Upcoming family-friendly events

Feb
20

Medina Ice Festival 2026

32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival
February 20-23, 2026

Over 120 Ice Carvings around the Square & South Town!

Friday, Feb. 20

Speed Carving -  5:30, 6, and 6:30pm

Fire & Ice Tower - 7pm

Saturday, Feb. 21

Individual Ice Carving Competition - 12-5pm

Sunday, Feb. 22

Team Ice Carving Competition - 12-5pm

more info can be found here: Medina Ice festival

View Event →
Feb
21

Weekly Story Time at The Wandering Lantern

About This Event

Come hang out and hear a couple stories for different ages every Saturday morning!

Two Time Slots

11:00 AM - Early Learners (Ages 0-5)

  • Picture books and interactive stories

  • Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers

  • Engaging read-alouds with songs and movement

  • Parent participation encouraged

11:30 AM - Early Readers (Ages 6-10)

  • Chapter book excerpts and longer stories

  • Books for developing readers

  • Discussion and questions encouraged

  • Building a love of independent reading

What to Expect

  • Weekly Stories: Different books each week

  • Cozy Environment: Comfortable seating for families

  • Community Building: Meet other book-loving families

  • Free Event: No registration required, just drop in!

Details

This is a recurring weekly event — come every Saturday or drop in when you can! No registration necessary, though we always love to see familiar faces return week after week.

For questions, contact us at hello@thewanderinglantern.com or call (216) 999-4462.

*info from The Wandering Lantern Website. Learn more here: The Wandering Lantern Website

View Event →
Feb
21

Cool Creations at Lakeshore Learning

Event Details

 

Get ready…we’re doubling the fun this month with two different events featuring kid-favorite crafting material Wikki Stix! We’ll design and decorate special cards at our first event, and make wacky glasses, a bow tie and more at our second event. Children can even try out featured products! Parents and guardians, be sure to check in when you arrive for a chance to win a $100 Lakeshore e-gift card!

This is a free, walk-in event held at all locations during the hours listed. No reservations needed.

Info from Lakeshore Learning Website

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Feb
21

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Experience a decades-old tradition for yourself at Maple Grove Picnic Area and learn all about the process of maple sugaring. Begin with a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, walk through our historical sugar-making stations, visit the sugarhouse, and wrap up your visit with a sample of our own maple syrup on a mini pancake. Food truck available on site while supplies last and weather permitting.
Locally made maple candy will be for sale 3/$1.00 (cash only) while supplies last. 

PARKING: Park at the Lagoon Picnic Area and follow the signs for a short walk to Maple Grove Picnic Area. 
Terrain: natural surface, mud, ice

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

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Feb
21

Medina Ice Festival 2026

32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival
February 20-23, 2026

Over 120 Ice Carvings around the Square & South Town!

Friday, Feb. 20

Speed Carving -  5:30, 6, and 6:30pm

Fire & Ice Tower - 7pm

Saturday, Feb. 21

Individual Ice Carving Competition - 12-5pm

Sunday, Feb. 22

Team Ice Carving Competition - 12-5pm

more info can be found here: Medina Ice festival

View Event →
Feb
22

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Experience a decades-old tradition for yourself at Maple Grove Picnic Area and learn all about the process of maple sugaring. Begin with a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, walk through our historical sugar-making stations, visit the sugarhouse, and wrap up your visit with a sample of our own maple syrup on a mini pancake. Food truck available on site while supplies last and weather permitting.
Locally made maple candy will be for sale 3/$1.00 (cash only) while supplies last. 

PARKING: Park at the Lagoon Picnic Area and follow the signs for a short walk to Maple Grove Picnic Area. 
Terrain: natural surface, mud, ice

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

View Event →
Feb
22

Medina Ice Festival 2026

32nd Annual Medina Ice Festival
February 20-23, 2026

Over 120 Ice Carvings around the Square & South Town!

Friday, Feb. 20

Speed Carving -  5:30, 6, and 6:30pm

Fire & Ice Tower - 7pm

Saturday, Feb. 21

Individual Ice Carving Competition - 12-5pm

Sunday, Feb. 22

Team Ice Carving Competition - 12-5pm

more info can be found here: Medina Ice festival

View Event →
Feb
28

MAple sugar at the sugar shack

MAPLE SUGARING
Feb. 28-Mar. 1 and Mar. 7-8, 2026
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Sugar Shack open house)
12:00-2:30 p.m. (Guided hikes/programs)
Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Free | No registration required

February is when the ideal conditions for the running of maple sap typically begins. This year, we will be tapping the Carlisle maple trees on February 12 and converting that sap to syrup in our beautiful Sugar Shack--which opened 25 years ago!

Drop by between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to watch the process, learn about the equipment, and sample some of our home-made maple syrup. There will also be naturalist-led hikes leaving from the Sugar Shack every 30 minutes between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. These hikes will follow the paved Children’s Nature Discovery Trail and includes a stop at one of our sap-collecting sites (known as a “Sugar bush”).

EVENT INFO

View Event →
Feb
28

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Experience a decades-old tradition for yourself at Maple Grove Picnic Area and learn all about the process of maple sugaring. Begin with a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, walk through our historical sugar-making stations, visit the sugarhouse, and wrap up your visit with a sample of our own maple syrup on a mini pancake. Food truck available on site while supplies last and weather permitting.
Locally made maple candy will be for sale 3/$1.00 (cash only) while supplies last. 

PARKING: Park at the Lagoon Picnic Area and follow the signs for a short walk to Maple Grove Picnic Area. 
Terrain: natural surface, mud, ice

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

View Event →
Mar
1

MAple sugar at the sugar shack

MAPLE SUGARING
Feb. 28-Mar. 1 and Mar. 7-8, 2026
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Sugar Shack open house)
12:00-2:30 p.m. (Guided hikes/programs)
Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Free | No registration required

February is when the ideal conditions for the running of maple sap typically begins. This year, we will be tapping the Carlisle maple trees on February 12 and converting that sap to syrup in our beautiful Sugar Shack--which opened 25 years ago!

Drop by between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to watch the process, learn about the equipment, and sample some of our home-made maple syrup. There will also be naturalist-led hikes leaving from the Sugar Shack every 30 minutes between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. These hikes will follow the paved Children’s Nature Discovery Trail and includes a stop at one of our sap-collecting sites (known as a “Sugar bush”).

EVENT INFO

View Event →
Mar
1

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Experience a decades-old tradition for yourself at Maple Grove Picnic Area and learn all about the process of maple sugaring. Begin with a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, walk through our historical sugar-making stations, visit the sugarhouse, and wrap up your visit with a sample of our own maple syrup on a mini pancake. Food truck available on site while supplies last and weather permitting.
Locally made maple candy will be for sale 3/$1.00 (cash only) while supplies last. 

PARKING: Park at the Lagoon Picnic Area and follow the signs for a short walk to Maple Grove Picnic Area. 
Terrain: natural surface, mud, ice

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

View Event →
Mar
1

Lantern Making Workshop

In collaboration with Cleveland Museum of Art's Community Arts Center, Canalway and Upcycle Parts Shop is offering this free lantern-making workshop to help you create art to carry in the Towpath Trail Lantern Parade. Bring a recycled glass or plastic jar to the workshop and learn how to turn it into a lantern from the team at Upcycle Parts Shop.

This open house-style workshop offers rolling seating and include craft supplies, a battery powered light and hands-on assistance. Workshops are open to all. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. The Community Arts Center is housed within the PIVOT building. A free parking lot is accessible from Castle Ave, along with free street parking.

Supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

find more info here

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Mar
7

MAple sugar at the sugar shack

MAPLE SUGARING
Feb. 28-Mar. 1 and Mar. 7-8, 2026
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Sugar Shack open house)
12:00-2:30 p.m. (Guided hikes/programs)
Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Free | No registration required

February is when the ideal conditions for the running of maple sap typically begins. This year, we will be tapping the Carlisle maple trees on February 12 and converting that sap to syrup in our beautiful Sugar Shack--which opened 25 years ago!

Drop by between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to watch the process, learn about the equipment, and sample some of our home-made maple syrup. There will also be naturalist-led hikes leaving from the Sugar Shack every 30 minutes between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. These hikes will follow the paved Children’s Nature Discovery Trail and includes a stop at one of our sap-collecting sites (known as a “Sugar bush”).

EVENT INFO

View Event →
Mar
7

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation

Experience a decades-old tradition for yourself at Maple Grove Picnic Area and learn all about the process of maple sugaring. Begin with a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, walk through our historical sugar-making stations, visit the sugarhouse, and wrap up your visit with a sample of our own maple syrup on a mini pancake. Food truck available on site while supplies last and weather permitting.
Locally made maple candy will be for sale 3/$1.00 (cash only) while supplies last. 

PARKING: Park at the Lagoon Picnic Area and follow the signs for a short walk to Maple Grove Picnic Area. 
Terrain: natural surface, mud, ice

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

View Event →
Mar
7

Towpath Trail Lantern Parade

'“Make a lantern and join us for an evening stroll along the Towpath Trail.

The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade is a celebration of light, creativity and sustainability welcoming spring to the banks of the Cuyahoga River. The parade will take place on March 7 at 6:30 PM. It will start and end at Sokolowski’s Overlook and include a 1.5 mile roundtrip along the Towpath Trail.

The parade will feature local artists displaying illuminated art made from recycled materials. The lanterns will celebrate history and nature.

Planning to join us? Make and bring your own lantern from recycled materials and a battery powered light!

Hosted by Canalway, the Towpath Trail Lantern Parade is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

Free parking available at 1429 Abbey Ave.”

more info can be found here

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Mar
8

MAple sugar at the sugar shack

MAPLE SUGARING
Feb. 28-Mar. 1 and Mar. 7-8, 2026
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (Sugar Shack open house)
12:00-2:30 p.m. (Guided hikes/programs)
Carlisle Visitor Center
12882 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, OH 44050
Free | No registration required

February is when the ideal conditions for the running of maple sap typically begins. This year, we will be tapping the Carlisle maple trees on February 12 and converting that sap to syrup in our beautiful Sugar Shack--which opened 25 years ago!

Drop by between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm to watch the process, learn about the equipment, and sample some of our home-made maple syrup. There will also be naturalist-led hikes leaving from the Sugar Shack every 30 minutes between 12:30 and 2:30 pm. These hikes will follow the paved Children’s Nature Discovery Trail and includes a stop at one of our sap-collecting sites (known as a “Sugar bush”).

EVENT INFO

View Event →
Apr
26

Earth Day at Penitentiary Glen Reservation

Join us at Penitentiary Glen Reservation as we celebrate Earth Day with activities for all ages. Earth Day is a global celebration and one day of the year that humans join in bringing awareness to the issues facing our planet. Actions, whether big or small, can help our planet as we work together to protect it 365 days of the year. Earth Day activities include:

  • FREE event!

  • Eco-fair with local conservation organizations

  • Earth Day Marketplace with locally made and fair-trade merchandise

  • FREE tree for each family

  • Wildlife programs

  • Games, hands-on activities and crafts

  • Shop in The Nature Store

  • Miniature train rides (1 to 3 pm, weather permitting). NOTE: For safety reasons, pregnant women are not permitted to ride the trains. All children must be able to sit in their own designated seat; lap sitting is not permitted.

    info from the Lake county Metroparks website here

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Jun
14

Crocker Park Block Party

Get ready for one of summer’s favorite community events! Join us on June 14 for the 6th annual Crocker Park Block Party, a free, family-friendly celebration packed with excitement. Explore hands-on safety activities, climb aboard your favorite vehicles at Touch-A-Truck, and watch impressive K-9 demonstrations. Meet members of the Westlake Police and Fire Departments, enjoy face painting and interactive exhibits, and grab a bite from a variety of food trucks. Don’t forget to bring your four-legged friends for the Crocker Bark 5K and 1-Mile Walk. With activities for all ages, this is a can’t-miss day of fun, community, and summer vibes at Crocker Park.

event info from the Crocker Park event Page here

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Feb
16

Fun Day:Pocket Monsters at PENITENTIARY GLEN RESERVATION

The world of gaming is filled with weird and wild animals. Electric mice, flaming salamanders, even ducks with psychic powers! But even these digital animals have real-life counterparts! Discover the real-world animals that inspired these ever popular digital “pocket monsters” through games, hands-on activities and even live animal chats at Fun Day: Pocket Monsters! No registration required.

info from the Lake Metro Parks website here

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Feb
15

Hand-feed a Chickadee at Brecksville Nature Center

Hand-feed a Chickadee

“Stop by to hand-feed the chickadees. We will supply the black oil sunflower seeds and instructions that help make this experience one to remember. Hand-feed during designated program times only. Hand washing/sanitizer required after hand-feed.
Registration is not required. Please drop by Brecksville Nature Center anytime between: 10 a.m. – noon “

event info here

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Feb
14

Drop-by: Nature Valentines

Drop-by: Nature Valentines

“Come by anytime between the times listed and decorate a nature inspired valentine for yourself or a loved one. We will have all of the materials; just bring your creativity.  “

info from the Cleveland Metroparks website here

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Feb
14

Weekend Hike to the Eagle's Nest

Weekend Hike to the Eagle's Nest

“Join a naturalist for a guided hike to an active bald eagle nest while we look for birds, beavers, and other wildlife that call the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation home. On the way, we will compare observations of animal activity throughout the winter. This hike is offered several times each month when the eagle nest is visible.

Terrain: paved, hills, icy conditions possible, 3 miles”

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Webastite here

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Feb
14

Weekly Story Time at The Wandering Lantern

About This Event

Come hang out and hear a couple stories for different ages every Saturday morning!

Two Time Slots

11:00 AM - Early Learners (Ages 0-5)

  • Picture books and interactive stories

  • Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers

  • Engaging read-alouds with songs and movement

  • Parent participation encouraged

11:30 AM - Early Readers (Ages 6-10)

  • Chapter book excerpts and longer stories

  • Books for developing readers

  • Discussion and questions encouraged

  • Building a love of independent reading

What to Expect

  • Weekly Stories: Different books each week

  • Cozy Environment: Comfortable seating for families

  • Community Building: Meet other book-loving families

  • Free Event: No registration required, just drop in!

Details

This is a recurring weekly event — come every Saturday or drop in when you can! No registration necessary, though we always love to see familiar faces return week after week.

For questions, contact us at hello@thewanderinglantern.com or call (216) 999-4462.

*info from The Wandering Lantern Website. Learn more here: The Wandering Lantern Website

View Event →
Feb
14

Hand-feed a Chickadee at Brecksville Nature Center

Hand-feed a Chickadee

“Stop by to hand-feed the chickadees. We will supply the black oil sunflower seeds and instructions that help make this experience one to remember. Hand-feed during designated program times only. Hand washing/sanitizer required after hand-feed.
Registration is not required. Please drop by Brecksville Nature Center anytime between: 10 a.m. – noon “

event info here

View Event →
Feb
8

Hand-feed a Chickadee

Hand-feed a Chickadee

Stop by to hand-feed the chickadees. We will supply the black oil sunflower seeds and instructions that help make this experience one to remember. Hand-feed during designated program times only. Hand washing/sanitizer required after hand-feed.
Registration is not required. Please drop by Brecksville Nature Center anytime between: 10 a.m. – noon 

more info here: Cleveland Metorparks Website

View Event →
Feb
7

Wallace Lake Winterfest

Wallace Lake Winterfest

Bundle up the family and meet up with friends for this Free Event to celebrate winter in Ohio! During this event, we’ll explore the season in all its beauty through engaging activities that highlight how animals and people survive the chill of winter—whether by hibernation, migration, or adaptation.
Discover how animals and humans move through snow, build shelters, and stay warm. We’ll offer a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors, depending on snow and ice conditions. There will be something for everyone: nature-based experiences, recreational fun, creative crafts, tasty snacks, and more!

Hike Terrain: paved and natural surfaces, stairs, 1 mile 

If you have any questions regarding this program or need accommodations, please call CanalWay Center at 216-206-1000, daily, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., or contact us by email at canalway@clevelandmetroparks.com.

more info can be found here: Cleveland Metroparks Website

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Feb
7

Family Canvas: Art in Nature Series

Family Canvas: Art in Nature Series

Discover a fun and free way for your family to explore art and the outdoors together! Join Cleveland Metroparks during moCa Saturdays for a hands-on programming series that blends creativity with nature. Families can enjoy engaging art activities, connect with the natural world, and step inside our mobile nature center for an up-close look at the wonders of the outdoors.

Program takes place at Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland.

more info can be found here: Cleveland Metroparks Website

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Feb
7

Comic Club at the Community Art Center

Monthly on the first Saturday, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Free; All Ages; No Reservation

Be inspired and venture into the world of storytelling with artist Kobe Saunders (opens in a new tab). Work in the company of others to develop your own style and collaborate! 

Explore the long history of sequential art through various genres and cultures, including newspaper comic strips, American superhero comics and graphic novels, Japanese manga, and media adaptations (film and television) of these stories. Practice techniques to improve drawing and storytelling skills with a focus in character design, visual language, and panel structure. 

more info can be found here: Community Art Center Website

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Feb
7

Cool Creations at Lakeshore Learning

Event Details

 

Get ready…we’re doubling the fun this month with two different events featuring kid-favorite crafting material Wikki Stix! We’ll design and decorate special cards at our first event, and make wacky glasses, a bow tie and more at our second event. Children can even try out featured products! Parents and guardians, be sure to check in when you arrive for a chance to win a $100 Lakeshore e-gift card!

This is a free, walk-in event held at all locations during the hours listed. No reservations needed.

Info from Lakeshore Learning Website

View Event →
Feb
7

Weekly Story Time at The Wandering Lantern

About This Event

Come hang out and hear a couple stories for different ages every Saturday morning!

Two Time Slots

11:00 AM - Early Learners (Ages 0-5)

  • Picture books and interactive stories

  • Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers

  • Engaging read-alouds with songs and movement

  • Parent participation encouraged

11:30 AM - Early Readers (Ages 6-10)

  • Chapter book excerpts and longer stories

  • Books for developing readers

  • Discussion and questions encouraged

  • Building a love of independent reading

What to Expect

  • Weekly Stories: Different books each week

  • Cozy Environment: Comfortable seating for families

  • Community Building: Meet other book-loving families

  • Free Event: No registration required, just drop in!

Details

This is a recurring weekly event — come every Saturday or drop in when you can! No registration necessary, though we always love to see familiar faces return week after week.

For questions, contact us at hello@thewanderinglantern.com or call (216) 999-4462.

*info from The Wandering Lantern Website. Learn more here: The Wandering Lantern Website

View Event →
Feb
7

Hand-feed a Chickadee

Hand-feed a Chickadee

Stop by to hand-feed the chickadees. We will supply the black oil sunflower seeds and instructions that help make this experience one to remember. Hand-feed during designated program times only. Hand washing/sanitizer required after hand-feed.
Registration is not required. Please drop by Brecksville Nature Center anytime between: 10 a.m. – noon 

more info here: Cleveland Metorparks Website

View Event →
Jan
24

Story time adventures at Lakeshore Learning

Event Details

 

Storybook fans, get ready to unlock your imagination one page at a time! At each event, we’re making a different take-home craft based on a beloved children’s tale. Plus, kids can design and decorate characters for their own stories—and try out top-rated products in the Play & Discover area! Parents and guardians, be sure to check in when you arrive for a chance to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card!

This is a free, walk-in event held at all locations during the hours listed. No reservations needed.

event info

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Jan
24

Saturday Specialties

Pop-Art and Pop-Up Science
Saturday, January 24, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:00am

This event is for girls K-4th grade
Join us for a colorful day of discovery! Children will dive into a Pop Art-inspired painting sessions with Primary School Art Teacher, Julie Odachowski, celebrating love and creativity. Then, with Primary School Science Teacher Marlee Turell, they'll explore hands-on science stations designed to spark curiosity and wonder. It's a joyful fusion of imagination, investigation, and self-expression.

registration for this event is required. register HERE

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Jan
23

Hot Cocoa Pajama Party at The Wandering Lantern

Hot Cocoa Pajama Party

Date: January 23, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Ages: All ages

About This Event

Join us for a magical winter evening at our Hot Cocoa Pajama Party! Wear your coziest pajamas or comfy clothes and bring everything you need for a snuggly reading experience.

What to Bring

  • Reading comfort: Yoga mat, pillow, and blankets

  • Your favorite winter stories to share with friends and family

  • Cozy attitude and ready-to-cuddle spirit!

What We'll Provide

  • Cozy reading corners set up throughout the store

  • Hot cocoa to warm you up

  • Lots of great winter books for you to explore and read

  • A magical atmosphere perfect for family bonding

Details

This is a special evening event perfect for families to slow down, get cozy, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading together. Create warm winter memories while discovering new favorite books!

Please register so we can prepare enough hot cocoa and cozy spaces for everyone.

Register for This Event

*information from The Wandering Lantern Website

find more info and register for this event on The Wandering Lantern’s Website HERE

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Jan
18

Open Studio at the Cleveland Museum of Art

About The Event

Open Studio days provide free, drop-in art-making sessions designed for the whole family, encouraging creativity and bonding through hands-on activities.

January 2026: Miniature Mementos

Explore meaningful memories and create a small, personal keepsake to treasure or exchange with someone special.

Sundays at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the North Court Lobby

Free; No Ticket Required

find more info on the Cleveland Museum Website

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Jan
11

Sunday Stargazing at Acacia

Sunday Stargazing at Acacia

Stay cozy and stargaze Sunday evening at Acacia Shelter. Take a peek at Jupiter and Saturn through a telescope, explore the night sky with binoculars, and enjoy some hot chocolate (vegan/dairy-free option available). Please bring a camp chair or blanket and a reusable mug. We will have limited mugs to borrow. In case of clouds or inclement weather, we will still meet at the shelter for a short hike and craft.​ 

Acacia Reservation, Lyndhurst,OH

find more info on this even at the Cleveland Metroparks website here

View Event →
Jan
11
to Jan 18

Open Studio at the Cleveland Museum of Art

About The Event

Open Studio days provide free, drop-in art-making sessions designed for the whole family, encouraging creativity and bonding through hands-on activities.

January 2026: Miniature Mementos

Explore meaningful memories and create a small, personal keepsake to treasure or exchange with someone special.

Sundays at the Cleveland Museum of Art in the North Court Lobby

Free; No Ticket Required

find more info on the Cleveland Museum Website

View Event →