Parade the Circle

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 12:00–3:00 p.m.

Location: Wade Oval

Free; No Ticket Required

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s (CMA) Parade the Circle, the beloved tradition celebrating art, culture, and community, returns on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The 34th annual parade takes place in University Circle and features vibrant and imaginative costumes, towering puppets, floats, and intricately crafted masks. This year’s event coincides with the CMA’s 110th anniversary as an institution and the United States Semiquincentennial.  

more info here

Event Details

Kick off summer with two free in-store events featuring Creativity for Kids crafts! Whether they’re designing a one-of-a-kind rock or “painting” with jewels, each event helps children boost fine motor skills and self-expression. We’ll even have select summertime faves to explore in our Play & Discover area. Parents and guardians, check in when you arrive for your chance to win a $100 Lakeshore E-Gift Card!

These are free, walk-in events held at all locations during the hours listed. No reservations needed.

info from the Lakeshore Learning website

TOUCH-A-TRUCK

JUNE 12, 2026

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

NORTH OLMSTED RECREATION CENTER Climb into the driver's seat at this free family-friendly, hands-on event that offers opportunities for children and adults to EXPLORE, CLIMB, and TOUCH all kinds of big trucks! Come meet

the people who protect, serve, and build our community.

info from the North Olmsted Website

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 County Library Website

Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Terrific Turtles

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: Terrific Turtles

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

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.

• June 4 – Inside Out – PG

  • Let your emotions shine! Dress as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, or Disgust—or wear your mood proud with colors and accessories.

• June 11 – Lilo & Stitch (2025) – PG

  • Aloha! Break out your Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, or Stitch-inspired outfits.

• June 18 – Gabby’s Dollhouse The Movie – G

  • Step into a world of imagination! Dress as Gabby, Pandy Paws, or your favorite Dollhouse character—or wear your coziest, most colorful outfit.

• June 25 – KPop Demon Hunters – PG

  • SPECIAL EVENT!
    Experience the global phenomenon like never before! Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of the award-winning film KPop Demon Hunters with an interactive outdoor screening of the official Sing-a-long version. We’re encouraging all fans to come in costume and sing along to the entire soundtrack. It’s a high-energy musical celebration for the whole family!

• July 2 – Inside Out 2 – PG

  • Emotions are back—and bigger than ever! Create your own new emotion or revisit your favorite from the original.

• 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!

• July 16 – Paddington Goes to Peru – PG

  • Bring your best bear-y adorable style! Think blue coats, red hats, and marmalade-inspired looks.

• July 23 – Mulan – G

  • Be bold. Be brave. Be you. Dress as a warrior, royalty, or your favorite character and get ready to celebrate courage and determination under the stars.

• July 30 – Superman – PG-13

  • Look up! It’s a bird, it’s a plane—it’s YOU! Show up in your superhero best: capes, tights, or your own custom hero design.

• August 6 – Elio – PG

  • Blast off into adventure! Come dressed as astronauts, aliens, or space explorers.

• August 13- A Minecraft Movie – PG

  • Get blocky with it! Dress as your favorite Minecraft character—Steve, Creeper, Enderman—or create your own pixel-inspired look.

• 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.

• August 27 – Monsters University – G

  • Unleash your inner monster! Create your own furry, funny, or spooky look—or come as Mike, Sulley, or your favorite MU student.

• September 3 – Moana 2 – PG

  • Set sail for adventure! Dress as Moana, Maui, or a wayfinding voyager.

Event info from the Crocker Park Event Page

Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Terrific Turtles

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: Terrific Turtles

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

Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Terrific Turtles

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: Terrific Turtles

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

Little Legacy: talent show

presented by Northeast Ohio Parent and our partners, are ideal for kids, parents, and caregivers.

All events will feature:

– Fun music
– Exhibitor tables with activities + giveaways
– FREE snacks

Other activities vary by event:

Face painting, balloon twister, magician,
animal entertainer, glitter tattoos, musical entertainment,
mascots from various organizations + much more!

Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m

info from Northeast Ohio Parent Website

Sunday, June 7, 2026, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Location: Community Arts Center

Centro de Artes Comunitarias

Free; All Ages; No Reservation Required | Gratis; Todas Edades; Sin Cita Previa

About The Event

Join us at the Community Arts Center for Family FUNday as we launch our first mini parade with Michelle Littlejohn! Parades are special events that highlight culture, identity, and community voice through the creation of floats, costumes, displays, and, often, marches. We invite you to join us in the fun as we parade around the PIVOT Building in anticipation of Parade the Circle!—the Cleveland Museum of Art’s annual celebration that speaks to the innovation and collaboration that shapes creative communities.  

info from the Community Art Center Website

‼️ Grand Opening & Ribbon cutting of the new North Olmsted Community Park and Splash pad is happening this Sunday, June 7th starting at 12:30pm.

The grand opening event will kickoff with a ribbon cutting at 12:30pm and there will also be a petting zoo, food trucks, trackless train rides, Cleveland pops concert and more!

📍 North Olmsted Community Park 28114 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, Ohio

info from the North Olmsted Website

Family Canvas: Astronomy 

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.

This Saturday's topic: Astronomy

If you have any questions regarding this program or need accommodations, please call our office at 216.341.1707, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., or contact us by email at mobileoutreach@clevelandmetroparks.com.

Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland
11400 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106

Info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

Comic Club

with | con Kobe Saunders

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

Location: Community Arts Center

Centro de Artes Comunitarias

Free; All Ages; No Reservation | Gratis; Todas Edades; No Es Necesario Registrarse

About The Event

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. 

info from the community art center website

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

Meet the Trucks

June 6 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA invite you to attend the Meet the Trucks on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue.  Come see, touch and explore the City’s fine fleet of trucks and vehicles. Plus, a bounce house, food trucks, sweet treats, and more.

more info here

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

Pop Rocks Concert with Mr. Jeff
"Award Winning, Silly, Fun and Original Children's Music for Kids Created by a Teacher"

His high-energy, interactive live shows combine gross motor movement, social-emotional learning, and a healthy dose of silliness, leaving kids ready for a nap—and parents asking for more! Perfect for libraries, schools, festivals, museums, and family-friendly events, Mr. Jeff’s performances are designed to captivate and engage audiences of all ages.

Grab your blankets, chairs and dancing shoes to celebrate outside. Performances are held outdoors at our concert circle. These concerts are free and fun!

* In case of inclement weather, we will bring the party indoors to our Waugaman Gallery.

information from the Avon Lake Library Event Page

Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Tremendous Trees

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: Tremendous Trees

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

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.

• June 4 – Inside Out – PG

  • Let your emotions shine! Dress as Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, or Disgust—or wear your mood proud with colors and accessories.

• June 11 – Lilo & Stitch (2025) – PG

  • Aloha! Break out your Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, or Stitch-inspired outfits.

• June 18 – Gabby’s Dollhouse The Movie – G

  • Step into a world of imagination! Dress as Gabby, Pandy Paws, or your favorite Dollhouse character—or wear your coziest, most colorful outfit.

• June 25 – KPop Demon Hunters – PG

  • SPECIAL EVENT!
    Experience the global phenomenon like never before! Celebrate the One Year Anniversary of the award-winning film KPop Demon Hunters with an interactive outdoor screening of the official Sing-a-long version. We’re encouraging all fans to come in costume and sing along to the entire soundtrack. It’s a high-energy musical celebration for the whole family!

• July 2 – Inside Out 2 – PG

  • Emotions are back—and bigger than ever! Create your own new emotion or revisit your favorite from the original.

• 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!

• July 16 – Paddington Goes to Peru – PG

  • Bring your best bear-y adorable style! Think blue coats, red hats, and marmalade-inspired looks.

• July 23 – Mulan – G

  • Be bold. Be brave. Be you. Dress as a warrior, royalty, or your favorite character and get ready to celebrate courage and determination under the stars.

• July 30 – Superman – PG-13

  • Look up! It’s a bird, it’s a plane—it’s YOU! Show up in your superhero best: capes, tights, or your own custom hero design.

• August 6 – Elio – PG

  • Blast off into adventure! Come dressed as astronauts, aliens, or space explorers.

• August 13- A Minecraft Movie – PG

  • Get blocky with it! Dress as your favorite Minecraft character—Steve, Creeper, Enderman—or create your own pixel-inspired look.

• 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.

• August 27 – Monsters University – G

  • Unleash your inner monster! Create your own furry, funny, or spooky look—or come as Mike, Sulley, or your favorite MU student.

• September 3 – Moana 2 – PG

  • Set sail for adventure! Dress as Moana, Maui, or a wayfinding voyager.

Event info from the Crocker Park Event Page

Kids Nature Lunch & Learn: Tremendous Trees

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: Tremendous Trees

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

Event Details

Join us for our outdoor family-friendly summer of fun at Crocker Park on Tuesdays. These free, monthly themed events, presented by Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine, are ideal for kids, parents and caregivers. Come join us for a summer of fun the whole family will love!

All events will feature:

• Fun Music

• Exhibitor Tables with activities + giveaways

• FREE snacks

• Other activities vary by event: face painting, balloon twister, magician, animal entertainer, glitter tattoos, musical entertainment, mascots from various organizations + much more!

Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. Register HERE

Crocker Kids Schedule

• Tuesday from 11am to 1pm*

• May 26– Dress Up! Princess & Superhero Day

• June 23– Talent Show

• July 21– Water Party Fun

• August 8 (Saturday from 11-2pm) – Back to School Bash

*Rain dates are scheduled for Thursdays of the same week; August 9 rain date is Sunday, August 9. Themes are subject to change.

Location
West Park at Crocker Park
229 Crocker Park Blvd
Westlake, OH 44145

Event info from the Crocker Park event page

Saturday Story Time

Schedule: Every Saturday

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages: 0-10

ome 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!

info from The Wandering Lantern Website

“Nature Storytime at Squire's Castle

Join a naturalist as we read stories in the historic Squire’s Castle. We will do a hands-on activity as a group and explore the castle together. ​ 

Terrain: paved, some stairs, hills, less than 0.5 miles

If you have any questions regarding this program or need accommodations, please call the nature center at 440-473-3370, daily, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., or contact us by email at northchagrinnc@clevelandmetroparks.com. “

this event is recommended for ages 2-5 with an adult.

info room the Cleveland Metroparks Website

French Creek Theatre Presents- North Pointe Ballet’s “Cinderella”

May 15 | 7 pm

Lakeview Park: 1800 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052

Box Office: (440) 949-5200 | FREE - Registration is Not Required

French Creek Theatre partners again with North Pointe Ballet to present their interpretation of “Cinderella”. Experience the classic fairytale through elegant movement and expressive storytelling. Set to Prokofiev’s beautiful score, this production follows Cinderella’s journey from hardship to hope, supported by whimsical characters and radiant choreography by Janet Dziak. This show is recommended for adults and children of all ages.

North Pointe Ballet’s mission is to make classical ballet accessible to everyone. NPB provides high-quality professional ballet productions that are entertaining, affordable, and inclusive of audiences and performers of all abilities. NPB is committed to increasing access to ballet for underrepresented populations through enriching community engagement programs such as this.

This program will be held outdoors near the historic rose garden at our Lakeview Park: 1800 West Erie Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052. This program is recommended for adults and children of all ages.

Admission is free and includes lawn seating. Patrons are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the show. Registration is not required for this free program, and this event is weather dependent.

For more information, contact the French Creek Theatre Box office at (440) 949-5200.

info from French Creek Ballet Facebook event page here

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.

May 28 – The Incredibles – PG

Dates & Hours
Thursdays at Sundown (9ish)
May 28th – Sept 3rd

Location
Union Square Lawn
Next to Regal Cinema
186 Union Street
Westlake, OH 44145

info from the Crocker Park Website

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.

Come grow with us and watch imagination bloom! Inspired by the CMA’s exhibition Manet & Morisot, join us in planting seeds of inspiration and celebrate the special friends and grown-ups that helped us blossom. 

Play with music, games, and more!

info from the Cleveland Museum of Art event page

Bloom & Buzz at Van Aken

Join us as we celebrate the return of spring and officially unveil the turf for the 2026 Spring & Summer season! Bloom & Buzz is our first big outdoor event of the year — the perfect way to welcome warmer weather, fresh blooms, and lively energy back to the District.

Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for an evening full of music, creativity, local shopping, and springtime fun.

Live Music from Gumbo Dance Party
Kick back on the newly opened turf and enjoy live music as we welcome patio season back to Van Aken.

Spring Photo Opportunities
Capture the moment with festive spring-themed photo ops around the District — perfect for families, friends, and your Instagram feed.

Face Painting for All Ages
Our talented face painters will be on-site adding colorful designs and a little extra magic for kids and adults alike.

Shop Local: Makers & Vendors Market
Browse a curated market featuring 40+ local makers and small businesses offering handmade goods, art, jewelry, florals, and unique finds.

Arts & Crafts Station
Stop by our craft table for spring-themed coloring pages and activities — perfect for little ones (and creative grown-ups too).

Celebrate the Season
Enjoy the fresh air, explore the District, grab a bite or drink from your favorite Van Aken restaurants, and help us kick off another amazing outdoor season.

And more surprises throughout the evening!

—

This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.

info from the Van Aken Website Here

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 Public Library Website

Weekly on Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. from Sunday, September 14, 2025 until Sunday, May 24, 2026

Location:  North Court Lobby
Parker Hannifin Corporation Donor Gallery

Free; No Ticket Required

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

April and May 2026: Form and FUNction

Come ready to twist, stack, shape, and sculpt! Inspired by Martin Puryear: Nexus (opens in a new tab), explore how art evolves from many sources of inspiration, including history and the natural world.

This is a free event and admission to the museum is always free.

*Parking is NOT free

info from the Cleveland Museum of Art Website

12pm-4 pm Bubble Wanda

2pm-5pm Airbrush & Ballon Artist

2pm-5:30pm Multi-Sport Inflatable

7pm-9pm Jimmy Jack Band

There is also a small outdoor playground and normally they have a few food trucks to purchase food form. find more info on this event over on their instagram here