Step into a human-sized version of Candy Land at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation

By Mimi Vanderhaven

The classic board game Candy Land—which debuted in 1948, instantly becoming Milton Bradley’s bestselling game—is surprisingly relevant for today’s times. There’s virtually no stressful strategy or pesky decisions to be bothered with. Players simply pull a card and move where it tells them to discover enchanted places.

For those who want to kindle or rekindle the wonder of the game, the folks at Lake Metroparks have made it easy, creating a people-sized version with an exotic bird theme—Candy Land Gone to the Birds! It opens Saturday, November 18, and runs through Monday, January 1, at Penitentiary Glen Reservation.

“When players come in, they pick up a box with cards in it that tell them what color square to move to,” says Nature Center Interpretive Manager Kristin Snider, who notes that more than 20,000 people are expected to play this year. “We’ve created different avian habitats for them to explore, such as Arctic Oasis or Swampland. After they’re finished, they can ride down a giant spiral slide.”

This nostalgic adventure is ideally suited to the holidays, as families have made it their tradition for many years.

“Everything is interactive and enriching,” she adds. “We also offer a themed make-it and take-it-home craft for kids to enjoy.”

In addition to Candy Land Gone to the Birds!, there’s a boatload of other festive happenings going on at Penitentiary Glen Reservation, including Wild Weekends by the roaring outdoor firepit, as well as snowshoeing (for when the white stuff returns). Rentals are available for kids and adults.

Candy Land Gone to the Birds! is presented by Dollar Bank and sponsored by Playground World. Wild Weekends are sponsored by Sylvan Learning of Mentor. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road in Kirtland. Candy Land Gone to the Birds! is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Admission is free. For more information, visit LakeMetroparks.com.