Upcoming family-friendly events
Drop-by: Lake Sturgeon
Drop-by: Lake Sturgeon
Stop by the CanalWay Center between 10 a.m. and noon to learn about Lake Sturgeon; the
dinosaur fish of Lake Erie. We will talk about its size, what it eats, and where it likes to swim.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Storytime: Let’s Go on a Hike!
Storytime: Let’s Go on a Hike!
On hot summer days, a hike through the shady trees is a great way to stay cool while spending time outdoors. We will read a hiking story in our forest story circle, then go for a walk on our Little Explorers trail. How many bugs, birds, and animals will we find? Recommended for ages 6 years & under w/ adult.
Terrain: paved and natural surfaces, hills, up to 0.5 mile
Strollers not recommended on trail.
weekly Story time at The Wandering Lantern
Saturday Story Time
Every Saturday
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Ages: 0-10
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
Amazing Bubble Factory LIVE at southpark mall
Amazing Bubble Factory LIVE - Presented by Aqua Tots Swim School
Aug 22, 2026 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Step into a world of wonder with The Amazing Bubble Factory! ✨ Get ready for a one-of-a-kind interactive and educational experience filled with gigantic bubbles, magical effects, laughter, and plenty of imagination! 🌈 It’s family fun you won’t want to miss!
📍 📅 August 22nd in Cinemark Court
⏰ Showtimes:
• 12:00–12:30 PM
• 1:30–2:00 PM
• 3:00–3:30 PM
Presented by Aqua Tots Swim School!
info from the SouthPark mall Website
Story Time in the Woods
Story Time in the Woods In-Person
Music, movement activities and play will accompany nature-themed stories. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket. Weather permitting.
This event takes place at Every Child's Playground: 36265 Detroit Rd., Avon
info from the Lorain Public Library Website
Free kids yoga
FAMILY YOGA + GIANT BUBBLES
Free, No registraion required.
All ages welcome
Bring the whole family plus a yoga mat and towel.
30 minutes of family yoga followed by giant bubbles and free play
Info from Kids in Cleveland IG
Chalk Party at CAC
About The Event
Join us at the Community Arts Center for an all-ages chalking event! Help us adorn the CAC with your drawings and imagination! Make your own stencil and explore chalking techniques inside and outside. CMA’s mobile art van Studio Go will be installing an interactive Butterfly trail, a three-dimensional drawing space that is wheelchair accessible and great for those with limited mobility or looking for a new perspective. Engage with Yves Santana as he creates his own chalk drawing live during the event. Everyone can participate at Chalk Party! Bring your skills to the Community Arts Center and help us transform the space into a colorful canvas!
Free; All Ages; No Reservation Required
info from the Community Art Center Website
Play Day: Legends and Legacies at Cleveland Museum of Art
About The Event
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.
Who’s in your story? From ancient myths to treasured family traditions, discover how stories connect us to the people who help shape our lives. Explore myths, legends, folktales, and fables while celebrating the many forms of family, friendship, and community through art, literacy, and imagination.
Free No Ticket Required
info from the Cleveland Museum of Art Website
West African Drum Circle
West African Drum Circle
Join the excitement as Olu Manns engages the audience in a traditional West African Drum Circle. Every age and experience level are encouraged to participate in this FREE experience. Don't miss the fun! Bring instruments if you have them.
August 21
Lakefront Reservation
Lower Edgewater Parking Lot
August 28
Euclid Creek Reservation
Euclid Beach Park
September 4
Garfield Park Reservation
Garfield Park Center Parking Area
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Drop-by: Beautiful Butterflies
Drop-by: Beautiful Butterflies
Stop by Rocky River Nature Center during the times listed to take a look at native butterflies in our wildflower garden. Learn what makes butterflies unique insects and admire them while they are hard at work pollinating around the center.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Movie in the Park at Crocker Park
Movies in the Park – Free Outdoor Movie Nights Every Thursday at Sundown in Westlake, Ohio
Looking for the perfect summer activity in Westlake? Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and join us on the Union Square lawn—right in front of Regal Cinemas and Nordstrom at Crocker Park—for Movies in the Park, our free summer movie series!
Every Thursday at sundown, now through Labor Day, enjoy an evening under the stars with family and friends. We’ll be showing a fantastic lineup of beloved classics and the latest blockbuster releases—making it the perfect outdoor movie night for all ages.
August 20 – Wicked For Good – PG
Defy gravity in style! Choose your side—Glinda in pink glam or Elphaba in green—and sing along to your favorite songs.
info from the Crocker Park Website
Storytime in the Park k with Bedford Library
Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays in the fresh air! Families are encouraged to stay and play in the park!
In case of inclement weather, Storytime will move indoors to the Bedford Library. For questions or weather updates, please call the Branch at 440-439-4997.
Dates: Select Saturdays - May 9, 30, June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 18, 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, September 12, 19, 26
Time: 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Walk-ins welcomed
**Storytime moves to the Bedford Commons at the new splash pad starting August 1!
info from the Bedford Rec Website
Home Depot Kids Workshop
FREE IN-STORE KIDS WORKSHOPS
Join Us at 9 a.m. the First Saturday of Every Month. While Supplies Last.
some locations require registration. register here
$1 Puppy Luv sundae at Malley's
Dollar Dog Days
Everyone loves Dollar Dog night at the ballpark, so we're bringing it to Malley's! Get a $1 Puppy Luv sundae on the following dates:
Friday, May 29
Friday, June 26
Friday, July 31
Friday, Aug. 28
Saturday, Sept. 19
Available at Malley’s Chocolates ice cream Parlor locations in North Olmsted, Mentor and Lakewood
info from the Malley’s Website
Free Family Yoga + Bubbles
Overview
Free Family Yoga + Bubbles is BACK
Starting in May!
Every last Sunday of the month
11 AM @thevanakendistrict
free admission to Cleveland Botanical Garden:
Cleveland Botanical Garden:
Enjoy free admission to the Cleveland Botanical Garden on July 15, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. as part of University Circle Inc.’s WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays. Guests are invited to enter through the Kohl Gate, located off Wade Oval, and take a relaxing stroll through the lush outdoor gardens during these extended evening hours. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of the gardens in full summer splendor, free of charge, while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Wade Oval’s weekly summer celebration.
info from the Cleveland Botanical Garden Website
North Olmsted 2026 Fireworks Celebration
Join us for the 2026 Fireworks Celebration on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Great Northern Mall (just south of Applebee’s) for an evening of food, music, and family fun!
Food Trucks: 5:30–10:00 PM
Live Music by Country Honk: 6:00–9:00 PM
Fireworks: Begin approximately 9:00 PM
Bring your lawn chairs, gather your family and friends, and celebrate summer with a night full of great entertainment and a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the sky!
Sponsored and supported by Great Northern Mall and Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.
info from the Great Northern Mall Website
Story Time and Crafts at The After School Shop
Downstairs: All-ages story time featuring
Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson & other recent faves. 10:30 am.
Upstairs: Hello, Ocean! inspired craft time.
Bottle cap fish & collective seascape collage making. 11:00 am onwards.
2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour (lake county ohio)
Explore the Tour
Five sculptures. Five destinations. One unforgettable stretch of Lake Erie shoreline.
From Willowick to Madison, the 2026 Lake Erie Sand Sculpture Tour invites visitors to discover parks, beaches, nature preserves, and waterfront communities across Lake County. Use the map below to plan your adventure and explore each stop along the tour
more info here
Van Aken Summer Block Party
Overview
Save the date for our annual Summer Block Party!
More details to come!
info from the Van Aken Website. check back for more details soon
Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Water Mammals
Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Water Mammals
Join Cleveland Metroparks this summer to explore, learn and play games while visiting our mobile nature center! Free lunches are provided for youth ages 18 and under by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (while supplies last). Books for youth provided by the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank.
This week's topic: Water Mammals
This is a drop-by program. No registration is required.
If you plan to bring a group of 10 or more children, please contact Mobile Outreach at least one week prior, to help ensure enough lunches are available. E-mail mobileoutreach@clevelandmetroparks.com, or call 216.341.1707 with group details or any questions.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Story Time in the Woods
Story Time in the Woods at Every Childs Playground
Music, movement activities and play will accompany nature-themed stories. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket. Weather permitting.
This event takes place at Every Child's Playground: 36265 Detroit Rd., Avon
info from the Lorain County Metroparks Website
Movies in the Park at Crocker Park
Movies in the Park – Free Outdoor Movie Nights Every Thursday at Sundown in Westlake, Ohio
Looking for the perfect summer activity in Westlake? Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and join us on the Union Square lawn—right in front of Regal Cinemas and Nordstrom at Crocker Park—for Movies in the Park, our free summer movie series!
Every Thursday at sundown, now through Labor Day, enjoy an evening under the stars with family and friends. We’ll be showing a fantastic lineup of beloved classics and the latest blockbuster releases—making it the perfect outdoor movie night for all ages.
July 9 – Freakier Friday – PG
Double the fun, double the chaos! Grab a friend or family member and swap styles—dress like each other or go for a classic parent/teen switch-up look. Bonus points for twinning and playful role reversals!
info from the Crocker Park Website
Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Water Mammals (Copy)
Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Water Mammals
Join Cleveland Metroparks this summer to explore, learn and play games while visiting our mobile nature center! Free lunches are provided for youth ages 18 and under by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (while supplies last). Books for youth provided by the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank.
This week's topic: Water Mammals
This is a drop-by program. No registration is required.
If you plan to bring a group of 10 or more children, please contact Mobile Outreach at least one week prior, to help ensure enough lunches are available. E-mail mobileoutreach@clevelandmetroparks.com, or call 216.341.1707 with group details or any questions.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Free Story time with Halle Bo Bally!
Wednesday, July 8th from 11:00 to 11:45am Join us for story time with Halle Bo Bally! Halle Bo Bally is an interactive experience that includes not only story book reading, but songs and dance too! HBB story telling sparks imagination, while music and movement help to build coordination and confidence. Kids learn best through play, right?! This is a free community event.
info from the Once Upon a Time Toys Website
Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Water Mammals
Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Water Mammals
Join Cleveland Metroparks this summer to explore, learn and play games while visiting our mobile nature center! Free lunches are provided for youth ages 18 and under by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (while supplies last). Books for youth provided by the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank.
This week's topic: Water Mammals
This is a drop-by program. No registration is required.
If you plan to bring a group of 10 or more children, please contact Mobile Outreach at least one week prior, to help ensure enough lunches are available. E-mail mobileoutreach@clevelandmetroparks.com, or call 216.341.1707 with group details or any questions.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Home Depot Kids Workshop
FREE IN-STORE KIDS WORKSHOPS
Join Us at 9 a.m. the First Saturday of Every Month. While Supplies Last.
some locations require registration. register here
Free Family Yoga + Bubbles
Free Family Yoga + Bubbles is BACK
Starting in May!
Every last Sunday of the month
11 AM @thevanakendistrict
info from the Van Aken Website
Touch-A-Truck at Valor Acre
Join us on June 28th from 11AM–3PM for a fun-filled family day featuring trucks from Brecksville Police and Fire, Independence Excavating, Valley Ford Truck, and more local companies.
Enjoy interactive stations from @nestkidsbrecksville and @reveldancecomplex
Explore the trucks and enjoy hands-on fun for all ages 🚧
Info from Valor Acre Instagram
SPLASH! FRESHWATER EXPLORATION DAY
SPLASH! FRESHWATER EXPLORATION DAY
Sunday, June 28, 2026
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event spans Great Lakes Science Center, North Coast Yard, and the Port of Cleveland. Start your adventure at: Great Lakes Science Center or North Coast Yard 515 Erieside Ave., Cleveland.
SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day is a free event that brings together science, exploration, and community to celebrate the power of our freshwater resources and inspire the next generation of Great Lakes stewards.
This family-friendly celebration includes:
Hands‑on learning and outdoor fun at Great Lakes Science Center. Dive into family-friendly STEM activities including water quality testing, robotics demonstrations, and more. (SPLASH! exhibits will be free and open to the public. Tickets are required for admission to the Science Center.)
Enjoy a variety of art and recreation experiences at the North Coast Yard. Connect to our lakefront in a fun, active way!
SOLD OUT! An exclusive, behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Port of Cleveland. Typically closed to the public, these guided tours offer a rare look inside Port operations—revealing how cargo moves, how the waterfront supports regional jobs, and how maritime technology keeps our economy connected to the world. Advance registration is required.
WHY FRESHWATER MATTERS
Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River have powered generations of people, connected Cleveland to the world, and played a defining role in America’s environmental movement. Today, these waters support a new chapter of economic opportunity through freshwater technology, research, manufacturing, and sustainability leadership. SPLASH! Freshwater Exploration Day celebrates this legacy while showcasing how Cleveland is shaping the future of the blue economy.
Learn more about Cuyahoga County's Fresh Water Institute.
info from the Great Lakes Science Center Website
Black Storytellers at Garfield Pond
Black Storytellers at Garfield Pond
Families are invited to join us for a FREE program at Garfield Park Program Center this Saturday. We will take a short nature hike around the pond to see what animals are out and then enjoy traditional storytelling performed by the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the performance.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks 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
Storytime at The After School Shop
Event info
Story Time at The After School Shop
Downstairs: Sunrise baby dance (ages: itty bitty to 3) 10:30-11:00 am.
Upstairs: Story time followed by bookmark making (ages 3t). 11:00 am -12:00 pm.
* A parent or trusted caregiver must be present for in-shop activities.
info from The After Schop Instagram
Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge
Step inside one of Cleveland’s most significant historic landmarks with self‑guided access to the long‑closed streetcar level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. As part of America 250, visitors to this year’s event will have the rare opportunity to explore the bridge’s original subway stations and tracks, learn about the bridge’s history, and engage with the team working to revitalize the lower deck for more regular public access. This event is funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission.
Admission to the event is FREE.
All visitors must sign a waiver before entering the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. You can access the waiver HERE. Those who sign the waiver ahead of time will save time at the event entrance.
All visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Well behaved dogs on leashes are permitted at the event.
As part of the Cuyahoga LIVE! initiative, music will be provided by local artists, funded by the America 250-Ohio Commission.
more info here
Drop-by: Upcycling Craft
Drop-by: Upcycling Craft
Visit our Trailside Program Center near the nature center and make a free upcycling craft. We will make a cute owl from old socks, ribbon and googly eyes.
Info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Family Friday Night: Bat Bonanza
Family Friday Night: Bat Bonanza
We are welcoming back our friends from Discover Bats Ohio for this special program to observe and monitor everyone’s favorite flying mammal! We will start inside to learn about local bat species and what makes them important to our ecosystem. Then, as the sun sets, we’ll make our way outside. Armed with special acoustic monitoring systems, we will get to identify the bats in real time as they wake up and hunt for insects. In case of inclement weather, we will spend the duration of the program indoors at North Chagrin Nature Center.
Terrain: paved, natural surface, uneven surface, roots, mud, up to 0.5 mile
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Strongsville Touch-A-Truck
The Strongsville Recreation Department will host its annual Touch a Truck event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 26 at Town Center Park, 18300 Zverina Lane.
Kids of all ages are invited to get up close to all kinds of trucks and vehicles. Admission is free. Food trucks will be on site.
There will be sensory-friendly hour from 11 a.m. to noon for kids who'd rather not hear all the horns.
info from the Strongsville City Website
Story Time in the Woods
Story Time in the Woods
Music, movement activities and play will accompany nature-themed stories. Dress for the weather and bring a blanket. Weather permitting.
This event takes place at Every Child's Playground: 36265 Detroit Rd., Avon
info from the Lorain County Metroparks website