of Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, and $45 for non-residents.
“What do you get when you have a Metroparks annual pass? Access to all 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks locations every day of the year,” Simmet says. “That means 365 days of nature, exploration, fun, relaxation and almost 25,000 acres of space to practice your social distancing.”
An annual pass makes a great gift, too. “You can also purchase a gift card to the Metroparks, which can be used to purchase an annual pass, attend programs, golf and more,” Simmet says.
As you prepare for your visit, be sure to check Huron-Clinton Metroparks’ website to learn any important COVID-19 updates. Remember that face coverings and social distancing are required for any programs you attend. (Buying your annual pass online is always safe and contact free.)
