Upcoming family-friendly events
National Grandparents Day at Prayers from Maria
Date: September 13
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Spend the day at Maria's Field of Hope!
Make a special sunflower craft to gift to your grandparents and enjoy treats from Peace, Love and Little Donuts.
info from the Prayers from Maria 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
Play Day: Legends and Legacies
About The Event
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.
Join us as we bring together schools, families, museums, and community partners to explore meaningful ways to support literacy development from pre-K to 12. Discover how reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and storytelling can be nurtured through art, play, and inquiry.
info from the Cleveland Museum of Art Website
FREE admission to the Akron Children's Museum
Join us for a special FREE Admission Community Day as we celebrate the incredible role grandparents play in our lives! 💛
Grandparents inspire, support, and share so much wisdom, and let’s be honest, grandchildren keep them young and on their toes! Bring the whole family to honor these special connections at the museum.
📅 Sunday, September 13
🎟 FREE Admission for all
✨ Sponsored by the Robert O. & AnnaMae Orr Family Foundation
BONUS- Akron Children’s Museum Members have early access 10am-12pm!
Enjoy a day filled with hands-on activities focused on plant growth and development, exploring how growing plants can teach us about nurturing, caring, and growing together as families. 🌱
Come create, explore, and celebrate the generations that help us grow!
*Grandparents don’t have to be there but it is encouraged.
info from the Akron Children's Museum Event Calendar
Stargazing in the Sunflowers
Date: September 13
Time: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Stargazing in the Sunflowers, hosted by the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.
Kids can learn about the Moon phases through an activity and educational worksheets!
info from the Prayers from Maria Website
FREE admission to the Great Lakes Science center
NASA DISCOVERY DAYS AT GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
September 18-19, 2026
Blast off into the future of space exploration and become part of the Artemis Generation at NASA Discovery Days, an interactive, free event featuring the incredible teams from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland!
Dive into humanity’s journey back to the Moon and beyond as you explore how Glenn’s experts in power, propulsion, communications, and materials are helping NASA build the foundation for astronauts to travel farther than ever before. Explore how Ohioans power missions like Artemis II — NASA’s first crewed trip around the Moon in more than 50 years — and pave the way for the first astronauts of this generation to walk on the lunar surface, establish a sustained presence, and eventually travel to Mars.
Featured Activities
• Moon Base VR drops the user onto the lunar surface, immersing them in the environment and allowing them to explore the infrastructure and technology NASA is developing for our return to the Moon.
• Experiential exhibits that bring the Artemis story to life — from details on the Orion spacecraft to the powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket
• Lunar Crater Challenge
• Selfie photo opportunities with Artemis III astronaut cutouts, and the new Axiom spacesuit, along with Eva, the astronaut mascot.
• The Orion Spaceflight Simulator is a hands-on activity that allows the public to use a flight-like Orion spacecraft display and control console to simulate flying and docking Orion in deep space.
• Hands-on simulations that let visitors soar through space using virtual and augmented reality
• Opportunities to meet real NASA engineers, scientists, and communicators who help make deep space missions possible
• Examples of how aeronautics and space innovations are improving everyday life on Earth
• Inspiring conversations about how you can help shape the next giant leap
Free admission. no registration required
info from the Great Lakes Science Center Website
Clean Water Fest
Free. Fun. Fab.
Our festival of all things water returns Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:00 until 4:00. A full day of free games, giveaways, tours, trucks, education and inspiration unlike any other! Join thousands of our closest friends from Northeast Ohio and beyond at Clean Water Fest.
info from CLEANWATERFEST.COM
FREE admission to the Great Lakes Science center
NASA DISCOVERY DAYS AT GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
September 18-19, 2026
Blast off into the future of space exploration and become part of the Artemis Generation at NASA Discovery Days, an interactive, free event featuring the incredible teams from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland!
Dive into humanity’s journey back to the Moon and beyond as you explore how Glenn’s experts in power, propulsion, communications, and materials are helping NASA build the foundation for astronauts to travel farther than ever before. Explore how Ohioans power missions like Artemis II — NASA’s first crewed trip around the Moon in more than 50 years — and pave the way for the first astronauts of this generation to walk on the lunar surface, establish a sustained presence, and eventually travel to Mars.
Featured Activities
• Moon Base VR drops the user onto the lunar surface, immersing them in the environment and allowing them to explore the infrastructure and technology NASA is developing for our return to the Moon.
• Experiential exhibits that bring the Artemis story to life — from details on the Orion spacecraft to the powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket
• Lunar Crater Challenge
• Selfie photo opportunities with Artemis III astronaut cutouts, and the new Axiom spacesuit, along with Eva, the astronaut mascot.
• The Orion Spaceflight Simulator is a hands-on activity that allows the public to use a flight-like Orion spacecraft display and control console to simulate flying and docking Orion in deep space.
• Hands-on simulations that let visitors soar through space using virtual and augmented reality
• Opportunities to meet real NASA engineers, scientists, and communicators who help make deep space missions possible
• Examples of how aeronautics and space innovations are improving everyday life on Earth
• Inspiring conversations about how you can help shape the next giant leap
Free admission. no registration required
info from the Great Lakes Science Center Website
Touch-a-Truck at the Cleveland Metroparks
Touch-a-Truck Returns to Brookside Reservation
The 15th annual Touch-a-Truck presented by CrossCountry Mortgage(Opens in a new window) returns to Brookside Reservation on Sunday, September 20, giving children the opportunity to get behind the wheel and explore approximately 50 vehicles used to maintain and preserve Cleveland Metroparks.
Families can see and explore big machines and vehicles including bucket trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, excavators, backhoes, dump trucks, police cars and more. Kids can also enjoy a 40-ton sandbox and interact with costumed characters. For an additional fee, families can enjoy a unique ride around the event aboard Cleveland Metroparks trackless train. Cleveland Metroparks food truck and retail truck will be on-site.
Touch-a-Truck(Opens in a new window)
takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to attend with free parking. Guests attending Touch-a-Truck also receive a $5 off discount on admission to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo the same day.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Rupunzel in the Sunflowers
Date: September 20
Time: 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Hang out with Rapunzel at Maria's Field of Hope in Avon!
Listen to her sing songs, read books and play Freeze Tag with kiddos.
info from the Prayers from Maria’s Webstie
Fall Family Fun Day
Date: September 26
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Enjoy a fun fall day at Maria's Field of Hope in Avon!
Sip on apple cider and paint pumpkins - Pumpkins provided by Pickering Hill Farms.
Plus, play with Little Diggers Sandboxes!
info from the Prayers from Maria Website
Fall Family Fun Day
Date: September 27
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Enjoy a fun fall day at Maria's Field of Hope in Avon!
Sip on apple cider and paint pumpkins - Pumpkins provided by Patterson Farms.
info from the Prayers from Maria Website
FREE admission to the Akron Children's Museum
Get ready for a day full of fall fun at the Akron Children’s Museum!
Join us on October 17 from 10 AM – 5 PM for our FREE Fall Fun Day, where families can explore, play, and celebrate the season together, at no cost! Enjoy hands-on activities like pumpkin science experiments, creative leaf art, and more interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity and imagination in children of all ages.
This is the perfect opportunity to experience the museum, make memories, and enjoy a festive day filled with learning through play. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime member of our community, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Admission is completely FREE, thanks to the generous support of the H. Peter Burg Family Foundation.
Come celebrate fall with us, we can’t wait to see you!
info from the Akron Children’s Museum Facebook Page
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
Family Fun day at prayers from marie field of hope
Date: September 06
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Join us for a Sunflower Social at Maria's Field of Hope in Avon!
Kids can make special sunflower crafts courtesy of Duck Tape Brand and enjoy lemonade at Maria's Lemonade Stand.
info from the Prayers From Maria Website
Movie in the Park at Crocker Park
Event Details
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.
Postponed movies will happen the Monday after, weather permitting.
info from the Crocker Park 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
Saturday 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
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
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
Storytime: The Bugliest Bug
Storytime: The Bugliest Bug
Join us for a story about a bug who saves the day! After reading, we will take a short hike to observe a bugliest bug contest of our own and complete a craft. Recommended for ages 3 – 7 years w/ adult.
info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website
Movie in the park-Monsters University
Event Details
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.
2026 MOVIES IN THE PARK SCHEDULE*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.
info from the Crocker Park Event Page
Bug Hunt at North Chagrin Nature Center
Bug Hunt
Learn how to use a sweep net as we explore the habitats around the nature center for beetles, butterflies, grasshoppers, and other insects. Learn how important insects are to birds, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Terrain: natural surface, muddy, up to 1.5 miles
info from the Cleveland Metroparks 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
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
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.
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
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