Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine - June July 2022

Summer June/July 2022 FREE!

NortheastOhioParent.com

Ride into Fun Festivals, Water Adventures & More things to do

2022 Parent choice awards you picked, see who won!

Get-togethers gifts for dad! recipes & crafts game on June/July 2022 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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2 | Family Living at Its Best

June/July 2022 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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June/July

features

insiDE

NortheastOhioParent.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE Summer check-in

UN-PLUG WITH DAD

Take your pick from these indoor and outdoor games with a strategic twist.

Plus, see Father’s Day events, on pg. 11

Choice Awards 2022

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EDUCATION Financial literacy and how to educate your kids bythe-ages on these skills.

COOL-OFF THIS SUMMER

Northeast Ohio offers wave upon wave of water fun for all ages.

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SUMMER FESTIVALS

Spend some time at these festivals, featuring arts, music and more!

Looking for more to do around the region?

See what’s happening at these regional attractions on pg. 56

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WORTH NOTING Full STEAM into reading this summer, ways to build a sustainable lifestyle, and more!

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s alist and Fin

2022 PARENT CHOICE AWARDS

We reveal local parents’ picks for the best familyfriendly businesses, attractions, family services and more in our annual awards contest.

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FAMILY CALENDAR Find fun things to do in June and July, including Fourth of July festivities, storytime and other kid-friendly activities.

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DAD MATTERS Jason Lea, our Dad columnist, shares about ditching the training wheels.

Enjoy Water Adventures!

See events on pg. 23

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GET-TOGETHERS TREATS AND FUN

Whatever you are celebrating or just enjoying time with family, Northeast Ohio Parent Bloggers share some recipes and craft ideas to try.

ON THE COVER:

2021 Cover Kid Winner Juliana, 5, of North Ridgeville enjoyed cotton candy with her brother Nathan at Cedar Point Amusement Park’s Giant Wheel (cedarpoint.com) during our June/July photo shoot.

PHOTO BY MEMORIES BY STEPHANIE

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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.

Spine Center June/July 2022 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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PHOTO BY PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

EDITOR'S

NOTE

SUMMER CHECK-IN While most people are now on summer break, spending days at the pool, parks and going on vacation, family members of the two teachers and 19 children who were killed in the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas are struggling with the grief and pain of losing their loved ones.

However, the tragedy that occurred has impacted all of us, including our children, who might have heard about what happen from not only their parents, but from friends and social media platforms.

It may seem we should all be well-equipped for the changing world events due to the pandemic years, but we are not. In fact, as a parent, I was at a loss for words when my 13-year-old and 15-yearold asked questions after they learned about the shooting in Uvalde.

Dr. Kate Eshleman, pediatric psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, says it’s less common for kids to hear about other kids dying.

“There’s a variety of reactions,” she says. “A lot depends on the child, some may be a matter-of-fact, acknowledge it’s sad, while others experience anxiety or fear of being safe.”

She suggests meeting your child where they are (developmentally) as each have different coping styles.

For parents, we are more closely connected with these tragic events, each of us having our own feelings as well as questions about the safety and well-being for our kids and family.

“I think it’s very appropriate if something happens for parents to identify their own feelings,” Eshleman says. “Show (your kids) how you cope with (feelings of sadness) and model appropriate coping.”

As we go through this summer, it’s a reminder to have check-ins with your child.

She suggests having a good idea of what content they are watching, ask specific questions about popular posts and try to engage them in a conversation.

“Periodically check in and ask them if anything has been worrying them, did anything good happen, make these questions a regular part of the family conversation,” she adds.

It’s not just kids who need support, but also us, as parents.

The season allows us to reset and take a few minutes for our mental health.

Eshleman suggests parents to take time to work out, check in with friends — and for kids, if sadness shows up the door, find activities, like having an ice cream night, go to a playground or movie.

“Engaging in a fun activity is a good approach,” she says and notes, to always watch for changes, in your child (or yourself). If there’s a change in patterns or increasing irritability, to investigate further and get help, if needed.

In this issue, we tried to do just that — and provide ideas on how to have fun together, finally.

So, hug your kids a little tighter, and everyone you love.

Editor’s Extras: We are so excited to show you the winners and finalists of your picks for 2022 Parent Choice Awards.

Thank you to our readers who participated in the voting fun!

VOL. NO. 9 • ISSUE NO. 6

June | July 2022 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/DIGITAL EDITOR Shana O’Malley-Smith shana@northeastohioparent.com ASSISTANT EDITOR - Georgia Lattas georgia@northeastohioparent.com ADVERTISING SALES: Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 janyse@northeastohioparent.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioparent.com Sherrie Kantarovich, 216-299-5455 sherriek@northeastohioparent.com Yvonne Pelino, 440-971-0595 yvonne@northeastohioparent.com DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST/ SALES CONSULTANT - Samantha Olp, 330-636-6127, sam@ northeastohioparent.com OFFICE MANAGER: Kathleen Mitchell, 440-533-1208 kathleen@northeastohioparent.com EVENTS MANAGER: Lilia Lipps, 440-724-0559 , Lilia@northeastohioparent DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES: info@northeastohioparent.com

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June/July 2022 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Worth NOTING

by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

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ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER

One of my favorite quotes from the book is “The only true failure can come if you quit.” This book encourages creativity and reinforces a growth mindset to help us all become lifelong learners.

AFTER THE FALL: HOW HUMPTY DUMPTY GOT BACK UP AGAIN

by Dan Santat

Who doesn’t know the story of Humpty Dumpty? But do you know the story of what happened to him ‘after the fall’? Our failures don’t define us. Humpty Dumpty shows us that those who get back up after their failures and find the courage to try again can challenge themselves to be more than they ever imagined.

THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING

by Ashley Spires

This is an adorable book about a young girl and her best friend, her dog. She wants to create the “most magnificent thing.” In the end, she learns about the satisfaction of perseverance.

FULL STEAM INTO READING

SPARK YOUR CHILD’S INTEREST IN LEARNING THESE INNOVATIVE SKILLS.

By Kristen Antosh Looking for ways to foster a STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) mindset at home? After your child signs up for your local library’s summer reading program, encourage them to check out some STEAM books! STEAM books not only improve literacy skills in children, they can also boost your child’s innate curiosity and will expose them to the vast, exciting world of science. Let your child’s interests lead the way!

Our family loves checking out STEAM books. Below are some of our favorites, because they inspire skills like problem solving, growth mindset, creativity, imagination, and logical thinking. All these skills help children become lifelong learners, which results in high success in life.

ORDINARY PEOPLE CHANGE THE WORLD BOOK SERIES

by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

This book series is about ordinary people who follow their dreams, beliefs, and ambitions to change the world. The stories are about the challenges they faced and how they persevered through them. The PBS Kids show ‘Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum’ is also based on this series of books.

IF I BUILT SERIES

by Chris Van Dusen

If I built a school, a car, and a house is a book series based on the incredibly playful imagination of a boy named Jack.

There is no limit to his imagination or creativity.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH AN IDEA?

by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom

Sometimes our ideas are brilliant and work out just as we planned. But sometimes they don’t, and we learn from them.

This book explores the story of a child with a brilliant idea and how it was brought into the world.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A PROBLEM?

by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom

Our world is full of problems that need solutions. Sometimes a problem can seem so big that we don’t know how to solve it. This story is about a boy who encounters just that. We learn about what happens as he avoids it, and the result of his courage once he faces it.

BEAUTIFUL OOPS

by Barney Saltzberg This book is absolutely beautifully illustrated for children, and it teaches them that every mistake is an opportunity to be more inventive and creative.

FamilyLiving Livingat atIts ItsBest Best 88 || Family

Educational Opportunities for STEAM All Summer Long If you are looking for more STEAM options for your child this summer, be sure to look at opportunities offered by local arts centers, museums, parks, colleges, and other organizations. Many libraries are offering summer reading programs with STEAM-based themes.

Look for summer reading programs and more at NortheastOhioParent.com

Kristen Antosh is a materials engineer, and founder and blogger at momgineeringthefuture.com

LEFT: PEOPLE PLANTING TREES AT THE GROW NOT MOW EVENT. RIGHT: A SUBMITTED DRAWING ON HEALTHY SOIL. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHAKER YOUTH LEEDS COMMITTEE

Shaker Youth LEEDS Committee Helps Community with Sustainable Lifestyle Challenges The Shaker Youth LEEDs Committee, a group of high school students, are committed to helping the Shaker community develop a sustainable quality of living.

Students on the committee include Kathleen Guo and Sophy Gao, co-presidents, Ava Keresztesy, Cindy Yu and Genevieve Comar from Hathaway Brown School. Natalie Konrad from Shaker Shaker Youth LEEDS Committee provided sustainability Heights High School and Fanon Miller from University School. ideas for kids and their families this summer: LEED, which means Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, provides strategies to help communities and organizaChoose a cone at an ice cream shop for a zero-waste tions with environmental goals. alternative Since 2021, the Shaker Youth LEEDS Committee has hosted the Take a walk at your local park annual Shaker EcoChallenge, a city-wide sustainability Initiative during April, which is typically Earth Month. It provides particiHave a picnic with food from home pants with challenges to promote sustainability where they can “Kid plant buddies” grow with your plant earn points for prizes. They had 90 participants in 2022 from ages 10 to 87.

Collect rainwater to take care of plants This year, people who participated planted trees, removed Go to a local beach, lake or park to clean up invasive plants, tried bird watching, supported farmer’s markets, purchased local plants, did advocacy work, installed rain barrels, Visit a local farmers market low flow showerheads or faucets, volunteered, explored parks, Go camping and immerse yourself in nature installed efficient lighting and solar panels, and purchased or signed up for green programs.

Start composting “For us, The Shaker EcoChallenge has extended beyond the Bring reusable water bottles with you to combat the heat month of April and is just sustainable actions,” the group wrote.

“It means leading a sustainable lifestyle and creating a foundaVisit shakeryouthleeds.wixsite.com/shakerecochallenge for tion for a stable planet, starting from our local community. It has more information about the group! been an incredible opportunity for us, as a group of high schoolers, to discover the potential we have to nurture a place that we call home. We are grateful for our advances this year, and look forward to the impact we have in the many years to come.”

• • • • • • • • • •

READING ROOM I COLOR MYSELF DIFFERENT

Editor ’s BOOK PICK

By Colin Kaepernick, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson One day in school, Colin’s teacher asks the children to draw what their families look like. “This is going to be easy,” Colin tells himself. “I have the best family ever.” But when he shows his drawing to his classmates, one asks: “Why are you the only brown one in your family?” Another adds: “Why did you color yourself different?” Colin freezes. What happens next, and how his classmates and teacher respond, turns their awkward questions into a joyful affirmation. (Based on a true event from Kaepernick’s childhood.)

— Janet Cho

June/July 2022 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Un-Plug with Dad on Father’s Day WHILE THERE ARE PLENTY OF VIRTUAL OPTIONS FOR GAMER DADS, TRY THESE UNIQUE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GAMES WITH A STRATEGIC TWIST

By Lou Harry When gift buying for Dad, shareable activities can mean hours of fun well beyond Father’s Day. When it comes to games, pick one that’s too complex and younger players may get frustrated and opt out. Pick one that’s too luck-based and the game can get boring quickly. For other activities, physical ability and just plain life experience and knowledge can be a barrier to fun.

We tested dozens of indoor and outdoor games to find ones with just enough depth and just enough luck to keep Dad looking forward to the next round and the kids engaged. And we threw in some puzzles as well. We didn’t include recommended ages because that can vary wildly. You know what your kids can handle.

J J

When to take it inside: In the two-level Mountains Out of Molehills (The Op Games), players first draft directional cards and then play them in sequence to move moles in the underground area. The space where each mole finishes its move causes a corresponding bump above ground, increasing the size of the molehill there. Large hills can mean big points – but going too high causes them to topple and increase the size of neighboring molehills.

Some adults may remember Jarts, that now-notorious game that was banned because of the dangers of throwing things that have heavy metal tips. Well, safer versions are now available including Lawn Darts (Funsparks), which glow in the dark so the fun can continue after the sun goes down.

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Try Kubb (available from multiple manufacturers). It’s a bit oversimplifying to say that it’s all about throwing batons to knock over wooden blocks but that’s the essence of this lawn game. That some say date back to Viking times but is more likely to have been launched in the 1980s.

Prefer puzzles? Ravensburger has a terrific line of options ranging from 24 pieces up to a thousand. The latter’s Villainous line celebrates Disney baddies, with individual puzzles dedicated to Maleficent, Jafar, Scar and more. And for 3D challenges, your team can build replicas of the Chrysler Building, Big Ben, and the Eiffel Tower.

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EVENTS

6/15

FATHER’S DAY CRAFT. Create a Father’s Day card for someone special. 1-2 p.m. Sterling Branch Library, 2200 E. 30th St., Cleveland, cpl.org

6/18

DADS GONE WILD! Grab a father figure and come join a naturalist for a fun Saturday stroll. Noon-1:30 p.m. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

6/19

FATHER’S DAY CAR SHOW. View 400 classic, antique and collector cars manufactured from 1915 to 1996. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org FATHER’S DAY AT THE AKRON ZOO. Free admission for all Dads and Grandpas .10 a.m.-5 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

Great Lakes Science Center Saturday, September 24 Join us for a fun day of learning, exploration and fun! Free admission!

Discounted admission to the Science Center

FATHER’S DAY BRUNCH CRUISE ON THE NAUTICA QUEEN. Skip the BBQ and give Dad a Father’s Day he’ll remember. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

1153 Main Ave., Cleveland, nauticaqueen.com FATHER’S DAY OLD SCHOOL SKATE. All Dads get to skate for free. 1-3:30 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m. United Skates of America, 30325 Palisades Pkwy., Wickliffe, unitedskates.com FATHER’S DAY CRAFT. Kids and their Dads stop by the Brecksville Nature Center to paint together. 10 a.m.-noon. 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, clevelandmetroparks.com REEL HAPPY FATHER’S DAY FISHING DERBY. Intended for children ages 4-15 with an adult. Noon-4 p.m. Vermilion River Reservation, 51211 N. Ridge Road, Vermilion, loraincountymetroparks.com FAMILY HIKE AT MENTOR MARSH. Join a hike on the Wake Robin boardwalk to observe the rich diversity of life in the marsh.

2 p.m. 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

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Education

CORNER

Value of Learning About Money TEACHING YOUR KIDS THE SKILLS OF FINANCIAL LITERACY PROVIDES A NON-TRADITIONAL EDUCATION APPROACH

By Georgia Lattas

A

s summertime approaches, many teens and kids will be dog-sitting, running a lemonade stand, or working a parttime job. As your child starts making their own money, it is important to teach them the skills needed to make informed financial decisions. Viktoria Jurkovic of the Division of Financial Institutions at the Ohio Department of Commerce walks parents through the importance of financial literacy and how to educate your children on these important skills.

Children are constantly watching and listening and they can absorb so much from adults, so it is important to be open and honest in conversations about money.

“The more that you think out loud and the more that you have these

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conversations with your kids, the more appreciative they will be about it,” Jurkovic says. “One of the biggest things I hear adults say is ‘My parents never talked about money.’ Financial literacy is about understanding where money comes from, how much you have, and where you’re going to spend it efficiently. That’s really the big picture.”

“Financial literacy is an all-encompassing way of assuring that individuals are able to make good financial decisions that will benefit their financial health,” she adds. “It is a process of understanding the dynamics and the value of money, and then being able to make the best decisions based on their personal positioning.”

START EARLY

Kids should be taught financial literacy skills starting around age 3, about how to budget and how to plan for the future, but also about decision-making and being wiser with resources.

“When we start to infiltrate the ways that we teach kids at a younger age, they start to appreciate and value money a little bit better,” Jurkovic says. “They also are at an age where they start to model the behavior that’s around them. So when you are playing store with your preschooler, and you explain you have to buy the vegetable, that is where the value of money is being displayed.”

Kids naturally will obtain financial literacy skills through modeled behav- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 -

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ior. Children can learn some of these skills at school, but having these conversations at home is most valuable.

For example, she says if you’re planning a birthday party for your kid, and you’re shopping around, talk about the process of what you’re thinking. Talk out loud so they can understand your decision-making process, and they can benefit from hearing the reasoning behind what you’re doing with your money, she says.

TEACHING TEENS TO SAVE

For teens and kids who will be earning a paycheck, it is important to help them be responsible with their income and to be open and honest about financial decision-making skills.

“Maybe set up some type of a kid’s savings account,” Jurkovic says. “For teens who will be working a part-time job, explain to them that the check they will be taking home may be smaller than anticipated due to taxes.”

Jurkovic says it is important to be transparent and have open conversations.

Start with a simple budget and save up for a goal — such as a vacation with friends or an expensive gaming system. Kids can then start to put away a little bit of what they earn for long-term savings, etc.

“Having this conversation with them is important, because we don’t want teens to get a job, make money, and then splurge it the minute they have it,” Jurkovic says.

SUMMER LESSONS

While some kids may start earning an income this summer, Jurkovic says it is up to the family to decide if the child needs to start paying their phone bill, contribute to

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grocery bills, etc. Having your child pay a bill can help them become more financially responsible.

“Maybe you can have your child pitch in $20 each check they receive, and then give it back to them down the road,” Jurkovic says. “At the same time, taking the $20 from them each paycheck still teaches them a lesson. Reassure them that they are contributing and helping.”

For younger kids who may want to hold a lemonade stand or bake sale or yard sale, help them devise a plan. Ask them: ‘If it’s a bake sale, what is the cost of your ingre-

dients?’ ‘How are you going to get those ingredients?’ ‘What are you going to sell them for?’ ‘When you make profit from this, what are your plans with the money?’ ‘Why do you feel like you want more money right now?’

“If you are thinking about having a yard sale, maybe sell some items on eBay or another platform and have the child contribute,” Jurkovic says. “Have them take the pictures, have them write the descriptions, have them do the purchasing research, etc. It is a good way to have the child feel responsible for facilitating something.”

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16 | Family Living at Its Best

make a

splash Water Adventures for the Whole Family

by Denise Koeth

When it comes to summer fun, kids can find hours of backyard entertainment playing with sprinklers, squirt guns and kiddie pools.

However, if you’re ready to kick your family’s water adventures up a notch, you live in the right place. Northeast Ohio offers wave upon wave of water fun for all ages. Whether you’re seeking an afternoon splash pad for your baby or toddler or a thrilling getaway for your teen, you’ll find an option not too far from home.

Splash Pads & Pools There are dozens of pools and

splash pads in communities across the region. Most splash pads and spray grounds are free to visit, while city pools and community recreation centers offer memberships and day passes. Many have baby pools and toddler-friendly options for younger children, and some offer water slides for older, adventure-seeking kids. Check out the following examples or visit NortheastOhioParent.com for a complete list.

Beachwood Family Aquatic Center (beachwoodohio.com) Splash Pad in Cleveland’s Public Square (clevelandpublicsquare.com) Crocker Park Splash Pad (crockerpark.com/splashpad) Cuyahoga Falls wading pools (cityofcf.com)

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Beaches

Lake Erie’s array of beaches offer fun for all ages. Pack sand toys for younger children; kites, buckets and shovels for older kids; and sports gear and sand-free towels for tweens and teens. And of course, everyone will appreciate lots of snacks, drinks, a fun playlist and an umbrella for afternoon shade. From east (Fairport Harbor) to west (Huntington Beach), there are about half a dozen options. If you’re looking for a longer getaway, check out Shores & Islands Ohio (shoresandislands.com), which includes Put-in-Bay, Kelleys Island (pictured), the Marblehead area and more.

Edgewater and Huntington beaches (clevelandmetroparks.com) Headlands and Geneva state park beaches (ohiodnr.gov) Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park Beach (fairportharbor.org)

Cedar Poin t Beach

Watercraft Rentals View the shoreline from an entirely different perspective when you rent a boat or personal watercraft in the Cleveland area or to the west in the Shores and Islands Ohio region. Choose your type of watercraft based on speed, comfort and number of seats to suit the needs of your family, then start planning some points of interest or restaurants to anchor for a while.

Great Lakes Boat Charters (greatlakesboatcharters.com) Great Lakes Watersports (glwatersports.com) Shores & Islands Ohio (shoresandislands.com)

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Water Ski Shows The Chippewa Lake Water Ski Show Team, the only one of its kind in Ohio, offers free public performances at Emerald Lake in Norton every Wednesday evening during the summer.

The team, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, uses the hour-long shows as dress rehearsals for its performances.

You’ll watch as skiers of varying ages perform impressive feats including jumps, backward and barefoot skiing, and pyramids.

For those who want to learn more, the team offers Learn to Ski sessions for all ages and experience levels. (chippewaskiteam.com)

Paddle Sports Whether you prefer to canoe or kayak — and brave the waves of Lake Erie or glide down a serene river — there’s a rental option nearby. Paddle the Cuyahoga River, head south to the Mohican River, or find rentals on the shores of Lake Erie and smaller lakes at area metroparks, some of which also offer paddle boats. For an additional challenge and to test your balance, consider giving stand-up paddleboarding a try.

41 Degrees North Coastal Kayak Adventures kayak41north.com Camp Hi Canoe Livery (camphiadventure.com) Crooked River Adventures (crookedriveradventures.com) Mohican Adventures (Mohicanadventures.com)

Kalahari sandusky

Water Parks Northeast Ohio and the surrounding area offers more than a dozen water parks, whether you prefer the traditional outdoor experience or an indoor water adventure. Each features pools and slides both large and small, making them perfect destinations for families with children.

Cedar Point Shores (cedarpoint.com) Kalahari Sandusky (kalahariresorts.com) Pioneer Waterland (pioneerwaterland.com)

Waterfall Hikes

KELLEYS ISLAND STATE PARK:: PHOTO BY LAURA WATILO BLAKE, :SHORES & ISLANDS OHIO, COURTESY OF REMARKABLE LAKE COUNTY, OH, KALAHARI SANDUSKY: KALAHARI, SANDUSKY, BRANDYWINE FALLS: NPS/DJ REISER

Summer is a great time to explore new hiking trails, and there’s just something majestic about gazing at a waterfall. Luckily, Ohio is home to an abundance of waterfalls that are accessible by trails of varying length and difficulty — making it easy for any family to add one of these treks to their summer bucket list.

Brandywine Falls (nps.gov) Paine Falls (lakemetroparks.com) West Falls & East Falls (loraincountymetroparks.com)

LLS BRANDYWINE FA

Find options for every water adventure — and more — in our online Summer Fun Directory! Go to NortheastOhioParent.com for complete listings.

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Summer Festivals and Fairs

6/16-18

AVON HERITAGE DUCK TAPE FESTIVAL. Dozens of uniquely crafted baseball-themed sculptures made of Duck Tape, 2009 Baseball Boulevard, Avon, duckbrand.com/duck-tapefestival

6/18

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. U-pick strawberries, food trucks, music and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bauman Orchards, 161 Rittman Avenue., Rittman, baumanorchards.com

6/17-19

FESTIVAL OF THE FISH. Firefighters water fight, sandcastle contest, entertainment and more. Downtown Vermilion, vermilionohio. com/festival-of-the-fish

6/23-25

6/25

6/23-26

6/26

ASHLAND BALLOONFEST. High-flying fun for the whole family. Freer Field, Center St. and Morgan Ave., ashlandohioballoonfest.com SAINT AMBROSE SUMMER FESTIVAL. Festival foods, games and great bands. St. Ambrose, 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick, stambrose.us/summer/

6/24-26

PYRATE FESTIVAL. Pyrate Village, Faire Winds Circus, historic displays, re-enactors, and so much more. DeRivera Park at the Pirates Platform, Put-in-Bay, millerferry.com

Family Living Living at at Its Its Best Best 20 | Family

CHARDON LOVE FEST. Annual open-air music festival.

Chardon Square, Chardon, chardonlovefest.com

EDGEWATER NEIGHBORFEST. Two blocks of all-ages activities.

Noon-6 p.m. Clifton Blvd. between W. 115th St. and W. 117th St., Cleveland, cudell.com/enf

7/7-9

OLDE CANAL DAYS FESTIVAL. Amusement rides, games, canal boat rides, a vintage baseball game, and much more.

125 Tuscarawas St., discovercanalfultonevents.com

7/9

FARM FEST. Families can drive a horse, milk a cow, and ride the barrel train. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

7/11-12

FOLK & WINE FESTIVAL. Enjoy local musicians casually playing throughout the living history museum. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, wrhs.org

7/14-17

ALIVE FESTIVAL. Christian music festival and summer destination for people of all ages. Atwood Lake Park, 9298 Atwood Lake Road, Mineral City, alive.org

7/16

LAKEWOOD SUMMER MELTDOWN. The biggest block party in the city. 4-10 p.m. Detroit Ave., between Marlou and Arthur Aves. lakewoodalive.org WILLOUGHBY ARTSFEST. Juried art, music, and local vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Willoughby, willoughbyartsfest.com BEE FESTIVAL. Bee-themed family fun including the opening of a bee hive.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Medina County District Library, 210 S. Broadway St., mcdl.info

7/24

VALLEY CITY FROG JUMP FESTIVAL. Family fun day with music, food, activities, Frog Jump and more. 10 a.m.6 p.m. Liverpool Mill Stream Park, frogjump.valleycity.org

7/29-31

SOLON HOME DAYS COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY. Weekend-long annual city festival. Solon Community Park, 6679 SOM Center Road, Solon, solonohio.org/1444/Home-Days

8/5-7

TWINS DAYS FESTIVAL. The world’s largest gathering of twins and other multiples. Glenn Chamberlin Park, 10260 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, twinsdays.org

8/7

THE FEST. Performances by national Christian musical artists, Kids Zone, and more. Center for Pastoral Leadership, 28700 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, thefest.us

8/13

FUN FEST. Free family festival with arts, crafts, music, and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Downtown Massillon, massillonmuseum.org/fun-fest

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- SPONSORED CONTENT -

WHERE KIDS CAN TOUCH THE ART!

YOUNG FAMILY AUDIENCES GET ARTSY AT MALTZ MUSEUM’S NEW SPECIAL EXHIBITION, CHAGALL FOR CHILDREN: WHERE KIDS CAN TOUCH THE ART

BEACHWOOD (May 17, 2022) – A new interactive children’s exhibition has arrived in Beachwood! Chagall for Children: Where Kids Can Touch the Art launched at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage with an all-day event celebrating the art of theater, music, and magic. An estimated 350 guests, of all ages and backgrounds, joined together at the opening to enjoy featured guests Mandel Jewish Community Center’s Playmakers Youth Theater, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s Mike Abbadini, and master magician Scott Shuller. The special exhibition is on view through August 28. Weekly morning story times at the museum will occur every Thursday through August 18. Plus, monthly family events will include interactive art projects with the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, Spirit of Clay Art Studio, and Upcycle Parts Shop For information about the exhibition, any family or adult programs, or to buy tickets, call 216-593-0575 or visit www.maltzmuseum.org.

22 | Family Living at Its Best

WATEr FUN Events WEDNESDAYS

6/24

THURSDAYS

6/25

PRESCHOOL BEACH BUNCH. Join the bunch for games, songs, story and craft. 10-11 a.m.

Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, loraincountymetroparks.com

FAMILY SWIM. Enjoy tropical family fun all year. 12:15-1:45 p.m. Goldfish Swim School, 4670 Richmond Road, Warrensville Hts., goldfishswimschool.com/ cleveland-east-side

6/23

FAMILY CREEK WALK. Join a naturalist and explore the creek.

2-3:30 p.m. South Chagrin Reservation, Sulphur Springs Picnic Area, Bentleyville, clevelandmetroparks.com

ICE CREAM FLOAT. A naturalist-led paddle followed by an ice cream social. 7-8:30 p.m.

Chippewa Yacht Club, 5878 Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake, medinacountyparks.com

POND EXPLORATION DAY. Drop a net in the pond and discover animal life. 1:30-3 p.m.

Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon, geaguaparkdistrict.org

7/8

TRY IT: KAYAKING. See what this water sport is like, and try maneuvering out on the water. Ages 13+. 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Munroe Falls Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, summitmetroparks.org

7/9

SPLASH AND PLAY. An afternoon of water games and activities. 2-3 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch Library, 37500 Bainbridge Road, lorainpubliclibrary.org

7/23

PADDLE SKEDADDLE. Test the waters with the park’s canoes, kayaks or paddle boards.

8-8:30 p.m. Walborn Marina, 11324 Price St. NE, Alliance, starkparks.com

7/27

SUN FUN & WATER WORKS. Let’s play in the sun and water.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina, mcdl.info

7/21

BUBBLE AND WATER PLAY FOR MERMAIDS AND MERMEN. Ages 6-24 months come splash and play. 10-11 a.m. Chardon Branch Library, 110 E. Park St., divi.geaugalibrary.net

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- SPONSORED CONTENT -

What Does Your

Perfect Family Vacation Look Like?

VISIT LAKESIDE CHAUTAUQUA FOR REST, RENEWAL, AND REINVIGORATION FOR ALL AGES. Imagine a place where freshly made donuts accompany the sunrise, arts classes unleash creativity, live music sparks singing and dancing, lifelong learning expands the mind, a dip in the pool refreshes, and wholesome family fun creates lasting memories.

Imagine a place where kids can be kids, and there’s plenty to do if you want to keep busy or completely unplug for the ultimate respite. It’s a place where you can meet new families and friends, ride bikes, relax along the lake, and everyone can learn something new. Too good to be true? Not at all.

For nearly 150 years, Lakeside Chautauqua has provided rest, renewal, and reinvigoration for all ages.

24 | Family Living at Its Best

Tucked away on the Marblehead Peninsula, just one hour west of Cleveland, this hidden gem along Lake Erie is the perfect destination for a week-long vacation, weekend getaway, or day trip.

Within the one-square-mile community of Lakeside, you’ll find hundreds of unique Victorian cottages, a concert auditorium, arts center, historic waterfront hotel, movie theater, pool, splash park, shuffleboard, tennis, pickleball, sailing, shopping, dining and much more.

NURTURE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT At the heart of the Lakeside experience, and what makes it truly different from a typical vacation spot, is the summer programming — a perfect balance to nurture mind, body, and spirit. Choose from any combination of cultural arts, educational, recreational, and spiritual programs to create a vacation with a purpose.

Where else can your family play shuffleboard, visit an art show, listen to a live concert, walk Ohio’s Most Beautiful Mile, take in a view of the Lake Erie Islands, experience an engaging lecture, listen to a preacher, and take a tennis lesson all in the same day?

SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT Lakeside hosts an impressive list of family-friendly entertainers from different genres of music, theatre, dance, magic and acting. This summer, Lakeside welcomes The OSU Alumni Band (June 11), Girl Named Tom (June 24), The Spinners (June 25), Sons of Serendip (July 2), Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (July 16), Tony Danza (July 23), Lakeside Symphony Orchestra (select dates), Columbus Zoo Animal Ambassadors (Aug. 3), Comedian Preacher Lawson (Aug. 6), We Are Messengers (Aug. 13), The Grass Roots (Aug. 27), and Mercury: The Music of Queen & Freddie Mercury (Sept. 3), to name a few.

These performances, held in Lakeside’s 2,600seat Hoover Auditorium or Steele Memorial Bandstand, are included in the price of daily admission.

To view the calendar of events, lakesideohio.com/vacation.

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR ALL BUDGETS Lakeside offers a variety of unique and charming accommodations — from the historic Hotel Lakeside and contemporary Fountain Inn to weekly cottage rentals, campground, and bed & breakfasts. To view available accommodations, visit lakesideohio.com/vacation ADMISSION & PARKING This vacation hotspot requires guests and residents to purchase a Chautauqua Pass and Auto Pass to enter the grounds during the summer programming season, May 27-Sept. 5. There are a variety of Chautauqua Passes and Auto Passes to choose from depending on the length of your stay.

Purchasing a Chautauqua Pass includes admittance to the grounds, as well as access to entertainment in Hoover Auditorium, the pool (on a first-come, first-served basis), Wellness Center, and a variety of cultural arts, educational, recreational, and spiritual experiences.

Plus, your Chautauqua Pass is valid from the time of purchase until 7 p.m. the following day, which means you get to experience practically two days of summertime fun for the price of one.

To provide this one-of-a-kind Lakeside experience to families at an affordable cost, children ages 4 and younger and guests ages 90 and older enjoy free admission.

To view 2022 admission and parking fees, visit lakesideohio.com/vacation.

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RECREATION AND WELLNESS The perfect setting for recreation and wellness along Lake Erie, enjoy family fun at the miniature golf course or shuffleboard courts, play a game of basketball or sand volleyball, cool off the kids at the splash pad, workout at the Wellness Center, rent a kayak or paddleboard, play at several parks and playgrounds across the grounds, enjoy a pickleball or tennis match, and make a splash in the pool or lake.

LIFELONG LEARNING To expand your mind, and have fun while doing it, Lakeside offers many lifelong learning opportunities for all ages and interests.

Families and children can add learning to their

Family Living Living at at Its Its Best Best 26 || Family 26

summer vacation. With science, music, history, and literature, the diverse programs allow you to interact and learn about the world together, all while having fun. Plus, a unique combination of fine arts classes are offered each week at the Rhein Center in areas such as glass, pottery, literature, dance, painting, music, and photography.

The hallmark of Lakeside’s education experience is the Chautauqua Lecture Series. Each week, experts in their field present on a variety of topics: Social Justice (June 20-24), World War II (June 27-July 1), Great Lakes Lore (July 11-15), Environmental Sustainability (Aug. 8-12), Comic Strips & Political Cartoons (Aug. 15-19), and more. To view theme weeks, visit lakesideohio.com/vacation.

Choice Awards 2022

ts s i l ina

and F BY GEORGIA LATTAS

E

ach year, we ask our readers and online followers to weigh in on their favorite family-friendly spots — local businesses, attractions, family services and more — in the Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards.

For our seventh annual contest, parents voiced their opinions during the nomination period in March and the final voting period in April.

We urged voters to consider all of their family’s favorites.

Some perennial favorites topped the ballots again this year, but they were joined by many new honorees. Here they are: the winners and finalists in our 2022 Parent Choice Awards.

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Choice Awards 2022

BEST PARK OR PLACE TO EXPLORE NATURE: WINNER: CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron.

The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is a restored section of the canal’s original towpath. In the park’s north, the Canal Exploration Center details the 19th-century waterway’s history. Brandywine Falls is one of several waterfalls and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through the park. Be sure to immerse yourself in the nature and history of the only national park in Ohio.

6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 440 717-3890, nps.gov/cuva FINALISTS: LAKE ERIE NATURE AND SCIENCE CENTER Lake Erie Nature & Science Center honors Elberta Fleming’s vision by continuing to offer free admission to indoor and outdoor exhibits, operating one of two public-access planetariums in Cuyahoga County, providing wildlife rehabilitation services at no charge to the public, and educating thousands of people each year through nature-based programming for all ages. 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-2900, lensc.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

ROCKY RIVER RESERVATION Rocky River Reservation is located in Berea, Brook Park, Cleveland, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, and Rocky River. Massive shale cliffs rise above the willows, sycamores and cottonwoods, and many trails wind through the valley’s deep floodplain forests, meadows and wetlands.

Wildlife is common in the valley, and visitors can expect to see numerous bird species and some common Ohio mammals year-round, including the white-tailed deer.

Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, 440-734-6660, clevelandmetroparks.com

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES Since 1966, the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has taught environmental education and preserved the area’s important natural habitats.

Each year, more than 17,000 children participate in 40,000 hours of school programs and camps, including a strong early childhood program for several East Side school districts and the Cleveland Public Schools.

More than 140,000+ visitors spend time with the nature center each year, using the trails and grounds to learn more about and connect with nature. 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-321-5935, shakerlakes.org

BEST PLACE FOR TEEN/TWEEN ADVENTURE: WINNER: CEDAR POINT Cedar Point is more than roller coasters. It’s more than thrill rides. If you’re looking for things to do near Cleveland, Cedar Point in Sandusky is the must-go destination. It’s home to 70 rides, from the family-friendly Snake River Expedition to the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force. Live shows, immersive dining, and signature summer events add diverse layers to the experience. The amusement park has a little bit of something for every thrill-seeker. 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com FINALISTS: ADRENALINE MONKEY Adrenaline Monkey is designed for kids, adults, and groups of any size, age or ability. With a variety of active and relaxed options, guests (a.k.a. Warriors) will experience adventure for hours. Challenge yourself on various Ninja Warrior-style obstacle courses that range from easy to hard. All courses include a timing system with buzzers. Fog is even available for parties and special events. Do you love parkour? Their facility includes two parkour-inspired courses.

26800 Renaissance Pkwy., Cleveland, 216-282-3100, adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

28 | Family Living at Its Best

SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK The rules of gravity are made to be broken. Sky Zone Trampoline Park is where kids can freestyle jump from massive walls for endless aerial action. Kids can also “SkySlam,” or play basketball while jumping on massive trampolines. Fly without fear into the Foam Zone: soft landings for huge air. Balance your way across SkyLine — a millimeters-thin raised slackline or rock climb on a huge bouldering wall.

Multiple locations, skyzone.com

SCENE75 With 10 indoor attractions, 150 arcade games, and a full bar and grill, Scene75 has fun for all ages. Not only is Scene75 one of the largest indoor entertainment centers in the country, but it was also awarded #1 Entertainment Center in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions in 2016 and 2021. 3688 Center Rd., Brunswick, 234-8031100, scene75.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT

Choice Awards 2022

BEST MUSEUM TO VISIT WITH YOUR FAMILY:

WINNER: CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF CLEVELAND With different stations to choose from, children can enter a world of water and wonder in “Wonder Lab,” the industrial science laboratory, or become a resident of “Adventure City,” the museum’s largest exhibit space that invites children to shop in the market or work at the construction site. Illuminated by bright lights and vibrant yellow walls, the “Arts & Parts” art studio allows children to work with various supplies, tools and materials to create anything they can imagine.

3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-791-7114, cmcleveland.org

Located in University Circle, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History inspires visitors to engage with science and nature. With more than 5 million artifacts and specimens—including visitor favorites such as Siberian Husky sled dog Balto, a real moon rock, and the fierce prehistoric fish Dunkleosteus terrelli — the museum offers plenty for families to discover. This summer, explore the special exhibit “100 Years of Discovery,” chat with scientists in the Current Science gallery, or step outside into the wildlife center to meet native Ohio animals. 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, 216-231-4600, cmnh.org FINALISTS: CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART Located in the Wade Park District, the Cleveland Museum of Art is internationally renowned for its extravagant and significant holdings of Asian and Egyptian art, with Egyptian antiquities the first works of art acquired by the museum in 1913, even before there was a building to house them. The museum is home to more than 61,000 works of art from around the world and has nearly 800,000 visitors annually.

11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER Located at North Coast Harbor in Downtown Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center features hundreds of hands-on exhibits that bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to life. The Science Center is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center.

The BioMedTech Gallery is dedicated to biomedical technology and engineering. It features the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater which boasts a six-story-high domed movie screen. Also, it has daily science demonstrations, seasonal camps, and the historic Steamship William G. Mather.

601 Erieside Ave., 216-694-2000, greatscience.com

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Choice Awards 2022

BEST PLAYGROUND:

WINNER: LAKEWOOD PARK

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF BEACHWOOD

BEST POOL OR SPLASH PAD:

WINNER: BEACHWOOD FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

The Beachwood Family Aquatic Center features a 13,238-sq.-ft. pool, eight 25-meter lap lanes, an ADA-accessible zero-depth entry, 1-meter and 3-meter diving boards, five different waterslides totaling 483 linear feet, hydrotherapy bubble benches, a 1,280-sq.-ft. separate toddler pool, and a 1,962-sq.-ft. sprayground. 25125 Fairmount Blvd., Beachwood, 216-292-1973, beachwoodohio.com

Lakewood Park is a 31-acre lakefront park featuring a seasonal pool, bandshell, and skatepark, plus sport courts and fields.

The Park offers a multitude of activities, including: a zero-entry children’s wading pool, four tennis courts with a Flexcourt surface, three sand volleyball courts, Kids Cove Playground area, and the Lakewood Park Bandstand, which offers free concerts PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF LAKEWOOD on Sunday evenings, and free movies for children during the summer months.

14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-529-5697, lakewoodoh.gov FINALISTS: ORANGE VILLAGE PARK Orange Village Community Park has so much to offer: a playground, a paved trail through the woods, a dog park, and lots of open fields. Everyone can play an array of sports — basketball, sand volleyball, pickleball, baseball, soccer and chipping/ putting. Good for walking the dog or taking your kids to enjoy a hot summer day.

Orange Village Park has everything you need! 4600 Lander Rd., Orange Village, 440-498-4400, orangevillage.com

FINALISTS: CROCKER PARK SPLASH PAD Cool off and have fun at the Crocker Park Splash Pad, sponsored by Lake Ridge Academy located in West Park between Crepes in the City and Barroco. The Splash Pad is open for play daily starting at 10 a.m., as well as during evening light shows Monday through Saturday from 7-9 p.m.

Open Memorial Day weekend, May 27, through Labor Day, Sept. 5.

229 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com/splashpad GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a safe, fun, and family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio), and shiver-free 90-degree pools. In addition to swim lessons, Goldfish Swim School offers family swims (for both members and non-members) and party packages. Goldfish Swim School has five Cleveland-area locations: Cleveland East Side (Warrensville Heights), Fairview Park, Strongsville, North Canton, and Hudson. goldfishswimschool.com LYNDHURST POOL The Lyndhurst Pool was rebuilt and reopened in 2003 to provide residents young and old a wonderful swim experience for them and their guests. Featuring zero grade entry, 25-meter summer competition-length swim lanes, a diving well, 20’ high winding slide and fun spray features, the pool is enjoyable for all. A newly upgraded playground and picnic pavilion just outside the pool make for a well-rounded family facility. The City also has a beautiful spray park at its Brainard Park facility.

1331 Parkview Dr., Cleveland, 440-442-8469, lyndhurstohio.gov

30 | Family Living at Its Best

PRESTON’S H.O.P.E. The playground for children of all levels of abilities and disabilities, which provides opportunities to explore, play, and learn.

This extensive playground includes Imagination Village, with make-believe houses connected by a raised walkway, Play theatre, a sand area, and a traditional playground area with swings, tunnels and slides that are appropriate for children from preschool through school age.

26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, prestonshope.com

BEST INDOOR PLAY PLACE:

WINNER: SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SKY ZONE CAFE O’PLAY There are two main areas to Café O’Play: the coffeehouse/café area. Their play area, approximately 5,000 square feet in size, includes a toddler play area for children up to 48 months old, with cushions, ramps, toys, and a small climbing structure. The larger climbing structure for older children includes a series of colorful tubes, slides, obstacle courses, ramps, and stairs. 911 Graham Rd. #27, Stow, 330-928-7517, cafeoplay.com

The rules of gravity are made to be broken.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is where kids can freestyle jump from massive walls for endless aerial action. Kids can also “SkySlam,” or play basketball while jumping on massive trampolines. Fly without fear into the Foam Zone: soft landings for huge air.

Balance your way across SkyLine — a millimeters-thin raised slackline or rock climb on a huge bouldering wall.

Multiple locations, skyzone.com FINALISTS: KIDDIE JUNGLE Over 7,000 combined square feet between the locations for children less than 70 pounds or age 7.

The jungle play structure has over 1,000 square feet of slides, tunnels, swings, trapezes, ball pits, and much more! In addition to the play structure, children can explore and learn using the toys, puppet theaters, books and more!

There is also a play area for babies. 5456 Mayfield Rd., Lyndhurst, 440-3737765, kiddiejungle.com

PLAY DAY CAFE Play Day Café is an indoor playground with a café and party center and a unique style that parents will also enjoy! The mega-sized playground brings a modern approach to children’s fitness through active play. The play areas provide a fun, clean and safe place for kids to play and to keep them moving.

6200 Enterprise Pkwy. #1, Solon, 440-248-5790, playdaycafe. centeredgeonline.com

🐾

🐾 PHOTOS COURTESY OF CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

BEST ANIMAL ENCOUNTER:

WINNER: CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a 183-acre zoo divided into several areas: Australian Adventure; African Savanna; Northern Wilderness Trek, The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Waterfowl Lake, The RainForest, and Asian Highlands. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has one of the largest collections of primates in North America. The zoo features 3,000 animal residents representing more than 600 different species.

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com FINALISTS: AKRON ZOO There are seven exhibits to explore: meet big cats in Legends of the Wild, hear the growl of bears at Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge, bask in the beauty of hundreds of plants and flowers at Lehner Family Zoo Gardens, visit owls at the Wild Prairie, get nose-to-nose with the world’s largest lizard at Komodo Kingdom, peek at cute penguins at Penguin Point, and get up close with different creatures at Curious Creatures.

500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

LAKE METROPARKS FARMPARK A working farm and education center in Kirtland, opened in 1990, and located on 235 acres with fields, gardens, and standard farm buildings, devoted to agriculture. The Farmpark features dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits, horses, alpacas, and goats, a plant science center, farm machinery exhibits, playground and more. Horse- or tractor-drawn wagons provide visitors rides to destinations throughout the park.

8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com

Choice Awards 2022

BEST SENSORYFRIENDLY OUTING (SPECIAL NEEDS):

WINNER: CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

The zoo has partnered with KultureCity and received an official certification from the organization to promote an accommodating and positive experience for guests with sensory needs. It offers six quiet zones with signage where guests can get away from loud noises. Also, sensory bags are available filled with optional ID cards, fidget tools and noise reducing headphones. In addition to the quiet zones, the zoo’s accessibility map shows “headphone zones” where loud noises are present. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com FINALISTS: AKRON ZOO There are seven exhibits to explore at the zoo. It has partnered with KultureCity to assist and accommodate guests with sensory processing needs. It also provides sensory bags, quiet zones, weighted lap pads, trained staff to help and more. The zoo provides events such as the “Zoothing Hour” which opens an hour early for guests with different abilities who do not like loud noises and/ or crowds. 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

PRESTON’S H.O.P.E. Preston’s H.O.P.E., a playground for children of all levels of abilities and disabilities, provides children with the opportunities to explore, play, and learn.

This extensive playground includes Imagination Village, with make-believe houses connected by a raised walkway, Play theatre, a sand area, and a traditional playground area with swings, tunnels and slides that are appropriate for children from preschool through school age.

26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, prestonshope.com

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BEST PEDIATRICIAN:

Choice Awards 2022

WINNER: GREATER CLEVELAND PEDIATRICS

Caring for your family is their greatest priority. Their practice follows the increasingly popular Direct Primary Care model. This means that they limit the number of patients in their practice, so they have the time to focus completely on each individual patient without any interference from the insurance companies. As your pediatricians they will provide the comprehensive primary care that your child needs to grow and the guidance necessary to give you confidence you are making the best choices for your child.

3311 Richmond Road, Suite 150, Beachwood, 216-236-5446, clepeds.com FINALISTS:

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAINBOW BABIES AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

BEST HOSPITAL IN A CHILD EMERGENCY: WINNER: RAINBOW BABIES AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

KIDS IN THE SUN Imagine children laughing and playing in a warm, sunny field on a bright summer day. You see your kids there, and so do the physicians and staff of UH Rainbow Kids in the Sun, a pediatric practice. Their goal is to work together with parents and other health care professionals to nurture your children in a happy and safe environment, using state-of-the-art medicine to provide advanced care along with advanced caring. Two locations in Broadview Heights and Strongsville, uhhospitals.org

For more than 125 years, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital has been providing expert pediatric care for infants, children and adolescents in Northeast Ohio. With expertise in 16 medical and 12 surgical specialties, their team of doctors, nurses and other clinical staff has experience in diagnosing and treating children for a range of medical issues, from common childhood illnesses to complex conditions. Their specialties including orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology and digestive health, pediatric cancer and pulmonology. They also are home to Northern Ohio’s only Level 1 pediatric trauma center, dedicated to caring for infants and children with the most critical injuries and illnesses.

Main campus: 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-844-5437, uhhospitals.org

SENDERS PEDIATRICS Dr. Senders founded Senders Pediatrics over 30 years ago to help create a pediatric care community, to help parents figure out their kids, and to serve as their trusted guide as they navigate the challenges of raising children from cradle through college. Their unique approach blends experience, personal connection, community engagement, and a willingness to look at out-of-thebox solutions for their patients. 2054 S. Green Rd., South Euclid, 216-291-9210, senderspediatrics.com

CLEVELAND CLINIC CHILDREN’S Cleveland Clinic Children’s is dedicated to medical, surgical and rehabilitative care of infants, children and adolescents. The staff uses the latest technology and most recent research to achieve the best possible outcomes. Children’s has more than 300 pediatric specialists who are leaders in research for cardiac care, neurological conditions, digestive diseases and other conditions.

Main campus: 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-444-5437, my.clevelandclinic.org

Family Living Living at at Its Its Best Best 32 | Family

FINALISTS: AKRON CHILDREN HOSPITAL Akron Children’s Hospital compassionate approach to treatment that makes them truly exceptional. Through a combination of revolutionary treatments and extraordinary patient experiences, their care does more than heal. It brings the entire family together for emotional support and understanding across multiple locations to reach you in the community where you live. One Perkins Square, Akron, 330-543-2000, akronchildrens.org

Choice Awards 2022

BEST PLACE TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY:

BEST ARTS AND MUSIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE:

WINNER: THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

The rules of gravity are made to be broken. Sky Zone Trampoline Park is where kids can freestyle jump from massive walls for endless aerial action. Kids can also “SkySlam,” or play basketball while jumping on massive trampolines. Fly without fear into the Foam Zone: soft landings for huge air. Balance your way across SkyLine — a millimeters-thin raised slackline or rock climb on a huge bouldering wall.

Multiple locations, skyzone.com

Through its three centers – Center for Music, Center for Early Childhood, and Center for Music Therapy – and Bop Stop performance venue, The Music Settlement provides accessible, life-enhancing music and arts experiences to people of all ages and abilities. Its Center for Music delivers music instruction in a variety of musical styles in private lessons, ensembles, immersion programs, and performance opportunities. Its Center for Early Childhood is a top-rated, 5-Star “Step Up To Quality” program that uses music and the arts in preschool, kindergarten, and summer camps. Its Center for Music Therapy utilizes specially designed music-based interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional.

11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, 216-421-5806, themusicsettlement.org

FINALISTS:

FINALISTS:

WINNER: SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK

GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes and shiver-free 90-degree pools. They also offer family swims and party packages.

Goldfish Swim School has five Cleveland-area locations: Cleveland East Side (Warrensville Heights), Fairview Park, Strongsville, North Canton, and Hudson. goldfishswimschool.com

CHUCK E. CHEESE Chuck E. Cheese is an entertainment center and restaurant pizza chain founded in 1977. Each location features arcade games, amusement rides, and character stage shows in addition to serving pizza and other food items.

Make sure to pose with Chuck E. Cheese.

Multiple locations, chuckecheese.com

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS Beck Center for the Arts is more than a non-profit arts organization that combines professional theater with arts education in Northeast Ohio. It creates arts experiences for all ages and abilities. It is the largest theater and arts center on the West Side, serving over 65,000 people per year. Beck Center produces live professional theater, and theater for children, teens, and adults, with free art gallery spaces, and dance, music, theater, and visual arts education programming.

17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org

KINDERMUSIK In the late ‘60s, musician and educator Dan Pratt discovered a successful music program in Germany that empowered young children to express themselves creatively, while hitting major developmental milestones. He saw families coming back to it again and again, and he knew his calling was to build on what he had learned and share it around the world. In 1978, he introduced the first Kindermusik class, and the rest is musical history.

Multiple classes, kindermusik.com

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Choice Awards 2022

BEST FAMILY DENTIST/DENTAL CENTER: WINNER: GREAT BEGINNINGS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

If you ask kids what they love about Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry, they might mention the touch-screen games in the waiting room or the movie screens over every chair. Other benefits include: experienced, compassionate pediatric dentists with 25 years of combined dental experience, and gentle, innovative dental technology including Solea laser dentistry (no needles and no dental drill), digital radiography (X-rays), intraoral cameras, and mercury-free fillings. 9964 Vail Dr. #1, Twinsburg, 330-425-1885, greatbeginningspd.com FINALISTS: BAY DENTAL Bay Dental truly believes that BRECKSVILLE KIDS DENTISTRY a healthy mouth leads to an At Brecksville Kids Dentistry, overall healthy body, and that they create memories while everyone should have access providing exceptional dental to a top-notch dental profescare for children and spesional. That’s why they offer cial-needs adolescents. They competitive pricing and work strive to foster a lifetime of with nearly all insurance plans positive dental experiences to assist you in getting the care for the children they care for. you deserve. They understand Their team is committed with and speak Spanish, Hungarian, this mission in mind by serving Romanian, and Serbian.660 the surrounding communities Dover Center Rd. #3, through education and outBay Village, 440-899-7950, reach programs. baydentaloffice.com 8801 Brecksville Rd. #5, Brecksville, 440-838-5445, brecksvillekids.com

BEST ORTHODONTIST: WINNER: WINNER: TIE DR. GEN SULLIVAN ORTHODONTICS ORTHODONTICS

Serving Mayfield Heights, Lyndhurst, Twinsburg, and surrounding areas in Northeast Ohio, Dr. Felix Gen, an orthodontic specialist, offering Invisalign and braces for children, teens, and adults.

A friendly, customer-service oriented practice dedicated to providing state-of-the-art orthodontic care in a comfortable environment.

Two locations, brace4success.com

At Sullivan Orthodontics, they are not just in the business of straightening teeth. When they help you achieve your most brilliant, healthy smile, they’re working to help a friend become confident, healthy, and self-assured. Dr. Annelise Sullivan’s goal is to give you the important tools to care for and maintain it for life.

Two locations, sullivanortho.com

FINALISTS: PREMIER SMILES Premier Smiles Orthodontics is dedicated to helping patients and their families feel as welcome and comfortable as possible throughout their experience with them. Inspired by the many deserving children and adults throughout the community, they maintain a mission-driven model that provides top-quality care at affordable prices, low monthly payments, and interest-free financing. Multiple locations, premiersmilesortho.com

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BEST PLACE FOR A KID’S HAIRCUT:

WINNER: CUTS N CURLS

Cuts N Curls For Boys & Girls is a unique hair salon, toy boutique, and party place all wrapped up into one very neat package! Since 2007, their mission is to take the stress out of getting you and your family’s haircut in a safe, worry-free environment. Their retail section is packed with the latest trends and toys as well as a one-of-a-kind SkeeBall game, so kick back and relax. This is your time to unwind while they get your family looking their best. 6025 Kruse Dr., Suite 112, Solon, 440-542-1750, cutsncurls.net PHOTO COURTESY OF CUTS N CURLS

FINALISTS: GREAT CLIPS Great Clips is a 100% franchised company with more than 4,400 hair salons across North America. Great Clips services include: haircuts for men, women and children, and perms at select locations, along with other salon hair services. Their hair salons are open seven days a week, including nights and weekends, so customers can get a haircut near them when they need it. Multiple locations, greatclips.com

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN SALON AND SPA Since 1975, Ladies and Gentlemen Salon and Spa founders Ed and Nancy Brown have prioritized customer service and relationships as the foundation of their beauty business.

Their salon and academic operations serve and nurture a network of stylists and salon professionals of the beauty industry through education, competition, and community service. Two locations, ladiesgentlemen.com

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Choice Awards 2022

BEST SUMMER CAMP/PROGRAM: WINNER: THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

Through its three centers – Center for Music, Center for Early Childhood, and Center for Music Therapy – and Bop Stop performance venue, The Music Settlement provides accessible, life-enhancing music and arts experiences to people of all ages and abilities. Its Center for Music delivers music instruction in a variety of musical styles in private lessons, ensembles, immersion programs, and performance opportunities. Its Center for Early Childhood is a top-rated, 5-Star “Step Up To Quality” program that uses music and the arts in preschool, kindergarten, and summer camps. Its Center for Music Therapy utilizes specially designed music-based interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, 216-421-5806, themusicsettlement.org FINALISTS: PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

BEST FAMILY SPORTS OUTING: WINNER: CLEVELAND GUARDIANS

The Cleveland Guardians (or their predecessors) have played at Progressive Field since 1994. Since its establishment as a Major League franchise in 1901, Cleveland’s baseball team has won 10 Central division titles, six American League pennants, and two World Series championships. Be sure to check the game schedule and cheer on this favorite baseball team. mlb.com/guardians FINALISTS: CLEVELAND MONSTERS The Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League, began in 2007 as the Lake Erie Monsters. The Monsters play home games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and won the AHL’s Calder Cup championship in 2016. clevelandmonsters.com

LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS The Lake County Captains are a Minor League Baseball team in Eastlake that plays in the Midwest League as the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The Captains play their home games in Classic Park, which opened in 2003. milb.com/lake-county

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BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS Beck Center for the Arts is more than a non-profit arts organization that combines professional theater with arts education in Northeast Ohio. It creates arts experiences for all ages and abilities. It is the largest theater and arts center on the West Side, serving over 65,000 people per year. Beck Center produces live professional theater, and theater for children, teens, and adults, with free art gallery spaces, and dance, music, theater, and visual arts education programming.

17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org

FALCON CAMP Falcon Camp has designed an intentional program aimed at creating a summer of fun, adventure and learning for its campers. Through programs designed to increase independence, self-confidence and self-discovery, they encourage campers to choose what they like, and excel in those activities. Located in the woods on a lake in Carrollton, Ohio, the camp provides a unique, off-thegrid experience for young people aged 6 to 16.

4251 Delta Rd. SW, Carrollton, 330-627-4269, falconcamp.com

HIRAM HOUSE CAMP Founded in 1896. It has been in continuous operation for over a century, enriching the lives of generations of children through camping. A nonprofit organization, its mission is to open new horizons for youth, build character, and promote family for children of all backgrounds.

Open year-round, it serves thousands of children annually through a variety of outdoor education, and recreation programs and facilities.

33775 Hiram Trail, Moreland Hills, 216-831-5045, hiramhousecamp. org

Choice Awards

BEST PLACE FOR GYMNASTICS:

2022

WINNER: THE LITTLE GYM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

BEST DANCE STUDIO: WINNER: CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

No matter their age or experience, every dancer can spread their wings and dance their way to personal excellence at Cleveland City Dance. Since 1965, CCD has served as the premier dance school in the Greater Cleveland area, offering a variety of dance classes for children, teenagers, and adults. Combining decades of experience, their professional dance instructors come from across the United States to bring the finest artistry and technique to dancers of all ages throughout Northeast Ohio. 13108 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-295-2222, clevelandcitydance.com FINALISTS: BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS Beck Center for the Arts is more than a non-profit arts organization that combines professional theater with arts education in Northeast Ohio. It creates arts experiences for all ages and abilities. It provides classes and camps that includes ballet, jazz, modern dance, hip hop, tap, ensemble improvisation and choreography. Kids, teens and adults at all levels of ballet and dance, can enjoy these lessons. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org

The Little Gym offers progressively structured classes and a positive learning environment to create opportunities for your child to try new PHOTO COURTESY OF things and build self-conTHE LITTLE GYM fidence. Their trained instructors nurture happy, confident kids through a range of classes like parent/ child classes and gymnastics, plus fun extras like parties, camps and more. The Little Gym embraces a proprietary philosophy called three-dimensional learning, in which physical activity is a conduit for nurturing your whole child. This approach to skill development means that every class they offer fosters growth in three holistic dimensions—Brain Boost!, Get Moving! and Citizen Kid! Two locations, thelittlegym.com FINALISTS: FIRST FLIPS First Flips’s goal is to enrich each student’s life through gymnastics instruction.

The staff is dedicated to the overall development of its students, while striving to build lifelong skills. They promise to work with each student, acknowledge their individual goals, talents and accomplishments, and to make their gymnastics experience enjoyable and worthwhile.

30500 Carter St., Unit B, Solon, 440-498-1770, elitegym.com

GYMNASTICS WORLD Gymnastics World opened in September 1975 under the ownership of Ron and Joan Ganim, along with Joan’s parents, Jim and Martha Puzder. Over 1,000 girls and boys participate in one or more of their programs, including preschool classes, school-aged recreational gymnastics, tumbling classes, and boys and girls competitive teams.

6630 Harris Road, Broadview Heights, 440-526-2970, gymworldohio.com

CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO Center Stage prioritizes making your dance journey one that is truly individualized. They aren’t interested in where a dancer ‘should’ be. Their main priority is to help dancers achieve their goals and offer classes that help them get there. In their dance classes and studio, they have a wide variety of classes, small class sizes, highly trained faculty, available office staff, summer recital, competition program, viewing monitors and full-length mirrors.

10211 Northfield Rd. Unit B, Northfield, 330-467-1414, centerstageohio.com

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Choice Awards 2022

BEST KID-FRIENDLY SHOPPING AREA: WINNER: CROCKER PARK

Shop. Dine. Play. Live. Work. Experience.

It’s all happening at Crocker Park. Spread over 12 city blocks in Westlake, the lifestyle center has exquisite shopping and dining options. From relaxation to socializing and recreation, the annual events calendar is packed with over 200 activities occurring in this open-air park, with everything from live music to free movies and workout classes, a daily summer Express Train and Splash Pad, annual Wine Festival and Block Party, food truck pop-ups, a 50-ft. dancing Christmas Tree, a daily winter real ice-skating rink and photos with Santa, a 1-mile fitness loop, and so much more. 177 Market St., Westlake, 440-835-9343, crockerpark.com PHOTO COURTESY OF STARK ENTERPRISES

FINALISTS: LEGACY VILLAGE Legacy Village was designed with you in mind. It’s a great place to meet friends and shop. At Legacy Village, you’ll find traditional retail shopping along with unique boutique-style shops and service-oriented businesses like salons, a grocery and a pharmacy. A one-of-a-kind experience in a relaxing environment.

25001 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst, 216-382-3871, legacy-village.com PINECREST Celebrate your style with a mix of nationally renowned retailers and the best local and regional brands. Discover your favorite from diverse restaurants and specialty eateries. Check showtimes and buy your tickets for this state-of-the-art entertainment/dine-in theater experience at Silverspot Cinema, bowl at Pinstripes or check out their event calendar for family fun.

200 Park Ave., Orange, 216.514.8700, discoverpinecrest.com VAN AKEN DISTRICT The Van Aken District is a place you’ll want to linger longer, savor and come back to – again and again. This vibrant urban hub, located in Downtown Shaker Heights, offers retail, restaurants and entertainment – all coming together in the name of community, craftsmanship and supporting the local economy.

3401 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights, 216-491-8800, thevanakendistrict.com

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Choice Awards 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLEBABY

BEST PREGNANCY/POSTPARTUM CARE FOR MOMS AND FAMILIES: WINNER: CLEBABY

CLEBaby is a modern, full-service agency, specializing in birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth education, and in-home sleep training. They provide physical, emotional, and informational support to help you navigate your journey into and through parenthood. Their agency model ensures you will receive consistent, reliable support from their team of expert doulas. They pride themselves on their professionalism and their compassion. At CLEbaby they believe that growing your family is beautiful and transformative. They want you to experience firsthand how doulas can improve your birth and postpartum experiences in positive and meaningful ways. Their educational classes can equip you with the tools to be knowledgeable, confident parents. 216-694-8266, clebaby.com FINALISTS: FRUIT OF THE WOMB PERINATAL SERVICES Angel Coleman is the owner and founder of Fruit of the Womb Perinatal Services. She is a certified birth doula, postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor, and a lamaze certified childbirth educator. Coleman is passionate about having healing births when previous births were traumatic and assisting in creating a present pregnancy and birth a mother can feel good about.

She works with community partners to deliver a village of support for the families she works with and aid in the holistic approach to their pregnancy and birth.

W. 94th St., Cleveland, 440-723-9408, fruitofthewombirth.com ​ NURTURED FOUNDATION Nurtured Foundation strives to provide parents with the nonjudgmental support and education to navigate through these wonderful, yet challenging times. Nurtured Foundation’s Cleveland doula and newborn care services include birth doulas, high risk birth planning, postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, overnight newborn care, placenta encapsulation, lactation support, in-home postpartum and prenatal massage and sleep training.

They also offer private breast/chest-feeding classes including back-to-work preparation.

216-409-5403, nurturedfoundation.com

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Choice Awards 2022

FIND UNIQUE, BUDGETFRIENDLY FASHIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY AT GOODWILL

BEST LOCAL, INDEPENDENT STORE TO BUY TOYS, GAMES AND LEARNING PRODUCTS: WINNER: ONCE UPON A TIME TOYS

Once Upon a Time Toys started out in 1984 in a tiny storefront in the old Arcade in Downtown Cleveland. In 1988, it opened in its current location in Rocky River. Jack Seelie, owner, is always on a quest for the best toys money can buy. Once Upon a Time Toys is a “real” toy store that provides creative, hands-on toys that encourage social skills, rather than escaping into the virtual world. 19285 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 440-333-2327, onceuponatimetoys.com FINALISTS: LAKESHORE LEARNING Lakeshore has grown from that first brickPLAYMATTERS TOYS and-mortar store to a leading developer Since 1992, family-owned PlayMatters Toys and retailer of top-quality educational has helped friends and families find delight materials for early childhood programs, in play time. Located in Pepper Pike, the elementary schools and homes nationwide. shop carries a diverse selection of premium A one-stop teacher supply store, Lakeshore building toys, puzzles, dolls, games, fidgety offers a huge range of teaching resources things, outdoor fun, and board games that and classroom decor, hands-on learning appeal to babies, kids and teens, grownups, products and so much more. and everyone in between.

27500 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, 30789 Pinetree Rd., Pepper Pike, 216-378-9488, lakeshorelearning.com 216-464-2424, playmatterstoys.com

FIND A LOCATION: WWW.GOODWILLAKRON.ORG

BEST THRIFT/ CONSIGNMENT FOR CHILDREN’S CLOTHING: WINNER: ONCE UPON A CHILD

PHOTO COURTESY OF ONCE UPON A CHILD

Once Upon A Child buys and sells gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys and baby gear, so you can recycle your children’s nearly-new items and get paid on the spot. They provide a great selection of gently used kid’s clothes, shoes, toys, furniture and baby gear. Just by buying and selling these items at their stores, you are taking sustainable actions while saving up to 70% off retail. When you bring in your gently used kids’ clothing, toys and furniture, you are helping make the earth a better place. Recycling clothing can save thousands of gallons of water and millions of barrels of oil. Selling your gently used items to our stores allows other kids to enjoy them again.

Multiple locations, onceuponachild.com FINALISTS: GOODWILL It’s more than just “stuff.” Your donations allow Goodwill to keep more items out of landfills and positively impact the communities through their programs and services. Last year more than 16,700 people were supported by your Goodwill.

Donations and shopping are the basis for Goodwill’s “Cycle of Success”. These simple things that are beneficial to you are also good for your community and the environment.

Multiple locations, goodwillgoodskills.org

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VALUE WORLD Value World thrift stores offer a huge selection and fair pricing on quality items. They buy the items they sell to ensure the items meet their quality standards. For Value World, it’s all about taking care of communities. Value World does this by taking care of your family and promoting a more sustainable way of living.

Multiple locations, valueworld.com

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Choice Awards 2022

BEST OHIO STAYCATION DESTINATION: WINNER: HOCKING HILLS Within Hocking Hills State Park are over 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays. The park contains seven hiking areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow (nature preserve), Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, and Hemlock Bridge Trail to Whispering Cave. The area is very popular with tourists and features many private inns, campgrounds, cabins, restaurants, and other related businesses, including a zipline. 19852 OH-664, Logan, 740-385-6842, thehockinghills.org FINALISTS: CEDAR POINT If you’re looking for things to do near Cleveland, Cedar Point in Sandusky is the must-go destination. It’s home to 70 amazing rides, from the family-friendly Snake River Expedition to the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters like Steel Vengeance and Millennium Force. Live shows, immersive dining, and signature summer events add diverse layers to the experience. 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, 419-627-2350, cedarpoint.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOCKING HILLS

KALAHARI RESORT Kalahari Resort & Conventions are full-service vacation destinations including meeting and convention facilities that combine America’s largest indoor waterparks with the magic of Africa. Located in Sandusky, Ohio, Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, and Round Rock, Texas, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ innovative waterparks, family entertainment centers, luxury spas, adventurous restaurants, and convention centers deliver beyond expectations, all under one roof.7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky, 419-433-7200, kalahariresorts.com

BEST LIVE THEATER EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS Winner: Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square’s five historic theaters opened from 1921-1922.

Today, Playhouse Square is the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. Playhouse Square is a not-forprofit performing arts center whose mission is presenting and producing a wide variety of quality performing arts, advancing arts education and creating a destination that is a location for entertainment, business and residential living. 1501 Euclid Ave. #200, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org FINALISTS: BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS Beck Center for the Arts is more than a non-profit arts organization that combines professional theater with arts education in Northeast Ohio. Beck Center creates arts experiences for all ages and abilities.

Serving over 65,000 people per year, it produces live professional theater, and theater for children, teens, and adults, with free art gallery spaces, and dance, music, theater, and visual arts education programming for all ages. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org

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MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY Magical Theatre Company is Northeast Ohio’s professional resident and touring Theatre for Young Audiences. Dedicated to bringing quality theater to the young and young-at-heart, they brought theatre magic to thousands of families for 40 years.

565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLAYHOUSE SQUARE

Choice Awards 2022

BEST LIBRARY:

WINNER: CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

Cleveland Public Library operates the Main Library on Superior Avenue in Downtown Cleveland, 27 branches throughout the city, a mobile library, a Public Administration Library in City Hall, and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled. The Cleveland Public Library circulates one of the largest and most extensive collections in the country, boasting close to 10 million items. It offers many family-friendly activities for all ages, public events and community resources. 325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-623-2800, cpl.org FINALISTS: BEACHWOOD BRANCH OF THE CUYAHOGA COUNTY LIBRARY The Beachwood Branch first opened to the public on October 31, 1982. At the time, it was the first branch in the CCPL system to have an automated circulation system. Located a few hundred yards from the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, the branch provides a drive-up window where customers can pick up requested materials, dedicated spaces for kids and teens, and a beautiful outdoor reading garden. 25501 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, 216-831-6868, cuyahogalibrary.org TWINSBURG PUBLIC LIBRARY The Twinsburg Public Library serves a population of over 20,000 and surpassed the one million mark in annual circulation in 2006. The library consistently achieves top 10 Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings rankings, and is a member of CLEVNET, an association of public libraries that together provide access to over 11 million items to Cleveland and the rest of Ohio. Be sure to check out different challenges sponsored by the library.10050 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg, 330-425-4268, twinsburglibrary.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

BEST DAYCARE/PRESCHOOL:

WINNER: THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT

Through its three centers – Center for Music, Center for Early Childhood, and Center for Music Therapy – and Bop Stop performance venue, The Music Settlement provides accessible, life-enhancing music and arts experiences to people of all ages and abilities. Its Center for Music delivers music instruction in a variety of musical styles in private lessons, ensembles, immersion programs, and performance opportunities. Its Center for Early Childhood is a top-rated, 5-Star “Step Up To Quality” program that uses music and the arts in preschool, kindergarten, and summer camps. Its Center for Music Therapy utilizes specially designed music-based interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional. 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, 216-421-5806, themusicsettlement.org FINALISTS: GODDARD SCHOOL Each day, caring and attentive teachers provide your child with countless opportunities to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically in a safe and loving environment. Classrooms gives your little one the chance to grow in big ways. These safe and caring spaces have been designed to encourage discovery and spark imagination in everyday learning opportunities. Every day is a great day to explore new subjects, develop lasting skills, and have fun while learning with their enrichment activities. This diverse range of supplemental programs provides your child with more ways to learn and grow.

Multiple locations, goddardschool.com HATHAWAY BROWN Hathaway Brown gives girls in grades kindergarten through 12, and boys and girls in the early childhood program the chance to unleash their creativity, explore things they’re passionate about, and get big things done in a world that doesn’t operate by the rules of a classroom syllabus. HB’s core curriculum provides a solid foundation for girls to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence. Their educators uphold HB’s promise and nationally-recognized standing for academic excellence.

19600 N. Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-932-4214, hb.edu

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Choice Awards 2022

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS

BEST TOWN TO RAISE A FAMILY: WINNER: SHAKER HEIGHTS

Just eight miles from downtown Cleveland, Shaker Heights is known for its high-quality schools, walkable neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and vibrant commercial districts, including the popular Van Aken District. This vibrant urban hub, located in Downtown Shaker Heights, offers the best mix of retail, restaurants, and entertainment – all in support of the local economy. Known for its extravagant houses, Nature Center, and bike trails, Shaker Heights is equipped with everything you need to raise a family. Shakeronline.com FINALISTS: CLEVELAND Located along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is the second-largest city in Ohio. Downtown Cleveland features an array of activities to choose from – watch the Cleveland Guardians play at Progressive Field, listen to live music at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, or get immersed in live theater at Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the U.S. outside of New York City. Cleveland is home to the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, which documents the history of rock music and inducts new members every year. Clevelandohio.gov

LAKEWOOD The third-largest city in Cuyahoga County, Lakewood was established in 1889 and named for its lakefront location. Lakewood Park is one of the largest lakefront parks in Ohio and features a live concert stage, outdoor swimming pool, picnic pavilions, four-season public pavilion, kids’ playground, baseball, volleyball, and a skate park. The Lakewood Civic Auditorium, a 2,000-seat performing arts venue located on the campus of Lakewood High School, features the world’s largest free-standing ceramic sculpture, Early Settler, created

by American industrial designer Viktor Schreckengost. Lakewoodoh.gov

BEST LOCAL PLACE TO FIND A BABYSITTER/CHILDCARE: WINNER: THE NANNY CONNECTION

The Nanny Connection’s mission is to guide families through the process of finding high-quality childcare. Their purpose is to reduce stress for parents while creating dream jobs for caregivers. They personally assist each family and business in securing fully-screened, experienced child care providers.

They continue to grow in the Midwest because of the personal service that they provide, and the reputation they have built with their families, nannies and sitters. 216-776-2669, yournannyconnection.com FINALIST: PINK NANNIES Pink Nannies began as a newborn services agency 17 years ago. As those babies turned into toddlers, they just couldn’t let them go. To continue supporting their families and their changing needs, Pink Nannies extended their care to include nanny services for children of all ages. They offer every service from in-home helpers and private educators to full-time nannies and, of course, newborn care. 3945 Pine Lake Cir., Richfield, 216-309-2322, pinknannies.com

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

BEST PLACE FOR KIDS’ SWIM LESSONS: WINNER: GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

Goldfish Swim School provides indoor, year-round swim instruction to children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a safe, fun, and family-friendly setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes (max 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio), and shiver-free 90-degree pools. In addition to swim lessons, Goldfish Swim School offers family swims (for both members and non-members) and party packages. Facility highlights include an air-conditioned viewing gallery for parents to watch lessons, individual/private changing rooms, blow dry station, snack bar, retail shop, and warm, tropical décor. Goldfish Swim School has five Cleveland-area locations: Cleveland East Side (Warrensville Heights), Fairview Park, Strongsville, North Canton and Hudson. goldfishswimschool.com FINALISTS: MANDEL JCC The Mandel JCC has a state-of-the-art community center, which features a renovated fitness center and indoor and outdoor pools. Mandel JCC of Cleveland builds and strengthens Cleveland’s entire community by providing programs and services in the following areas: health, wellness and recreation, early childhood education, day camps and Camp Wise overnight camp and cultural arts. The Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland builds, connects and strengthens the Jewish community and the Greater Cleveland community through exceptional life-long programs and services that reflect the richness of Jewish life and enhance physical, intellectual and spiritual well-being.. 26001 S. Woodland Rd., Beachwood, 216-831-0700, mandeljcc.org YMCA OF GREATER CLEVELAND The YMCA is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. Working locally, the YMCA focuses on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and building community. Multiple locations, clevelandymca.org

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LET'S GET

PHOTO KRISTEN ANTOSH

T

E T H G ER O

This summer, many families and friends will celebrate special occasions like birthdays or graduations, and some will just spend a few hours together after a long absence due to COVID-19. We asked the Northeast Ohio Parent bloggers (northeastohioparent.com/bloggers) to provide some recipes and crafts for the kids to try during these gatherings.

Bring Your Own Milk Jug… Aisha Taylor of FNPhenomenal shares Milk Jug Bird Feeder “This is one I (shared) with my twins,” she says.

46 | Family Living at Its Best

.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED: One clean plastic gallon milk jug

(keep the top on)

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO: Cut the circles on the side of the milk

jug open. Try to do this so the cutouts are smooth. Paint the milk jug. To hang it up, either poke two holes in the lid or on the sides near the top of the jug. Thread a strong string in between the two holes and fasten the string together. Fill the bottom with bird seed.

Have Kids Learn STEM…

Nighttime Treats...

Kristen Antosh of “Momgineering the Future” shares her Color Changing Butterfly Pea Tea “This delicious, beautiful, color changing sweet tea is sure to be the highlight of your kid party this summer. Butterfly pea flowers have a special property that makes them great pH indicators.

The flowers pigment changes color depending on the pH of whatever it is mixed with. You can make this sweetened tea up to three days in advance.”

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

4 cups of water Small handful of dried butterfly pea flowers 1/2 cup of sugar 4 – 16 ounce glasses filled with ice Juice from 2 lemons (1/2 lemon for each glass of tea) HERE’S WHAT YOU DO: Boil 4 cups of

water (we used a teapot). Transfer the boiling water to a pyrex or heat resistant bowl or measuring cup.

Add the dried butterfly pea flowers to the hot water. Let the flowers steep for about 5 minutes. The longer it steeps the darker blue the tea will become. Remove the flowers. To sweeten it up, add the sugar to the hot butterfly pea tea. Mix the sugar so that it dissolves fully. If you do not plan to serve it immediately, place the sweetened tea in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, pour the sweetened tea in each ice filled glass. This is where the magic happens! Let children pour the lemon juice into their glass of butterfly tea. The lemon juice will change the tea’s color from dark blue to a beautiful purple because of its high acid level. Drink and enjoy.

Makes four 16 ounce iced filled glasses of tea.

Bonus:

To create a more dramatic color change, first pour the light yellow lemon juice into the glass, and then pour the dark blue sweetened butterfly pea tea over top. Watch as the colors change from yellow to purple almost instantly.

Leah Artman of NEOhio Frugal Living shares her S’mores Bars signature recipe from Leah’s Baked Goods, based in Columbia Station, Ohio, leahsbakedgoods.com PHOTO BY MELISSA KOSKI CARNEY

Morning Fun……

Melissa Koski Carney, Northeast Ohio Parent blogger of “I Crashed the Web”, shares her Healthy-ish Banana Zucchini Muffins “I’m always looking for healthyish snacks and new ways to get my kids to eat veggies,” she says. ”Zucchini is so plentiful in the summer, and if we’re lucky, we grow enough in our garden to bake these muffins several times.”

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup avocado oil 2 eggs 2 large bananas, mashed 1 small zucchini, grated – pat with a paper towel to remove excess moisture 1/4 cup milk (you can use almond or regular) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 ¾ cups white whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup blueberries or another add-in, optional HERE’S WHAT YOU DO: Preheat the oven to

325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin tin with baking cups. In a large bowl, mix honey, avocado oil, and eggs. Add in the mashed bananas, grated zucchini, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well. On the side, combine the dry ingredients — the cinnamon, flour, salt, baking soda. Add into the wet mixture and mix until just combined. DO NOT overmix. Optional: add in blueberries or other add-ins.

Suggestions include dried cherries or chocolate chips. I added blueberries to a few, but not all, of the muffins. Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the muffin comes out clean. Mine took about 24 minutes. Cool muffins and then enjoy.

I like to keep six out and then freeze six, so I have individual muffins ready to go whenever.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

1/2 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup light brown sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup fine graham cracker crumbs 1 cup marshmallow cream 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips HERE’S WHAT YOU DO: Preheat the

oven to 350º F, and line an 8”x8” baking dish with parchment paper or foil. In a medium bowl, mix the baking soda, salt, flour, and graham cracker crumbs. Set aside.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the butter and brown sugar, then mix in the egg and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add dry mixture to wet mixture, and mix until dough forms. Press three-quarters of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread marshmallow cream over top of dough with a spatula sprayed with cooking spray (to prevent too much sticking). Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the marshmallow cream, then press remaining cookie dough over top of the chocolate chips.

Bake for 20 minutes, and let cool before cutting and serving.

Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 20 min Total Time: 40 min Makes 9 servings

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Party planning Flower

Play: CLE

Entertainment

Play: CLE is the first and largest indoor adventure park in Northeast Ohio providing active entertainment for the whole family. Their ropes course, zipline, climbing walls and ninja/obstacle courses are geared for all ages. With a full kitchen, bar and multiple event spaces, they welcome guests for open admission and parties. Play: CLE is also introducing ValoClimb, a new augmented reality climbing wall, a first in Northeast Ohio. playadventureparks.com or events@playcle.com for more information

Flower Entertainment is Cleveland’s premier children’s entertainment agency. They are the home of Flower Clown and friends. Flower’s friends include balloon artists, magicians, face painters, airbrush and henna tattoo artists, caricature artists, Jungle Terry, stilt walkers, fire acts, jugglers, aerialists, flair bartenders, bubble and foam entertainers, science entertainer, DJs, sing-along artists, live action characters, hula hoopers, inflatable amusements and lots more.

440-944-0278, flower-entertainment.com

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Pure Image Photo Booth Photo booths are perfect for any celebration. You and your guests can enjoy a take home photo strip favors customized to your special event. The owner started Pure Image five years ago to deliver the best photo booth experience. Whether it’s a birthday, graduation, wedding reception or other celebration, they would love to help add the extra energy and fun of a photo booth. They offer flexible and affordable packages so everyone can consider having a photo booth. 216-446-5178, info@PureImagePhotoBooth.com, pureimagephotobooth.com

Helpers TreeHouse Toys & Play Unique playground-and-toystore concept for kids ages 1 to 6, combining Montessori style learning activities and carefully curated toys from around the world, designed to entertain, nurture, and educate. Birthday parties are available- celebrate your kid’s birthday in a cool, unique place.

Activities and STEM toys are offered that teach and foster new skills and stimulate little minds.

They focus on quality, environmentally friendly and safe toys, made with ethical work standards. They strive to empower and educate kids through playful learning. Marketplace at Four Corners 7715 Marketplace Dr. Aurora, OH 44202.

330-348-0059 treehousefun.com, Facebook & Instagram: @TreehouseToysandPlay

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June/July CAlenDAR

Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

a Make it rm Bookwo nd ra Summe n!

Read O

MONDAYS

REACHING READERS. Practice your reading and comprehension skills with college students.

5-7 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, rrpl.org

Pick - a - DAY MONDAYS

SIMPLY SCIENCE: MARINE BIOLOGY. Learn about oceans, life in the sea, marine kingdoms, and more. 7th-12th grades.

1-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, akronfossils.com

WEDNESDAYS

CENTENNIAL PLAZA MOVIE SERIES. Free big-screen, outdoor family-friendly movies. Through 8/17. 7 p.m. Centennial Plaza, Downtown Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

7/1

TWEEN LIT LOOT BOX. Pick up a box with two themed books and other goodies. Noon-6 p.m.

North Hill Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, akronlibrary.org

BOTANICAL DRAWING. Learn techniques in realism using ink and colored pencils. Ages 8-14.

4:30-6 p.m. 7/13-7/27. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org FUN ON THE FARM. Pony and pony cart rides, horse rides and more. June-August. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Spring Mist Farms, 691 Pearl Road, Brunswick Hills, springmistfarms.com TOTALLY TEEN WEDNESDAYS. Drop by for different crafts and board games. 3-4:30 p.m.

Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., cuyahogafallslibrary.org

7/7

BOOK BUDDIES HELPERS. Students in 8th-12th grades are invited to team up with younger students to help build better reading skills. 6:30 p.m.

Willowick Public Library, 263 E. 305th St., we247.org

THURSDAYS

TWEEN & TWEEN NIGHT. Games, trivia, movies and pizza. First and third Thursdays of the month.

6-9 p.m. Thompson Branch Library, 6645 Madison Road, divi.geaugalibrary.net PLAYING IN THE DIRT GARDEN CLUB. Help take care of the library vegetable garden. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org

FRIDAYS

FAMILY SKATE FRIDAY. Family fun at the rink from 6-9 p.m. every Friday. United Skates of America, 30325 Palisades Pkwy., Wickliffe, unitedskates.com

FINGER PAINT FRIDAYS. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. Perfect for Pre-K. 10 a.m.-noon. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS

GOLF CART CRUISE. Golf cart journey through the African Savanna, on a Wilderness Trek, and the back roads of Australia.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

SATURDAYS

S.T.E.A.M. TEAM SATURDAYS. Explore this fun approach to science, technology, engineering, art, and math learning. 1-2 p.m.

Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

✱ Submit Your Event to Us! northeastohioparent.com/events/community/add

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June / July CALENDAR

SATURDAYS

FAMILY GARDENING. Enjoy a story and then work in the community garden together.

4-5:30 p.m. South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, lorainpubliclibrary.org ART EXPLORATION. Introduces students (ages 4-7) to a range of art-making mediums and techniques.

Through 6/18. 9-10 a.m. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron, akronartworks.com

SUNDAYS

day - by - DAY

6/18

CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH. Celebrate with live music, stories and art. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Warrensville Hts. Branch Library, 4415 Northfield Road, cuyahogalibrary.org

6/20

KIDS CARE. Give back to your community by creating projects that will be donated to local organizations. 1-2 p.m.

Hudson Library, 96 Library St., hudsonlibrary.org

FAMILY FUNDAY. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of the month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

GET ARTSY AT THE SPIRIT OF CLAY ART STUDIO. Sculpt a clay fairy house inspired by Chagall’s Shtetl Houses. 10 a.m. 828 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, maltzmuseum.org

EARLY LITERACY PLAYROOM. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and children stop and play in the unstructured playroom. 1-4:30 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

OUTDOOR GAMING. Video game truck, various gaming systems, and oversized board games. 3-6 p.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222nd St., euclidlibrary.org

6/22

6/25

FAMILY FUN DAY AT CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK. Bus transportation from Fulton Branch Library for music, art, fishing, hiking and more. 1-4:30 p.m. 3545 Fulton Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

6/26

TECH FOR KIDS WORKSHOP. Learn about artificial intelligence. 2-4 p.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

6/29

SEARCHING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. Learn strategies and techniques that will help you find college scholarships.

6:30 p.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

7/2

CAMPING FOR FAMILIES. Join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight camping experience. 2 p.m.-11 a.m.

Munroe Falls Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, summitmetroparks.org DIDGERIDOO DOWN UNDER. Energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, comedy and more. 10-10:45 a.m. Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, kirtland.lib.oh.us

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June / July CALENDAR

7/7

HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES FOR LITTLE ONES. Holistic health, substance abuse prevention and social skills program. 2-3 p.m. North Olmsted Branch Library, 27403 Lorain Road, cuyahogalibrary.org

7/8

SECRET GARDEN SLEUTHS MICROCAMP. Solve puzzles and take on challenges. 1st-2nd grades. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., cbgarden.org

7/9

HEADWATERS ADVENTURE RACE. Run, pedal and paddle the trails and watershed conservation. 8 a.m. Buchert Park, 4808 E. High St., Mantua, portageparkdistrict.org INTERACTIVE MOVIE: “FINDING NEMO.” Watch while you shout, act silly, and snack along. 1-3 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., 440-255-8811, mentorpl.org

7/10

RIVER JAMBOREE. Grab some nets, get into the river, and discover why snakes and turtles are so fascinating. 1-4 p.m. Hidden Valley Park, 4872 Klasen Rd., Madison Twp., lakemetroparks.com

7/22-24

7/12

WILDLIFE ADVENTURE DAY. Head out on the trail to see critters in their natural habitats and then do a bioblitz. 9 a.m.-noon. Sippo Lake Park, 800 Genoa Ave. NW, Massillon, starkparks.com

“THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING.” Watch the film in concert with the music performed live

by The Cleveland Orchestra.

7 p.m. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, clevelandorchestra.com

7/14

7/23

7/15

TELESCOPE NIGHT. Join resident experts for an evening under the stars. 8-9 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

CRAFTASTICON FOR TEENS. Make an ocean-themed craft using sand and your imagination. 5-6 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org

KIDS ZUMBA WITH TYRANNOSAURUS FLEX. Enjoy movements inspired by Latin American dance. 11:30 a.m.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org

7/18

RHYTHM ON THE RIVER. Bring your friends and family and enjoy the sounds of summer.

4-6 p.m. Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, conservancyforcvnp.org

Explore Stan Hywet

MOVIE NIGHT: “JURASSIC PARK.” Begins at dusk. Bring blankets or chairs. 8:30-11:30 p.m. Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org

7/28

HOOP AND HANG. Drop by the Coventry PEACE park for snacks, a place to hang, and a little basketball. 4-5:30 p.m. 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

Experience

Learn

Play

Tickets at stanhywet.org

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714 N. Portage Path Akron, OH 44303 330.836.5533

4th OF JULY EVENTS 6/23

FIRECRACKER ART. Celebrate the 4th of July by creating messy splatter-painting art.

6-6:30 p.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, twinsburglibrary.org

7/1

FIREWORKS IN A JAR. Create safe, fire-free “fireworks” in a jar. 2-3 p.m. Hough Branch Library, 1566 Crawford Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

7/3-4

A SALUTE TO AMERICA - BLOSSOM MUSIC CENTER. Great music, fireworks, and fun for the whole family. 8 p.m. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, clevelandorchestra.com BEREA GRINDSTONE FESTIVAL. Paddle boat rides, live entertainment, inflatables and fireworks. 4-10 p.m. Coe Lake Park, cityofberea.org

7/4

CHARDON OLD GLORY DAYS. Children’s parade, games, music, face painting, balloon animals and more. 1-4 p.m. Chardon Square Gazebo, Short Court Street, chardon.cc JULY 4TH CONCERT & FIREWORKS. Enjoy a concert followed by a spectacular fireworks display. 8-10 p.m. Mentor Civic Amphitheater, 2475, 8600 Munson Road, Cityofmentor.com RAINTREE 5K AND FUN RUN. This family fun event for ages 5+. 7:30 & 8:45 a.m.

Raintree Golf & Event Ctr., 4350 Mayfair Rd., Green, cityofgreen.org INDEPENDENCE DAY. Bands, food trucks, and fireworks. 5-10:30 p.m.

Bicentennial Park, 3486 S. Smith Road, Fairlawn, fairlawn.us

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ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

AKRON ZOO

ONGOING LEGENDS OF THE WILD. How did the jaguar get its spots?

How does the Andean condor carry the sun into the sky? Learn the answers to the legends of these animals and more. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

AKRON ART MUSEUM

THROUGH 9/11 REFLECTIONS ON PERCEPTION. What makes visuals like the reflection of clouds in water so compelling? This exhibit explores how artists working in realism employ such surfaces to create engaging compositions. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING CREATION EDUCATION MUSEUM. Comparing and contrasting scientific models like evolution and intelligent design on the origin of the universe, and catastrophism and uniformitarianism models on the geologic record.

2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND

ONGOING ADVENTURE CITY. This multi-level environment, consisting of cozy corners and tall overlooks, encourages pretend play and limitless imagination. 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

HOLDEN ARBORETUM

ONGOING AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE. Visit koalas year-round at Gumleaf Hideout. See kangaroos and wallabies in Wallaby Walkabout, and visit Kookaburra Station for up-close animal encounters. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

THROUGH 8/21 MARTIAL ART OF INDIA. Scenes of battles and portraits of soldiers in Indian paintings include both historical and mythical, real and idealized images - and often in combination. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

THROUGH 7/24 100 YEARS OF DISCOVERY: A MUSEUM’S PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE. Experience some of the most awe-inspiring moments in our history, and get a preview of what the future will hold. 1 Wade Oval Drive, cmnh.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING YOUTH EXHIBITS. Feed young scientists’ curiosity with special youth exhibits like the Polymer Funhouse, Port Polymer, and early childhood workshops. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN ONGOING COSTA RICA GLASSHOUSE. Experience the year-round exuberance you can find only in a Central American rainforest with towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and more.

11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

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ONGOING SHARK GALLERY & SEA TUBE. With 230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish.

2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com ONGOING MURCH CANOPY WALK AND KALBERER EMERGENT TOWER. A 500-foot-long elevated walkway that’s 65 feet above the forest floor and a tower 12 stories tall provide a breathtaking view.

9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenarb.org

MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE

THROUGH 8/28 CHAGALL FOR CHILDREN. 14 multi-sensory exploration stations incorporating high-quality reproductions of Marc Chagall’s works, encouraging children to explore art principles, composition, light and texture. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS

ONGOING ENTERTAINING: YOU’RE INVITED. Showcasing how the estate was used as an event space, with a deep dive into the types of parties and events that were held there, and who attended. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

NORTHEAST OHIO PARENTS EVENT SERIES

TUESDAYS - Free, family-friendly entertainment with interactive activities for kids ages 2-9, northeastohioparent.com

Crocker Kids.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Crocker Park, 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake June 7, July 12, and August 2

Fun At First & Main.

10 a.m.-noon, First and Main, Hudson June 14, July 19, and August 9

Pinecrest Play Days.

11 a.m.-1 p.m., Park Avenue, Orange Village, June 21, July 26, and August 16

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Dad

MATTERS

Ditching Your Training Wheels I never learned how to ride a bicycle.

My parents weren’t negligent or anything.

They’d mortgage the house (again) to support their kids’ weird, expensive interests. But I never asked them to teach me, and they never suggested it.

I didn’t feel deprived, either, because I couldn’t balance on a bike.

But then I had kids.

It’s hard enough to teach children something you know how to do. Potty training was agony, and I’m an expert at not peeing on myself. (I mean … nobody’s perfect.)

Now my children wanted me to teach them how to ride a bike, when I had no clue how to do that. I might as well teach them French or quantum physics. But parenting is one long experiment with getting comfortable outside of your comfort zone. So my kids got bikes, and I figured we’d learn by doing.

Turns out “learning by doing” involves a lot of bleeding.

In particular, my son fell a lot. And every time my kid toppled to the sidewalk, it felt like an indictment of my parenting. If I were a better father – if I’d bothered to learn this now crucial skill – my son wouldn’t have bruises on his arms and abrasions on his calves.

After each fall, he’d look at me – frustrated – and ask, “What did I do wrong?”

I couldn’t instruct, so I retreated into risk prevention. I tightened his safety wheels, told him to go slower, and suggested he wear elbow pads in addition to his helmet.

But here’s the thing about biking – and it may be the only thing I know about biking. You need momentum. If you pump the brakes every six feet, you’re going to fall. And the more you fall, the more you’ll pump the brakes. You spiral into self doubt. Soon another summer has passed, and you still have your training wheels on.

Of course, we all have to parent defensively sometimes. If we didn’t, our kids would all shove forks into electrical outlets. But our children don’t grow when we teach them to be scared.

They might learn, but they don’t grow.

So this spring, my son brought his bike back out. By now, his training wheels groaned like Deebo’s clutch. I was nervous. He tried not to notice how nervous I was. Instead, he kept pedaling. He’d lap the block over and over – sometimes returning with a new bruise.

Then one day, he parked his Genesis in front of our house and said, “Dad, I think I broke my bike.”

I scanned his ride and realized he was missing one of his training wheels. I offered to go get it, but he said, “Dad, I don’t think I need it.”

I argued. He insisted. Finally, he offered to prove it.

He sped off – not wobbling at all. He was the most comfortable I’d ever seen him on his bike. After another lap, he convinced me to take off the other training wheel. We’ve never looked back.

Occasionally, the universe sends me a blatant metaphor. I needed to take off my own training wheels. Because sometimes, the mechanisms we use to protect our kids are what limit them.

In the end, I didn’t need to learn how to ride a bike. I needed to learn (or remember) how to let my kid outgrow me. It’s going to happen again and again as they get older. They’ll accumulate skills I never dreamed of having. And I don’t have to master French or quantum physics for them to learn. What I need is to encourage them (and, every so often, keep them from tumbling into a well.)

That was a difficult lesson to learn, but I’ll never forget it. Just like riding a bike.

Supposedly.

PHOTO BY JASON LEA

Jason Lea has a son, a daughter and a full-time job at the Mentor Public Library. He also blogs for Northeast Ohio Parent in his nonexistent free time. You can find this East-sider on Twitter at @ jasonmarklea or read his blog at northeastohioparent.com/bloggers

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