Things to do

Even though the return to school is just a few weeks away, there’s still plenty of time left to enjoy summer vacation with your kids. Look no further than area park systems to find unique activities and events taking place before the back-to-school bell rings. ...

Despite these signs of optimism, many parents remain worried about the cost of the pandemic on their child’s academic progress. While tutors, camps and school-based summer enrichment programs may be part of your child’s plans, don’t overlook the evergreen answer to “summer slide” concerns: open a book. ...

Pull out your lawn chairs and experience the wonder of William Shakespeare through theatrical productions of Shakespeare’s work absolutely free to the public from the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. ...

A new tandem zip line experience that takes riders to new heights above the grounds of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Waterfowl Lake. It will also be open for special events including this year’s Asian Lantern Festival, offering guests a chance to experience the thrilling ride after dark. ...

Sometimes there’s no better way to get back to nature than a walk in the woods—especially if you have young kids looking to burn off some energy. So ditch the video games and find a tree to hug. Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Jennifer Bonnar of "Green Family-in-Training" shares some of her family’s favorite trails to explore. ...

Visitors will see firsthand how this recently constructed feature allows everyone to more deeply immerse themselves in nature and the outdoors. Open during regular Nature Center hours, the treehouse is ADA-accessible and overlooks the scenic Stearns Woodland Trail. ...

Cleveland Metroparks opened The Lindsey Family Play Space at Edgewater Park. The nearly one-acre Play Space has a wide range of nature play opportunities. The Play Space features distinct play zones designed to serve children of all ages and abilities. ...

Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood announces its 73rd season. The 2021-2022 Youth Theater Season is filled with entertaining and exciting titles perfect for the entire family. ...

The Summer Out Loud challenge begins where participants complete activities for their Summer Out Loud passport. Completed passports, which will be turned in to a branch of the Akron Area YMCA, will be entered to win a national grand prize. ...

Ready to travel? Here are some things to bring along. Keep your child both safe and entertained with these ideas from National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA), which evaluates and tests all these road-ready products. ...