Upcoming family-friendly events
Home Depot kids workshop -Leprechaun Trap
FREE IN-STORE KIDS WORKSHOPS
Join Us at 9 a.m. the First Saturday of Every Month. While Supplies Last.
some Home Depots allow walk-ins and some require registration. Call ahead or
register here today
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”).
Sensory Explorers. at Lakeshore Learning
Event Details
Calling all fans of Crazy Aaron’s putty! Globs of fun are on the way with two different feel-good events that add a dash of science to sensory play. At our first event, kids create custom concoctions and learn how color, light and sparkle interact. At our second event, they’ll make gooey-but-cute creatures from another realm! Swing by our Play & Discover area to get hands-on with featured products. And 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 the Lakeshore Learning Website Here
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
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.
info from The Wandering Lantern Website HERE
Family Canvas: Art in Nature
Family Canvas: Art in Nature
A monthly, intergenerational experience presented as part of moCa Saturdays, in partnership with the Cleveland Metro Parks Each session features three nature stations: two indoors and one hosted on Cleveland Metroparks’ Mobile NatureTracks, alongside an immersive artmaking experience in moCa’s Rayburn Education Workroom led by Wave Space Studio. Together, these components invite participants to observe, reflect, and create as they explore the shared ground between ecological systems, contemporary art, and everyday experience. The program is intentionally connected to the exhibitions currently on view at moCa Cleveland, with a strong thematic anchor in Ohio Now: State of Nature. Participants are encouraged to consider how artists and naturalists alike use observation, experimentation, and curiosity to understand the world around them.
find more info on this event and reserve a spot here
Learn to Play Chess at The Wandering Lantern
Learn to Play Chess
Date: March 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ages: All ages
About This Event
Come hang out, learn some moves, and play some chess! This is a fun, relaxed afternoon for kids of all ages — whether you're just getting started or already know your way around the board. Parents, use your best judgment on whether your little one is ready to join in!
We'll kick things off with a quick intro to the game, then open things up to just play, hang out, and enjoy. For the more experienced players, we'll also have a little tournament with prizes!
What's Happening
Short intro lesson covering the rules and how each piece moves — with illustrated flashcards to help younger and newer players pick it up fast
Open play time to practice with other kids
Mini tournament for older or more experienced players — skill levels will be grouped, with prizes for the winners!
Friendly, welcoming atmosphere — all skill levels welcome
Chess sets provided — or bring your own if you have one!
Details
Free event — no cost to attend
All ages welcome — parents use their best judgment
Bring a chess set if you have one, or borrow one of ours
Registration
Please register so we can make sure we have enough chess sets and space for everyone!
*info from The Wandering Lantern Website. more learn and register here
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
Play Day: Picture This! at the Cleveland museum of art
Play Days at the CMA are free opportunities for families to be creative and curious and connect through art together. Events include music, storybook readings, games, and art making for the whole family. Each event has a theme that relates to an exhibition, artist, or artworks in the CMA’s collection.
Get ready to capture the fun during this photography adventure! Inspired by the imaginative work of Ann Hamilton, families can zoom in on creativity as they snap, experiment, and discover how technology and storytelling come together through hands-on activities.
Featured artists and activities:
Create your own movie image with Robert Banks
Explore photographic processes with Kate Shannon
Step inside our life-sized Camera Obscura
Play with music, games and more!
Free; No Ticket Required
info from the Cleveland Museum of Art Website here
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”).
Story Walk: Maple sugaring
Story Walk
Read a book with a naturalist about how maple syrup is made, starting from the tree and ending at the breakfast table. Afterwards, take a short hike to look for some tapped trees.
Registration required. Register children only.
more info and registration here
Family Bingo Donut Day
Family Bingo Donut Day
Families with Children Age 4 to Grade 5
Bring the generations together to play bingo, have a treat and win prizes! Drop-in. Donuts, water and coffee provided. Click "Add to Calendar" to receive a reminder message.Â
more info can be found on the library website here
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
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
Family BINGO Night at Sibling Revelry Brewing
Family BINGO Night
4/3/2026 6:30 pm - 4/3/2026 8:00 pm
Family BINGO Night
6:30pm-8:00pm
Free Admission
No reservation required
more info can be found here on the Sibling Revelry Website
Luminary Walk
Luminary Walk
The short days and long, dark winter nights are about to be behind us. Celebrate by talking with a naturalist, warming your hands at a campfire, soaking in the view of downtown Cleveland, and enjoying this peaceful and beautiful walk lit with luminaries.
Meet at Upper Edgewater Script Cleveland Sign
Terrain: paved ADA accessible trail, 0.75 mile
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website HERE
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
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
Story Time – "Bear Came Along” by Richard T. Morris
Story Time – "Bear Came Along” by Richard T. Morris
An enchanting story of a curious bear and his adventure on the river. This tale brings together several friends from the forest along the way. Presented by the Cuyahoga County Public Library.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website HERE
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”).
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 is from The Wandering Lantern Website HERE
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
Northeast Ohio Parent - Camp, School & Summer Fun Fair 2026 at Southpark Mall
“Join us for the region’s largest camp, school and fun fair taking place on Saturday, February 28! Bring the family for the fun, free event!
Don't miss Jungle Terry coming again this year to entertain and educate.”
info from the SouthPark Mall event page here
Children’s Nature Hour
Children’s Nature Hour
Join Naturalist Foster Brown as we meet monthly for a close-up look at a live animal, related craft, songs, and stories to round out this hour of nature fun and learning. Our featured guest will be an Eastern box turtle.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks website HERE
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
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website HERE
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”).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Drop-by: Love Bugs at Watershed Stewardship Center
Drop-by: Love Bugs
Come learn about the cutest, the meanest, and the most romantic bugs of the insect world! Drop in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to design some silly bug valentines to share with your love bug. Recommended for ages 6 years & over w/adult.
more info here
Hike for Tykes at the Brecksville Nature Center
Hike for Tykes
Hikes for Tykes is a monthly thematic program. Each month we explore seasonal happenings in and around Brecksville Nature Center. Program topic changes monthly, please see desired section for more detailed information.
recommended for Ages 3 - 5 years w/ adult
more info here
Storytime by the Fire at North Chagrin Nature Center
Storytime by the Fire
Come and get cozy by the fire while we listen to stories about bugs. We’ll do an indoor scavenger hunt, make a “love bug” craft for Valentine's Day, and even get a close look at some of these cute little bugs!
more info here
Make a Bug Valentine at the Canalway Center
Drop-by: Make a Bug Valentine
Drop by CanalWay Center and make a Valentine’s Day card decorated with bugs for someone you care about.
Drop-by anytime between Noon – 2 p.m.
more info here: Cleveland Metroparks Website
Drop-by: Animal Valentines at North Chagrin Nature Center
Drop-by: Animal Valentines
Drop by during the listed hours to make fun and silly animal valentines and warm up by the fireplace. Make a card for someone you know or help us team up to create some for a good cause!
11am-3pm
more info can be found here: Cleveland Metroparks Website