Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine - August 2021

AUGUST 2021 • FREE!

NortheastOhioParent.com

LAST CALL FOR SUMMER

BACK TO SCHOOL: GET READY

Things to do in our parks

DOUBLE the

LOVE

CELEBRATING Homa Bash FROM NEWS 5 CLEVELAND AND HER TWINS

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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insiDE PHOTO COURTESY OF REMARKABLE LAKE COUNTY

August features

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BACK TO AFTER SCHOOL FUN

There are many benefits to activities outside of the normal school day.

Plus, After School Programs Guide

A roundup of activities and enrichment opportunities for your children starting on page 18.

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LEARNING LANGUAGES TO UNDERSTAND CULTURES

Experts advise parents to expose their children to new cultures early and often, and to be aware of their own behaviors and attitudes. One way is by introducing your child to other languages.

LAST CHANCE FOR SUMMER

If your family hasn’t completed its summer bucket list yet, now is the perfect time to try something new together. Head to the park systems to find unique activities and events.

SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE S Learn more about these local sc hools by attending an open house. pg. 22

departments 06

EDITOR’S NOTE It’s time.

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WORTH NOTING Helping kids handle their emotions, Reading Room and more.

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EDUCATION — COLLEGE How to send love to your first-time college-bound kids this fall.

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EDUCATION — BACK TO SCHOOL

Getting back in routine with in-person learning.

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FAMILY HEALTH

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The best ways to choose a pediatrician — and know when you need a specialist.

Explore this lakefront city in Lorain County and learn about the fun places to go and see.

FAMILY CALENDAR

COMMUNITY FOCUS — AVON LAKE

ON THE COVER:

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Squeeze in some of these fun things to do as summer wraps up.

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S

On the Cover: Homa Bash, WEWS News Channel 5 and her twins Zayna and Zarina PHOTOS BY KIM STAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY KIMSTAHNKEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

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#CLEMAMA

How to enjoy a hike with your family.

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DOUBLE THE LOVE

Homa Bash, weekend morning anchor and special projects reporter at WEWS News 5 Cleveland, and her husband, Daniel, celebrate the birth of their twins.

Now, the only bend in her spine is the one she practices in dance class.

Treating the most challenging back problems in babies, kids and teens.

A scoliosis or spinal condition diagnosis might seem scary. But it doesn’t need to be.

The Spine Center at Akron Children’s is here with the best possible options for your child.

From 3D scans, to nonsurgical therapies, to treatments that grow with patients, our offerings are tailored to the unique needs of kids.

Learn more at akronchildrens.org/Spine.

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PHOTO BY PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor's NOTE

It’s Time

I’ve spent this year thinking about time, have you?

Is it time to eat, to go outside, to see our friends, to go on a vacation, to go to bed, for the kids to stop fighting or to go back to school?

In fact, until recently, I didn’t know there was an actual survey on how we spend every minute of our day.

The American Time Use Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from May to December, 2019 and 2020, was released in July. It indicates what we mostly already know: we spent a lot of time at home together, either working or taking care of our children in 2020 compared to 2019. But it also had a few surprises.

One, is that teens ages 15-19 spent 6 waking hours alone in 2020, compared with 4.3 hours in 2019.

I don’t know about your teen, but it feels pretty accurate for mine this past year. Alone in their rooms, talking on their phones or through video games with friends, but still alone.

While this summer has been filled with more activities like going to the pool with friends, playing organized baseball, riding bikes, and one sleepover with friends — I feel his time alone is still too much.

With the school year on the horizon, it’s a good reminder to review your kids’ social time. While teens, notably, need to have some alone time, you want to make sure there is a balance.

Kate Eshleman, pediatric psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, recently shared tips for parents as kids continue to transition back to in-person socialization. “ First and foremost, don’t expect everything to go perfectly.” Eshleman says. “It’s important to have realistic expectations and recognize upfront that this is going to be hard — and that’s OK.” She stresses the importance of having open lines of communication. “Get in the habit of asking your kids questions that will help them better express what’s going on in their lives and how they’re feeling — even if they don’t realize that’s what you’re asking.”

This will also allow you to know the next steps with your teens and help to identify potential problems if they are stressed or spending too much time away from their friends.

This process doesn’t have to begin when your kids are teens, but having conversations at an early age — and not giving up, helps you find different strategies of communication when they become older.

I know, for my family, it feels like it’s time to get back to normal, whatever that might be.

VOL. NO. 8 • ISSUE NO. 07

August 2021 Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioParent.com PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712 EDITORIAL:

EDITOR - Angela Gartner

angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914 ART DIRECTOR - Sherry Lundberg

sherry@northeastohioparent.com MANAGING EDITOR - Janet Cho janet@northeastohioparent.com GEORGIA LATTAS - ASSISTANT EDITOR

georgia@northeastohioparent.com DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST/SALES CONSULTANT -

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Kathleen Mitchell, 440-533-1208 kathleen@northeastohioparent.com EVENTS MANAGER: Lilia Lipps, 440-724-0559 Lilia@northeastohioparent

P.S. With my kids being far from the baby stage, I was overjoyed to meet Homa Bash from WEWS News Channel 5 and her twins. During this stage in the pandemic, it’s nice to see happy new parents celebrating life.

DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES: info@northeastohioparent.com PUBLISHER OF: 2020

Proud member of

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Association

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Worth NOTING

BIG Emotions

ONE EXPERT SHARES EIGHT STRATEGIES TO HELP PARENTS HANDLE THEIR CHILDREN’S EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS

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ll parents understand that young children sometimes have big emotions.(#reasonsmykidiscr ying, Ahem.) Whether it’s crying, yelling, foot stomping or something else, we’ve all been there, and we’ve all felt helpless at one time or another.

Children’s upsets can easily unravel a parent,” says Joan Morgenstern, a parent coach and educator at Senders Pediatrics in South Euclid. She says it’s common for parents to feel overwhelmed by the way their children express anger, sadness or other feelings. Emotional outbursts typically occur when kids’ desires are thwarted or when they act impulsively and are reprimanded for their actions.

To help parents handle emotional outbursts, Morgenstern offers the following advice.

1. DON’T CLASSIFY EMOTIONS AS GOOD OR BAD. Instead, think

of emotions as pleasant or unpleasant, Morgenstern says. Take anger, for example. It’s not bad, per se, but parents often treat it like it is. “The reason anger gets such a bad rap is because children are immature in the way they express it,” she says. “When we think of anger as necessary and important versus a bad emotion that needs to go away, then we begin to shift the way we respond to it. The idea of ‘pleasant’ or ‘unpleasant’ is a game changer in how we show up to an angry outburst.”

2. THINK ABOUT SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD VS. STOPPING THE BEHAVIOR. Emotions have their

own lifespan, and interrupting the expression of them does not always work and may even fan the flames, Morgenstern says. Assuming everyone is safe, parents should consider where the upset is coming from, she says. “Ask, ‘How do we coach or support our child?’ versus the instinctive reaction to make it go away.”

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By Marisa Palmieri Shugrue 3. STAY CALM. An

adult who is upset cannot convince a child who is upset to regulate his or her emotions. “We always want to say, ‘How can I model the state I ultimately want my child to return?’” Morgenstern says, recommending parents stop to take three deep breaths. “It sounds so cliché, but it’s best to calm our own central nervous system first,” she says.

4. DON’T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. It’s powerful for

parents to frame the experience as happening in front of them, not to them, Morgenstern says. “Upsets can feel like an assault on us personally,” she says, acknowledging it’s tricky not to feel offended when children are engaging in disrespectful behavior like sassiness or backtalk. Her recommendation? “It can be helpful to thank a child for sharing their feelings,” she says. “When we say ‘Thank you for letting me know how you feel,’ it reduces the trigger for the adult, and for the child, it lets them know that you validate their opinions, even the messy stuff.”

5. COACH KIDS TO PAUSE. After

a trigger and an emotional outburst, there is often a moment of reflection where should-have, could-have, would-have thoughts arise, even in children.

Morgenstern recommends teaching children how to recognize a trigger and pause before they respond, rather than afterward. “Children don’t have a lot of life experience, so their ability to pause in the middle (of a trigger and an outburst) is nonexistent without adult support,” she says. “So we give them grace for doing it afterwards, and we say, ‘Let’s do a redo. Someone took your toy, you didn’t like that, so instead of walloping them, what can you do?’” This tactic, called post-role-playing, gives the child new information when his or her brain can make sense of it, Morgenstern says.

6. IF SAFETY IS A CONCERN, ACT WITHOUT

If a child is hitting or throwing something, parents need to act quickly without hysteria. It’s a parent’s job to keep everyone safe but not make matters worse.

“We’re going to say, ‘That’s not safe,’ without being threatening, alarming or pandering,” Morgenstern says. She also recommends that parents call out the actions they see, rather than shouting the child’s name. For example, say, “I see hitting,” rather than shouting “Billy!” The latter often makes the child defensive, which adds more fuel to the fire.

CREATING ALARM.

7. HAVE AN ANGER PLAN. Although it takes ad-

vanced work, Morgenstern recommends parents proactively teach their kids safe ways to get their anger out. “If a child is a pincher, maybe you have sensory toys they can pull and pinch or a toy they can poke,” she says. “Or maybe they jump in place or give themselves a bear hug versus lashing out at someone else. With enough practice, it gives children a learned way to release that energy, so they’re ready to calm down and pause and reflect.”

8. DON’T HESITATE TO SEEK HELP. There

is no wrong time to seek help if you believe you lack the skills to support your child, Morgenstern says. “Whether it’s talking to the pediatrician, looking for a parent coach or going the behavioral health route, think about how you might be able to show up in a way that optimizes your child’s well-being.”

Finally, Morgenstern notes that many adults will say, “I wasn’t parented this way, and I turned out fine.” She says the point isn’t whether or not the child will turn out fine. The point is to avoid denying, dismissing or diminishing children’s emotions so they can reach their full potential.

“We want to provide clarity and help them make sense of their emotions, so they become more self-aware and mature as they grow up,” Morgenstern says.

READING ROOM

The Bad Guys Episode 13: Cut to the Chase

By Aaron Blabey

This is the thirteenth installment of a hilarious easy reader graphic novel collection about some bad guys who want to do good deeds.

Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem

Where are the Constellations?

By Amanda Gorman

By Stephanie Sabol

Presidential Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate Gorman shares this gorgeously illustrated (by Loren Long) book that will inspire all readers to recognize that they can change the world.

In this installment of the incredibly popular “Where Is?” series, explore everything about the constellations, from the stories behind their names to how they were formed, and more.

— Book recommendations by Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, we247.org

Newborns Ready to Play and Learn During the first month of life, your newborn will spend much of the day sleeping or seeming drowsy. Over the next several weeks to months, your baby will be awake and alert for longer periods of time. You’ll learn to recognize when your baby is ready to learn and play: As you care for your newborn, talk, smile, and interact with your baby.

Pay attention and respond to your baby’s cues. For example, watch how your baby moves or starts to coo back when you speak. Take turns “talking” to each other.

This is how your baby learns to communicate.

In the first few weeks, you may want to introduce some simple, age-appropriate toys that appeal to the senses of sight, hearing, and touch, such as: Try toys and mobiles with contrasting colors and patterns. Strong contrasts (such as red, white, and

black), curves, and symmetry stimulate an infant’s developing vision. As vision improves and babies gain more control over their movements, they’ll interact more and more with their environment.

Pick a soothing song or lullaby and softly sing it often to your baby. The familiarity of the sound and words will have a soothing effect, particularly during fussy times.

Smile, stick out your tongue, and make other expressions for your infant to study, learn, and imitate.

Talk and read to your baby.

Keep in mind that babies develop at different rates, and there is a wide range of normal development.

Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about how your newborn sees and hears, or if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s development.

Information provided by KidsHealth.org from Nemours Children’s Health. © 1995-2021.

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EDUCATION College Ready

7 Simple Ways to Send Some Love to Campus By Pam Goodwin

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s we return to our previously typical (what’s “normal” anymore?) activities and schedules, this fall brings students back to brick-and-mortar schools — including college kids. Whether they’re freshmen or sophomores heading to campus for the first time, those departures from home stir up many emotions.

Parents and young adults may feel they’ve had a lot of togetherness since the pandemic began. But once our children are gone from the nest, we miss them — and somewhere deep down, they most likely miss us, too.

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Here are 7 ways to share some love with your student away at a college campus.

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SEND A CARD. Who

doesn’t love getting a personalized, handwritten envelope in the mail?

Especially these days when almost everything is electronic, receiving a physical greeting card that can be held and displayed is really special. Get creative and make your own or grab one from the greeting card aisle.

ENCLOSE A $10 OR $20 BILL IN YOUR CARD.

With a child (or children) in college, finances may be understandably tight. But if it’s within your budget, any student away from home would be thrilled to get some surprise spending money. (And the extra green will make them forgive the original artwork if you did create your own card.)

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PICTURES ARE PERFECT. As

a snail-mail bonus, develop and send some photos of the family or the pet(s). We all constantly take and share pictures on our cellphones, but a real, developed photograph can be pinned to a bulletin board or taped to a dorm room wall. Be sure, however, if the picture is older and the recipient is in it, that the shot is one they would approve of.

ENCOURAGE A SIBLING TO SHARE SOMETHING. Even

if they may have fought like cats and dogs. Those days are over for a semester, at least. See if a younger sibling would like to draw a picture, write a note or tell a story about current life at home. While it may be reverie, perhaps that rivalry can be turned around with a little sib-to-sib communication when they’re apart.

SHIP STANDARD AND/OR SILLY SUPPLIES. Useful

writing instruments like mechanical pencils, Sharpies or highlighters often need to be replenished and can be expensive when purchased on or near campus.

COFFEE GIFTS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED. Help

your student stay caffeinated and alert while studying by loading up their online account at the local coffee chain. This will show you understand the grind (pun intended) your child is going through at college and that you wish them a latte success.

BAKED GOODS HIT THE SPOT. You

can certainly order a sweet treat to be delivered, but nothing says “love” like something from the oven at home. Package up and send a box of your student’s favorite cookies or your specialty item from the region. With so many shipping options available, it can arrive on campus still fresh and tasty.

College life is, of course, exciting -- but it can be overwhelming. Even seemingly well-adjusted students may have pangs of homesickness now and then, whether they admit it or not. So a little thoughtfulness on a parent’s part goes a long way when a young adult is away from home. With so many options, it’s easy to send some love to campus this fall.

Tips from a College Student Georgia Lattas, assistant editor at Northeast Ohio Parent is currently attending John Carroll University.

She provides insight as a current college student on what is needed while on campus.

SEND EVERYDAY SUPPLIES. Most

underclassmen don’t have a car on campus, university transportation can be unreliable and some colleges have limited nearby shopping options, including drugstores. In these cases, it’s important to send your student(s) everyday supplies that may be hard to get otherwise — garbage bags, Lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, sheet paper, tape, staples, shampoo, conditioner, ibuprofen, new phone/tablet/computer chargers, etc.

SEND CLOTHES. Most

students do not have time in their busy schedule to go to the local mall or department store, so sending your student(s) new clothes is a weight taken off their shoulders. This can be important when your student has an upcoming meeting or job interview and needs some business casual outfits from home, or when the seasons are changing and your student needs new clothes for the changing weather.

SEND BIRTHDAY/HOLIDAY CARDS/GIFTS. Students

have to spend their birthdays away at college, so it is nice to get something through the mail from family.

Aside from birthdays, send your student Valentine’s Day candy or Halloween decorations to decorate their dorm — little gestures like these have a huge impact.

SEND SNACKS. Universities

have vending machines or other kiosks to buy snacks, but these expenses add up, and there are limited options of snacks available (not to mention, dining hall food isn’t the greatest).

Send your student a box full of snacks to eat during study sessions at the library or to share with friends in their dorm. A company called SnackBOX offers a variety of snacks – Oreos, fruit snacks, granola bars, cookies, etc – all in one collective box.

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EDUCATION

Back to School

Classroom Learning

n s r u t e R HELPING KIDS TRANSITION BACK FROM VIRTUAL TO IN-PERSON

By Georgia Lattas

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oing back to school after a long summer is never easy, but after a year and a half at home due to a worldwide virus it’s even harder. Students all over the world are preparing their return to in-person learning while still coping with the consequences of the pandemic, including lessened social skills, mental stress, social anxiety and challenges to learning because of remote classes.

Wendy Grove of the Ohio Department of Education and Bill Stencil of Humanware, a social and emotional learning program through the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, offer students and parents tips on how to prepare for in-person learning this fall.

One of the most important things parents can do to ease their child’s nerves is to talk about their concerns about returning to school.

Grove suggests that these conversations take place weeks before returning to school and recommends an organic dialogue either at dinner or another setting in which families can convene and spend time together.

“Any transition is hard, but kids are resilient,” Grove says. “If they haven’t been in school for a year, they’re probably looking forward to it. But then again, some kids might have some anxiety. Some of the best things that we could recommend is just talking about it.”

Many students may feel anxious about not knowing where their classes are or which door they will be entering or exiting at school.

It is important for all students, but especially incoming freshmen or new middle schoolers, to visit their school and familiarize themselves with their surroundings.

“If [students are] able to do the route on their bikes or if they can walk it, then [parents should] ride their bikes or do the walk with them,” Grove says. “If [students] are going to be picked up or dropped off in a car, go ahead and do that routine. Ask your child what they’re feeling or how they are going to feel.”

Setting up a routine is a great way to help students feel less anxious about going back to school. Stencil recommends establishing what time the student has to get up, figuring out everything that has to be done before going to school (brushing teeth, getting clothes ready,

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packing up the backpack,) when to catch transportation, how long the school day is, and what bedtime looks like now.

“Now we have to be in school instead of just joining a Zoom call, so it’s important to set up a routine,” Stencil says. “I think it’s important that parents work through the routines with the children as well.”

Students may feel nervous when returning to school since Ohio does not have a statewide vaccination policy, and schools are handling mask mandates differently. Stencil advises parents to discuss with their child what safety measures are being implemented at school and talk about resources students can seek out if they feel anxious.

“Before, there were around 45 to 50 school nurses to cover 105 schools [at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District], but now there will be a certified, licensed medical professional of some kind in every school,” Stencil says. “If someone has a safety concern or concern about how they’re feeling, they will now have access to that medical professional.”

Aside from safety concerns, returning to in-person learning after attending remote classes from the comfort of home may make some students anxious about jumping back into the social environment of school.

Grove recommends parents set up playdates at the local playground or ice cream shop to help their students meet classmates or help reintegrate their child into social situations with classmates they have not seen in over a year.

“A lot of schools have directories of other students so hopefully (parents) have a parent email or a phone number where they can text or call a kid’s parent and ask to meet up,” Grove says. “Younger students may not quite have the skills to reach out to others, independently of their parents. So parents need to keep that in mind.”

Above all, Stencil and Grove recommend parents reach out to their child’s school to learn more about their policies and procedures for the upcoming school year. Each school is different, and each child will feel differently about the fall.

“It’s important that parents let their child know that they are here to support them,” Stencil says.

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Back to After School Fun These activities in the region provide opportunities for kids to get together, learn skills and build communities.

By Ginny McCabe

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fter-school programs throughout Northeast Ohio offer a good opportunity for kids to learn new things, bond with friends, expand their skills, and build a community. We spoke with several area experts who talked about the benefits of these programs and how they are getting kids back together.

ENGAGE INTERESTS

Michael Lund Ziegler, director of education at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby, says one of the biggest benefits of after-school programs is the opportunity for young people to pursue something they love, and perhaps to reach a depth and a proficiency.

Kids can also benefit by learning skills they can carry with them in their careers, such as teamwork and empathy, by participating in dance or theater, for example.

Ed Gallagher, director of education at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, says an arts education program helps kids become more well-rounded.

“Some kids may go on to professional careers in the arts, but they also may go on to be appreciators of the arts, attendees of the arts, and pass it on to their kids down the road,” he says. “So, it makes them well-rounded individuals, and that helps

to define someone’s culture in all different interest areas.”

Across all the different art forms, the arts can teach kids the skills they need to succeed.

“Equally important, and first and foremost, we are teaching artistic skills, so we want our students in the youngest classes to develop the best set of skills to create a foundation for them to move forward and advance in that art form, so they are going to learn the proper terminology, the proper technique, and the best way to interact with each of those art forms,” he says.

“The thing about after-school programs is it gives kids that opportunity to grow creatively and to grow individually, and to support and encourage literacy development.

That’s what our focus is — it’s on creative literacy,” says Amy Rosenbluth, executive director of Lake Erie Ink: A Writing Space for Youth.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

After-school programs also provide kids with enrichment experiences outside the traditional school day, where they can enjoy being a kid and have fun.

“We are giving them openness and opportunities to take that where they want to go with it. So we see a lot of value in helping them get new, healthy ways of working

through things,” according to Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, executive director, Fairmount Center for the Arts.

“The other thing with the social piece, especially over the last year, we did a great job with online learning, and so many people pivoted in innovative ways, but nothing compares to the energy and connection that happens when people are in the same class, when kids can join together in person. The physical proximity is really important,” she says.

She says after-school programs are helping kids return to “normalcy,” by teaching them how to work through things, and equipping them with life skills.

“We help them explore different ways to create, and in an afterschool program, they have the time and the space to do that. The other thing is it builds community for kids,” Rosenbluth says. “So clearly now, when we are coming back out of this isolating year, that’s going to be very critical for kids to feel like they have a community to belong to, where they can be comfortable, learn new things, share and have fun.”

A PLACE TO GROW

Regardless of the art form, the arts help kids grow. They also connect and support academics and what kids are learning in the

LEFT AND RIGHT: INK SPOT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS, PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE INK. MIDDLE: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION IN WILLOUGHBY

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LEFT: PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN NOVELTY. MIDDLE: PHOTO COURTESY OF BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS IN LAKEWOOD. RIGHT: PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE INK

classroom, Fleming-Gifford says.

Teaching kids’ non-artistic skills is also important.

“So, the kids are learning how to communicate, whether it be non-verbal communication that you have to learn when working together as a group,” Gallagher says. “Some of them are learning motor skills that are learned through dance. In theater, they are learning to be improvisational speakers and reactors, and great listeners. Then everything we do ends up being a social experience for the kids. Sometimes, it’s before and after class, sometimes it’s during class, and sometimes it’s the whole, complete experience,

but all those non-artistic skills translate into daily living skills that help someone become who they are as they go through their lives.”

“The arts are important because they define who we are as a culture,” Gallagher says. “ It shows how we express emotion.

It can show how we decorate our walls and our spaces. It can also show how we build our buildings, how we tell jokes, and how we tell stories. So, I think the arts are important because it influences all of that.”

Arts not only impact kids, and build their social circles, but they also carry over into their careers and other areas of their lives. From a community arts festival or a

sculpture, or a summer performance series, to the high school marching band or the art gallery in town, the arts play a major role in our lives.

“It takes a certain level of dedication to accomplish anything, whether it’s in the arts or any other field, at a significant level,” says Lund Ziegler. “If you take learning a musical instrument, for example, to really do it well, you must have incredible focus, great dedication, you’ve got to be able to organize your time, and you’ve got to commit to it. Those kinds of skills carry over into any field.”

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS GUIDE BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center for the Arts is a non-profit performing arts and arts education organization in Lakewood.

The center combines professional theater productions with comprehensive, curriculumbased arts education to create arts experiences for all ages and abilities as individual as the people we serve. Beck Center is the largest theater and arts facility on Cleveland’s West Side, housing multiple performance spaces and producing live theater performances for children, teens, and adults, with visual art gallery spaces and newly renovated classrooms for programming for all ages, accessible for everyone. It offers classes for all ages and abilities in creative arts therapies, music, theater, dance, and visual art while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe environment for all artists and audiences. beckcenter.org

CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO

Center Stage Dance Studio — proudly serving Northfield and all surrounding communities since 1988. A positive, safe environment for children ages 2-18 to grow and shine. Join the open house on August 20-22 to tour the facility, meet the teachers, and sign up for fall classes. Take classes in Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Tiny Dancers, and more.

Free trial classes are available for new students. Register online: centerstageohio.com.

CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

Watch your child’s eyes sparkle with delight.Their confidence grows. camaraderie grows. Your community grows. Students receive personalized attention and encouragement from nurturing and experienced teachers. Classes for ages 3-85 in ballet, boys’ ballet, jazz, tap, modern, musical theater, and hip-hop. Performance opportunities include with City Ballet of Cleveland in “The Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker” Call today, schedule a tour. 216-295-2222, clevelandcitydance.com - CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 -

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS GUIDE - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 -

CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

School is back in session and so is after-school programming at the Cleveland Public Library.

Children and teens of all ages can visit their local branches for access to computers and homework help, as well as activities like arts programming, gaming with CPL Play, STEM programs, and more. Teachers can utilize library resources by applying for an Educator Card to access age-appropriate reading materials, educational movies, music, and more.

Learn more at cpl.org/kids-teens/.

ETIQUETTE CONSULTING SERVICES

Back to Learning!

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for articles and tips to help your kids get ready for school and more!

Good behavior opens doors. Etiquette Consulting Services’ programs for children and teens focus on skills to help them succeed in the classroom, at home, on the job and with peers. Application of these skills leads to increased opportunities, greater confidence and improved self-esteem. 216-292-8888, etiquetteconsultingservices.com

FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Afterschool ARTS programs?

Fairmount Center for the Arts offers programs in dance (ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap and more!), art (including ceramics), theatre, fitness classes and private music instruction for all ages. Programs take place at Fairmount’s “castle” building, located minutes from Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Chardon and surrounding areas. Homeschool programs, one-day camps and special events are also offered. Fall programs begin Monday, Aug. 30. To register or learn more: fairmountcenter.org or 440-338-3171.

GIRL SCOUTS

Girl Scouts is a way of life that brings out the best in your girl, helping her bring out the best in everyone around her. While she’s learning about STEM, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and important life skills, she’s also discovering new ways to make your family and community stronger, kinder, and better for everyone. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

Join now at gsneo.org/join

RIGHT AT SCHOOL

Right At School is Northeast Ohio’s trusted provider of after school, before school, and break camp programs. Our mission is to inspire a love of learning in kids, support schools, and give parents peace of mind. With 180+ hands-on learning activities, daily homework support, loads of fitness games and sports, and countless opportunities for socialization and fun, Right At School is the perfect place to be a kid after the school bell rings. rightatschool.com

20 | Family Living at Its Best

VERB BALLET

The Verb Ballets Center for Dance Youth Division provides classes for ages 3-14.

These after school tuition-based programs aim to nurture a love of dance as an art form and healthy activity. The professional dance faculty will help kids build a strong foundation for dance by improving coordination, strength, flexibility, musicality, and good teamwork. Classes are available for a variety of different ability levels and age ranges. Fall semester begins September 2021. verbballets.org/youthclasses

YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY OF NORTHEAST OHIO

Young Chefs Academy offers cooking classes to children in a safe environment that encourages discovery and creativity. While learning food preparation skills is the main ingredient at YCA, each class adds a heap of kitchen safety, a scoop of etiquette, a handful of table settings, a pinch of menu planning, and laughter to taste. Locations in Solon and Strongsville, 440-853-5004, ycastrongsville.com

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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OPEN HOUSES ANDREWS OSBORNE ACADEMY

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS

CLEVELAND MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Lyndhurst 4982 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst 216-381-1191, juliebilliartschool.org Oct. 19 & Dec. 14: 9 a.m.

38588 Mentor Ave., Willoughby 440-942-3600, andrewsosborne.org Sept. 23: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland 216-421-0700, facebook.com/ clevelandmontessori/ Nov. 3: 5:30 p.m.

BEAUMONT SCHOOL

3301 N. Park Blvd., Cleveland Hts. 216-321-2954, beaumontschool.org Oct. 3: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Lower & Middle Schools 5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst 440-423-4446, hawken.edu Nov. 21: 1 p.m.

Upper School 12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills 440-423-4446, hawken.edu Nov. 7: 1 p.m.

Submit your open house to us at: openhouse@northeastohioparent.com

Birchwood School of Hawken 4400 W. 140th St., Cleveland 216-251-2321, birchwoodschool.org Oct. 24: 2-4 p.m.

Mastery School 11025 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 440-423-4446, hawken.edu Nov. 14: 1 p.m.

Akron 380 Mineola Ave., Akron 330-333-5280, juliebilliartschool.org Sept. 21 & Nov. 30: 9 a.m.

Westlake Campus 3600 Crocker Road, Westlake 440-471-4150, juliebilliartschool.org Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 16 & Dec. 21: 9 a.m.

LAUREL SCHOOL

Lyman Campus 1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts. 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org Oct. 6: 5-7 p.m.

Butler Campus 7420 Fairmount Road, Novelty 216-464-1441, laurelschool.org Oct. 6: 5-7 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS 1375 W Exchange St., Akron 330-836-9384, theelms.org Aug. 6: Noon (Virtual)

PADUA FRANCISCAN HIGH SCHOOL 6740 State Road, Parma 440-845-2444, paduafranciscan.com Oct. 24: 1-4 p.m.

Oct. 25: 6-8 p.m.

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL 3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Hts. 216-321-7571, ruffingmontessori.net Nov. 13: Noon-2 p.m.

SAINT IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL

1911 West 30th St., Cleveland 216-651-0222, ignatius.edu Sept. 26: Noon-6:30 p.m.

SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY 3470 Rocky River Drive, Cleveland 216-251-6788, sja1890.org Oct. 17: Noon-4 p.m.

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

6923 Stow Road, Hudson 330-342-4200, setoncatholicschool.org Aug. 15 & Nov. 14: 2-4 p.m.

22 | Family Living at Its Best

ST. SEBASTIAN PARISH SCHOOL

500 Mull Ave., West Akron 330-836-9107, stsebastian.org/school Nov. 19: 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Kindergarten Explorer Day

TEMPLE ISRAEL NER TAMID 1732 Lander Rd., Mayfield Hts. 440-473-5120, tintcleveland.org Aug. 22: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Hunting Valley Campus (Grades 9-12) 2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley 216-831-2200, us.edu Oct. 6: 6:30 p.m. (Virtual) Nov. 14: Times TBD

Shaker Heights Campus (Junior Kindergarten-Grade 8) 20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Hts. 216-321-8260, us.edu Oct. 6: 6:30 p.m. (Virtual) Nov. 14: Times TBD

VILLA ANGELAST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL 18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 216-481-8414, vasj.com Oct. 10: 1 p.m., Nov. 4: 6 p.m.

Get Social Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @NEOhioParent

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 23

park it LAST CHANCE SUMMER

BY DENISE KOETH

Cleveland Metroparks Go Ape, Storybook Trail in Medina, Paddleboard at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park in Lake Metroparks, Observatory Park to star gaze at Geauga Park District and a display from Asian Lantern Festival.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAURA WATiLO BLAKE, OHIOTOURISM, CLEVELAND METROPARKS AND REMARKABLE LAKE COUNTY.

FamilyLiving Livingat atIts ItsBest Best 24 24 || Family

Even though the return to school is just a few weeks away, there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy summer vacation with your kids.

If your family hasn’t completed its summer bucket list yet, now is the perfect time to try something new together. Look no further than the park systems in Northeast Ohio to find unique activities and events taking place before the back-to-school bell rings.

Check out these suggestions, then plan your family’s next adventure.

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ACTIVITY: GO APE!

G

et a new view of the park while you get your adrenaline pumping at Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure course in Mill Stream Run Reservation.

For ages 10 and older, the course features five zip lines, 42 obstacles and breathtaking vantage points.

Treetop Adventure takes between two and three hours to complete, with times varying based on availability, weather and daylight hours. 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, clevelandmetroparks.com EVENT: Asian Lantern Festival Through Sept. 5, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has been transformed with more than 1,000 new illuminated lanterns, live acrobatic performances, and culturally-inspired cuisines. It’s all part of the Asian Lantern Festival, now in its fourth year.

The after-hours event runs Thursday through Sunday evenings from 6:30-10:30 p.m. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, futureforwildlife.org/lanterns GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITY: GO STARGAZING

E

xplore nature from the ground to the galaxy at Observatory Park, which features six trails, a science center and the Nassau Astronomical Station. The trails include one with interactive pods representing each trail proportional to the sun, another with interactive stations representing ways to study weather, and life-sized cornerstones of the Great Pyramid of Giza, earthen mounds and henge stones. Catch a planetarium show, attend an event or just explore with your family. 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org EVENT: Nights Out in the Parks Enjoy a movie under the stars as part of the “Nights Out” summer series. See an outdoor screening of “Mary Poppins” on Aug. 7 from 8:3011:30 p.m. at Observatory Park. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs and refreshments. Free ice cream treats will be available while supplies last. 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org LAKE METROPARKS ACTIVITY: BEACH DAY

P

ack your towels, sunscreen and a picnic lunch, then head to Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, voted one of the best beaches in Ohio. The 21-acre park features ample space on Lake Erie’s shoreline, as well as paved trails, a playground and a picnic shelter. Relax in the sand, splash in the waves or get in a workout with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental. 301 Huntington Beach Drive, Fairport Harbor, lakemetroparks.com

EVENT: Best of the Bluffs Celebrate amazing pollinators at Lake Erie Bluffs on Aug. 29 from 1-4 p.m. Bees, birds, butterflies and beetles may be tiny, but they play a gigantic role in the ecosystem.

All ages can explore the activities that help plants reproduce through information stations, hands-on activities, guided walks and trail cart tours. Register online at goto.lakemetroparks.com/best-of-bluffs or call 440358-7275. 3301 Lane Road, Perry Twp. LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS ACTIVITY: PADDLE AWAY THE DAY

W

ellington Reservation’s 21-acre reservoir lake is ideal for boating and fishing. Visit the kayak livery Friday through Monday, from 10 a.m.2 p.m. until the end of September, to rent single and tandem kayaks, as well as four-person pontoon paddle boats. Stay for the whole day and trek some of the park’s four-plus miles of hiking trails. 535 Jones Road, Wellington, loraincountymetroparks.com EVENT: Meet a Fairy A fairy is coming to visit French Creek Nature Center on Aug. 31 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join the fun and enjoy music, glitter tattoos, a self-guided tour of the fairy village, and a chance to meet and take a photo with a real fairy. 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks. com MEDINA COUNTY PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITY: TAKE A STORYWALK

S

harpen your kids’ reading skills at the StoryWalk trail at Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park. Along the paved, wooded path, a series of platforms holds the pages of a children’s book that families can read as they stroll along. The project, a cooperative effort with Medina County District Library, features a new book each season.

Afterward, enjoy the park’s all-abilities playground and fenced-in dog park. 4985 Windfall Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com EVENT: Summer BUGket List Challenge Visit Medina County parks through Aug. 31 and cross off species on the BUGket list! To complete this scavenger hunt-type challenge, visit listed parks to look for large, wooden artistic representations of common bugs. Find all 10 wooden bugs, record the park where each bug was found on the challenge list, and submit your form to be entered into a prize raffle. medinacountyparks.com

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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PORTAGE PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITY: GO GEOCACHING

G

eocaching — a real-world, outdoor treasurehunting game using GPS-enabled devices — is a great family activity for children of all ages. Just navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates using an app on your phone or tablet, then attempt to find the container hidden at that location. Some even contain tiny trinkets your kids will love to collect. Track down several caches located within Portage Park District for a day of adventure. portageparkdistrict.org EVENT: Wild Hikes Challenge As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Portage Park District has issued a challenge to complete either 30 hikes or 30 miles in the parks. Not up for a full 30? Hikers can also turn in eight hikes as part of this annual challenge. Completed challenges earn a 2021 medallion, and first-year hikers also earn a hiking staff. portageparkdistrict.org STARK PARKS ACTIVITY: TAKE A BIKE RIDE

S

tark Parks offers more than 100 miles of scenic trails paved with crushed limestone, making it easy to plan a family bike ride. Find a trail close to home or explore far-flung paths, with options including Iron Horse Trail, Mahoning Valley Trail, Sippo Valley Trail, a portion of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, and many more. starkparks.com/biking

26 | Family Living at Its Best

EVENT: Bug Out! Swinging, catching, spying and flying: How many bugs can you discover? Drop in Aug. 29 between 1-3 p.m. at the Lock 4 Trailhead in Congressman Ralph Regula Towpath Trail Park, and your family can catch and release amazing creatures throughout the park. 6575 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, starkparks.com SUMMIT METRO PARKS ACTIVITY: TRY DISC GOLF

H

ead to Silver Creek Metro Park to try your hand at this variation of golf, in which players throw flying discs at elevated baskets. The course offers 18 holes of varying lengths and difficulty levels. Find details, rules and a course map on the park district’s website.

4579 Medina Line Road, Norton, summitmetroparks.org EVENT: Bumblebees and Friends What exactly is a bee?

Children ages 3 to 6 and their adult companions can discover why these amazing, often-misunderstood insects are so important to the world. This Kinderealm series, which features a hike and craft, offers three in-person events (Aug. 5 and 14), as well as one virtual option (Aug. 28), so families can fit the fun into their summer schedules. summitmetroparks.org

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Learning Languages

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t didn’t take long for Claudia Lobe to realize she was different from her peers at Brecksville-Broadview Heights City Schools. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, Lobe spoke Spanish at home and began learning English in preschool and kindergarten.

“I remember in my middle school

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By M Sara acho Hill

Spanish class, I knew every single word, and I could pronounce them with the perfect accent because we spoke Spanish at home,” Lobe, now 21, says. “I would get made fun of for having an accent. I got picked on a lot for my accent and for looking different than everyone in school. I remember wanting to help the kids in Spanish

class when they had a question, but I would just sit there quietly at my desk and not say a word. I told myself I needed to change my accent, so I did. I became very, very aware of it. Students forced me to see myself as different.”

A 2021 graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Lobe now works for Netflix as a production assistant for

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 27

locally filmed movies and says she wishes she could go back in time to give her middle school self a pep talk.

“I wish I could tell my younger self not to change my accent to make other people more comfortable,” Lobe says. “I should have helped out the kids around me in Spanish class instead of sitting there ashamed. If every parent taught their children to be more tolerant, the world would be a better place.”

Many times, whether intentional or not, children and adults shy away from languages and cultures that differ from their own. And oftentimes, they cruelly point out and shame others for their differences. To combat these tendencies, experts advise parents to expose their children to new cultures early and often – and to be aware of their own behaviors and attitudes.

DIFFERENT CULTURES

The United States is known as a “melting pot” of different nationalities, cultures and ethnicities. A 2015 report released by the U.S. Census Bureau showed that there were at least 350 different languages spoken in homes across the United States.

More recently, the 2020 Census was available in 13 languages, providing people more response options than ever before.

Yet despite this evidence of the nation’s increasingly diverse population, families can still find themselves living in a bubble.

Katie Mehosky works as a speech-language pathologist for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and counsels several bilingual children each school year. Many times, a translator is brought in who speaks the child’s native language.

Last school year, 30 percent of students on her caseload came from bilingual families where one or both parents spoke a different language at home.

“In my one group of eight kids, two spoke Arabic and three had different dialects of Spanish,” Mehosky says. “I always look at what language they are more proficient in, and we work as a team to assess them in their native language.

You always need to adapt.”

EXPOSURE TO LANGUAGES

To introduce children to different languages and cultures, Mehosky has one word of advice for parents: exposure.

“That’s what’s really neat about kids — they are sponges and are born blank slates,” Mehosky says. “We need to teach them to be open to differences, whether that’s a different culture, a different

28 | Family Living at Its Best

language, a different religion, a disability, or any other type of difference. They need hands-on experience. They model your behavior around others. They see how you interact with people, and they mimic it.

Children want exposure to other children and to new things. It takes us parents to do that for them, and you’ve got to give them that exposure.”

There are many ways parents can introduce children to new cultures and languages, says Samantha Brown, director of speech-language pathology/audiology for the Special Education Department of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

One fun way, Brown says, is to attend festivals that honor and celebrate different nationalities.

Many cultural events will be held throughout Greater Cleveland this month, such as the Ukrainian Festival running Aug. 6-8 at Pokrova Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church in Parma, Oktoberfest from Aug. 20-22 at Donauschwaben’s German-American Cultural Center in Olmsted Falls, the CLEVELAND WALLS! International Mural Program, running Aug. 2328 in Cleveland’s Midtown neighborhood, and the 75th Annual One World Day hosted by the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation on Aug. 29.

“Your kids will see signs in different languages, encounter people speaking in different languages, see the names of different foods, and see people of other cultures interacting,” Brown says. “It’s a really fun way to introduce your kids to different cultures.”

Families can also incorporate multicultural elements into their vacations and weekend trips, Brown adds. There are also language-learning apps such as Duolingo, Babbel and the Rosetta Stone interactive program, along with television shows like Sesame Street, that incorporate cultural elements and Spanish language shows on Netflix.

“Our children are looking at us all the time, and they are modeling us all the time,” Brown says. “They observe how we address situations in everyday life. You are transferring your interactions with other people onto your child, and you model interactions when you are out with your children. It’s important to have dialogue

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with your children so when sensitive things come up, they aren’t afraid to come talk to you about it.”

Isabel Zupan, a school psychologist working in Cleveland, is Peruvian and her two daughters are bilingual in Spanish and English. Her husband is the grandson of Slovenian immigrants.

“I remember when my one daughter was 3, she would speak to me in Spanish and then turn around and talk in English to my husband,” Zupan says. “My second daughter did more of a ‘Spanglish’ growing up, a jargon where she would say something like, ‘I want to wash my manos.’”

Their children regularly spent time with their Spanish-speaking grandparents

onto her children.

Simply being open to new experiences is helpful, too, in raising more culturally aware children.

“A person is a history book; their backgrounds, how they were raised, their culture, what they believe in; all that comes together in a person. Everybody is like a history book, and everyone can learn something from someone,” Mehosky says.

BRIDGING THE GAP

Hebrew:

Shalom Russian:

Zdravstvuyte German:

Guten Tag Arabic: Asalaam alaikum Hindi: Namaste Turkish:

Merhaba

Source: Babbel.com

and visited other family members living in Miami. It was important to Zupan that her daughters grew up knowing Spanish and honoring their mother’s Peruvian culture by celebrating Peru’s native holidays, eating authentic home-cooked meals and incorporating their heritage into school projects, like bringing traditional Peruvian clothing in for show-and-tell and later writing research papers exploring the Spanish language. Zupan cooks Peruvian meals at home, such as ceviche, a popular dish of fish marinated in citrus juice. She also shops Cleveland’s ethnic markets like La Borincana Foods and orders from Norka’s Peruvian Cooking, helping to preserve her roots and pass family traditions

Lobe, who spent time volunteering as an elementary school language teacher, says children can easily pick up a second language. Where adults spend their time focusing on structure and grammar, Lobe says children are more energized by the prospect of being able to communicate new words.

They are more excited to speak a new language and focus less on getting it right.

She identifies English as her native language, but sometimes thinks or speaks in Spanish when her emotions run high (“When I get scared, I’ll shout out, ‘Dios, mio!’ which is Spanish for “Oh my God!” she says.).

“I can understand both languages perfectly, but it feels like home when someone speaks in Spanish,” Lobe says.

“I think being bilingual has made me a better communicator and better at empathizing with people who speak different languages. If I meet someone with a very heavy accent and maybe others have a hard time understanding them, I am able to empathize. Even if kids don’t want to learn another language or don’t have the ability, just the fact that they’re able to understand there are many different languages and cultures in the world is important and will teach them empathy.”

Zupan advises parents to have conversations with their children about cultural differences. She recommends having discussions before and after encounters and events where differences may be apparent and pointed out by inquisitive young children.

“The goal, I think, for everything, is to be a good human being and to be accepting of everyone,” Zupan says. “I want that for my kids more than anything, for them to be understanding and accepting of everyone. I want them to know the

world and cross frontiers. It is important in our family to travel, and every time we visit someplace new, we research the culture, so we are prepared. When I was growing up in Peru, my father was in the Air Force and was sent to work in Russia.

We spent one year living in Russia, and I learned enough Russian to be able to go to the stores and shop with my mom.

We’ve always had a fascination with traveling. Instead of buying new cars or having the newest phones, we’ve spent our money traveling. I feel that is more important. Last month we visited Ellis Island, and my daughters were looking up my husband’s relatives. It was a good reminder that we are not the only ones in this world. Simply knowing that can make you a better person.”

Five Ideas for Exposing Your Kids to Other Languages Janet H. Cho, managing editor at Northeast Ohio Parent, shares these tips: 1. Read a book by or about someone who grew up speaking another language. Try to learn a few words in a different language. Ask your local librarian or bookstore for suggestions.

2. Look up the American Sign Language alphabet and learn how to finger-spell your name.

3. Watch a family movie in a foreign language, and try to learn some new words.

As Golden Globe-winning South Korean film director Bong Joon Ho said last year (through interpreter ​​Sharon Choi): “Once you overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

4. Borrow an ethnic recipe book or watch a cooking show, and find a new favorite family dinner.

5. Discover a locally owned ethnic restaurant or grocery store, and learn about other cultures through their cuisine.

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 29

DOUBLE

the

LOVE HOMA BASH FROM WEWS NEWS 5 CLEVELAND AND HER HUSBAND, DANIEL, CELEBRATE PARENTHOOD WITH TWINS.

Story by Angela Gartner / Photos by Kim Stahnke

Living at Its Best 30 | Family Living at Its Best 30 | Family

H

oma Bash, weekend morning anchor and special projects reporter at WEWS News 5 Cleveland, and her husband, Daniel, had something to celebrate in this difficult year.

Bash gave birth to twin girls on June 23, and with the support of family and others, the couple is now navigating through double the fun of newborns.

Having twins isn’t new to the family. Bash’s husband has a twin brother, Steve.

When the ultrasound revealed twins, “we were so excited,” she says. “We have wanted kids for so long, it was double the blessing.”

While a pregnancy during a pandemic isn’t ideal for most couples, Bash says, everything worked out better than expected.

“It was nice — being isolated and pregnant,” she reflects. “It was an easy pregnancy.”

They prepared for the twins with the typical baby showers, but also a gender neutral-themed baby room.

“We didn’t find out the genders until they were born,” Bash says. “We couldn’t go on a (planned) safari last year due to COVID-19. We decided to turn their room into a safari theme. We both are big into animals. It makes us happy every time we go into their room. We had a lot of fun with it.”

The twin girls, Zayna, (baby A), who Bash says “acts like it,” and Zarina (baby B) had their names picked out by Queso, their 1-year-old Cavadoodle (poodle and Cavalier Kings Charles mix), who she says is good with the twins.

“We had four or five — two boys and two girls names picked out,” Bash says. They had Queso choose the names by plucking them out of a hat and those are the names he chose.

Zayna’s name means “beauty,” and Zarina is “golden.”

Now that the babies have been home for a month, the new family is developing a routine.

“You read all the books, watch the videos, and try to prepare as much as you can (before their birth), but nothing quite prepares you for feeding two babies at once.”

What has helped is having the babies on the same

schedule and having breast milk pumped into bottles.

Bash says her twins were a few weeks early and are still practicing how to latch — something else that can be difficult to know until you have babies.

A lot of support from family and friends, including a group called Westshore Mothers of Twins Club, a nonprofit organization for parents of multiples, has helped.

“It’s truly a special club — and to have that support and wisdom,” Bash says.

Her mom, Shehnaz, has also been with her since the twins were born. “I would be lost without her,” she says.

The twins' personalities are starting to emerge, which has been exciting for the family.

“Just looking at them grow, day by day, see their personality bloom, they are very different girls,” Bash says. “It’s a dream come true, times two. It was a hard year for a lot of people, and to have this light at the end of it has been great.”

Top: Homa Bash and her mother, Shehnaz, at Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation.

PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE Bottom photos: Homa shows us her safari-themed baby room, with their 1-year-old Cavadoodle Queso enjoying the space, too.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY HOMA BASH

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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How to Choose a Pediatrician — Practical tips for finding and selecting the right doctor for your child.

By Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

A

s a parent, you need partners you can trust and count on for the myriad of questions that arise when it comes to your child’s health and wellness. Additionally, there may be times when you need to find a pediatric specialist — whether that be a dentist, ophthalmologist, allergist or other.

In short, you need medical professionals who are the best fit for your child’s needs.

But how do you find them?

Here are some tips for choosing a pediatrician or other pediatric specialist: TRAINING. Take time to find out the

medical school w​here the doctor did post-graduate and residency training. This is important as it can shed light on their expertise as well as the overall quality of their education.

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 -

32 | Family Living at Its Best

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32 -

REVIEWS. Lean into a little online research. A simple Google

search can yield big insight, or at least other food for thought or good questions to pose during your initial inquiry with a medical professional.

LOGISTICS: LOCATION, HOURS, AND SCHEDULING. When

is the pediatrician available and does their schedule work with your needs? Though, of course, we all need to have flexibility in our lives, we also need to work with services who can work - as feasible - with our scheduling needs as well. Simple things like some evening or weekend hours are a necessity for some families in ensuring access to needed medical services. Additionally, can you get to the pediatrician’s location easily? How are visits for acute illnesses handled? Can an appointment be secured on short notice if your child needs to be seen due to an earache, sore throat or sudden fever?

AFFILIATIONS. Does the pediatrician or specialist work with

a hospital, which hospital and in what capacity? In the event your child would need hospitalization there is value in working with the healthcare team who already knows your child and their medical history.

TEAM. Is the physician or specialist part of a larger practice?

Who will cover for them during their vacation or other leaves of absence?

ACCESSIBILITY. What should your expectations be when

asking questions about your child’s health? If you have a routine question, will the doctor or a member of their medical team (i.e. a nurse) be accessible? And how will you be able to contact them?

COLLABORATION. If your child ever develops

a serious illness that requires the care of one or more specialists, how will your pediatrician coordinate or collaborate with a group of professionals to care for your child?

CONNECTION. How does the medical pro-

fessional connect with your child and family?

Are they genuinely interested in your child and questions either of you may have?

CLARITY. Does the doctor communicate clear-

ly to explain illnesses and treatments and does the doctor make an effort to ensure that all your questions are answered?

INSURANCE. Be sure to understand what

insurance is accepted and the office policy of processing.

MONEY. Take the time to understand what

will be the fees you will be responsible for when seeing the doctor for sick visits, routine examinations, or further treatment by a specialist.

Taking time to select the right medical professional for your family may be one of the best investments in your child’s health.

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford has a MA in family and consumer sciences with a specialization in child development and is the executive director at Fairmount Center for the Arts. Her passions include outdoor adventures, volunteering to raise potential autism service dogs, and writing.

34 | Family Living at Its Best

Find Expert Health Tip Articles at Northeast Ohio Parent magazine!

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www.VisitMickey.com • 440-709-4379 • info@VisitMickey.com 36 | Family Living at Its Best

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AVON LAKE LIVING

Find out why residents love this family-friendly town

August 2021 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Avon Lake Cares

By Angela Gartner

A PARENT PROJECT IN THIS CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY TO HELP PROVIDE SUPPORT AND RESOURCES TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

M Top: Mendy and her “Mom,” Avon Lake High School teacher Mrs. Bair were nominated to receive gift cards donated by EarthWise Pet in Avon Lake. Mrs. Bair and Mendy were nominated because Mendy’s visits to the high school brought students a sense of normalcy during the stressful year. Middle:The group connected school employees and families with donations including financial assistance paying utility bills, holiday gifts, and clothing in times of need.

Bottom: Many requested materials and activities to entertain and occupy students during indoor recess. Photos courtesy of Avon Lake Cares

eghan Barlow and her family have lived in Avon Lake for 15 years. As a clinical pediatric psychologist, she volunteered in her children’s school district to provide continuing education with a workshop for teachers on balancing work-life stress.

The pandemic brought additional stressors to teachers and parents across the U.S., and the Avon Lake community was not spared. Parents like Barlow who were heavily involved in the schools wanted to do more to help the educators.

A committee of parents formed Avon

Lake Cares, supported by the PTA, to provide resources and support to faculty and staff in the school district. “(We) wanted to show them that we cared about them, especially this year,” Barlow says. “It’s a win-win situation. This was a way the parents could contribute in a meaningful way and help parents feel a little better about the school year.”

Avon Lake City Schools is a close-knit school community. Barlow says the schools were open to the project and wanted to help make things work. She says the whole community participated.

“There were so many people who wanted to help and were so willing to give,” she says, adding they were surprised at how quickly they received responses to requests.

Avon Lake Cares used Facebook to solicit resources and donations for school requests and teacher appreciation efforts.

Many of the teachers requested specific classroom materials, but the group also helped teachers help their students and organized campaigns to send teachers gift cards, raffles and notes to show they care.

For this school year, she hopes the project will continue in some capacity and keep providing support over the next several years.

“I always knew teachers’ jobs didn’t stop when the school bell rung, but I didn’t fully appreciate how much they do on their own,” she says. “This year we got to see the depth of what they do for our kids.”

38 | Family Living at Its Best

m i e T i d n n e p S

Avon Lake

This town has plenty to offer its residents and visitors

By Sterling Haynes

A

von Lake offers plenty of family-friendly activities for parents and children of all ages to enjoy. When spending the day in the city, consider visiting the following hotspots in town and nearby cities.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVON LAKE

ACTIVITIES & SHOPPING

Enjoy a lakeside view at Miller Road Park (33760 Lake Rd.). Packed into the 14.7 acres are a gazebo, fishing pier, benches, playground and open areas for children to play. Walk along a paved trail or bring a bike. Picnic tables and grills are available for family gatherings. Also, check out the other city parks such as Veteran’s Memorial Park (32756 Lake Road) avonlake.org/ our-community/our-parks For more outdoor activities, Lorain County Metro Parks Kopf Family Reservation (32649 Electric Blvd.) is right in town to enjoy the wooded scenery. Come try the trails, playground, have a family picnic and participate in other park fun. loraincountymetroparks.com/kopffamily-reservation Looking for a fun night out or friendly-family competition? Head to Spevocks Nautical Lanes. (184 Miller Rd.). This 21lane bowling center features a full service bar and lounge, as well as state-of-the-art Extreme Rock N Bowl sound and a light show system. nauticalbowling.com Looking for a new bike, for you or the kids? Marty’s Cycle Center (453 Avon

Belden Rd.) has a variety of different brands, including road, kids, BMX, mountain bikes and more. Meet these bike specialists who have been in business since 1986. martyscycle.com The Anchor is an indoor space (33483 Lake Rd.) to play sports. Hit balls in the batting cages, play pickleball, basketball, tennis and volleyball. This is a great recreational facility that provides opportunities for everyone. avonlakeoh.myrec.com The Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center (32850 Electric Blvd.) has plenty of opportunities for splash fun with water slides and a pool. The whole family can also enjoy outside activities with tennis courts, playground and more. Pool is open to residents and guests of residents. avonlakeoh.myrec.com Check out a great storybook at the Avon Lake Public Library (32649 Electric Blvd.). Returning this fall is Discovery works with science-based learning activities for kids. alpl.org If you are looking to stretch out your mind or body, visit Avon Lake Yoga (379 Lear Rd., Suite 300). Classes, workshops and more for teens and adults. avonlakeyoga.com Good Neighbor Thrift Shop (158 Lear Rd.). Have your family shop for gently-used clothing and household items, with all profits supporting the Avon Lake United Church of Christ giving program. avonlakeucc.org/thrift-shop/

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HOT AND COLD TREATS

Head over to Fenik’s Frozen Custard for a frozen treat (684 Avon Belden Rd.). Unlike traditional ice cream, frozen custard contains egg yolks. Fenik’s serves homemade frozen custard, ice cream, sorbet, and non-dairy frozen desserts in Avon Lake, Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. Signature flavors include French Silk, Salty Caramel Truffle, French Roast Coffee and Flavor of the Week. feniksfrozencustard.com Grab a cup of exotic coffee at Rio Coffee Brewery (33888 Walker Rd.).

Professional baristas roast over 20 varieties of beans twice a week. Try coffee from Kenya, Ethiopia, Adagio blends, and Rio Asoba blends. Stop by for freshly prepared soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. Full bakery includes muffins, cinnamon rolls, and apple turnovers. coffeeatrio.com There’s a new ice cream shop in Avon Lake: family-owned and operated Isla’s Ice Cream (140 Lear Road, Avon Lake), which opened this summer.

Check out their flavors and celebrate this new opportunity for cool treats in the city. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ islasicecream for hours and info.

40 | Family Living at Its Best

PHOTO COURTESY OF KLINGSHIRN WINERY

EarthWise Pet Nutrition Center & Wellness Spa (375 Lear Rd.).

This locally-owned store provides pet grooming and products for all your furry friends’ needs. If you are unsure what’s best to feed your pet, they have a certified pet dietitian who can help. avonlake.earthwisepet.com/avonlake

GRAB A BITE TO EAT

Parker’s Grille & Tavern is an American bistro-style restaurant in Avon Lake (32858 Walker Rd). From specialty burgers and hand-cut steaks to flatbreads and fresh salads, Parker’s has something for every taste. Enjoy impeccable service and an award-winning selection of wines, cocktails, and beers.

View the menu at parkersgrilleandtavern.com Refined Italian Cuisine and fine wine awaits at Fratellos (32085 Electric Blvd.). Fratello’s is an unpretentious white-tablecloth eatery offering familiar Italian dishes & a variety of wines. Menu includes breaded veal with a roasted tomato pesto, linguini with clam sauce, fettuccini alfredo, and almond-and-walnut-crusted chicken on a bed of spinach topped with Asiago cheese and steamed mussels. fratellos.net Klingshirn Winery is a family tradition of excellence since 1935 (33050 Webber Rd.). Stop by the family-owned winery for inexpensive regionally-produced wine tastings. Customers can also purchase freshly-cut flowers, various plants, and freshly picked seasonal produce. Bring along food to eat with the wine and enjoy it outside at one of many picnic tables. klingshirnwine.com Be sure to check hours of operation and health guidelines for each establishment before visiting.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVON LAKE

BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS SPECIAL ADVERTISER LISTINGS JOSEPH L. MOTTA CO., LPA

Joseph L. Motta Co., LPA is devoted to protecting families from life’s most challenging situations. Their goal is to provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have planned your affairs to help avoid the financial disruptions that often accompany death or incapacity. Each client receives our personal attention because we want you to feel comfortable discussing issues that can be emotionally difficult to address. Avon Lake, 440-9302826, josephlmotta.com

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS

At Lorain County Metro Parks, you never have to hear “There’s nothing to do.”

Take the family on the paddle boats at Wellington Reservation. Visit the beach at Lakeview Park.

Explore the children’s discovery trail at Carlisle. With the Lorain County Metro Parks, nature is always nearby.

Loraincountymetroparks.com

SWEET KIDDLES A flexible childcare center providing high-quality, convenient, cost-effective care whenever you need it.

Just reserve time on the easy online portal or smartphone app. Care for children 6 weeks to 12 years, with before- and after-school programs, Preschool and Pre-K. With five locations in the Cleveland area, you can find the one that best fits your needs. Best of all, when you don’t come, you don’t pay. sweetkiddles.com

On the shores of a beautiful Great Lake, we welcome visitors to enjoy our Avon Lake. Visitors and residents enjoy summer concerts in various parks around the city as they relax with cool breezes off of Lake Erie. Avon Lake is a great place to play with a myriad of programs and events such as: Fishing with Friends, Star Parties, Baseball Summer Classic, Big Trucks, Yoga in the Park, and The Trail of Haunted Tales.

VERTAVA HEALTH

Vertava Health provides evidence-based and comprehensive behavioral health care to help people achieve long-term success in recovery and wellness. With inpatient rehabs and outpatient wellness centers across the country as well as virtual behavioral health care options, they offer a full continuum of addiction treatment and co-occurring mental health care. They also offer a wide range of services including individual counseling, support groups, family therapy, medication management, and more to meet people’s varying needs on their journey to heal. vertavahealth.com/rocky-river

—Avon Lake Mayor Gregory Zilka

avonlake.org Economic Development and city business opportunities: avonlake.org/economic-development Avon Lake Parks and Recreation: avonlakeoh.myrec.com Avon Lake Historical Society: heritageavonlake.org Avon Lake City Schools: avonlakecityschools.org Avon Lake Early Childhood PTA: alecpta.com Avon Lake Public Library: alpl.org Kopf Family Reservation, Lorain County Metro Parks, Avon Lake: loraincountymetroparks.com/kopf-family-reservation Avon Lake Boat Launch and Fishing Pier: avonlake.org/our-community/boat-launch Avon Lake Community Garden: avonlakecommunitygarden.org Cornerstone Preschool, Avon Lake: cornerstonepreschoolal.com Goddard School of Avon Lake: goddardschool.com/schools/oh/avon-lake St. Joseph Parish School, Avon Lake: stjosephparishschool.org

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AUGUST CAlenDAR

Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

family Fun alk

Chalk T

8/6

2nd Annual Chalk Party. Help brighten up the library at its 2nd annual chalk party. Kids, teens, and adults are all welcome to participate. Ice cream and chalk will be provided. 1-3 p.m. University Heights Branch Library, 13866 Cedar Rd., 216932-3600, heightslibrary.org/ events/childrens-events/

Pick your DAY

MONDAYS

2021 Summer Kids Movie Series.

The Summer Kids Movie Series returns to the Canton Palace Theatre for the 18th year, featuring affordable, family-friendly movies each Monday afternoon throughout the summer. Through 8/9. 1 p.m. 605 Market Ave. North, Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

TUESDAYS

Pups on the Piazza. Enjoy lunch or dinner with al fresco dining on The Piazza patio with your furry companion. 4-9 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com

WEDNESDAYS

Pinecrest Pack Walks. Join Shaker Hound Academy for a one-hour organized walk for dogs and humans every Wednesday. 9 a.m. Pinecrest, Park Avenue, Orange Village, gervasivineyard.com Arts and Crafts in the Park.

Come paint, and create at Walter Stinson Park every other week through 8/18 and let your inner artist shine. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

University Heights Branch Library, 13866 Cedar Rd., 216-932-3600, heightslibrary.org Virtual Mandarin for Kids. A live group language and music lesson for beginners. Through 8/18.

12:30-1 p.m. (ages 7-12), and 1:302 p.m. (ages 3-6). Hudson Library

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8/7-8

Hudson Chalk Festival. Join Door 2 Art Studio and the city of Hudson for the first annual Hudson Chalk Fest. People of all skill levels and ages are invited to create chalk images on specific sidewalks in downtown Hudson. hudson.oh.us/1226/Events

8/10

Chalk the Walk. Welcome back to the library. Show off your talent and love for your library as we chalk the walk at the Middlefield library. 3-3:45 p.m. Middlefield Branch Library, 16167 E. High St., Middlefield, 440-632-1961, geaugalibrary.libcal.com/ event/7952075

& Historical Society, 96 Library St., 330-653-6658, hudsonlibrary.org

FRIDAYS

Food Fridays at the Library: The Scratch Truck and Bean the Baker. Delicious farm fresh food from The Scratch Truck and To-Go boxes from Bean and The Baker. 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, 330-296-2827, reedlibrary.org

ongoing

Through August

Creepy-Crawly Scavenger Hunt. Find all of the creepy-crawlies hidden across the library and pick a prize. 10

a.m.-8 p.m. Highland Square Branch Library, 807 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-2927, akronlibrary.org

Through September

Science Under The Sun. The Great Lakes Science Center is moving the hands-on fun outside for the summer for a new series of interactive STEM programming. Outdoor tents overlooking NorthCoast Harbor will house large-scale tinkering, take-apart, and design challenges with rotating themes. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, greatscience.com

day - by - day

8/1-24

Where in the World is Quarry Bear? He’s lost his vacation photos and needs your help to find them. Pick up a contest sheet at the library, and take a walk around downtown Amherst to look for Quarry’s vacation photos.

A winner will be drawn from all correct entries on August 24. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., 440-988-4230, amherst.lib.oh.us

8/2

Kids Yoga in the Garden. Calm the body and mind through nature-inspired yoga poses, breath practices, and guided relaxation. For students entering K and up. Registration is required.

10-11 a.m.Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Rd., 330-4254268, twinsburglibrary.libcal.com/ event/7764883

8/3

Lead Like RBG. An interactive workshop that will empower, invigorate and unleash your leadership influence. 9 a.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216593-0575, maltzmuseum.org/ exhibitions/current-exhibitions Let’s Talk SPACE. Engage in conversations on current astronomy, cosmology, and space exploration topics. 1-1:30 p.m. McKinley Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, 330-455-7043, mckinleymuseum.org/event/ lets-talk-space-2/

8/4

Solar Powered Crafts. Create your own UV bead bracelet and watch as the sun’s rays bring color to the beads. Then use nature print paper to capture shadows and make a unique art piece.

Noon-1 p.m. Lorain Public Library, 351 W. Sixth St., 440-244-1192, lorainpubliclibrary.org Open Mic in the Garden. Join others and play your favorite songs in the Library’s Reading Garden.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Rd., 330425-4268, twinsburglibrary.libcal. com/event/7751512

8/5

Chardon Kids Flea Market.

The Kids Flea Market is a great opportunity for kids to get rid of those old, unused toys, games and clothes while providing a safe venue for learning the basics of entrepreneurship. Booths

are available for children ages 15 and younger. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Chardon Square, chardonsquareassociation.org

8/6

Movies Under the Stars. Enjoy a feature length newly released DVD or favorite family classic.

9-11 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd., 440-871-2600, westlakelibrary. org/event/4991603

8/7

Super Star Party. A mysterious world lies beyond our atmosphere. Join this annual party to dive into the life and world of an astronaut. Enjoy engaging activities for all ages and interest levels.

7-11 p.m. Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd., Willoughby, 440-256-1404, lakemetroparks.com/events-activities/events/super-star-party Movie Night: “Mary Poppins.”

Free admission. Partially accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

8:30 p.m. Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, 440279-0820, geaugaparkdistrict.org Babysitters Workshop for Teens. Learn how to become a Super Sitter. This virtual workshop focuses on safety and first aid for infants and children in your care.

Registration required. 1:30-4 p.m.

Parma Heights Branch Library, 6206 Pearl Rd, attend.cuyahoga library.org/event/5200337

8/7-8

Squire’s Castle Family Campout. An overnight adventure at Squire’s Castle where you will sleep outdoors under the stars, create memories of a campfire with s’mores and have fun with additional programs. $10.

North Chagrin Reservation, 3037 SOM Center Rd., Willoughby Hills, clevelandmetroparks.com

8/7-15

Fin Fest. A week-long celebration of sharks. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

8/8

Zoothing Hour. Open an hour early for guests with different abilities who do not like loud noises and/or crowds. 9-10 a.m.

Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org/zoothing-hour

8/9

Yoga on the Plaza. The Rock Hall and Inner Bliss Yoga Studios are excited to invite you to Monday Night Yoga, a yoga experience dedicated to growing & healing together, outside at the Rock Hall.

6-7 p.m. Union Home Mortgage Plaza, 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Cleveland, 216-781-7625, rockhall.com/events/yoga-aug-9

8/10

Grow Your Own Chia Pet. Stop by the Highland Square Branch Library and pick up a kit to grow your own Chia Pet. Available while supplies last. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 807 W. Market St., Akron, 330-3762927, services.akronlibrary.org/ event/5340120

8/10-15

The 124th Annual Cuyahoga County Fair. Annual family traditions and other featured attractions such as arts & crafts, beekeeping exhibits, Drew Murray Magic Show, Harness Horse Racing, Live-Stock Auction, farm animals and more. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Noon-11 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.11 pm. Sunday: Noon-10 p.m.

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd, Berea, cuyfair.com

8/11

Grab & Go Developing Readers Kits. A high-interest picture book has been paired with a Level 2 or 3 early-reader book, fun playbased activities, and worksheets specifically for struggling and reluctant readers. Garfield Heights Branch Library, 5409 Turney Rd., 216-475-8178, attend.cuyahoga library.org/event/4933633

8/12

Little Green Train Choo Rides.

All aboard for a train adventure to explore nature’s wonders. The train will run every 15 minutes. 1-3 p.m. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Rd., Lagrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

8/13

Movie in the Park: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Grab a blanket and lawn chairs and head to the park for a fun filled evening. Preshow entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. Solon Community Park, 6679 SOM Center Rd., Solon, solonohio.org TikTok Skate Night. Shoot a TikTok video from 8:30-9 p.m on the skate floor, take a video with your favorite floor guard all while listening to the most popular and favorite TikTok music all night. 6-9

p.m. United Skates of America, 30325 Palisades Pkwy., Wickliffe, unitedskates.com/ public/wickliffe

8/14

Geocaching Treasure Hunt.

What is more fun than going on a treasure hunt? Geocaching gives a technology twist to the fun. It’s a simple and fun activity for all ages. 10-11:30 a.m. Trail Lake Park, 605 Ravenna Rd., Streetsboro, portagecounty-oh.gov

8/15

Canine Costume Contest. There will be adult and juvenile divisions for the first canine costume contest at the Brunswick Area Historic Society’s Farmer’s Market.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. 4613 Laurel Road, Brunswick, brunswickhistory.com Try it: Kayaking. Enjoy a relaxed session to see what this water sport is like and try maneuvering out on the water. 10-11 a.m., 11 a.m.-noon, or noon-1 p.m. Munroe Falls, Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., 330-865-8065, summitmetroparks.org

8/16

Putts for Paws. Come out and enjoy a fun day of golf to support the animals at Rescue Village. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tanglewood Country Club, Bainbridge, rescuevillage. org/event/putts-for-paws/

8/17

Teen Food Science. The Pringles Challenge. Join this unique food based challenge. 3-4 p.m.

Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., 330-928-2117, cuyahogafallslibrary.org 4th Annual Cavaliers and Monsters Community Run. The backto-school road race will give participants a chance to positively impact school-aged children across Cleveland. Participants are encouraged to bring new school supplies, which will be donated to Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Project ACT. 9 a.m. (Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.) Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com/ communityrun

8/19

Family Archery. Looking for a fun family activity? Here’s your chance to learn archery where you’ll learn about equipment, techniques, and safety. 4:30-6 p.m. Petros Lake Park, 3275 Perry Dr. NW, Canton, reservations. starkparks.com/program/3074

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8/21

Kestrels and Kites at Fry Family Park. Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height! Their resident kiting expert, Kessie the American Kestrel Falcon, will be on-site to give tips and pointers and kites you can borrow for the program, or you can bring your own. 1-4 p.m. 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia, starkparks.com Touch-A-Truck. Get up close and personal with vehicles of

August CALENDAR all shapes and sizes for children of all ages. 10 a.m.-noon.

Free event includes hotdogs, chips, ice cream and more.

1825 Reimer Rd., Wadsworth, allevents.in/wadsworth/touch-atruck/200021193006217

clubs from the region. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330863-5533, stanhywet.org/events/ vintage-days

show. Crocker Park, 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com/jurassicjungle/

8/22

8/24

Telescope Night. Program begins in the planetarium for an overview of the constellations and planets, then reviews the current events happening in the night sky. 8:30 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-2900, lensc.org

All Aboard Family Friendly Ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Short interactive train ride perfect for the whole family with the theme of Back to School Craft & Bingo. 1:55 p.m. cvsr.org/family-friendly-rides

Vintage “Base Ball” Day. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and cheer on the Akron Black Stockings, Stan Hywet’s resident “base ball” club, as they play other

8/25

Reader’s Theatre. Children in grades 1-3 will bring fairy tales, tall tales and fables to life as they read them aloud. This program promotes teamwork, builds children’s confidence and enhances children’s reading skills in a lowkey setting. 4-4:30 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., 440-255-8811, mentorpl.org

8/27-29

Jurassic Jungle Live. Experience the wonders of natural history by coming face-to-face with walking and roaring dinosaurs.

A fully immersive educational

44 | Family Living at Its Best

8/28

8/30

Beginner Sailing. Enjoy beautiful Fairport Harbor with instructors while learning sailing basics on a 14’ sailboat. 6-8 p.m. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, 301 Huntington Beach Dr., lakemetroparks.com

8/31

Fairy Find: Meet a Fairy. A fairy is coming to visit French Creek Reservation. Join in for music, glitter tattoos, a self-guided tour of the fairy village and a chance to meet and take a photo with a real fairy. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks.com

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Summer Festivals 8/5-7

Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival. The festival features rides, music, food court and the big parade. Thursday 6-11 p.m. Friday 5-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. Free admission. Kirtland Local Schools, 9140 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland, kirtlandkiwanis.org/ Strawberryfestival

8/7-8

Bath/Richfield Community Day Weekend. Entertainment, games, food, community activities, fireworks and more. richfieldvillage ohio.org/376/Community-Day

8/6-8

Twins Days Festival. The world’s largest gathering of twins and other multiples. Twins contests, double take parade, royal court, talent show, and on-site research. Glenn Chamberlin Park, 10260 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, 330-425-3652, twinsdays.org Garrettsville Summerfest.

Garrettsville Summerfest transforms Garrettsville’s quaint Main Street into a rocking feast of people and colorful tents for three days of world-class fun in the sun. Free admission. garrettsvillesummerfest.com

8/7

44th Annual Lakewood Arts Festival. A festival of local and national artists, musical entertainment, and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Downtown Lakewood, lakewoodartsfest.org

8/7-8

Arts in the Park at Port Clinton.

More than 100 artists from around the midwest and beyond, children’s make and take, entertainment, a delicious offering of food, and more. Lakeview Park, Port Clinton, portclintonartistsclub. com/59-2

8/8

The FEST 2021. Free family day of fun including performances by national Christian musical artists, Mom’s Relaxation Station, Man Cave, Kids Zone, food and activities for children of every age. Opens at noon. Brookside Reservation, 3900 John Nagy Blvd., Cleveland, thefest.us Edgewater Street Fest. A unique celebration combining fine arts and live musical performances - Noon-6 p.m. Free admission.

Clifton Boulevard between W. 115th St. and W. 117th Street, cudell.com/edgewater-street-fest

Chardon Square Arts Festival.

Over 100 artists both local and out of state provide a wonderful opportunity for a day of shopping and dining in a park-like setting. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Chardon Square, chardonsquare association.org/events/artsfestival Affair on the Square Craft & Vintage Fair. Over 140 makers of the finest handmade crafts surrounded by the beauty of Medina Ohio’s historic square. Add in great music from area bands and delicious treats from food trucks for a fun summer shopping experience.

11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission.

Medina Public Square, affaironthesquare.net

8/8-22

Coshocton Sunflower Festival. Experience the joy of living sunshine with this festival that features three acres of 30 varieties of sunflowers from 2-feet-tall fuzzy teddy bears to 12-feet-tall skyscrapers.

Vendors, flower cutting, live music, activities, food trucks, and more.

Coshocton KOA, 24688 County Rd. 10, Coshocton, CoshoctonSunflowerFestival.com

8/12-14

35th Annual Strongsville Rib Burnoff. In addition to the ribs, various other vendors will provide festival food and drinks. Free entertainment. Thursday 4-11 p.m.

Friday 3-11 p.m. Saturday Noon-11 p.m. Strongsville Commons, strongs villecityclub.com/rib-burnoff

8/12-15

Little Italy’s Feast of the Assumption. Four days of festivities, booths featuring Italian foods and desserts, live music, and rides for young children. Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, holy-rosary.org/ feast-of-the-assumption

8/13-15

Ss. Robert & William Family Festival. Kids activities, rocket ship rides, casino, Touch-A-Truck, inflatables, raffle and much more.

Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m.

Sunday 11:30-6 p.m. 351 East 260th St., Euclid, srweuclid.cc/summer-festival North Ridgeville Corn Festival.

Enjoy fireworks, corn eating contest, kids’ games, free & live entertainment, and the Grande Parade.

Free admission. North Ridgeville School Campus, 34600 Bainbridge Rd, nrcornfest.org

FamilyLiving Livingat atIts ItsBest Best 46 46| | Family

8/15

Massillon Museum Fun Fest.

Free family festival with arts, crafts, music, petting zoo, balloons, games, train ride, inflatables, dancing, face painting, characters and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Massillon, massillonmuseum.org/fun-fest Family Day Neighborhood Garden Party. Area artists and performers are welcome to this locally sourced extravaganza. There will be something for every member of the family to do, play, watch, and create. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org/events/

8/20-21

Mentor CityFest. Color Dash & Walk, CityFest Parade, arts and crafts vendors, food and more.

Friday 4-11 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Civic Center Park, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor, mentorcityfest.com

8/21

Strongsville Duck Race and Kids Fest. Games, activities, inflatables, food and more. Ducks will launch about 2 p.m. 11 a.m.-3p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Chalet, 16200 Valley Pkwy., strongsvillerotary. org/page/kids-fest

8/21 & 8/28

3rd Annual Sunflower Festival.

Held in conjunction with Heart & Home Marketplace, this event features acres of Sunflowers creating a beautiful backdrop for the perfect photo. There will be over 100 artisans and makers of handcrafted items such as jewelry, leather goods and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery, 6193 Edison St., Hartville, 330-877-8344, maizevalley.com/ events/sunflower-festival/

8/27-29

Mentor PerchFest. Anglers of all ages will be invited to participate in fishing tournaments and clinics which will cover all aspects of fishing, including how to tie fishing flies, how to identify fish species, how to clean and fillet fish, and more. The event will also include children’s activities, games, live entertainment, and more. Friday 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina, 8365 Harbor Dr., Mentor, cityofmentor.com

8/28

Medina Fest. Kids activities and games, live musical entertainment, food and more. Free admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Medina Square, 2 Public Square, Medina, mainstreetmedina.com/medina-fest-2021.html Cleveland Pickle Fest. Don’t miss the 5K Run and 10K Bike Ride, amazing pickle vendors, music, games, contests, and more. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, 6380 Mill Rd., Broadview Hts., greatercleve landvolunteers.org/pickle-fest/

8/28-29

Cleveland Garlic Festival. Garlic cook off, music, vendors, garlic fries, Mitchell’s Homemade garlic ice cream, Mighty Locavores area for kids, Ohio craft beers, and more.

Saturday Noon-8 p.m. Sunday Noon-6 p.m. North Union Farmers Market, 13111 Shaker Square, Cleveland, clevelandgarlicfestival.org

9/3-6 & 9/10-11

Cleveland Oktoberfest. A holiday family tradition, attracting fun-lovers from every walk of life, while offering an exciting menu of activities and entertainment to delight young and old alike. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts., clevelandoktoberfest.com

9/11

Pinecrest Wine Festival 2021. Taste your way through Central Park and down Park Avenue and choose from 100+ different wines along with craft beer and spirit options.

2-10 p.m. Park Avenue, Orange Village, discoverpinecrest.com/ event/pinecrest-winefestival-2021

9/18-19

Sunflower Harvest Weekend.

Learn about all varieties of sunflowers and how they are used, and pick your own sunflowers in their fields. 9 a.m-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440-2562122, lakemetroparks.com

THROUGH 9/5

Asian Lantern Festival. In the event’s fourth year, guests can look forward to an entirely new experience with more than 70 large-scale illuminated displays featuring over 1,000 individual lanterns. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-635-3391, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/ programs-events

Labor Day Weekend Events

9/2-4, 9/6

Labor Day Flea Market. With over 12 acres of outdoor vendor space, the Hartville Flea Market features a wide variety of vendor booths.

From fresh produce to antiques to comic books, you’re sure to find something special. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, hartvillemarketplace.com/events/ labor-day-weekend/

9/3-5

Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival. Featuring over 170 Ohio artisans, local food, entertainment and all that Hale Farm & Village has to offer. Friday Noon-5 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs. org/events/made-in-ohioarts-crafts-festival-2021/ Akron Pizza Fest. A 3-day food and music festival featuring pizza parlors from all over the Akron-Canton area, live music, inflatable bounce house, pizza-eating contests, free-to-play cornhole, kids land and much more. Friday 5-11 p.m. Saturday Noon-11 p.m.

Sunday Noon-8 p.m. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, akronpizzafest.com

9/3-6, 9/10-11

Cleveland Oktoberfest.

A holiday family tradition attracting fun-lovers from every walk of life and offering an exciting menu of activities and entertainment to delight young and old. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts., clevelandoktoberfest.com

9/3-6

Celebrate Hudson. After a challenging year, a special weekend is planned with something fun for everyone with live music, farmer’s market, HudsonmART, a parade and more. hudson.oh.us/1232/ Celebrate-Hudson

9/4

Peninsula Flea at Heritage Farms. Enjoy this upscale flea market on the grounds surrounding the Farm’s century home. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission. 6050 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, 330-657-2330, heritagefarms.com/peninsula-flea

9/4-5

Stow Summer Sunset Blast.

Fireworks, community picnic, games and more. 5-10 p.m. Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Road, Stow, stowohio.org/stowsummer-sunset-blast/ Ukrainian Festival. Live music, raffle, ethnic food and children’s activities.

Noon-10 p.m. St. Andrew Hall & Picnic Grove, 7700 Hoertz Road, Parma, 440843-9149, standrewucc.org

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9/4-6

Cleveland National Air Show. The 2021 Air Show… is officially cleared for takeoff. Featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Burke Lakefront Airport, Downtown Cleveland between East Ninth and East 55th streets, clevelandairshow.com Barberton Labor Day BBQ & Music Fest. Let your kids enjoy dozens of games and activities at the festival including Bubble Soccer, face painting, balloon-making and more. Lake Anna Gazebo, 615 W. Park Ave. Barberton, barbertonlaborday.com

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Parent & Me Fun Pick-A-DAY

In-Person Preschool Storytime.

Discover the joy of reading with stories, songs, flannel board stories, fingerplays and a craft that encourages development of early literacy skills in young children. 10:30 a.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, 330-296-2827, reedlibrary.org

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS

Stroller Strides at Crocker Park. A functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. Each 60-minute workout consists of strength training, cardio and core restoration, all while entertaining the little ones with songs, activities and fun. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Westlake, crockerpark.com/strollerstrides/

TUESDAYS

Story Stop. Enjoy stories, songs and activities from the comfort of your own home on Facebook Live. 6:30-7 p.m. lorainpubliclibrary.org/events?action= show&id=37253 Play, Learn & Grow Baby Club.

Join this five-week club for caregivers and children ages birth to 2. Connect with your kids and other families, and get answers about your growing child. Siblings welcome. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Warrensville Hts. Branch Library, 4415 Northfield Rd., cuyahogalibrary.org Storytime at Home. Do you miss storytime? You can still enjoy stories and songs from home by visiting the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Facebook page. 10 a.m. smfpl.org/ event/2020_08_25/story_ time_home Preschool Storytime at Hough Branch. Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3 to 5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills kids need to succeed as they enter kindergarten. 10:30 a.m. 1566 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, 216-623-6997, cpl.org/locations/hough/ Lapsit. Children from birth-23 months and their caregivers are invited to participate in this program that’s full of stories, rhymes, bounces, and songs.

10:45 a.m. Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chillicothe Rd., Kirtland, 440-256-7323, kirtland.lib.oh.us

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Garrettsville Summer Reading Storytime. An in-person storytime will take place every Tuesday, weather permitting, through 8/10. 11-11:30 a.m. Garrettsville Branch Library, 10482 South St., Garrettsville, portagelibrary.org

WEDNESDAYS

Kids-N-Tunes. Parents/ caregivers learn ways to use music at home while children participate in success oriented, developmentally appropriate activities helping them learn and grow with new friends. Ages Birth-6 years. Through 8/18.

Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-5212540, beckcenter.org/ education/early-childhood Stay-at-Home Story Time. Let the library come to you with this virtual story time with Miss Nicole. 10 a.m. Elyria Central Library, elyrialibrary.org/content/ story-time Story Time Play Group. Stories, music and play for children ages 2-5 with a caregiver. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Tallmadge Branch Library, 90 Community Rd., 330-6334345, services.akronlibrary.org/ event/5298366 Outdoor Baby Bonanza at Coventry Peace Park. Bring your babies and blankets for books, bopping and bouncing at this outdoor lap-sit program.

9:30-10 a.m. 1925 Coventry Rd., Cleveland Hts., 216-321-3400, heightslibrary.org

THURSDAYS

Tyke Time at Mentor Headlands Branch. Join in the sunshine for a fun morning of stories, songs and rhymes. 11-11:30 a.m. 4669 Corduroy Rd., Mentor, 440-2572000, mentorpl.org/kids/psst/

Movers and Shakers Outdoor Storytime. Preschoolers and their caregivers will enjoy singing, playing, talking, listening, and moving together in this story time for ages 2-5. 11:30 a.m.-noon. Bertram Woods Branch Library, 20600 Fayette Rd., Shaker Hts., shakerlibrary.org Story Time Series. Enjoy stories at the SRW Playground at 10:30 a.m. Ss. Robert and William Guardian Angel Early Learning Center, 351 East 260th St., Euclid, srwschool.cc/early-learn ing-center/

FRIDAYS

Story Time in the Woods. Music and movement activities will accompany nature-themed activities. Two Fridays per month during April-October. 6:30-7 p.m. Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, 440-934-4743, lorainpubliclibrary.org/events? action=show&id=37235

DAY-A-DAY 8/2

Walk and Talk for Parents and Small Children. Parents with children that can ride in a stroller are invited to join us for a walking program which is a great opportunity to meet other parents with small children and get in some exercise. Registration required. 9 a.m. Tannery Park, 100 Stow St., Kent, kentfreelibrary.org

8/5

Story Time in the Park. Grab your picnic blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy stories, songs and sunshine. Participants can use musical props-shakers and scarves-that the library provides, or bring their own from home. 10:30 a.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., 330-6734414, kentfreelibrary.org

Storytime in the Garden with Mr. Jesse. Join outside in the garden for stories, songs, rhymes and interactive fun.

Designed for children 3-6 and their caregivers. 11 a.m.-noon.

Oberlin Public Library, 65 S. Main St., 440-775-4790, oberlinpl.lib.oh.us

8/7-8

Princess and Pirate Day at the Zoo. Put on your best princess gown or pirate garb and enjoy a scavenger hunt at the zoo.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org/princess-andpirate-day

8/9

Baby Time Bags: Fruit Loop Fun. Designed to help caregivers engage with their young children, these activity bags include supplies and instructions for an activity or craft to share. Ages 0-2. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., 440-933-8128, alpl.librarymarket.com/events/baby-timebags-fruit-loop-fun

8/10

In-Person Family Storytime.

Enjoy stories, music and fun at this in-person family storytime for ages 0-6 years. 6:30-7 p.m.

Chardon Branch Library, divi.geaugalibrary.net Outdoor Story Time at Hoover Historical Center. Enjoy stories, songs and more with the North Canton Public Library’s Children’s Department at this outdoor venue in the North Canton Community. 10-10:30 p.m. 1875 E. Maple St., North Canton, ncantonlibrary.libnet.info/ event/5047034

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NORTHEAST OHIO PARENTS EVENT SERIES FREE

8/14

Outdoor Storytime at Dudley Park. Come to the Dudley Park Pavilion for a fun outdoor storytime with Miss Sarah from the Willowick Library.

11-11:30 a.m. 31500 Willowick Dr., welibrary.evanced.info/ signup/calendar

8/18

Preschool Story Time at Harvard-Lee Branch. Storytimes for preschoolers ages 3-5 include stories, songs, activities, and rhymes specially designed to support reading readiness and foster the social and emotional skills that kids need to succeed as they enter kindergarten. 11 a.m.

16918 Harvard Ave., Cleveland, cpl.libcal.com/event/7613523

8/20

Adapted Storytime in the Garden. Designed for children who may not be successful in a typical storytime experience. Content is geared toward ages 3 to 7. 10-10:30 a.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd., 440-871-2600, westlake library.org/event/5144116

8/21

Tiny Tot’s Skate and Ride.

Parents, give your toddler a chance to experience roller skating. If they don’t want to roller skate, they can bring their favorite riding toys to ride on the skate floor. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. United Skates of America, 30325 Palisades Pkwy., Wickliffe, unitedskates. com/public/wickliffe

Family-friendly entertainment with interactive activities targeted for kids ages 2-9.

More at northeastohioparent.com/events/ CROCKER KIDS 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Crocker Park, 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake Aug. 17: Splash Pad Party • Sept. 7: Friendship Fun Day PINECREST PLAY DAYS 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Park Avenue, Orange Village, Aug. 10: Water Fun • Sept. 14: Kind is the New Cool!

FUN AT FIRST & MAIN 10 a.m.-noon, First and Main, Hudson Aug. 24: Under the Sea - Water Extravaganza

presents

Presents

First & Main Hudson

A NORTHEAST OHIO PARENT EVENT

A Northeast Ohio Parent Event

northeastohioparent.com/events/

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#CLE MAMA

SARA CARNES • Facebook = Sara Carnes • Instagram = saracarnes4

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SARA AND HER TWO DAUGHTERS AT THE TOP OF CHIMNEY TOPS TRAIL IN THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS.

“ ike! ” H A

J HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS THAT WE’VE FOUND

TO MAKE OUR HIKES MORE ENJOYABLE:

1. Dress for Success. Make sure your kids have good shoes to wear (no sandals).

2. Pack snacks and bring water bottles.

3. Make it fun. Bring a compass, binoculars, or magnifying glass for them to explore nature!

4. Download the Geocaching App, and turn your hike into an adventure hunt for buried treasure.

while ago, my family and I really got into hiking. It’s one of our favorite family activities. I think we love it so much because it doesn’t matter if it’s a local hike, or a hiking trail in one of our national parks — It’s always an adventure. This summer we took our family vacation to the Smoky Mountains. It’s such a great family destination with tons of hiking, and a wide variety of things to do for families.

The great thing about hiking is that you can find trails all over the United States. And, there are tons in Northeast Ohio! Oh, and don’t forget we have a National Park in our backyard with Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I know it can be a little tricky sometimes with little ones to find a hike the whole family can do, so I wanted to let you know about a free app I found called All Trails where you can look up trails in your area and see if they’re listed as easy, moderate, or hard. There are lots of reviews and pictures for you to check out.

Hiking just makes us happy.

It’s actually a proven mood booster. Recent studies have shown it has mental health benefits, too. Plus it’s a great way to get kids active and off their devices. I really believe the earlier you get your kids out in nature, the easier it will be as they grow up. Start them young. Even a short walk along a bike path or around your neighborhood will count as a hike when they are young. Just get them outside and moving.

My husband and I like a little more challenging hikes, but it’s important not to push your kids too hard too fast. You want them to enjoy it. So we started off with smaller, easier hikes, and then continued to cultivate them into our little hikers.

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IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A NICE FAMILY HIKE IN NORTHEAST OHIO,

HERE ARE A FEW WE LOVE.

1. Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail (This is also a great bike trail.)

2. Henry Church Rock in South Chagrin Reservation (Also known as Squaw Rock).

3. The Ledges Trail at Virginia Kendall Park in Peninsula.

4. Nelson-Kennedy Ledges Quarry Park in Garrettsville.

5. Squires Castle Trail in the North Chagrin Reservation.

Here’s to your next adventure. And remember it’s not how many miles you walk, but how many smiles you share.

You’ll make memories that last a lifetime.

— Look for Sara’s blog on tips for a trip to the Smokies at conversationswithsara.com

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52 | Family Living at Its Best