Penitentiary Glen Reservation’s Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio!
The magic of the holidays is back and sweeter than ever! From November 22 through January 4, families can step into Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio at Penitentiary Glen Reservation and become the playing pieces in a life-sized gameboard filled with vibrant habitats, enchanting animals and whimsical surprises at every turn. This year’s event is presented by Ken Ganley Subaru Wickliffe, Ken Ganley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mentor and Sylvan Learning of Mentor.
Guests will journey through forests, fields, wetlands and other colorful habitats inspired by the classic board game, encountering interactive animal displays, scavenger hunts and playful discoveries along the way. A playset courtesy of Playground World adds extra fun for little explorers. Other indoor activities include crafts, hot chocolate in Snowshoe Lodge and browsing nature-inspired gifts at The Nature Store.
“Candy Land is a holiday tradition that continues to delight families year after year,” says Lake Metroparks Deputy Chief of Outdoor Connections Caitlin Ambrose. “This exhibit turns the classic game into a living adventure with a window into Ohio’s wild world. It’s a fun and memorable way for kids to explore, learn about diverse habitats and animals and discover the wonders of nature.”
Wild Weekends, presented by Ken Ganley Subaru Wickliffe and Ken Ganley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Mentor, bring extra excitement to the event. Saturdays feature outdoor campfires with s’mores from noon to 3 p.m., along with animal chats at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sundays offer meet-the-keeper chats in the Wildlife Yard at the same times, giving families up-close encounters with some of the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center’s resident animals and the staff that care for them.
Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with holiday closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve (closes at noon), and New Year’s Day. Admission is free, and registration is not needed. For more information, visit https://goto.lakemetroparks.com/candyland.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094.