Stroll Through Candy Land at Penitentiary Glen Reservation

If your holiday plans could use a little more color, nostalgia and maybe a giant peppermint, Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland has you covered. Starting Nov. 22, the Lake Metroparks location once again transforms into a life-size game board for its annual Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio! The candy-colored, nature-themed exhibit lets kids step straight into the classic board game and wander through Ohio’s habitats, one oversized square at a time.

Instead of going on a quest for King Kandy, guests follow a trail of bright forests, marshes, meadows and other “ecosystems” inspired by the game to discover more about the homes of animals across the state. Each stop offers something to play with or discover, and activities include scavenger hunts, interactive animal displays and little surprises along the path.

A new play set from Playground World offers an additional place for younger adventurers to burn off energy, while the Snowshoe Lodge serves hot chocolate. The Nature Store is stocked with outdoorsy gifts for anyone who  nature lover on their holiday list.

“Candy Land is a holiday tradition that continues to delight families year after year,” said Caitlin Ambrose, Lake Metroparks deputy chief of outdoor connections, in a Nov. 17, 2025, press release. “This exhibit turns the classic game into a living adventure with a window into Ohio’s wild world.”

Weekends add even more to explore. Wild Weekends feature marshmallow-toasting campfires on Saturdays and keeper chats on Sundays for close-up moments with animals from the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio runs daily through Jan. 4, with a few holiday closures, and admission is free. 

For more information about Candy Land: It's Wild in Ohio! visit lakemetroparks.com.

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