Polar Bear Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, skating at Kent State University Ice Arena

$10 or less

When the temperature dips during January, so do prices at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Polar Bear Days happen when the day's predicted high temperature is 32 degrees or below. That means adults can enjoy the zoo for $3.50; $2.50, children ages 2-11. The zoo is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. It's at 3900 Wildlife Way. Go to clemetzoo.com. . . . If you're looking for a public skate place, think of the Kent State University Ice Arena. The rink is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday in January; hours vary. Admission for public skating is $6; $4.50, KSU faculty, staff and alumni; $3, KSU students with ID. Skate rental is $2.50. The arena is at 530 E. Summit St. Go to www.kent.edu/icearena or call 330-672-7465.

$20 or less

James A. Garfield National Historic Site is opening its doors for a behind-the-scenes guided walk to see areas of the Garfield home and surrounding grounds that regular tour-goers don't see. Peek into the basement, third floor, the interior of the windmill and other spots. The two-hour tour is 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8. Admission is $15, and the minimum age is 16. Make reservations by calling 440-255-8722. The historic site is at 8095 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Go to nps.gov/jaga.

Free

Join naturalist Mike Green to learn how to identify trees without their leaves, while hiking the 2-mile Chippewa Trail in the Silver Creek Metro Park in the Summit County Metro Parks. Meet at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. Call 330-865-8065. . . . Did you get a new camera for the holidays? Test it during the "Winterscapes at Carlisle" walk from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 in the Lorain County Metro Parks. You'll find beautiful views on the Sugar Loop and Big Woods Trails and Carlisle Reservation. It's a difficult hike, so dress for the weather. Carlisle Visitor Center is at 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange. Call 440-458-5121. . . . Lights still shine at the city of Lorain's Magic of Toyland on Broadway seasonal display. This decorated historic downtown includes more than 100 lit trees, decorated window fronts and 80 8-foot-tall toy soldiers decorating lampposts. It runs today through Sunday, Jan. 9 on Broadway Avenue downtown. Go to downtownlorainchristmas.com. . . . Experience coffee cupping, a method that professional coffee tasters use to taste coffee quality and other characteristics during "Cold Days, Warm Drinks." This class, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9 at the Lee Road Branch of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, will be taught by staff from Phoenix Coffee, a local chain of coffeehouses. Registration is required. The library is at 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Go to www.heightslibrary.org or call 216-932-3600.

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