DAYTON, Ohio -- Temperatures are falling along with the snow, and there are lots of ways families can “get out and live” in the MetroParks. “Winter is a fantastic time to explore your MetroParks,” says Five Rivers MetroParks Executive Director Charlie Shoemaker. “The bare trees and bushes expose lots of creatures’ habitats, and the snow-blanketed landscape makes it feel as if you’re visiting a completely different park.”

In addition to more than 60 miles of paved recreational trails, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the MetroParks in a different way. Here is a sample of what the parks have to offer this winter:

SLEDDING
Grab your hats, mittens and Rosebuds and head out to Carriage Hill, Englewood, Germantown or Taylorsville MetroPark that feature great sledding hills.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Cross country skiing doesn't require hills and can be enjoyed on almost any snow-covered location. It's easy to learn and offers an entire body aerobic workout. Five Rivers MetroParks embraces the sport and encourages residents to use the hiking trails and “get out and ski.”

HIKING TRAILS
Hiking trails are open all winter long in most MetroParks. Some trails are plowed and others are packed snow. There are nearly 80 miles of hiking trails and 25 miles of horseback riding trails. Park maps with trails can be found at any park visitor center, the main office at 1375 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, or online at www.metroparks.org.

CAMPING
Get a little respite from the busy world by camping on the Twin Valley Trail. Twenty-two miles of backcountry trail connecting Twin Creek and Germantown MetroParks are open all year with hiking and camping opportunities for individual and group campers. Call (937) 277-4374 for camping permits.

ICE FISHING
Anglers don’t have to pack away their hooks when it gets nippy outside. A few MetroParks offer opportunities for ice fishing on ponds and lakes. In addition, fishing can also be good in deeper sections of rivers and near warm water discharges. Be aware that ice conditions are NOT monitored by staff; please use safety precautions when heading out on the ice. Enjoy ice fishing at Carriage Hill, Englewood and Possum Creek MetroParks.

SHOPPING
Looking for a unique gift? Need help planning a big holiday soiree? Make the National City 2nd Street Market a one-stop shop. The Market is open all year: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. From farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses and dry goods to dips, decorations, snacks, spices, flowers, and favors, the Market’s got everything for a perfectly local holiday celebration. Be sure to stop by during these special shopping events:

* First Friday at the Market, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Make the Market your holiday shopping destination! From unique handmade items to fresh local food, the Market is sure to have what you’re looking for. Stop by for dinner, enjoy live music, go on a carriage ride and hang out with friends and family while you shop for the perfect gifts.

* Horse-drawn carriage rides, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m., and Dec. 19, noon to 3 p.m.
Take a break from doing your holiday shopping and travel downtown in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Limited number of tickets available. Fees are $5 per person, $8 per couple. Rides are weather-permitting.

* Santa visits the Market, Dec. 17 and 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bring your cameras and snap a photo of Santa with your friends and family. It won’t be too late for Santa to hear what’s on your wish list -- including Market goodies. He’ll have a treat for everyone who stops by to see him.

* Community Days, Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Market customers will be treated to musical entertainment as they shop and have a relaxing lunch in appreciation of their patronage. All visitors will be entered to win gift certificates. Drawings will be at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Winners must be present.

* Winter Family Fun Day, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Families can enjoy a fun-filled day at the Market. Kids can create art projects, or participate in a program conducted by Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.

NATURE
When outside temperatures drop, skunks, raccoons, chipmunks and opossums are known to go into a temporary hibernation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Hibernating mammals take up shelter in trees, logs, beneath rocks or underground. Frogs, snakes, turtles and most other cold-blooded animals crawl into holes or burrows where they remain inactive all winter.

Many of Ohio’s birds seek refuge from the cold winter months by migrating to warmer climates. But MetroParks visitors can catch a glimpse of the hardy, non-migratory birds such as cardinals, robins, vultures, quail, eagles, owls and sparrows. Other animals active during the snowy season include deer, rabbits, coyotes and foxes.

ICE SKATING COMING SOON
Due to construction of RiverScape Phase III, ice skating will not be offered this winter. Work is slated to finish this summer. Included in the renovation is a new rink that is almost 50 percent larger than the original, and an expanded skating season is planned for 2010-2011. Patrons can sign up to win an ice skating prize pack, including season passes for the new rink complete with rentals, hats and mittens. To register to win, visit www.metroparks.org/icerink.

To learn more about fun winter activities in the MetroParks, visit www.metroparks.org/winter or call (937) 275-PARK.