Drop-by: Make a Nature Inspired Trick-or-Treat Bag

Drop by during the listed time, and kids can decorate their own spooky sack with bats, spiders, and owls to show off their love of nature

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

Live Demonstrations: Every Hour Saturday 12pm-5pm & Sunday 12pm-4pm

(Times may vary slightly due to batch size +/- 15mins)

1238 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, Ohio 44094

info from Jeff’s Candy Shop Website

We did this for the first time last weekend and it was really awesome. The demonstration lasted about 30 minutes and we learned the ins and outs of making hard candies and the history behind the new building Jeff’s Candy Shop is in. at the end of the demonstration they gave us samples of the candy that was made and then we did some shopping in Jeff’s Shop.

Curiosities at the Castle

For one spectacular evening, see the iconic Squire’s Castle and its trails illuminated with luminaries and lanterns! At this free event, you will meet live animals, investigate bones, taxidermy, and all things curious! Learn about ancient creatures from the Natural History Museum, see exotic curiosities from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, meet Mr. and Mrs. Squire come to life from the Western Reserve Historical Society, and shop local artist vendors. The Cleveland Metroparks and Piccolo food trucks will also be there for food options. Costumes encouraged.

Drop-by Activities during Curiosities at the Castle:
• Prehistoric Curiosities with Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• Exotic Curiosities with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Meet Mr. and Mrs. Squire with the Western Reserve Historical Society
• Beneficial Bats with Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources
• Meet Live Animals such as Owls, Flying Squirrels and Bugs
• See and Touch Real Animal Skulls and Bones
• Venture onto the Natural Surface Trail behind the Castle to Search for Signs of Cryptids
• Interactive Apothecary
• 'Swim' through an Obstacle Course to Discover the Weird Fish
• Learn about Weird Fish found in Ohio through Fun Biofacts
• Spooky Photo Shoot in the Castle
• Roast Marshmallows (while supplies last)
• Shop local with LRAE Clay, Practical Possum, and Cleveland Metroparks Shop
• Grab a bite to eat at the Cleveland Metroparks Food Truck and Piccolo Food Truck
*All stations are subject to change up until event time

Terrain: paved and natural surface, steep hill, less than one mile ​

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

Drop-by: Spooky Skulls and Skeletons

October is the perfect month to examine various animal skulls and skeletons. See what different species have in common and what makes them unique. Stop at any time during the hours listed.

info From the Cleveland Metroparks Website

Join us Saturday October 24th from 1-3pm for our Annual Trick or Treat Trail in Old Brooklyn's Ben Franklin Community Garden (1905 Spring Rd, Cleveland, OH 44144).

The event is completely FREE (food, activities, & all)!

Come enjoy popcorn, apple cider, games, crafts, & music while you explore the Trick or Treat Trail that weaves through Ben Franklin Community Garden. Along the trail you'll find treat stations hosted by local Old Brooklyn organizations and maybe meet a neighbor or 2! Half of the trail is a paved path while the other half follows a trail with wood chips at the back of the garden.

Parking will be available in the Ben Franklin Elementary School lot in front of the garden & on the street.
This event will be rain or shine!

EVENT INFO

Live Demonstrations: Every Hour Saturday 12pm-5pm & Sunday 12pm-4pm

(Times may vary slightly due to batch size +/- 15mins)

1238 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, Ohio 44094

info from Jeff’s Candy Shop Website

We did this for the first time last weekend and it was really awesome. The demonstration lasted about 30 minutes and we learned the ins and outs of making hard candies and the history behind the new building Jeff’s Candy Shop is in. at the end of the demonstration they gave us samples of the candy that was made and then we did some shopping in Jeff’s Shop.

Tricks & Treats at Crocker Park

Calling all ghosts, goblins, superheroes, princesses, and little monsters! Join us for Crocker Park’s annual Tricks & Treats Halloween celebration, presented by Sylvan Learning Centers of Westlake and Strongsville, on Saturday, October 24 from 12 PM to 3 PM for an afternoon filled with candy, costumes, and family-friendly Halloween fun.

Bring your trick-or-treat bags and explore Crocker Park as participating stores, restaurants, and vendors hand out sweet treats throughout the property. Simply look for the pumpkin signs and follow the trail for a festive trick-or-treating adventure (while supplies last)!

In addition to trick-or-treating, families can enjoy:

Character appearances and festive photo opportunities
Face painting and balloon twisting
Interactive dance parties and live entertainment
The popular Pet Costume Contest, sponsored by Elite K-911
Local vendors, activities, and family-friendly experiences throughout the park
Plenty of candy, surprises, and Halloween magic around every corner

Whether you’re collecting treats, showing off your costume, cheering on adorable pets, or making memories with family and friends, Tricks & Treats is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Make a day of it by exploring Crocker Park’s shops and restaurants before or after the event. With festive fun, sweet treats, and exciting activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Admission is FREE. Costumes are encouraged, cameras are recommended, and Halloween fun awaits!

info from the Crocker Park Website

Books, badges, and friendly neighborhood faces!

Join us at The Wandering Lantern on Saturday, October 24, as we welcome Lakewood Police officers for Books & Badges, a special Story Time bringing our community together through reading.

Gather with us to enjoy stories read by local officers and meet some of the people who serve our neighborhood. It’s a relaxed opportunity for children to connect with community helpers while sharing the joy of a good book.

Bring your little readers and enjoy a morning of stories and community at your neighborhood bookstore!

info from The Wandering Lantern Website

Our annual Family Fun Fall Walk returns – rain or shine! Join us for a walk around the neighborhood from hub to hub for FREE family fun

Our annual Family Fun Fall Walk returns – rain or shine! Join us for a walk around the neighborhood from hub to hub for FREE family fun including crafts, games, and of course treats – no trick, please!

Locations & Activities

1. St. Ignatius Halls & Fire Station

- St. Ignatius Haunted Halls

- Treats @ Fire Station (if not on call)

2. Novak Park & Carnegie West Library (Fulton & Bridge)

- Decorative Photo Opportunities

- Giveaways

- Food outside in the park.

- Fall craft inside the library

3. St. Patrick’s Church (3602 Bridge Ave)

- Trunk-or-Treat in the parking lot

4. Fairview Park (1685 W. 38th)

- Arts & Crafts

- Yard Games

- Music at the park

- S’more station

Shuttle Service Schedule

A bus/van shuttle will be provided for families wanting pick-up from Malachi Center. Pick-up at 4:30 and 5:00 pm and drop-off at Hub 1: St. Ignatius. Return pick-up will happen at Hub 4: Fairview Park at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 pm and return families to Malachi Center.

info from the Ohio City Instagram page

Malloween - Presented by Aqua Tots Swim School

 Oct 18, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Mark your calendars! Our Malloween event will be held on October 18th from 1-3pm. Be sure to wear your best costumes!

What to expect:

Trick-or-treating (while supplies last, once stores run out of candy, they are out)

Scattered entertainment (balloon artists, costume characters, airbrush tattoos, and more!)

event info from the SouthPark Mall Website

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

FallFest: 18th Century Festival

Help celebrate the pioneers of the Western Reserve at Cleveland Metroparks annual FallFest: 18th Century Festival. This fun, free, family-oriented event takes place in the great outdoors of Brecksville Reservation at Meadows Picnic Area. There is plenty of free, onsite parking. A shuttle bus will run to and from the Brecksville Nature Center parking lot.

Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th, you’ll hear the hammer of the blacksmith, the danceable beat of folk music, and the gunfire of the Brigade of the American Revolution. Bring the whole family to smell the wood smoke, taste the fresh-pressed cider, marvel at the magician, and so much more! In addition, food and souvenirs will be available for sale.

For more information call 440-526-1012. History was never so much fun!

info from the Cleveland Metroparks 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

Family Hike to the Beaver Lodge

Bring your family on a hike this morning that ventures to one of the beaver lodges that can be seen in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. We will look at some biofacts and discuss the adaptations of the beaver prior to our hike. This adventure will be fun for the entire family.

Terrain: paved and natural surface, hill, up to 1 mile

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

Date: September 26

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm

Enjoy a fun fall day at Maria's Field of Hope in Avon!

Bring your best costume for Trick-or-Treat, 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

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 

Free and no registration required.

info from the Lorain County Public Library Website

Date: September 20

Time: 11am-12:30pm

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

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

Sturgeon Fest

Take part in conservation action by helping release Lake Sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River! 
On September 19, join Cleveland Metroparks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as we work to restore these endangered fish to one of their historic spawning grounds in the Great Lakes. Sturgeon Fest is a free, family-friendly event featuring educational activities, trivia games, crafts, and more! 

Attend both the NEORSD Clean Water Fest and Sturgeon Fest on the same day, and you'll be entered into a prize basket drawing! Pick up your passport at either event.

info from the Cleveland Metroparks 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

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

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

Family Friday Night: Life of a Beaver

Stop by North Chagrin Nature Center to learn all about a beaver's busy life. We will begin inside with a short presentation showcasing their adaptations and lifestyle, then we will go on a brief walk around the marsh to look at a real beaver lodge and search
for signs of beaver activity.

Terrain: paved, up to 0.5 mile.   ​ 

info from the Cleveland Metroparks Website

Calling all chess players — and kids who want to learn!

Join us at The Wandering Lantern twice a month on Friday evening from 3:30–6:00 PM for our free Lantern Chess Club.

New to chess? We’ll help you get started with the basics. Already know how to play? Pull up a chair, find an opponent, and see where the game takes you.

Come for the whole time or stop in whenever it works for your family. Chess boards will be available — just bring your curiosity and your best moves.

2 Fridays a month | 3:30–6:00 PM Free to attend • Drop-in • All skill levels welcome

info from The Wandering Lantern Website

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

Moms Connect

Having little ones at home can be wonderful — and sometimes really lonely. Moms Connect is a relaxed gathering created to give moms with children ages 0–5 a reason to get out of the house, meet other parents, and enjoy some grown-up connection while the kids play together.

Bring your friends or come by yourself and make some new ones. We’ll have snacks, space for little ones to play and explore, and plenty of time to talk, laugh, share stories, and connect with people who understand this particular season of life.

There’s no pressure and no formal agenda — just a welcoming place to show up as you are, little ones and all.

For moms with children ages 0–5.

info from The Wandering Lantern Website

Moms Connect

Having little ones at home can be wonderful — and sometimes really lonely. Moms Connect is a relaxed gathering created to give moms with children ages 0–5 a reason to get out of the house, meet other parents, and enjoy some grown-up connection while the kids play together.

Bring your friends or come by yourself and make some new ones. We’ll have snacks, space for little ones to play and explore, and plenty of time to talk, laugh, share stories, and connect with people who understand this particular season of life.

There’s no pressure and no formal agenda — just a welcoming place to show up as you are, little ones and all.

For moms with children ages 0–5.

info from The Wandering Lantern Website

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

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

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