Sometimes, a little cabin fever feels pretty darn good, especially when you’re snuggled up to a warm dog or a toasty fireplace, reading a book on a cold winter’s night. But if that’s not your cup of hot chocolate, or if your New Year’s resolution includes burning off some holiday goodies, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in Ohio wintertime fun, both indoors and out.

Sled Dog Classic
Does the word “mush” conjure up images of hot cornmeal and maple syrup? Is the “Klondike” simply an ice cream bar?

If so, you need to check out the annual Sled Dog Classic, Jan. 7–8, at Punderson State Park in Geauga County. You don’t have to travel farther than Northeast Ohio to experience the thrilling sight of teams of huskies dashing across the snow. Admission is free.

Races are based on the number of dogs on each team, says Paula Harding, director of educational events for the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland, which sponsors the classic. Two-dog teams race each other for a distance of two miles. Three-dog teams race three miles, etc., up to the six-dog teams, which compete on a six-mile trail. Teams from six other states will be in attendance and winners share a $2,000 purse.

A veteran musher herself, Harding says spectators are encouraged to visit with drivers and ask questions, but it’s important to ask permission before petting a husky.

“They’re just like kids,” she says. “Each one has a personality.”

On Jan. 7, there’s a Kid ‘n’ Mutt Race. For a small fee, children can ride a dogsled under expert supervision.

Harding has just one piece of advice: Dress for the weather. If snow conditions don’t cooperate, the alternate dates are Feb. 25–26.

Indians Snow Days
You may never get to slide into home plate like your favorite Cleveland Indians baseball player, but you can slide down the Batterhorn — an eight-lane snow-tubing hill that starts on the Home Run Porch and stretches 200 feet down onto Progressive Field.

The Indians have again transformed the diamond into a glimmering winter playground, complete with a tubing hill, a regulation ice rink and skating track.

About 50,000 visitors attended the inaugural Snow Days in 2011, says Curtis Danburg, the ballpark’s senior director of communications. The track hit a home run with skaters.

“It’s an actual quarter-mile track you can skate,” Danburg says. “It was a huge success last year.”

After enjoying the fun, visitors can warm up in the Terrace Club with refreshments.

Tickets range from $10 to $31, with group rates available. Skate rental is included. A waiver is required to participate in Snow Days, open through Jan. 16.

Sherlock Holmes Weekend
Say, is that a mystery novel you’re reading by the fire? Ever wish you could magically fall into your favorite whodunit and take a stab (ahem) at solving a murder?

You’ll have your chance during Sherlock Holmes Weekend, Jan. 6–8, in charming Cambridge, set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Not only will you piece together a mystery, you’ll do it matching wits against the greatest detective of all time.

In “The Case of the Unraveling Strand,” local playwright Anne Chlovechok has crafted a tale of intrigue that brings Holmes and his crime-solving partner Dr. Watson to the stage at St. Benedict’s Social Hall. Except the mystery doesn’t stay on the stage. It spills into the audience and out into the streets when theatergoers become unexpected witnesses to a “murder.”

On Friday night and into Saturday, you’ll mingle with Holmes, Watson and the entire cast — enjoying great food, exploring Victorian homes and shops and scouring the city’s historic downtown for clues.

Participants reconvene at St. Benedict’s on Saturday night to submit their conclusions and see if they reached the same verdict as the legendary Sherlock Holmes. The culprit is revealed, and prizes are awarded to the best detectives.

Overnight packages begin at $418 per couple, which includes two nights’ lodging. With no overnight accommodations, it’s $135 per person. 

Vineyard Adventures
Sip great wine with the seals and polar bears in the Toledo Zoo’s popular Saturday night Vineyard Adventures, Jan. 21 and Feb. 11.

Actually, human guests are cozy and warm in the Arctic Encounter observation area and the animals are happy in their habitats, thank you very much, but they still get to watch one another in this unique setting, says the zoo’s director of marketing and public relations, Andi Norman.

Throughout the year, each Vineyard Adventure has a theme and takes place in a different part of the zoo. All have elegant tables topped with linens, wines and hors d’oeuvres. A jazz trio or harpist provides live music. Your choice. The atmosphere is decidedly casual. 

“You don’t have to get all dolled up to come,” says Norman.

Tickets are $35 for zoo members and $40 for non-members. The Toledo Zoo offers half-price admission on winter weekends, featuring special animal feedings, ice-carving and bounce
houses for the kids.

Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park
True, for some diehard mountain bikers, the more mud and slush on the ground, the more epic the ride. But if you want to grab your bike and helmet for something a little warmer and dryer, there’s Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park.

Ray’s is for riders of all ages and abilities — and they mean it, says Keith Miller, general manager. While it offers plenty of hills, difficult terrain
and winding tracks to challenge experienced mountain bikers, Ray’s is just as friendly to beginners, with two new spaces for novice riders.  

If you don’t have a bike and helmet, no worries. Bikes are available for rent. Helmets, which are required, are provided free. Daily rates are $19.99 to $25.99. Only mountain and BMX bikes are permitted.

All riders must sign a waiver and there are special requirements for those under 18. Please read the guidelines on Ray’s website before you go. 

Hocking Hills Winter Hike
Sure, breaking out of hibernation is the last thing you want to do deep into the season. But the 47th annual Winter Hike through the Hocking Hills is a refreshing way to see southeast Ohio’s caves, waterfalls and streams. The hike, which takes place on Jan. 21, covers approximately six miles, from the park’s campground to Ash Cave. This is one time to hope for inclement weather, as icy temperatures and soft snowfall create a beautiful backdrop for the hike, which passes the state’s largest tree (a 149-foot hemlock), plus a spring-fed lake and, of course, the falls and caves. 

At Cedar Falls, the hike’s midpoint, weary walkers enjoy a lunch of bean soup, cornbread and hot beverages as they watch icy water descend 50 feet into a clear pool below. Ash Cave marks the end of the hike, where participants will be driven back to Old Man’s Cave for refreshments. Hardy hikers are welcome to continue exploring.

Participants assemble anytime between 9 and 11 a.m. There is no charge, although donations are accepted.

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WHEN YOU GO

Sled Dog Classic
Punderson State Park, 11755 Kinsman Rd., Newbury 44065. siberiancleveland.org

Indians Snow Days
Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland 44115, 216/420-4487. indians.com

Sherlock Holmes Weekend
Cambridge 43275, 800/933-5480. visitguernseycounty.com

Vineyard Adventures
Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo 43609, 419/385-4040. toledozoo.org

Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park
9801 Walford Ave., Cleveland 44102, 216/631-7433. raysmtb.com

Hocking Hills Winter Hike
Hocking Hills State Park Campground, 19852 St. Rte. 664 S., Logan 43138, 740/385-6842. hockinghills.com/winter_hike.html