Northeast Ohio Parent is hosting its 10th annual 2026 Camp, School & Summer Fun Fairs, giving families a chance to explore a wide variety of camps, schools, and summer activities for kids of all ages. This event is a great opportunity to start planning your child’s summer of their dreams.
With so many options, finding the right camp or school can feel overwhelming, and even walking through a fair can be a lot without a plan. That’s where these before, during, and after tips come in.
By preparing ahead of time, making the most of your visit, and following up afterward, families can turn the fair into a fun and helpful step toward finding the perfect camp or school. By visiting Northeast Ohio Parent, you can learn more about the fair.
Before the Fair: Simple Ways to Prepare
Pre-planning is an important first step when getting ready for the Camp Fair. This can include doing a little research on different camps or schools, so you know what direction you’re heading in once you get there. Reviewing the full list of camps and schools ahead of time can help you narrow down your options and make the most of your visit. It’s also helpful to think about your child’s interests, what they hope to gain from camps, schools, or other summer programs, and what they want their summer to look like.
Another great way to prepare is by writing down a list of questions to ask. Having questions ready can make conversations with camps and schools feel easier and help you remember everything important you want to ask.
Some helpful questions could include:
- What age groups is your program best for?
- What does a typical day look like?
- What activities are offered?
- Are meals or snacks provided?
- How do you handle safety and supervision?
Registering for the fair ahead of time is a great tool. By registering in advance, families can learn about the activities that will be available and stay updated on event details. Through research, talking with your child, and preparing a few key questions, you’ll set yourself up for success as you get ready to head to the fair.
During the Fair: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
While at the fair, it’s important to visit multiple booths, even if you’re unsure about some. Everyone there is happy to talk and share information, and seeing a variety of options can help you discover programs you might not have even considered.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, and free parking is available. The fair itself is completely free to attend, and you’re welcome to stay for as long or as little as you like, whether you plan to explore every booth or just stop by for a quick visit.
Be sure to pick up brochures and business cards to review later as camps and schools can start to feel similar, and having a reference makes it easier to compare your options. Taking notes or photos throughout the fair is another great way to remember anything that stands out to you.
Letting your kids engage with activities and explore different booths can make camp, school, and summer planning a process the whole family enjoys. There will be hands-on fun and other activities throughout the fair, including a special performance from Jungle Terry and friends, as well as glitter tattoos and fun giveaways. This not only keeps kids entertained but also helps you get a better feel for each program, making your trip through the fair both engaging and informative.
After the Fair: What Comes Next?
It’s official, you’ve been to Camp, School and Summer Fun Fair! You’ve learned about all different types of programs, and now it’s time to put all that new knowledge together and move forward. The next steps after the fair can include reviewing the brochures you picked up, visiting websites or social media pages, and narrowing down your top choices. From there, you can reach out to the programs with any additional questions or even set up a visit. All of this helps you get closer to the end goal of finding the perfect camp, school or summer fun experience for your child.
A Confident Start to Camps, Schools & Summer Fun
When finding the perfect choice for your child, the Camp, School & Summer Fun Fair is a really helpful planning tool. It offers an informal and stress-free way to learn about all your options and pick the perfect place for your child; one you and the whole family can feel knowledgeable and confident about. Planning can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! By visiting Northeast Ohio Parent, you can learn more about our Camp, School & Summer Fun Fair and find additional family event tips and tricks to help create the perfect experiences for you and your family.