Cuyahoga Valley National Park scavenger hunt for kids

What makes Cuyahoga Valley National Park worth investigating

Though a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park seems worlds away. The park is a refuge for native plants and wildlife, and provides routes of discovery for visitors. The winding Cuyahoga River gives way to deep forests, rolling hills, and open farmlands. Walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.

The Ohio & Erie Canal was built through this valley in the 1820s to connect Lake Erie to the Ohio River, and you can still walk along the old towpath where mules once pulled canal boats.

Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall over layered shale and sandstone. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a heritage train ride through the park. Beaver Marsh, a wetland restored by beavers that moved in naturally in 1984. Over 125 miles of hiking trails including the Buckeye Trail. The best seasons to visit are spring, summer, and fall. Spring's rain and warming temperatures bring new leaves on trees, blooming wildflowers, and visitors anxious to get out on the trail. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 95 degrees F and can be humid.

10 things to look for

Use this as an observation menu, not a race. Choose fewer items for younger children, pause for questions and sketches, and leave every natural and historic object where it belongs.

• Great Blue Heron Wildlife
  A tall blue-gray wading bird that stands very still in the water at Beaver Marsh Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Brandywine Falls Geology
  A beautiful 65-foot waterfall that flows over ancient Berea Sandstone ledges
• Canal Lock History
  Old stone lock chambers from the Ohio & Erie Canal along the Towpath Trail
• Beaver Lodge Wildlife
  A large pile of sticks and mud built by beavers in Beaver Marsh Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Ledges Overlook Geology
  A dramatic rocky outcrop of Sharon Conglomerate with a panoramic valley view
• Red-tailed Hawk Wildlife
  A large raptor that soars over the open meadows and valley ridges Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Towpath Trail Mile Marker History
  Stone markers along the historic canal towpath showing distances
• Blue-spotted Salamander Wildlife
  A dark salamander with bright blue spots found under logs in moist forests Observe only from the required distance; a sound, track, or other safe sign may count.
• Everett Covered Bridge History
  A historic red covered bridge originally built in the 1870s
• Berea Sandstone Geology
  Layered sandstone rocks visible at waterfalls and ledges throughout the park

Checklist items describe things a visitor might observe. A sighting is never guaranteed. Do not approach wildlife, cross barriers, leave approved areas, or handle protected objects to complete an item.

Adapt the hunt by age

Turn “I want to go there” into a family plan

1. The child finds Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the HomeSchool.You park catalog and taps the heart.
2. The parent receives an in-app alert that the child wants to visit.
3. Cuyahoga Valley National Park appears in the child’s Travel Wish List inside the parent area.
4. The family chooses timing together, checks current conditions, and prints or opens this hunt.
5. After exploring, the child can save visit memories and progress in the park passport.

Respect the place

An adult should supervise the entire visit. Observe wildlife from the required distance, stay on allowed routes, follow posted and ranger instructions, pack out waste, and do not collect plants, rocks, cultural objects, or animals. HomeSchool.You is an independent learning platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Park Service or any state or local park agency.

Explore another public park guide

Browse all 28 public examples · See the full 541-park feature · Plan a complete park learning day