GROWING T I M E

Nature Play

By Brett Price

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden

Located less than 3 miles from the Ohio Statehouse, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers a natural oasis for little ones to explore. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden has a variety of features across its 2 acres, including the Nature Play Zone, Wetland Explore and themed pocket gardens. Watch hummingbirds search for a taste of nectar, jam out on the wooden turtle drums and explore other stations that celebrate Ohio’s natural landscape. fpconservatory.org

Tucked among the more than 400 acres of sprawling forests, wetlands and fields at Lake Metroparks’ Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland sits Nature Play, an outdoor space designed to engage children with active, self-led nature discovery. The 1-acre space features butterfly gardens, tunnels to crawl through, logs to climb and more interactive elements, including an area that allows kids to try their hand at planting a garden. lakemetroparks.com

Children’s Discovery Garden

Part of Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks, the Children’s Discovery Garden at Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark offers whimsical botanical displays and interactive experiences. Kids can play a game of musical hide and seek as they discover instruments placed throughout the Music Maze and put their building skills to the test in the sandbox. The Fossil Cave sparks imagination for little ones as they find imprints of creatures who once roamed the Earth. metroparks.org/discovery-garden

The Allen County Children’s Garden

In the heart of downtown Lima, The Allen County Children’s Garden is home to more than 30 small, themed gardens that have been a learning space for little ones since 1996. A scavenger hunt takes kids to places like the Dinosaur Garden, Sensory Garden, Leap Frog Lane and Gumball Alley, while annual events such as the Butterfly Migration Celebration offer the chance to see critters up close. limachildrens garden.com

Explore the roots of this lakeshore city during Cleveland

History Days

More than 40 events over 10 days highlight Cleveland’s legacy, including Take a Hike architectural walking tours; rare access to cool spots around town; lectures with notable civic leaders, artists and architects; a bike tour of the Cuyahoga River valley and more ways to hit the pavement. canalwaypartners.com/ clevelandhistorydays

JUNE 28

After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, The Doobie Brothers return to northeast Ohio to make a stop at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour. Hear hits from throughout the rock band’s career, including favorites such as “China Grove,” “Black Water” and “Takin’ It to the Streets.” theyoungstownfoundation amp.com

July 01

Celebrate the red, white and blue with “Patriotic Pops and Soul.” The Columbus Symphony takes up its summer post at the Columbus Bicentennial Pavilion, where the 2023 lineup for the sixweek Picnic with the Pops series ranges from “Super Diamond

The Music of Neil Diamond” to “The Music of Whitney Houston: A Celebration.” picnicwiththe pops.com visitamishcountry.com

Take it Slow: Enjoy the simple life in Ohio’s Amish Country. The Holmes County Rails-to-Trails Coalition offers 22.5 noncontinuous miles of scenic paved trail that once followed a railroad route, so you can explore the countryside by foot, bike or horseback. While you’re in the region, fill up on treats, shop for quilts and even plan an overnight stay at one of the area’s charming lodging options.

JULY 04

The stars and stripes get a dose of silliness during the annual Doo Dah Parade Bringing a mix of liberty and lunacy to Columbus’ Short North Arts District since 1984, this satire-filled event welcomes you to watch on the sides or join the parade — but everyone can meet at Goodale Park afterward for live music. doodahparade.com

Ride the Wave: Get sporty at Wake Nation in Fairfield, where cable wakeboarding reigns supreme. The park features a boat-free, overhead pulley system, smooth water and two dozen obstacles so you can get your shred on. Instructors help you confidently make waves and learn regardless of skill level, and the Butler County destination also offers thrills by way of the floating Aqua Park and superslide. wakenation.com

Take the Plunge: With 36 waterslides, two wave pools, rushing rivers and relaxing lagoons, Soak City Water Park at Kings Island promises to be a great way to beat the heat. Open May 27 through Sept. 4, the over 30-acre destination features multiple food hubs and more than 50 water activities, including play areas designed with your little ones in mind. visitkingsisland.com

JULY 7-9

Whether you sprawl on the lawn or sit in the pavilion, there’s no bad seat to enjoy the Blossom Music Festival The Cleveland Orchestra returns to its summer residence at Blossom Music Center with programs ranging from classical favorites to thrilling music from movies, like “Jurassic Park.” In honor of the blockbuster’s 30th anniversary, the orchestra performs John Williams’ iconic score as the film plays on screen. clevelandorchestra.com

JULY 07 15

See what’s on tap at Ohio Brew Week!

The annual event hits the streets of Athens with nine days of hoppy educational fun. Sample from a range of hundreds of craft beers and over 300 ciders and meads, and enjoy unique collaborations, speakers, entertainment, local food and the Last Call block party on Court Street. ohiobrewweek.com

JULY 11

Few pop stars continue to shine for four decades, but Belinda Carlisle remains a music icon. From her roots as the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking new wave rock band The Go-Go’s to her solo career churning out hits such as “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” the legendary artist is bringing a slice of her repertoire to Rose Music Center in Huber Heights. rosemusiccenter.com

JULY 13 15

Summer fun is in high gear at the Picktown Palooza Bring the whole family to enjoy the charm of Pickerington and Violet Township for three days filled with carnival rides, live music, food vendors, activities in the Kids’ Corner, the Freedom 5K and a car, truck and bike show. picktownpalooza.org

Take the High Road! Not sure where to start your hike in the Hocking Hills? Hit the Conkles Hollow Rim Trail. With vistas looking out over the treetops, rocky cliffs and paths that cut through lush forest, it’s one of the region’s most scenic treks. The Conkles Hollow Gorge trail is 1 mile and wheelchair accessible, while the 2.5-mile Upper Trail is a more strenuous option. Bonus tip: Arrive early for breathtaking morning views. explorehockinghills.com