Let’s face it. Children aren’t exactly thrilled about each and every subject in school. I’m sure they’d rather choose all their classes, whether it’s all math and science classes or art and creative writing classes.
Summer camps provide a great opportunity for kids to explore their own passions during all that extra free time when school’s out. Because the decision can be daunting for families, Northeast Ohio Parent is here for you with 2025’s Camp, School & Fun Fair.
Register for 2025 Camp, School & Fun Fairs
In this digital age, any information you’re looking for is only a click away on the phone in your hand. So it might be tempting to simply research Northeast Ohio summer camps while sitting on your couch or waiting in the pick up line after school. But consider this. We want to encourage our kiddos to look up from their screens and the best way to do that is to look up from ours. More is caught than is taught.
Natisha Bowling, SVP Youth Development, at YMCA of Greater Cleveland says that attending camp fairs allows for more personalized and direct conversations between parents and camp counselors.
“This level of interaction is hard to replicate online, where information can be generalized, and it can help families feel more confident in their decisions,” Bowling said.
Abby Ayers and Michael Newton, co-founders of Ethlete Lab Academy, a Lakewood gaming lounge that offers camps and classes, recommend attending in-person camp fairs because of the invaluable connection you can’t experience on a screen.
“At a camp fair, you are face-to-face with ultimately who will be responsible for your kids during the timeframe of the camp,” Newton said. “As a parent, I’d like to view this almost as an interview.”
Families are also given a voice at camp fairs. Natalie Ruffin, Marketing Assistant at Steve & Kate’s Camp, says she loves to hear what kids want to experience at camp and it also gives parents an opportunity to ask specific questions or voice concerns.
Bowling at YMCA says the best time to register for summer camp is early in the spring, before camps fill up.
Here’s the 411 on our westside and eastside camp fairs:
Discover your passion at the westside location:
- SouthPark Mall at 500 Southpark Center in Strongsville on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
*Note: The westside location and date has recently changed. The camp fair’s previous location as at Make Believe in Parma on March 9. Sadly, Make Believe had to close its doors. SouthPark Mall has welcomed us into their space at Center Court right below the Food Court.
Seek new experiences at the eastside location:
- Adrenaline Monkey at 26800 Renaissance Parkway in Warrensville Heights on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Kids and their parents can choose to explore the vendor area for free AND stay and play at each location for 50% off the regular rate.
** Keep in mind, you only need to register once per family.
Here’s a sneak peak at the event sponsors:
- Camp NEOSA
- Hawken School
- Lake Ridge Academy
- University School
Here’s a list of the event’s exhibitors:
- Albert Einstein Academy of Ohio
- Ethlete Lab Academy
- Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio
- Goldfish Swim School – Strongsville
- Huntington Learning Center
- The Mandel Jewish Community Center
- Julie Billiart School
- Musicology
- Wanake Camp and Retreat Center
- Soccer Stars
- Steve & Kate’s Camp
- Northeast Ohio Lacrosse (NEO Lax)
- Young Chef’s Academy of Northeast Ohio
- i9 Sports
- United Skates of America
- YMCA Storer Camps
- YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer
INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP OR HAVING AN EXHIBITOR TABLE? Contact Publisher Brad Mitchell at [email protected] or 330-714-112
