We want our children to be independent, right? However, we don’t always set them up for it. Jessica Ontko Freeman, a licensed therapist and Northeast Ohio native, provides some ways to encourage self-direction in our elementary-aged children.
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Events This Week
November 16, 2025 - November 23, 2025
This Week Navigation
November 16
Sensory Friendly Time
November 16
A private sensory friendly room for respite / sensory breaks, 8 hands-on exhibits for children to learn through play, explore, and create.
This is a special program for families with children with sensory processing disorders and other special needs.
November 16
Holiday Tree Festival
November 16
More than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless other creations.
November 16
The North Pole Adventure
November 16
26-mile, 90-minute excursion to the enchanting North Pole departing at 5 and 7:55 p.m.
November 16
Elmo and Friends Say Hello
November 16
Sing and dance with the furry friends from Sesame Street while enjoying fun surprises.
November 16 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Jewish Sunday Experience
November 16 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Free play and Jewish themed early childhood circle time with interactive play, music and song, tasty snacks for ages 0-6.
November 17
Sprouts & Shoots
November 17
Children will be introduced to extended preschool classroom routines and content as we explore the wonders of nature & science.
November 17
Tumble Champs
November 17
Gym Champs 1 is a starting point for young athletes to explore gymnastics and develop the skills needed to grow and succeed.
November 17
Holiday Tree Festival
November 17
More than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless other creations.
November 17
The North Pole Adventure
November 17
26-mile, 90-minute excursion to the enchanting North Pole departing at 5 and 7:55 p.m.
November 17
Kindergarten Countdown
November 17
Help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards.
November 18
November 18
Toddler Studio
November 18
Join instructor Haylee Wagner for art-making experiences designed to help develop self-expression, problem-solving, and social skills in young children.
November 18
Homeschool Book Club
November 18
Homeschool children, ages 7-11, read, discuss and enjoy activities.
November 18
Holiday Tree Festival
November 18
More than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless other creations.
November 19
November 19
November 19
Holiday Tree Festival
November 19
More than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless other creations.
November 19
The North Pole Adventure
November 19
26-mile, 90-minute excursion to the enchanting North Pole departing at 5 and 7:55 p.m.
November 20
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
November 20
A musical reenactment of the Old Testament story of Joseph and his coat, his father Jacob, and his eleven brothers. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, and ends up in jail.
November 20
Spy School
November 20
Calling all secret agents, join the Library for Operation: Undercover, a spy training experience.
November 20
Pre-K Explorers
November 20
Weekly drop-off program that gives junior naturalists the opportunity to explore, create, and play.
November 20
Holiday Tree Festival
November 20
More than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless other creations.
November 21
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
November 21
A musical reenactment of the Old Testament story of Joseph and his coat, his father Jacob, and his eleven brothers. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, and ends up in jail.
November 21
Storytime with Josh
November 21
Spark a Love of Science Through Stories with Josh Avsec, Associate Director of Museum Experience.
November 21
Holiday Tree Festival
November 21
More than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless other creations.
November 21
The North Pole Adventure
November 21
26-mile, 90-minute excursion to the enchanting North Pole departing at 5 and 7:55 p.m.
November 21
Painesville's Spirit of the Season
November 21
Santa comes to town to light the city tree with free train rides around the square and more.
November 22
Broadway Tots
November 22
Learn all aspects of musical theatre technique and performance skills by learning the building blocks of singing, dancing, and acting through storytelling.
November 22
Beach Glass Christmas Tree Ornament Craft Class
November 22
Create a Christmas tree ornament using provided Lake Erie beach glass in Waugaman Gallery at Avon Lake Public Library.
November 22
November 22
November 22
STEAM Team Saturdays
November 22
On the 2nd and 4th Saturday each month, Children ages 5-11 can discover the wonder of S.T.E.A.M.
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Find activities and events for children with special needs and their parents and families. Many events provide sensory-friendly and inclusive activities for all abilities. Check out the following happenings in the region.
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The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is reducing general admission prices for all guests. While the museum is currently undergoing a transformation project, some exhibits are undergoing necessary restoration and updates to reflect the latest scientific research. Some galleries will be off exhibit until fall 2023.
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