Ongoing Family Events
- Call 1-800-BUCKEYE for all Ohio Area events. You can order a free copy of Discover Ohio through the automated system.
WWW.CLEVELAND.COM. This web site offers just about everything you need to know about Cleveland – specifically, special events within each Cleveland community. From the home page, select "Entertainment" to find out about current and upcoming events.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Monday’s are free to all Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents (except on legal holidays). There are many special events throughout the year, such as Twilight at the Zoo, Boo at the Zoo and Holiday Lights. The zoo is open all year, except December 25th and January 1st. For more information about the zoo and special events, visit their website at www.clemetzoo.com. NOTE: Regular admission is $8 (adults) and $4 (children over age 2). One admission is good for both the zoo and rainforest. You may; however, visit on separate days. Therefore, you can go to the zoo one day and the rainforest another. Your ticket is good for up to a year.
- Cuyahoga County Public Library.
The library is more than just books. There are many regularly scheduled events, such as infant and toddler story time. Also, there are many special events scheduled each month – FREE! Some events held last year were Arthur’s Birthday Party, Jungle Terry and a Halloween Puppet Show. Any branch will have a listing of their ongoing and special events. Great fun for the whole family! While you’re there, pick up the latest edition of Cleveland/Akron Family and Emerald Necklace. There are many special events and programs advertised. Many of our outing ideas come from these publications.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
660 W. Mill Street (off Rt. 303) P.O. Box 158, Peninsula, 44264. Departs from Old Rockside Road in Independence just west of Canal Road. – 10:15 on Weekdays and 11:15 on Weekends. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad journeys through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Wildlife, scenery and history of the early days along the river will greet you on our tour. Advance reservations recommended. Admission: Adults: $11; Children starting at $7.00 Call 800-468-4070 or 330-657-2000 or visit their web site www.cvsr.com for reservations and more information about special events, such as Fall Color Train, Christmas Tree Adventure, Polar Express, Wine Tasting Trains (adults only, of course), and A Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine.
On the third Saturday of the month, Home Depot does a kid’s craft. Call (216) 676-9969 for more details on the craft for each month. Lowe’s Home Improvement Store in Brooklyn (Ridge Rd.) also holds a craft for kids on Saturdays. Call (216) 351-4723 for specific dates and scheduled craft.
Pleasant Valley Shopping Center in Parma (next to Marc’s). This is a new toy store, specializing in educational toys. I consider this an "outing" because there are two tables set up with trains and other toys children can play with while you shop. Sign up for the VIP club and you will accumulate 1 point for every dollar you spend. After you’ve spent $300, you will get a $15 gift certificate. With birthdays and holidays coming up, you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll accumulate those points!
- Make it a Blockbuster Night!
Kids get a free rental if they bring their report card. Chuck E. Cheese’s also rewards kids who bring in their report card with 15 free tokens.
6801 Ridge Road in the Day Plaza has kid’s crafts on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call for details of what the craft will be and pricing (if any) (440) 886-7854.
There are many wonderful museums in Cleveland, especially in the University Circle area. Consider taking in some of Cleveland great culture by visiting the Health Museum, Natural History Museum and Art Museum. Your children will also enjoy Cleveland Rainbow Children’s Museum and the Cleveland Botanical Garden, where you can tour and visit a Children’s Hershey Garden, which is an interactive experience for children. Call each museum individually to get information on hours, admission rates and special events.
- NASA Glenn Research Center.
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturdays 10-3 and Sundays 1-5 p.m. FREE – Driver must show license at front gate.
- Playhouse Square Theater for Children.
Treat your family to an exhilirating mix of shows designed to engate children of all ages. Subscribers save over 25% and get the best seats. They can also buy reduced-price tickets to two optional shows. Call (216) 241-2346 for to subscribe or for a listing of shows in the 2001-2002 season.
6060 Broadview Road has a Make-it, Take-it Craft for FREE on various Saturdays. Call store for dates and times (216) 398-7001. If you are a scrap-booker, this is a great store to visit.
- SouthPark Center Kid’s Club.
Your children will receive a $5 gift certificate on their birthday and other discounts throughout the year. You will receive a newsletter informing you of upcoming events. Every month they have a Kid’s Club meeting which includes making a craft. Visit the customer service center to sign-up.