Northeast Ohio Parent | March 2024

Happy Birthday

Northeast Ohio Parent!

You're 10 years old

Magazines are Special

I think I was born with a magazine in my hands. My parents were both avid readers, authors and even worked on Look magazine in the 1950s. From my earliest days I admired star athletes exploits in the pages of Sports Illustrated and laughed at the biting sarcasm in Mad Magazine. Straight out of college I worked on the database side of magazines and 37 years later I am enjoying publishing more than ever before.

The (Re)Birth of a Family Magazine

In the Summer of 2013 I discovered that there was no longer a parenting/family magazine in Greater Cleveland. I was saddened because we had some ties to the previous Cleveland/Akron/ Lake-Geauga Family Magazines, including our own children appearing as “Cover Kids” years earlier.

At the time I was fortunate enough to be working at Babcox Media, handling growth initiatives in our “Launch Pad” division. A vision quickly turned into a magazine with the assistance of other publishing pros and startup resources. And by March 2014 we hit the streets with Northeast Ohio Parent, a glossy, high-quality magazine, and you the reader welcomed us with open arms.

By November 2014 I ventured out on my own with NEO Parent with a talented, dedicated and passionate team, all of whom are still with us today as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Over 100 issues later, we strive with the same enthusiasm every day to stay relevant to both sets of our customers: our readers and our advertisers.

Publishing is Hard

Rising costs, internet infatuation, COVID-19, and supply and labor shortages have threatened our viability, but print magazines remain a beloved communications vehicle in an informationsaturated world. We get it — we know you’re busier than ever! Over the years we have embraced digital publishing, social media, video, and podcasting as additional communication tools to reach parents where they live, work and play. And our live events bring together families and advertisers in a joy-filled environment showcasing everything that we stand for. For those who have experienced Crocker Kids, Pinecrest Play Days, Fun at First & Main, Camp & Summer Programs Fair and Education & Enrichment Expo — we thank you for your participation!

Parenting is Even Harder

Raising children today is more challenging than ever before. Inflation, overloaded schedules, blended families, digital chaos, contradictory advice … and on and on. Some struggles are similar to prior generations but today’s environment presents a whole new set of hurdles. But we’re excited to be on the journey with you! Our goal is to help you steer through the clutter as we curate the best of family living in print, online and in-person at our events.

Gratitude

Thank you to our readers, followers, fans, and attendees. Thank you to our loyal advertisers and supporters. Thank you for this hard-working team of media pros who persevere to keep our content fresh and attractive and work with our advertisers to meet their goals. And I thank God for making a way.

We look forward to serving you for the next 10 years and beyond with relevant, positive information and resources to enrich family life in Greater Cleveland.

Founder and Publisher

Brad Mitchell

The Why Issue

As a kid, I wasn’t shy about asking questions. Actually, I remember a time when my mom’s friend came over and she had really long black eyelashes. To my mother’s horror, I decided to ask if the woman was a witch. Well, she obviously wasn’t, but I’ve always had a curious personality, which can be good or bad. For my mom, on that particular day, it wasn’t welcomed.

As parents, we are asking questions about how our kids behave, about their health and more. So, if you haven’t noticed, in each issue, we’ve tried to answer the “Why” for parents’ from writer Lori Orlinsky.

Of course, we all have had our toddlers — and even our teens, too, like “why can’t you give me $20 for gas” — ask us their burning questions. For this issue, we talk about why it’s OK for them to ask and for you to answer.

Speaking of questions, where are you watching the total eclipse? Have you heard we will be in the dark for about four minutes on April 8? Even most schools are off for kids to see the event. We got you covered with how you should prepare and where to go. There are so many events going on for the eclipse, visit NortheastOhioParent.com for the latest updates.

Also, I don’t know about you, but March is an odd month. I know the groundhog said it was early spring, but why are we still getting snow?

Just kidding, I have lived here all my life and know we can experience all the seasons — usually in one day. When March hits though, I always feel in a hurry to get to summer. Luck-ily (wink) there is so much to do — from maple sugaring, March Madness, early spring, preparing for spring break and more. We try to highlight as much as we can, but find us on social media for more happenings.

March 2024

Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011

NortheastOhioParent.com

PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712

EDITOR - Angela Gartner angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914

ART DIRECTOR - Sherry Lundberg sherry@northeastohioparent.com

MANAGING/DIGITAL EDITORShana O’Malley-Smith shana@northeastohioparent.com

ADVERTISING SALES:

Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioparent.com

Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 janyse@northeastohioparent.com

Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioparent.com

Sherrie Kantarovich, 216-299-5455 sherriek@northeastohioparent.com

Yvonne Pelino, 440-971-0595 yvonne@northeastohioparent.com

Finally, we’ve highlighted our 10 years as Northeast Ohio Parent in this issue. In putting it together, my favorite was remembering all the ways we met you — the readers — and your families, along with how I get to be curious by seeking out the latest parenting resources for you. As your Northeast Ohio Parent editor for a decade —which seemed to fly by where my kids got a lot taller — it’s the one thing I am not asking why. Proud

DIGITAL CUSTOMER SUCCESS MANAGER/SALES CONSULTANTSamantha Olp, 330-636-6127 sam@northeastohioparent.com

OFFICE MANAGER: Kathleen Mitchell, 440-533-1208 kathleen@northeastohioparent.com

EVENTS MANAGER: Lilia Lipps, 440-724-0559 Lilia@northeastohioparent

DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES: info@northeastohioparent.com

WHY do teens SLEEP SO MUCH?

By Lori Orlinsky

Isn’t it ironic that for years, children engage in bedtime battle for a later bedtime, but when they become teenagers, all they want to do is sleep?

According to Dr. Shelly Senders, founder and CEO of Senders Pediatrics in South Euclid, this shift in the sleep pattern from child to teenager is normal and can be seen as early as age 10. Senders sat down with us to explain why sleep is especially vital for this age group.

Teenage brains are developing

Brain development is closely tied to sleep, as each stage of sleep serves a separate function. Stage 2 is the refreshing part of sleep, stage 3 helps improve memory by deleting unnecessary information, and REM sleep is the period during which dreaming occurs.

“When sleep is shortened, it is Stage 3 which is shortened the most,” Senders says. “Teens who do not get sufficient sleep have brains that work less efficiently during the day.”

Teens have different circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are the physical, mental and behavioral changes people experience over a 24-hour cycle. Senders says that teens have different circadian rhythms which control the sleep wake cycle in their bodies, telling them to go to sleep from 10 p.m. to midnight.

“Sadly, schools are out of sync with the circadian rhythms of teens and instead of starting later, to accommodate the need to go to sleep later, they start earlier which means teens are not getting sufficient sleep,” Senders says.

Puberty plays a role

Sex steroids produced in both boys and girls play a major role in sleep patterns during adolescence, Senders says. This causes a delayed sleep phase (tendency for later bedtimes), irregular sleep schedules (sleeping longer during weekends compared to weekdays) and a steep decline in deep sleep.

“All of this leads to less effective sleep patterns," Senders says. “The only way to overcome this is to follow their sleep pattern and try to get more sleep.”

Consequences of not getting enough sleep

Teens that don’t get sufficient sleep are more susceptible to developing chronic illnesses and are at greater risk for catching a variety of common infectious diseases including influenza, COVID-19 and the common cold.

Additionally, they can lead to more behavioral and mental health challenges, including impulsivity, stress, depression, anxiety, aggressive behavior and thinking problems.

How parents can help

“Parents can encourage teens to ‘unplug’ 30 minutes before they go to bed, as electronic devices delay the production of melatonin which is the hormone that controls the sleep wake cycle,” Senders says. “Additionally, parents should become advocates for their teens and encourage school districts to begin school at 8:30 for high school students so that they can go to sleep later and follow their body’s circadian rhythms.”

Parents should also be on the lookout for signs of too much sleep, which can indicate depression or excessive drug/marijuana use.

“If a child is sleeping more than 9 hours a day or is taking long naps during the afternoon, it is important to schedule an appointment with their health care provider,” Senders says.

RE A D I N G R O O M

Check out these books at your local library or head to an independent bookstore or chain.

Total Solar Eclipse: A Stellar Friendship Story

by Jayme Sandberg and illustrated by, Kathleen Gadeken

Sun is seriously out of sorts about the upcoming total solar eclipse. Will Earthlings go blind watching it? What will they think when Sun’s dependable light suddenly vanishes in the middle of the day? How could Moon betray their stellar friendship? When totality finally arrives and Moon completely hides our brightest star from millions of Earthlings in its shadow, no one is more surprised than Sun to find Moon helped it shine in a totally different way.

Promchanted by

Morgan Matson

Stella Griffin doesn’t believe in fairy tales.

Ever since her boyfriend dumped her three weeks before the prom—not ideal timing—she’s convinced every love story is a lie. But when Stella and (nonfriend) Reece are pushed through a hidden door in Sleeping Beauty’s castle, they’re not in Anaheim anymore. They’re in the story. In Sleeping Beauty—with Aurora and Phillip, the fairies, Maleficent, and extremely intelligent woodland creatures.

Local author spotlight

Lola and the Troll

by Connie Schultz and illustrated by Sandy Rodriguez

Lola is a happy kid who loves recess and her imaginary dog, Tank. There’s just one problem: the neighborhood bully. He hides behind a troll costume and says mean things to everyone who walks by, including Lola. Soon she starts wearing her hair differently, walking on her tippy toes to add a few extra inches to her height, and even putting cornstarch in her shoes because he said her feet stink. But when Lola’s mom takes her to her favorite place, The Bee’s Sneeze bookstore, the owner, Ms. Sneesby, reminds Lola that she loves her curly hair, her bright smile, and her big eyes. And most importantly, Ms. Sneesby reminds Lola that she is brave.

NEO Parent Crafting with Kids: Puffy paint shamrocks

By: Krystin Fletcher

Bring a little luck to your home with this easy shamrock craft!

MATERIALS:

• White shaving cream

• White school glue

• Green food coloring

• Gold/green glitter

• Large foam paint brush or plastic spoon

• Small bowl

• White cardstock

• Pencil

• Scissors (optional)

STEPS:

• Start by drawing a shamrock on your cardstock

• In a small bowl, mix equal parts of shaving cream with white school glue. This will create a sticky frosting consistency.

• Next, add your food coloring to get the desired color. Once the mixture dries, it will be a darker shade.

• When you have the consistency/color you like – have your child use a paint brush or spoon to fill in the shamrock with the “frosting.”

• To finish your clover design, sprinkle some glitter on top of the glue mixture and set aside to dry completely.

RECIP E O F T H E M ONTH

Spinach

Cottage Cheese Banana Pancakes

By Melissa Koski Carney

If you have finicky eaters, this is a good way to get some greens into their diet, and the cottage cheese is a great added protein boost. The spinach and cottage cheese blend right into the batter so that they aren’t noticeable, and the bananas add a nice sweetness to the pancake. Serve these in March and declare them in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• 2 small bananas

• A handful of spinach (about ½ cup loosely packed)

• ½ cup cottage cheese

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 egg

• Optional toppings: honey, maple syrup, peanut butter, fruit

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Take all ingredients and place in your blender until everything is smooth and the spinach is no longer visible and the batter is light green. I put my blender on “smoothie mode” and blended for about 45 seconds.

2. Heat a nonstick griddle to medium-low and coat with butter. Fry pancakes on the griddle until the edges start to brown.

3. Serve warm as you prefer your pancakes — we like ours with honey drizzled on top.

Learning Disabilities May Be More Common Than You Think

By Karla Fitch, MSW, LSW, Connecting for Kids Creative Director

Do you have a child who struggles with reading, writing or math? Maybe you just attributed it to a difficult classroom environment or a child that isn’t trying. But, did you know that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have learning and attention issues?

According to the Learning Disability Association of America, that equals

11.2 million U.S. elementary and high school students.

It also reports, of those students, only 8.25% receive specialized instruction or accommodations through a school Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504. That means 6.65 million students aren’t receiving the help they need. As a parent, you may not even realize that

your child has a learning disability. But, the good news for parents in Ohio is that two bills recently passed by the state’s General Assembly that requires all Ohio public school students in kindergarten through third grade to be screened for the risk of dyslexia, the most common learning disorder, in the 2023-2024 school year.

“With the new laws requiring mandatory screenings, other families will be able to get help sooner. Early recognition is key to providing the right interventions from the start to help students learn to read and ultimately have a successful school career.

For Michelle of Brooklyn Heights, who has two children with dyslexia, that news is a relief. “When my first child was struggling with reading, it was a long process to get the correct diagnosis and then start the multi-sensory phonics approach he needed,” she says. “Even knowing this, when my second child showed similar signs of dyslexia there was no screener available to identify her in kindergarten. With the new laws requiring mandatory screenings, other families will be able to get help sooner. Early recognition is key to providing the right interventions from the start to help dyslexic students learn to read and ultimately have a successful school career.”

According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, dyslexia impacts 20% of the population. It is defined as a language-based disorder that causes problems with both spoken and written language. Symptoms can range from mild to extreme but with evidence-based intervention and accommodations, many dyslexic students perform well in school.

Because of the new screenings, an organization such as Connecting for Kids, which provides sup-

”port and resources for those who have concerns about their child, has seen a large uptick in the number of calls from families.

“Once a child has been identified by the school as showing signs of possible dyslexia, parents have so many questions and want to seek out resources to help,” says Sarah Rintamaki, executive director of Connecting for Kids.

In addition to dyslexia, other prevalent learning disabilities include dysgraphia and dyscalculia. Experts estimate that writing problems such as dysgraphia may impact 5-20% of students. Dysgraphia can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and struggling to put thoughts on paper. Since it is a spectrum, some children may have a lot of problems while in others, dysgraphia may go undetected.

Dyscalculia describes a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities making it hard to do math. People with dyscalculia may have difficulty with numbers or with other math-related concepts like size and speed. Not as much is known about dyscalculia as compared to dyslexia, but experts think that it may impact 3-7% of all people.

If you suspect a learning disability, please refer to these Connecting for Kids guides that provide red flags, solutions and resources:

Dyslexia Resource Guide: connectingforkids.org/dyslexia

Dysgraphia Resource Guide: connectingforkids.org/ dysgraphia

Dyscalculia Resource Guide: connectingforkids.org/ dyscalculia

If you would like to speak to someone about your concerns, please visit the Connecting for Kids Ask Us program at:

connectingforkids.org/askus to schedule a time.

Families will find a number of options for reading and math tutors, academic help and alternative schools at upcoming Connecting for Kids Resource Fairs.

Eastern Cuyahoga County Resource Fair

Saturday, March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tri-C - Eastern Campus Student Services Building, 4250 Richmond Rd, Highland Hills

Lorain County Resource Fair

Tuesday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lorain County Community College Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Rd N, Elyria

Western Cuyahoga County Resource Fair

Wednesday, March 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd, Rocky River

Learn more or register: connectingforkids.org/ resource-fairs

SPRING OPEN HOUSES

AKRON PREPARATORY SCHOOL

March 25

20 Kelly Ave. akronprep.org, 330-247-6232

BEAUMONT SCHOOL

April 9

3301 N. Park Blvd., Cleveland Hts. beaumontschool.org, 216-321-2954

HAWKEN SCHOOL

hawken.edu, 440-423-4446

Lower & Middle Schools

April 7

5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst

Upper School

April 14

12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills

Mastery School

April 21

11025 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland Birchwood School of Hawken birchwoodschool.org, 216-251-2321

April 28

4400 W. 140th St., Cleveland

HERSHEY MONTESSORI

hershey-montessori.org

Lower School

March 13, 23, April 17, 20 10229 Prouty Road, Concord Twp. 440-357-0918

Upper School

March 4, 8, April 12, 15

11530 Madison Road, Huntsburg Twp. 440-636-6290

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS

juliebilliartschool.org

Akron

April 22

380 Mineola Ave., 330-333-5280

Brecksville

March 25, April 19

8611 Wiese Road

Westlake

March 23

3600 Crocker Road, 440-471-4150

LAUREL SCHOOL

Lyman Campus

April 13

1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts. laurelschool.org, 216-464-1441

LAWRENCE SCHOOL lawrenceschool.org, 440-526-0717

Lower School

April 15

1551 E. Wallings Road, Broadview Hts.

Upper School

April 18

10036 Olde Eight Road, Sagamore Hills

NOTRE DAMECATHEDRAL LATIN SCHOOL

April 24

13000 Auburn Road, Chardon ndcl.org, 440-286-6226

OLD TRAIL SCHOOL

April 11

2315 Ira Road, Bath oldtrail.org, 330-666-1118

OPEN DOOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

March 21, April 18 & May 21

8287 W. Ridge Road, Elyria odcs.org, 440-322-6386

OUR LADY OF THE ELMS

March 24

1375 W. Exchange St., Akron theelms.org, 330-836-9384

PARMA ACADEMY

March 8 & 25

12925 Corporate Drive parmaacademy.org, 216-750-1205

SAINT JOSEPH ACADEMY

March 21

3470 Rocky River Dr., Cleveland sja1890.org, 216-251-6788

SOLON ACADEMY

March 8 & 19

32800 Solon Road solonacademy.org, 440-201-3872

STRONGSVILLE ACADEMY

March 8 & May 15

16000 Foltz Industrial Pkwy. strongsvilleacademy.org, 440-201-3873

THE PREMIER EARLY LEARNING ACADEMIES OF ACCEL SCHOOLS

March 19 & April 18 (Virtual) parmaacademy.org, s olonacademy.org strongsvilleacademy.org, wlakeacademy.org

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL us.edu

Hunting Valley Campus April 25

2785 SOM Center Road 216-831-2200

Shaker Heights Campus April 20

20701 Brantley Road 216-321-8260

VILLA ANGELAST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

March 6

18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland vasj.com, 216-481-8414

WALSH JESUIT

April 18

4550 Wyoga Lake Road, Cuyahoga Falls, walshjesuit.org, 330-929-4205

WESTLAKE ACADEMY

March 8

26830 Detroit Road wlakeacademy.org, 440-201-3874

The WHY Issue: Answering Your Toddler’s Common Questions

By Aisha Taylor

Have you ever wondered why toddlers ask so many questions? At times, do you find yourself starting to get frustrated with the rapid pace of their questions? If so, don’t worry. You are not alone. It turns out that asking a lot of questions is a normal part of a toddler’s development.

Dr. Tatiana Wells, program director for early childhood education at Cuyahoga Community College and author of “Live Like a Toddler: Be the Young Explorer of Your Life,” describes toddlers as “young explorers.”

“If you think of the history of the great explorers traveling the seas to explore the world, their quest is driven to answer a why question. A toddler is similar,” she says. “A toddler exploring their world has no previous knowledge to answer those questions and the only person to ask what is next or what’s missing in the explanation is the parent. So the parent will get those ‘why’ questions.”

Dr. Kate Eshleman, pediatric psychologist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, explains that the toddler stage is the first time that they have the words or the ability to ask the questions.

“Toddlers want to know how things work so they ask questions to learn about their structure, routine, life, and environment,” she says. “This is how they learn about the world around them. So they ask a lot of who, what, when, why, and how questions because those are the things that they encounter in their life.”

During the toddler stage, children become more verbal and are able to do more. As a parent you probably even hear the word “no” as you try to answer or help your toddler. Wells says common questions at this stage are centered around, "can you help me” or "how does something work." Although toddlers are now practicing how to do things on their own, they still need your help.

She says if a child is nonverbal or has issues with their speech, the parent is likely to see temper tantrums because the child doesn’t have words to articulate their questions. These parents can help their child by teaching them how to use sign language or point to help articulate the question so the parent can answer it.

How can parents answer their toddler’s common questions?

Eshleman recommends parents answer their toddler’s questions by telling the truth in a developmentally appropriate way. This means explaining it to the toddler in pretty simple terms or terms that match their child’s understanding or ability to grasp that information. If parents don’t know the answer to the question,

She says parents should say if they don’t know and then use that as an opportunity to look up the answer and learn together.

Wells suggests asking the toddler questions before the toddler has a chance to ask you. For example, at breakfast you can ask your child: “Do you know where orange juice comes

from? From oranges! How do you make grape juice? From grapes!”

“This helps to build the toddler’s vocabulary," Wells says. "It also creates dual communication where the child is both receiving information and sharing information.”

How can parents stay calm when a toddler keeps asking questions?

Adopting the right mindset around toddler questions is important for a parent.

“Keep in mind why toddlers are asking questions,” Eshleman says. “They’re not doing it to bother you. They’re not doing it to get under your skin. They’re doing it because they want to learn and understand.”

If you find yourself starting to get frustrated because you have a lot going on or your patience is wearing thin, try deep breathing to try to remain calm and patient.

Eshleman also recommends parents put some structure around the questions, by allowing the child to ask three questions and then taking a break. Or, if you’re unable to address the questions you can promise to answer them later. For example, “I need to help Jack with his homework, but at dinner we’ll talk about this.” You can also provide structure by encouraging your child to ask questions during the car ride.

Wells adds parents can incorporate the questions within the toddlers routine. This way answering the question is done within the flow of the day instead of taking additional time.

“Toddlers are always looking for what happens next and they thrive on routine. When you give them a routine it eliminates some of the questions they have,” she says.

Encourage questions within your existing routine by asking your toddler questions like, “What do you think we are going to do first? What is next? What are we going to have for breakfast? Which one do you like?” Wells encourages parents to not stifle toddlers from asking questions and ask questions that allow them to have some autonomy over their day.

It may seem unimportant to respond to those questions, but Wells shares that it means the world to toddlers to be able to ask those questions and have their questions answered. Responding to toddler questions with “don’t worry about it” or “don’t ask me any questions” can even impede their learning process at school. Wells says that instead of being creative and inquisitive toddlers begin to start to accept what happens and not think outside of the box. This is why it’s important to create a space and environment for toddlers to ask questions and have those questions answered.

MONDAYS

TODDLER EVENTS

Messy Art Mondays. Create a masterpiece using a variety of supplies and techniques. Ages 2-5 with an adult. 10:30 a.m. Akron Public Library, 60 High St., akronlibrary.org

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Stroller Strides at Crocker Park. A functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. 9:3010:30 a.m. Westlake, crockerpark.com

Sing & Swing. An engaging early childhood music and movement program for young children and an adult. Through 3/24. 9:15, 10:15 or 11:15 a.m. The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org

MONDAYTHURSDAY

Frogs & Polliwogs. Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts. Ages 2-3 with an adult. 9:30 or 11 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m. Thursday. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY

Baby Playdate. Open-ended play space just for the little ones. 10 a.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m. Thursday. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherst.lib.oh.us

FRIDAYS

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. 10 a.m. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

Preschool Art Time. Little ones, with a caregiver, will smear, splat and explore. 10 a.m.-noon. Through May 20. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org

Blooms and Brushes. Young children (2-4) and their favorite grown-ups are introduced to art, the museum, and verbal and visual literacy. 10 a.m. 4/5-26. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

3/28

Push & Pull Stroller Walk. Push a stroller, pull a weed, make a difference. 10:30 a.m. Buckeye Woods Park, 6335 Wedgewood Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com

Lil’ Sprouts. Engages young children and an adult in the wonderful world of gardening. 10-11:30 a.m. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

Total Solar Eclipse In the Dark

CELEBRATING FOUR MINUTES OF TOTAL DARKNESS ON APRIL 8, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

By Joel Hammond

We will have a front row seat to something that hasn’t happened in Ohio since 1806, and won’t experience again until 2099: complete darkness for four minutes in the middle of the afternoon due to a total solar eclipse.

Cleveland will experience totality between 3:13 p.m. and 3:17 p.m., and you’d better savor it — the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States is 20 years away, on Aug. 23, 2044.

“This awe-inspiring event is going to be a great way for Northeast Ohio citizens and visitors to engage in NASA science with us,” says Jacqueline Minerd, public affairs officer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, adding Cleveland is one of the largest major cities in the path of totality and the only city in the path of totality with a NASA center and visitor center. “We are counting down the days until this once-in-a-lifetime celestial opportunity.”

What should I plan for?

Past eclipse and total eclipse observers like Michael Zeiler, author of greatamericaneclipse.com, says eclipse watchers should plan for some disruption if the weather cooperates and crowds swell.

If you’ve ever been to a large concert, or a Guardians Opening Day, you know that cell service can become an issue. Observers and experts suggest ensuring a communication plan with loved ones or fellow eclipse watchers should cell service lag where they’re observing the event.

Additionally, past total eclipses have led to traffic snarls due to large crowds; in 2017, reports of massive traffic delays impacting highways and other roads alike in southern Illinois, for example. Downtown Cleveland, then, with eclipse-related events coupled with the Guardians’ 2024 home opener and regular rush hour traffic, could similarly be impacted.

How can I watch safely?

NASA recommends viewing the eclipse with eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality. There is a brief period — the totality phase — where eclipse glasses are not necessary, NASA says.

“You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer,” the administration says. As soon as you see any of the sun reappear, though, NASA recommends putting those glasses back on.

Speaking of those glasses: NASA and other agencies recommend safe solar viewers, which are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses and which should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. (eclipseglasses.com is a good source for more information on safe solar viewers, and Northeast Ohio Parent found

a five pack of glasses that meet NASA’s recommended requirements for $15 on amazon.com.)

If using a camera or binoculars, experts say to ditch the safe solar viewers and use special solar viewers. And if you don’t have any glasses? NASA recommends using an indirect viewing method, which eliminates direct viewing of the sun. One way, NASA says, to do so is with a pinhole projector, whose small opening projects an image of the sun onto a nearby surface. Check out the NASA Goddard YouTube page for a quick, kid-friendly tutorial on how to make your own with a cardboard box and aluminum foil.

Another option for those without glasses: Watch live online, as Minerd says Cleveland was selected as a main NASA TV broadcast location for the eclipse. NASA will broadcast live from Cleveland from 1-4 p.m. on April 8.

What is a solar eclipse — and what’s different about this one?

According to the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, a solar eclipse, which happens more frequently, occurs when the moon casts its shadow on Earth as it passes between the Earth and sun. A total solar eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the moon appears to obscure the sun briefly and totally.

How rare are total solar eclipses? The Ohio EMA says one happens somewhere on Earth once every 18 months, but only 21 total solar eclipses have crossed the lower 48 states in the United States’ entire existence. The most recent total solar eclipse that occurred in the United States, in 2017, was visible starting in the Pacific Northwest, moving southeast through the Central Plains and eventually the Carolinas.

Eye Safety for Total Solar Eclipses

View the sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.

You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality. (You’ll know it’s safe when you can no longer see any part of the sun through eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.)

As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun.

—science.nasa.gov

March 5

The Day Cleveland Goes Dark: The Solar Eclipse. Join Baldwin-Wallace’s lead astronomer, Gary Kader, as he explains what eclipses are, how to safely observe them, and other event details. Special glasses to enable eclipse viewing will be passed out to attendees. 7-8 p.m., Brook Park Branch, Cleveland Public Library. 6155 Engle Road. cuyahogalibrary.org

The Eclipse of a Lifetime. Get ready for the upcoming total solar eclipse by diving into the history of solar eclipses in Ohio, from the 1806 total eclipse to the partial eclipses of the 20th century. You’ll become an expert on the science behind eclipses, and what makes them such rare and dazzling natural spectacles. We’ll also give you the tips and techniques you’ll need to share the eclipse with your family. 16167 East High St., Middlefield. geaugalibrary.net

March 8

Predicting Eclipses. From ancient knowledge to modern methods, learn how humans figured out how to predict eclipses — followed by night sky viewing, weather permitting. 7-8 p.m., 10610 Clay St.,Montville. geaugaparkdistrict.org

March 9

Eclipse Speaker Series: Eclipses in American History. Join Cleveland Metroparks to hear Chris Mentrek of Geauga Park District explore the fascinating role that solar eclipses have played in American history. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 4524 East 49th St., Cuyahoga Heights. clevelandmetroparks.com.

What are some watch parties and eclipse events to attend in town?

March 14

Kids Art Workshop: The Eclipse. Join the Amherst Public Library for this art workshop designed for kids ages 6-10. All supplies will be provided for registered attendees to recreate the painting, The Eclipse by Alma Woodsey Thomas. The Eclipse was the last painting in Thomas’ Space Series, and was inspired by the total solar eclipse which occurred on March 7, 1970. Dress for a mess. 4 -5 p.m., 221 Spring St., Amherst. amherstpubliclibrary.org

March 15

Wilderness Center Eclipse Education. Join the Wilderness Center’s Astronomy Education Specialist, Robin, as she shares where the path of totality is, why eclipses happen, and how to safely view this eclipse. 1-2 p.m., 9877 Alabama Ave., Wilmot. wildernesscenter.org.

March 10

Eclipse Exploration Open House. All ages are invited to drop in and discover the science of the eclipse and how to safely view the celestial event of a lifetime through fun hands-on demonstrations, crafts, a campfire and more. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. summitmetroparks.org.

March 11

A Celestial Dance of Light and Shadows. Learn about the Earth, Moon and Sun with a focus on the March penumbral lunar eclipse and the April total solar eclipse. Star viewing with our telescopes afterwards. Each attendee will receive one free pair of solar eclipse glasses to use for the April 8 eclipse. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 5642 Andrews Road. mentorpl.libcal.com

Astrotots: Hide & Seek Sun. Children ages 3-5 with their parents come and learn a few first facts about the upcoming solar eclipse. 9:30 & 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org

March 16

Eclipse Workshop. Learn about this once in a lifetime opportunity and how to safely participate. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Olmsted Falls Branch, Cleveland Public Library. 8100 Mapleway Drive. cuyahogalibrary.org

March 19

Experience Solar Viewing Equipment. Get ready for the eclipse by looking at the sun safely with special equipment including a Coronado solar telescope and adult-sized sunoculars. Stop by the table in the parking lot to try out the tools and learn more about the eclipse. Learn more about viewing the eclipse safely.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 19-28. 312 W. Main St., Kent. engagedpatrons.org

March 21

Celestial Hide and Seek. Join Lake Metroparks as it leads attendees in learning more about solar eclipses and what makes them so special. Learn the differences between the different eclipses and do fun activities to show how they work. All participants must register, including adults.

8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland. lakemetroparks.com

Homeschoolers: Solar Eclipse. Homeschoolers ages 7 to 12 can join Summit Metroparks as officials discover the science of the eclipse, take a safe look at the sun and make an eclipse viewer to take home. Advance registration is required and begins March 14. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. summitmetroparks.org

March 27

Starry-Eyed for the Eclipse. Families get ready for the total solar eclipse that will take place in early April at the Kirtland Library. Learn about the upcoming eclipse, explore activities, and receive a pair of eclipse glasses. 9267 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland. Kirtland.lib.oh.us

April 4

Solar eclipse party. Get ready for the big day with a space-themed craft, view a NASA simulation and pick up your own pair of glasses. 2-3:30 p.m., Norton Branch of Akron-Summit County Public Library, 3930 South Cleveland Massillon Road. akronlibrary.org

April 5-8

Kent Total Eclipse 2024. Family-friendly events over the weekend-long celebration include interactive NASA Citizen Science projects, educational talks, eclipse inspired art displays, science workshops, a laser light show, live music, awe-inspiring planetarium shows, a 5K run, and “best viewing places.” kenteclipse2024.com

April 6-8

NASA Glenn and Great Lakes Science Center Total Eclipse Fest 2024. This three-day, family-friendly celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland features a free community concert performance by The Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday, April 7, food vendors, entertainment and free eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last). 1050 E. 9th St., Cleveland. greatscience.com

April 8

Beck Center for the Arts Free Eclipse Event. Enjoy food, live music, arts experiences, community murals and more, starting at 1 p.m. Part of Great Lakes Science Center’s Community Eclipse Ambassadors. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. RSVP at beckcenter.org.

Akron Art Museum’s “The Sun, The Moon and the Art.” Festivities begin at 11 a.m., and attendees will be treated to a curated collection of eclipse- and solar-themed art, featuring works that capture the beauty and mystique of celestial phenomena. Live DJs and pop-ups also will be on site, as will specially crafted refreshments.

One South High, Akron. akronartmuseum.org

Total Eclipse of the Arboretum. Event features food trucks, activities and plenty of space to take in the eclipse. Eclipse event tickets include glasses, admission to the Arboretum, DJ and access to onsite food trucks. A limited number of tickets will be available and we anticipate they will sell out quickly.10 a.m.-5 p.m., 9500 Sperry Road, Willougby. holdenfg.org

Eclipse at Great Wolf Lodge.

Great Wolf will host an out-ofthis-world outdoor watch party with themed music, dances, crafts and more celestial fun for the whole family. All partygoers will receive complimentary Great Wolf eclipse glasses and specialty wolf ears. 4600 Milan Road, Sandusky. greatwolf.com

Eclipse Festival at Spire. Play on Spire’s soccer field and basketball court and enjoy shows by Jungle Terry, a lunch buffet, beer and wine garden, bouncy houses, live music, free-throw competition, big-screen movie, vendor market and merchandise. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 5201 Spire Circle, Geneva. spireacademy.com

25 BIRTHDAY LOCATIONS FOR WHATEVER YOUR BUDGET

Your child’s next birthday is fast approaching and you’re wondering where to hold the party. Perhaps the thought of having it at home makes you break out in a cold sweat. Maybe it is simply not an option.

As the mother of two kids, now teenagers, I’ve spent over a decade attending or hosting birthday parties at over two dozen spots. There truly is a place for everyone and every budget. So check out this list of 25 locations for your child’s next birthday party and get ready to celebrate.

1 Take your group to a local sporting event, such as a minor league baseball game.

2 Visit a zoo or petting zoo.

3 Go to a swimming pool, water park or splash pad.

4 Try the local park where you can rent a pavilion as home base while the kids run around.

5 Think about special events in your town. Piggyback your party at an outdoor summer concert or a viewing of the holiday parade.

6 Go to the movies.

7 Take a walk or hike at a nature center or botanical garden, where you can learn about the outdoors and celebrate with a picnic.

8 Have a fire station-theme. Our local fire station offers short tours for kids, lets them climb on the trucks, and passes out free firefighter hats. Be prepared that it could be cut short in the event of an actual emergency, though.

9 Visit an orchard in the summer for fruit picking or pick pumpkins at a pumpkin patch in the fall.

10 Take a trip to the museum or find out if they have a party room.

11 Craft stores, such as Joann Fabrics or Michaels, let kids pick a craft and include supplies and a guide to instruct kids in making the

By Katy M. Clark

craft. Or, take a trip to a local Builda-Bear Workshop.

12 Breakfast birthday party at a local diner with pancakes and syrup. Or stay at home and make your own.

13 Visit a laser tag venue.

14 Go to the bowling alley. In our town, the bowling alley offers an affordable package that includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, pizza and a drink. Just show up with a cake or sweet treat for the end.

15 Scale the highest heights at an indoor rock climbing center.

16 Celebrate at a mini golf venue.

17 Try a martial arts studio, where kids can play games and learn age-appropriate skills.

18 Go roller skating at a roller rink.

19 Jump over to a trampoline park.

20 What about the Humane Society or a cat cafe? When my daughter turned 10, she took five friends to our local cat cafe. We paid an hourly fee to visit and play with adoptable cats, then came home to celebrate with dessert. Don’t forget to check for allergies first.

21 Have the party at a bounce house or inflatable venue.

22 Some gymnastics clubs and gyms let you rent their space so kids can run, jump, and play to their heart’s content.

23 Try an ice skating party. Many ice rinks offer party rooms and packages that include skate rentals and public skating for every child. (In my experience, this party idea is suited for older kids who can already skate or have fun trying.)

24 Book a group session at a paint-ntake studio.

25 Celebrate at any indoor play place, such as those found at play cafes or fast food restaurants.

Finally, perhaps you are able to have a party at home, but are just too worried that your house isn’t big enough or exciting enough. In my experience, some of the best (and cheapest) birthday parties I ever hosted were in our home. The home parties pleased kids and parents alike. So, consider these great options when thinking about where to hold your child’s next birthday party. Any of these locations are sure to please. Katy M. Clark is a writer and mom of two who celebrates her imperfections on her blog Experienced Bad Mom.

Choosing Child Care: Finding the right fit for your family

By: Shana O’Malley-Smith

When it comes to child care, finding the right care that aligns with your schedule, fits your budget, meets your child’s needs and provides trust and peace of mind while you’re away, can seem overwhelming for parents.

There are many options available from traditional day care centers to different types of in-home caregivers. Before reaching out to child care providers, take some time to assess your family’s unique needs and preferences. A few factors to consider:

Schedule. Are you looking for full-time care during standard working hours, or do you need flexibility for irregular schedules or evening shifts?

Transportation: Will your children need a ride to and from school or extracurricular activities? Does your school district provide bus service to before/after school care?

Type of Environment for Your Child. Are you seeking more of a structured educational setting or a more relaxed, homey setting?

Budget. What can your family afford to spend on child care?

Understanding these aspects will help narrow down your choices and focus on options that best suit your lifestyle.

Exploring Child Care Options

Day Care/Child Care Centers: Traditional day care is one of the most common types of child care for infants through elementary-aged children. Day care centers check a lot of boxes for families. They operate during traditional business hours, are reliable, provide a safe environment, care for children of various ages and provide a variety of services such as meals, naps, playtime, before and after school care, educational curriculum and more to children. Day care centers are also required to comply with state laws and licensing procedures.

Family Child Care Home: In Ohio, individuals may care for a small group of children in their home which is called a family child care home. This option offers a more intimate setting with a caregiver who may be able to provide more personalized attention. These caregivers may offer more flexible hours and may be more accommodating to individual family needs. It also allows siblings to

be together throughout the day, rather than being separated by age. This tends to be a cheaper option than a day care center, but prices vary. Before choosing in-home child care, thorough research and background checks are essential. You may also want to ask a few questions such as: Who is in the home during the day and who provides care, do they have any licensing or certifications, can they provide references, are they CPR and First Aid certified?

Nanny or Babysitter: Hiring a nanny or babysitter provides personalized care within the comfort of your own home. These caregivers may work full-time, part-time or as needed and provide oneon-one attention to your children. They can prepare meals, provide transportation, help with homework, perform light chores and more. Ask for references and a background check before hiring a nanny or caregiver. You may also want to create a clear “job description” so everyone is on the same page about what’s expected while you’re away.

Au Pair. Au pairs are typically young adults from foreign countries who live with your family for a period of time

while visiting the United States. They can assist with child care and household tasks in exchange for room, board, and a stipend. While this option offers flexibility and individualized care, it can be more expensive than other alternatives. An Au Pair only has a visitor Visa for about a year, so it’s not a permanent solution but a great opportunity to learn about another culture. Many au pairs stay in touch with their host families and become lifelong friends.

Pre-K and Preschool Programs: Pre-K and preschool programs are designed for children ages three to five and focus on early childhood education and social development in preparation for kindergarten. These programs typically operate for a few hours each day and provide a balance of structured learning and play-based activities. While it’s not full time care, it does offer parents a small break during the week and provides a valuable opportunity to prepare for school.

Before and After School Programs: For school-aged children, before and after school care provides a safe, supervised environment for children while their parents are at work. Some day care centers, rec centers and schools provide this service. These programs may include homework assistance and recreational activities. Check to see if your school district provides bussing to care centers.

Making the Right Choice

When evaluating child care options, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, visit potential facilities or interview caregivers, and ask questions about their qualifications and curriculum, safety protocols, and policies. Ask for recommendations from other parents, read online reviews, and check references to ensure that you’re choosing a reputable and trustworthy provider.

Celebrating 10 Years

10 Year Scrapbook

Here are some memorable moments from the past 10 years at our events, behind-the-scenes and our staff.

Camp and Summer Programs Fairs

We’ve produced Camp and Summer Programs fairs at locations in the east, west and south of Northeast Ohio. The goal was to provide an opportunity for families of campers to meet with camp staff, but also provide a little entertainment from Jungle Terry, yoga and more!

Northeast Ohio Parent Summer Event Series

Most Tuesdays and some Thursdays in summer are home to the Northeast Ohio Parent's Summer Event Series. Our themed-events provide families a little break to get together for crafts, visit vendors, view the entertainment or be part of it — from super bubbles, talent shows and more at locations of Crocker Park, Hudson First and Main, and Pinecrest.

Do you Know We have a Reading Room

Dinosaur?

Each month, Northeast Ohio Parent publishes "The Reading Room" which provides book suggestions for families to get at local libraries, independent book stores and more. In 2017, editor Angela Gartner had an idea to put together a mascot for the reading room. She did an illustration of a dinosaur, and art director Sherry Lundberg colorized his features. The mascot was born, but he didn't have a name. Northeast Ohio Parent held a naming contest at the annual KidShow at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. Everyone had the same idea, they wanted the name to be similar to his color and his big passion — reading. The name Reddy, the Reading Dinosaur was chosen by readers and every month Reddy overlooks the books in the Reading Room. Sometimes he even has pjs and costumes on. Also, during the COVID-19 pandemic he was there, with the help of editor Angela Gartner and her youngest son who has played a caretaker role for several years, helping us with our virtual storytimes.

Behind-the-Scenes

The editorial and photography staff has worked with a lot of Northeast Ohio families during photo shoots and more. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at our staff hard at work with the families who have graced our covers over the years.

Staff Fun

Northeast Ohio Parent staff has always tried to ensure families at our events have a great time and get all the information they need to take part in the activities. Here’s some of the staff and we’ve been grateful for their efforts for these past years.

Special thank you to all of our photographers who have helped make this scrapbook possible over the years, including Kim Stahnke, Stephanie Mauric, Michael Blair, Shana O’Malley-Smith, Angela Gartner, Mathew Huested and Courtney Ucker.

“We love how it opens us up to new places and things to do as a family!”

Katie K. North Canton

"I love all the information that is shared. I also like how there is information organized by cities. The events that Northeast Ohio Parent host are wonderful. A photo is shared from the Great Lakes Science Center. They have a Lego exhibit going on right now that is a lot of fun.”

Nicole B. Columbia Station

Why do you love Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine?

We asked and you delivered! Here are just a few of the responses we received from our social media call out to ask readers "Why do they love Northeast Ohio Parent?"

Thanks to everyone who shared! What we love about our readers of 10 years is the awesome ideas and feedback we receive, whether it’s about how we can better share parenting resources or about what we offer at our yearly family-friendly events!

“I love that even though I can't afford the best of everything, Northeast Ohio Parent magazine helps me make lasting memories with my children that are in our budget. We are always finding new places to explore and check out!”

Jessica H. Bellevue

“We love seeing all the local fun things to do with our family! We are always up for a new adventure!! We have been fortunate to win tickets on Facebook as well!”

Bunny S. Massillon

"Love following Northeast Ohio Parent for all the fun things I can do with my kiddos that won't always break the bank! Happy 10th Anniversary!"

Jessica Via Facebook

“I love getting to see what is going on in the area and there are usually some good parenting articles as well!”

Kristin B. Olmsted Falls

“I love the memories that my fam- ily has made at events we learned about through Northeast Ohio Parent magazine. I became a par- ent 10 years ago, so my family has grown along with the magazine. We had so much fun attending summer events together at Eton/ Pinecrest, First & Main and Crocker Park, not to mention KidShow, Children's Theater/Family Theater Day and all of our local museums. I will forever be grateful for that time together and the memories we made along the way!”

Renee C. Painesville Township

“I absolutely love grabbing the latest free copy of Northeast Ohio Parent magazine. There's always something new to learn or a place to add to my 'to visit' list. I enjoy learning all about my hometown and all that there is to offer- whether it'd be summer camps, dor offices, or fun spots to check out.”

Kylynne C. Mentor

10 Parent Choice Awards

Cities to Love

By Denise Koeth

Each year in the Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards, we ask readers to vote for their favorite family-friendly spots — including the best place to raise a family. Since the contest kicked off eight years ago, there have been many winners and finalists in this category, and for good reason: Our region has so much to offer in so many different locations.

From schools and businesses to parks, attractions and special events, the cities that got the most votes offer a wealth of opportunities for parents and kids. Here are the 10 Northeast Ohio cities that you, our readers, have ranked as the best places to raise a family.

BRECKSVILLE

Rich in parkland and directly adjacent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brecksville is a nature-loving family’s dream. Of the city’s 19.54 square miles, roughly one-third is parkland, including the Cleveland Metroparks. In addition, its highly-ranked schools and small-town feel make the city a great place to call home. Year-round special events and a robust Recreation Department help round out the family-friendly amenities. brecksville.oh.us

CLEVELAND

Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is the second-largest city in Ohio. The downtown area features an array of activities to choose from: watch the Cleveland Guardians play at Progressive Field, listen to live music at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, or get immersed in live theater at Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the U.S. outside of New York City. Cleveland also is home to the family-friendly Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, West Side Market, Public Square and more. clevelandohio.gov

CUYAHOGA FALLS

It just might be one of the Akron area’s best-kept secrets, but downtown Cuyahoga Falls’ riverfront is the place to be year-round, as it plays host to live music, ethnic festivals, “Flicks on the Falls,” an outdoor ice rink and much more. Families also particularly love the city’s parks system, Natatorium and Water Works Family Aquatic Center. The city’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative inspires citizen engagement and connects residents and businesses with services and activities designed to reinforce strong, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods. cityofcf.com

HUDSON

Hudson offers something for everyone: small-town charm and big-city amenities, plus dining, shopping and entertainment galore. Whether your family is strolling the green at First & Main, grabbing a tasty meal, seeking outdoor adventure, browsing the farmers market, or attending one of the many festivals and events held year-round, there’s no doubt Hudson will feel like home. The city’s top-rated school system and rich history add to its family appeal. hudson.oh.us

LAKEWOOD

As the third-largest city in Cuyahoga County, quirky and diverse Lakewood was aptly named for its lakefront location, but it also offers much in the way of nature and the arts. Lakewood Park, one of the largest lakefront parks in Ohio, features a live concert stage, outdoor swimming pool, picnic pavilions, four-season public pavilion, playground, baseball, volleyball, and a skate park. The Lakewood Civic Auditorium, a 2,000-seat performing arts venue, is located on the campus of Lakewood High School. lakewoodoh.gov

ROCKY RIVER

Scenic views and family recreation abound in this west side city, which borders Lake Erie to the north and the Rocky River and Cleveland Metroparks to the east. In Rocky River, beautiful residential homes join a wide variety of retail shops — both national chains and unique, locally-owned stores — and an eclectic dining scene. Families also value Rocky River’s top-rated schools and its robust parks and recreation offerings. rrcity.com

Choice Awards

SHAKER HEIGHTS

Just eight miles from downtown Cleveland, Shaker Heights is known for its high-quality schools, walkable neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and vibrant commercial districts, including the popular Van Aken District. This vibrant urban hub, located in downtown Shaker Heights, offers the best mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment — all in support of the local economy. Known for its extravagant houses, nature center and bike trails, Shaker Heights is equipped with everything you need to raise a family. shakeronline.com

SOLON

Solon is no stranger to “Best of” lists, with Solon City Schools consistently rated as one of the top public school districts in Ohio and the nation. In addition to topnotch schools, the city offers amenities for families of all ages and interests, from special events to kid-friendly activities — especially through its Recreation Department, the Solon Center for the Arts, and the Department of Senior Services. Add a plethora of shopping and dining options, plus playgrounds, parks and golf courses, and Solon offers ample family-friendly opportunities for residents and visitors alike. solonohio.org

WADSWORTH

Wadsworth truly offers the best of both worlds: the quaint atmosphere and family-friendly options of a charming small town, and the accessibility and convenience of a larger city. Shopping, dining and a historic downtown combine with highly-rated schools and many options for recreation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the annual Blue Tip Festival, a fiveday community celebration that features the famed Blue Tip parade, to honor the former Ohio Match Co. that called Wadsworth home. wadsworthcity.com

WESTLAKE

Home to the best of both worlds — shopping mecca Crocker Park, plus city park and Cleveland Metroparks green spaces — this vibrant city on the west side of Cleveland offers plenty for families to do. A bustling dining and entertainment scene, plus a strong business community, make Westlake an ideal place for families to work, shop and play. The dense suburban city also offers proximity to downtown Cleveland and convenient highway access to ease parents’ commute. cityofwestlake.org

BUNDLE OF JOY, DECEMBER 2015

This cover was the work of photographer Kim Stahnke of Kim Stahnke Photography. The baby, Sawyer Skubak, was four months old at the time.

Stahnke says in a previous story, that her and mom Ashley spent two hours getting this guy to sleep where she got two photo options. Northeast Ohio Parent editorial staff had a vision of a baby sleeping in a Santa's hat with the word "joy." The December cover won a “National Gold Award” at the 2017 Parent Media Association Design & Editorial Awards.

SUPER MOMS AND DADS COVER 2016

Northeast Ohio Parent magazine won gold in the Parenting Media Association’s (PMA) convention and awards ceremony for our first “Front Cover Illustration” for "Super Moms and Dads" in November 2016. The concept was done by art director Sherry Lundberg. She wanted to give the cover a comic book look featuring the silhouette of a super hero family, fun copy bursts and mom & dad wearing red capes.

HALLOW’S EVE LOOK BOOK 2018 & “PUT YOUR BEST FRIGHT FACE FORWARD” 2019

We’ve won lots of awards for our photos including in 2018 for the Parenting Media Association “Interior Photography” for “Hallow’s Eve Look Book” by Kim Stahnke Photography. Editor Angela Gartner and Stahnke, the photographer, were stationed at Medina County Park District’s Green Leaf Park in Sharon Center for the all day photo shoot. We had a group of kids dressed up as various career professionals or movie-inspired characters. Also, one family came as Star Wars characters. Jaden and his little brother Brycen, who has Down syndrome and autism, wore peanut butter and jelly costumes to help us show easy-to-wear costumes for kids with sensory-needs.

For “Put Your Best Fright Face Forward” editor Angela Gartner did the photography while writer Michelle Bailey interviewed the moms who were the makeup artists. This other Halloween-themed story was set in Shaker Heights. The homemade costumes with a makeup tutorial was a budget-friendly way to celebrate the spooky holiday. The preschoolers were patient while their moms made their easy dress-up creations.

ADOPTION STORIES

Northeast Ohio Parent has continued to win awards for editorial, but nothing more so than our adoption stories. Editors Angela Gartner and Shana O’Malley-Smith, each have won top honors in local and national contests, including in Press Club of Cleveland's All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards. Our "Wishes from Home" feature shared stories of different adoptions and, most recently, Shana won for her 2023 "Just Us" feature, about single women who decided to adopt.

MOM LIFE 2019

It won a gold award for “Design

— Front Cover: Original Photo,” from Parent Media Association. Northeast Ohio Parent has been about sharing perspectives of parents from parents. Michelle Dickstein, writer, brought us four moms who were experiencing parenthood through a lens of stay-athome, working parent, business owner and a foster/adoption mom. In this concept we wanted to showcase all types of moms who are traveling through parenthood in their own way. We wanted to keep it simple with the colors they wore and background. Each mom brought their own personality, which made them all stand out.

HELPING OTHERS GET RESOURCES

One of our biggest goals at Northeast Ohio Parent is to provide meaningful resources and information. We are proud to offer “aParently Speaking" with host Miriam Conner who recently won for “Best Podcast” at the Parent Media Association. In 2023 we won awards for our “Happy Self” series at the Parent Media Association, which helps to inspire through resources about body positivity.

Lby Kerry Prater

Learning about space exploration at an early age may open new worlds of education, engineering, science, and technology to your child. It might even put them on a trajectory for a career in such fields. Even if such careers aren’t in their futures, they can still learn a great deal about Earth, the environment, physics, and the solar system while having fun. Your child’s journey to the final frontier may launch this summer in Northeast Ohio.

Programs through the Great Lakes Science Center and NASA’s Astro Camp Community Partners (ACCP) are offering space camps to bring space exploration and science down to Earth for your youngster.

While much of the camp curriculum is rooted in design and engineering concepts, one of the goals of programs like the Great Lakes Science Center is to show children that there is more to space exploration than being an astronaut and that many other career opportunities are possible. To bring space exploration down to Earth, campers not only have opportunities to meet Northeast Ohio NASA technicians that are developing and testing technologies for the new Orion capsule, but people in other professions including marketing, visualization, and graphic design.

Scott Vollmer, vice president of education and exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center notes when he was growing up, kids were told that space exploration was largely the realm of astronauts and rocket scientists.

“That seemed so far out of reach,” he says. “We try to hit every career role that is available in Northeast Ohio to inspire the kids that they can do this.”

Kimberly Davis, the director of Helping Youth Succeed NorthEast Ohio STEM, is an ACCP facilitator. Helping Youth Succeed

NorthEast Ohio STEM is a youth-service organization that encourages student engagement through collaborations with business and educational partners. The Cleveland Heights-based agency and other ACCP facilitators across the region have begun preliminary planning for their upcoming summer camps. A separate ACCP camp is also being planned at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea.

The NASA ACCP Program, which provides collaborative opportunities for organizations, schools, and universities to present hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) activities within their communities.

The program offers opportunities for students in grades K-12, especially those in underserved communities, to discover NASA’s science missions and to learn about fields such as astrophysics, heliophysics, Earth science, and planetary science.

While camp exercises boost STEM skills, Davis notes that children gain other life skills such as critical thinking, budgeting, and teamwork all while learning self-confidence and self-reliance.

“Just learning the history lessons in space exploration, the career possibilities, meeting new friends, it’s something that I think that a parent wants for their child,” Davis says.

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS

Listings

ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS FOR CHILDREN

achievementcenters.org

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Beck Center offers classes at the Lakewood campus in dance, theater, visual arts, private music lessons, and group lessons. Students of all ages and abilities learn as they create unique works of art, discover hidden talents, and have loads of fun with new friends. They have something for every interest in visual and performing arts, and every skill level. Looking for entertainment? Please call 216-521-2540 to buy tickets for your family to enjoy Beautiful: The Carole King Musical or visit beckcenter.org for more details.

CAMP CURIOSITY: SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS

greatscience.com

CAMP FITCH

campfitchymca.org

CAMP GILMOUR

Camp Gilmour is back and safer than ever. Join them for preschool camp (ages 3-5); day camp (ages 5-12); sports camps; and experiential camps exploring nature, fun with drones, outdoor adventures and more. Camps offered June 7-August 6. Complementary math and reading enrichment offered each morning for day campers. Before care available beginning at 7:15 a.m. and after care available until 6 p.m. gilmour.org/summercamp.

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CAMP INVENTION

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with our all-new Camp Invention® program, Illuminate! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From designing a light-up ball game to tackling global water challenges to starring in a prototyping game show, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent. org/local to secure your spot. Use promo code LOCAL25 by 3/27 to save $25.

CAMP JCC IN AKRON

June 10-Aug 16. Different weekly experiences allow campers to discover new hobbies and explore favorite interests! Specialty camp offerings include a variety of sports, creative arts, and STEM. All are welcome at the JCC, regardless of religious preference or economic status. Whether you choose a specialty or traditional camp, all campers attend from 8-3:30 p.m. daily (aftercare available). Daily activities include swimming, art, and games. Available for grades 1-10. Register at shawjcc.org/camp-j.

CAMP RATNER

theratnerschool.org/summer-program

ymcastark.org/camp

clevelandmetroparks.com/camps

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS

Get creative for summer camp. Summer’s coming, which means longer days, fun in the sun and great friends. Join the “Voyagers” at Creative Playrooms Montessori and Child Care Centers for the best summer ever — full of adventure, imagination and engagement to keep campers ages 5-12 busy and active. Themed activities and programs. Explorations around famous people, places and things. They believe in encouraging children to explore more deeply through doing, asking questions, and having a great time. Join them this summer as we heat up the fun factor: Save your space today. Call 440-349-9111 or creativeplayrooms.com.

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

tri-c.edu

FALCON CAMP

Recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting; talented, experienced staff; and a wide variety of activities. Campers choose their own schedules within the general framework. Most of all, it’s great fun. Special introductory camp for ages 6-10. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design. 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Listings

FASHION CAMP SUMMER 2024

New!! Do you have a passion for fashion? Do you like being creative? How about having fun with friends while you make something awesome!! In this very special enrichment camp, they will guide you through the process of creating your very own DIY upcycled designs. Their camps are both educational and fun. Color - Illustration - Design - Styling - Trendspotting - Upcycling and more. Share your designs on the last day of camp in the lookbook photoshoot and fashion show especially for friends and family.

Beachwood - Chagrin Falls - Gates Mills - HudsonMayfield Village - Orange - Westlake - Akron. More info krista@theupcycleacademy.com.

FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

Enjoy Summer Arts Day Camps at The Fine Arts Association. They offer a challenging summer dance intensive led by guest artists, engaging camps for preschool and elementary ages, theatre arts camps which build toward a concluding performance, stylish visual arts camps, and much more in addition to their traditional summer classes and lessons. Summer Camps at Fine Arts are where discovery and creativity happen and lifetime memories are made. Release the artist within you. fineartsassociation.org

GELFAND STEM CENTER

gelfand.case.edu

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTH EAST OHIO

Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start planning your Girl Scout’s next big adventure. Girl Scouts are a force of nature. They were meant for outdoor adventures. Your girl is ready to rediscover the world. For more information visit gsneo.org/camplife or call customer care at 800-852-4474.

HATHAWAY BROWN

Make it the best summer ever, located in Shaker Heights, Hathaway Brown offers camps for girls and boys, toddlers through college-aged. Visit hb.edu/ summer to register for academic, athletics, adventure, and specialty camps to have the best summer ever.

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CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Listings

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities led by experienced professionals for boys and girls ages 4-18. Camps run between June and August, and offerings include day camps, passport camps, athletics camps, and summer studies. These opportunities enable children to develop existing passions and discover new ones; they also provide exposure to new people and new skills, which helps build self-esteem, independence, and confidence. For more information, contact summerprograms@hawken.edu, 440-423-2940, or visit summer.hawken.edu.

HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS holdenfg.org

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center’s summer camps offer preschoolers and students the opportunity to explore and connect with the outdoors, meet new friends, encounter local wildlife, and discover the wonders of the sky in Schuele Planetarium. Campers will engage in hands-on, nature-based activities that integrate science, math, literacy, and the arts as they discover the natural world at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. View offerings and register at lensc.org/summer-camps.

LAWRENCE SCHOOL

Lawrence School has been a destination school of choice for students who learn differently for over 50 years -- located conveniently in both Cuyahoga and Summit counties. Their K-12 Orton-Gillingham-based day school program provides educational excellence for students who struggle with reading, writing, math, and attention, and for those on IEPs and 504 plans. Individualized tours, student visits, and open house events are available. Go to lawrenceschool.org/visit and learn more. Great Minds Don’t Think Alike. lawrenceschool.org/visit

MAGNIFICAT

magnificaths.org

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MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY

magicaltheatre.org

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

shakerlakes.org/camp

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Listings

OHIO’s 529 PLAN

Education can open new worlds for your child. Ohio’s 529 Plan has helped families nationwide save tax-free for education at four-year or two-year colleges, trade or vocational schools, as well as apprenticeships and certificate programs.

You can also use an Ohio 529 account to pay for K-12 tuition and repay student loan debt. Learn, plan, and start for as little as $25 with Ohio’s 529 Plan today at collegeadvantage.com.

PAINESVILLE

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

painesvillechristian.org

PROGRESS WITH CHESS

Enrich your child’s summer with chess camp. Students learn and improve at the intriguing game of chess. Camps conducted by PWC, experienced provider of after school chess programs in 50+ NE Ohio locations. Players of all levels, beginner to advanced, will receive plenty of individual attention in small groups, divided by age and skill level. Activities include a healthy mixture of interactive lessons and supervised open play. Register at progresswithchess.org/camps

RUFFING MONTESSORI SCHOOL

ruffingmontessori.net

SHAKER ROCKS

Kids who have energy to burn will have fun-filled days packed with climbing on tall walls, balancing on slacklines, bouldering, team-building games, and much more. Hard work, encouragement, and cooperation are at the core of rock climbing, and by living this on a daily basis, your camper will come away with feelings of accomplishment and a desire to overcome new challenges. Summer Camp at Shaker Rocks develops courageous and open-minded kids. Daily adventures require determination, problem-solving and a generous dose of helping others keep campers engaged from hands to heart. 216-8480460, info@shakerrocksclimbing.com, shakerrocksclimbing.com/youth/camps/

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JOIN US FOR NORTHEAST OHIO PARENT CAMP AND SUMMER PROGRAMS FAIR!

Sunday, March 10 - 11 a.m to 2 p.m. at Hawken School in Lyndhurst Visit NortheastOhioParent.com or Page 58 in this issue for Info!

CAMP and SUMMER PROGRAMS Listings

SNAPOLOGY

cleveland.snapology.com

SOCIAL SKILLSELECTRONIC REDUCTION

An overnight camp for ages 9-20.

De-

crease reliance on video games/phones. Learn and make new friends! Directed by Dr. Jay Berk. Social Skills 360 participants are immersed in an environment of fun activities and social skills experiences. Archery, water trampoline, team building, canoeing, gaga pit, paint wars, high ropes, laser tag nightly social success ceremony and more. For information or to register please call 216-223-3070 or email admin@ socialskills360.com. Check out their website socialskills360.com for pictures and more information.

SUMMIT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

summithistory.org

TALESPINNER CHILDREN’S THEATRE

talespinnercle.org/camps

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL us.edu/summer

USA NINJA CHALLENGE

USA Ninja Challenge is a year-round obstacle course training program that combines basic skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training and track & field. The sport of Ninja is quickly becoming the most fun and creative way to meet the physical needs of today’s kids! Watch your child level up both their physical and mental strength through our multi-year curriculum. Your children will love our safe and state-of-the-art facility taught by an amazing coaching staff. usaninjachallenge.com

YMCA CAMP ONYAHSA

onyahsa.org

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS

There’s no place like the YMCA Summer Camp: a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The YMCA knows that every kid is different. That’s why it offers camps for your child’s needs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Various locations in Northeast Ohio. Learn about their sites and curriculum at clevelandymca.org.

NORTHEAST OHIO PARENT CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAMS FAIR

MARCH 10, 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

Go to NortheastOhioParent.com to register for this free event. Visit with dozens of camps and education-related business, enjoy entertainment and much more!

March Calendar

3/23

KidShow. Entertainment, kids’ activities, snacks, prizes, costume characters and exhibitors featuring kids and family products and services. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, kidshowinfo.com

3/28

Museum Career Day. An opportunity for high school students to meet staff from various departments and learn what it takes to succeed in science careers. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

Saturdays

Family Saturdays Games, crafts, live entertainment and more. First and third Saturdays. Noon-4 p.m. Skylight Park, Tower City, 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

oPick - A - Day

MONDAYS

Simply Science: Chemistry. Learn about measurements, properties, elements, compounds, atomic structure and more. Through 4/22. Grades 7-12. 9 a.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, akronfossils.com

After School Cartooning. Learn to draw in your own individual cartooning style through the study of inking, lettering and coloring techniques. Ages 8-12. 4 p.m. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

Middle School Makers. A club for middle schoolers who love to create, craft, explore and discover. 7 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

Future Athletes. Program to develop athleticism in young children that will lead to future success in any sport. 6-7 p.m. Adrenaline Monkey, 26800 Renaissance Pkwy., Cleveland, adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

Campus Life: Teens. Food, games, and conversations that matter to teens. 6:30-8:30 p.m. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Road, #10, Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com

Family Outing Fun

WEDNESDAYS

Astronomy Club. Explore the world of astronomy in a fun, social environment on the third Wednesday of each month. 6:30 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

Art Jewelry Studio. Create wonderfully unique and colorful designs. Through 4/3. 4 p.m. Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, valleyartcenter.org

KidShow Kids Counter where kids enjoy a variety of free arts and crafts throughout the day.

Photo courtesy of ProMark Enterprises, LLC

FRIDAYS

Kids’ Pickleball. Learn dinks, groundstrokes, volleys and serves as well as the rules and etiquette of the game. Through 3/8. Moreland Hills Elementary School, orangerec.com

Homeschool Hop. 90-minute jump just for homeschool students. 4-6 p.m. SkyZone, 6217 Chittenden Road, Boston Hts., skyzone.com/ bostonheights

SATURDAYS

Comic Club. All ages work in the company of others to create a page of comics, drawings, or poetry. First Saturday of each month through April. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Community Arts Center, 2937 W. 25th St., clevelandart.org

Spring Theatre Academy. Students will learn to think outside the box and use their imaginations to explore, create, learn and grow.

Ages 2-17. 3/2-5/4. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, weathervaneplayhouse.com

Family Saturdays Games, crafts, live entertainment and more. First and third Saturdays. 12-4 p.m. Skylight Park, Tower City, 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

Animal Care. Behind the scenes look at the animal care at The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Second Saturday of each month. Through 4/13. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, shakerlakes.org

STEAM Team Saturdays. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, children, ages 5-11 discover the wonder of S.T.E.A.M. Noon. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

SUNDAYS

Family FUNday. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of each month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Mentor Marsh Family Hike. Come explore the forest. 2-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

Day - By - Day

3/5-8

Children’s Animation Crash Course. Learn how to bring your characters to life through traditional and stop motion animation. 4-6 p.m. Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, valleyartcenter.org

3/7

Empower Her! Join Cleveland PEARLS for a workshop on how to stand up for yourself, stand up for others, and feel empowered. Ages 10-12. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., 216932-3600, heightslibrary.org

3/8

Wild & Scenic Film Festival. These films inspire a love of nature while bringing unique perspectives to environmental advocacy, justice, and activism. 6:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

3/9

Akron Book Fest. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Akron Public Library, 60 High St., akronlibrary.org

Read Aboard. Sit back, relax, and let talented storytellers transport you to a world of wonder and joy. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Northside Station, Akron, cvsr.org

3/9-10

Snow White & Miss Spider’s Tea Party: Ballet Excel Ohio. This imaginative and innovative ballet brings basic shapes to life through a visually stunning performance. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

Paw Patrol Live: The Great Pirate Adventure. When Cap’n Turbot falls into a dark and mysterious cavern, it’s PAW Patrol to the rescue. State Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

3/9-17

Last Stop on Market Street. Six-year-old CJ is staying with his Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to (his phone and tablet). Talespinner Children’s Theatre, 5209 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org

3/10

Northeast Ohio Parent Camp & Summer Programs Fair. Kick off your summer plans and meet representatives from a variety of camps and summer program options. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Hawken School, 5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst, northeastohioparent.com

3/11

Leprechaun Traps. Catch the luck o’ the Irish by hearing a story and assembling a leprechaun trap. Grades K-2. Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, kirtland.lib.oh.us

3/12

Leprechaun Trap Workshop. Drop the kids at Pinspiration for a fun time creating their own very own Light Up Leprechaun Trap. 5:30 p.m. 34970 Detroit Rd Suite. Avon, avonpinspiration.com

3/13

Winter Play Day at the Lakewood Family YMCA. Mats, balls, and more for kids to play with. 10-11:45 a.m. 16915 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lecpta.com

3/16

Super Science Saturday: Building Bridges. Explore the world of building bridges. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

Junior Scientist: Aeronautics. Learn about science and nature with hands-on experiences and exploration. Ages 5-8. 9 a.m. Jordan Creek Park, 7250 Alexander Road, Concord Twp., lakemetroparks.com

Sock Puppet Theater. Create a sock puppet and put on an impromptu show. 1-2 p.m. Seville Branch Library, 45 Center St., mcdl.info

7+ Family Day! Neon Shamrock. Noon-1:30 p.m. Painting with a Twist, 25102 Brookpark Road, North Olmsted, paintingwithatwist.com

3/17

Puppy Pals Live. Puppy Pals originator Wesley Williams started it all based on his love for any and all animals! 3 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

3/19

Are you Smarter Than a Librarian? Test your trivia knowledge by competing against librarian. 7 p.m. Middleburg Heights Branch Library, 15600 E. Bagley Roclead, cuyahogalibrary.org

3/23

World Water Day. Games, experiments and crafts to commemorate this internationally-recognized day. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Watershed Stewardship Center, 2277 W. Ridgewood Drive, Parma, clevelandmetroparks.com

3/27

Vision Board for Boys. Ages 12-18 create a vision board to map out your dreams and goals. 3-5 p.m. Memorial Nottingham Branch Library, 17109 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, cpl.org

3/28

Safe Sitter Babysitting Class. For girls and boys aged 11-14. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ESC of Medina, 275 Center St., Seville, minedaesc.org

MONDAYS

Baby and Me Story Time. Interactive session using songs, rhymes, puppets and instruments. 10-10:30 a.m. Through 5/13. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com

Toddler Tales. Stories, songs, and rhymes for children 2-3 years old and their caregivers. 10 a.m. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherst.lib.oh.us

k PARENT & CHILD

Baby Time. Infants and their favorite adults are invited for stories, songs and activities. 11:15 a.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, twinsburglibrary.org

Garrettsville Storytime. Songs, dance and crafts. 11 a.m. Through 3/11. Garrettsville Branch Library, 10482 South St., Garrettsville, portagelibrary.org

Willoughby Hills Storytime. Stories and activities that encourage literacy development and help your child prepare to be a skilled reader. 11:30 a.m. Willoughby Hills Public Library, 35400 Chardon Road, we247.org

TUESDAYS

Family Storytime. Books, rhymes, songs and fingerplays. 10:30-11 a.m. Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, mcdl.info

Discovery Storytime. Stories, songs, rhymes, craft and playtime. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., barberton.lib.oh.us

Morning on the Go Story Time. Story time, craft and activity. Ages 2-5. Keystone-LaGrange Branch Library, 101 West St., LaGrange, elyrialibrary.org

Tales for Twos. Stories, songs and movements. Through 4/23. 11 a.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

0 to 3: Read to Me Playdate. Building your child’s brain is as simple as reading, singing, playing and talking. 4:30 p.m. Lorain Branch Library, 8216 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Family Fun Storytime. Stories, songs and rhymes. Through 4/25. 10:30 & 11:30 a.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E 222nd St, Euclid, euclidlibrary.org

WEDNESDAYS

Rhythm & Rhyme. A story, music and movement class for preschoolers. Through 5/1. 10-11 a.m. Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, divi.geaugalibrary.net

Music in Motion. Stories, rhymes, music & instruments for children 2-5 with caregiver. Through 4/24. 10:30 a.m. Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville, morleylibrary.org

Baby Bonanza. Books, bopping and bouncing. 9:30 a.m. Through 5/29. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

FRIDAYS

Family Storytime at the Great Northern Mall. Family storytime with the Cuyahoga County Public Library on the first Friday of each month.

11:30 a.m. 4954

Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio.com

SATURDAYS

Family Storytime. Rhymes, songs and play. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

Early Spring Events

3/3-24

Buckeye Alpaca Show. Come see these amazing animals compete for champion status and find special gifts for your loved ones. Summit County Fairgrounds, Tallmadge, buckeyealpacashow.com

3/16

Easter Paint Nite on the Farm. Pet, snuggle and feed animals while your paint dries. 9 a.m. Party at the Barn, 945 Bartlett Road, Aurora, partyatthebarn.farm

3/16-30

Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt. The zoo is hosting a wild egg hunt, perfect for the kiddos. 9:30-11 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org

3/16-4/7

Spring Discovery Days. Stop and appreciate some of the smaller species with contests, daily animal encounters and activities. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com

3/17

Buzzard Sunday. See buzzards come home to roost. Enjoy skits, songs and stories and more. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hinckley Reservation off Bellus and State Roads, ohiotraveler.com/ hinckley-buzzard-sunday

3/23

Bunny Hop Trail. Follow the bunny trail and bring a basket to fill. 10 a.m-1 p.m. Silver Springs Park, 5238 Young Road, Stow, stowohio.org

3/25-4/10

Egg Hatching at the Library. Stop by the children’s department to see chicken eggs ready to hatch. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

3/29

The Grandparent Connection: Egg-cellent Adventures. Spring is a great time to explore nature with your grandchild. 10-11 a.m. Children’s Schoolhouse Nature Park, 9045 Baldwin Road, Kirtland Hills, lakemetroparks.com

3/31

Spring Craft: DIY Kites. Take advantage of the spring winds by making and flying your very own kite. 2-4 p.m. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

4/2

Preschoolers in the Garden: Seeds, Seeds, Seeds. Explore the fascinating array of seeds. 10-11:30 a.m. Krabill Lodge, 7597 Ballash Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com

SAVE THE DATE U

4/21

Spring Fling. Visit with lambs, ducklings and bunnies, watch the flock get sheared, see sheep-herding demonstrations, and see a short theater performance.2-6 p.m., The Spicy Lamb Farm, 6560 Akron-Peninsula Road, Peninsula, thespicylamb.com

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

AKRON ART MUSEUM THROUGH 5/12

LAND JAM. Two Ohio artists transform a museum gallery into an immersive, colorful, sensory experience. United by bold color and pattern, the installation promises to be a feast for the eyes. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER ONGOING CREATION EDUCATION MUSEUM. Compares and contrasts scientific models like Intelligent Design and Evolution on the origin of the Universe, and Catastrophism and Uniformitarianism models on the geologic record. 2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

AKRON ZOO ONGOING

LEHNER FAMILY FOUNDATION WILD ASIA. Recreates the Southeast Asia jungles and Himalayan forests. Lush tree canopies add to the ambiance while offering shade as guests roam throughout this exotic adventure. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND

ONGOING

THE MEADOW. Step into a tranquil space, designed specifically for children ages birth-3. Infants, crawlers, and early walkers have a bright, clean, sensory-rich environment to explore, as they make sense of this fascinating world. 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND B OTANICAL GARDEN

ONGOING

COSTA RICA GLASSHOUSE. Experience the year-round exuberance you can find only in a Central American rainforest with towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and more. 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

ONGOING

SUSIE’S BEAR HOLLOW. The state-ofthe art tropical bear habitat is home to the zoo’s male Andean bear and male and female sloth bears. 3900 Wildlife Way, utureforwildlife.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

THROUGH 3/17

3D MOVIE: FLIGHT OF THE BUTTERFLIES. Be captivated by the true and compelling story of an intrepid scientist’s 40-year search to find the monarchs’ secret hideaway. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER ONGOING

SCIENCE PHENOMENA. meet your inner scientist as you explore electricity and magnetism; light and optics; motion and mechanics; sound and resonance; and more. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM ONGOING

SHARK GALLERY & SEA TUBE. With 230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING

OUTDOOR ANIMAL EXHIBIT. Due to disabilities that prevent their survival in the wild, these animals receive quality care from the center’s highly trained staff and serve as ambassadors for their species. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

MALTZ MUSEUM

THROUGH 4/28

THE GIRL IN THE DIARY: SEARCHING FOR RYWKA FROM THE LODZ GHETTO. In 1945, a diary was found in the ashes of a destroyed crematorium in the liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp. Rywka’s diary told stories of a young girl who lost her siblings and parents, but never lost hope or her faith. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

variety of trains, planes. toys and collectables. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Medina County Fairgrounds, 735

TT4/29. 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, divi.geaugalibrary.net. FREE

The Girl in the Diary Exhibition

Sponsored Content

Closing April 28th

New Holocaust Exhibition

Makes Cleveland Premier

Presented by The Maltz Museum

Presented by The Maltz Museum

he Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from Lodz Ghetto tells the true story of a young woman in 1940’s Europe who loses her family but never gives up hope. In 1945, a diary was discovered in the liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp. It was written by a 14-year-old Jewish girl named Rywka Lipszyc and documented her life in the Łódz Ghetto between October 1943 and April 1944.

he Maltz Museum will host a unique exhibition making its Cleveland premiere this fall. “The Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from Lodz Ghetto” tells the remarkable story of a Soviet doctor who found a school notebook in the liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp that had been written by a teenager named Rywka Lipszyc during her incarceration in the Lodz Ghetto from October 1943 to April 1944.

The diary is the testament of a Jewish girl who lost her siblings and parents but never lost hope despite moments of doubt. Through excerpts from the diary, expert commentary, photos, multimedia and historical artifacts, the exhibition allows visitors to briefly walk the streets of the Lodz ghetto and get to know one of its residents, Rywka Lipszyc.

Through historical artifacts and photographs, interactive touch screens, and documentary videos, the exhibition explores her fight for survival and reconstructs what might have happened to Rywka.

For more information, ticket pricing, and group tour discounts, visit maltzmuseum. org or call 216-593-0575.

For more information, ticket pricing, and group tour discounts, visit maltzmuseum. org or call 216-593-0575.

THE SIXTEENTH ANNUAL PRESENTED BY MALTZ MUSEUM

3/2-3

Maple Sugaring. Enjoy a visit to the sugar bush, where you will discover how to identify maple trees, tap trees, and collect sap. 10 a.m-noon. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, Lagrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

3/2-3, 3/9-10

AWARDS CEREMONY

MEET THE WINNING STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY

Wednesday April 3, 6:30 pm

Free and open to the public.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Gartner Auditorium

1150 East Boulevard, Cleveland

Maple Sugaring Weekends. Witness the maple-producing process as sap is collected and boiled and turned into maple syrup and candy. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

Maple Sugaring at Rocky River Reservation. Take a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, visit the sugarhouse and sample maple syrup. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Maple Grove Picnic Area, North Olmsted, clevelandmetroparks.com

3/3 & 3/10

Sap’s-a’Risin.’ Gather sap in the sugarbush, experience the tapping, gathering and boiling methods. 12-4 p.m. Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield Twp, geaugaparkdistrict.org

3/4-5

Maple Madness Tour at Butternut Maple Farm. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 12911 Butternut Road, Burton, facebook.com/butternutmaplefarm

3/10

Maple Sugaring in the Hills. Take a step back and see how maple sugar has been processed over the years. Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 State Route 664, Logan, Hocking Hills, ohiodnr.gov

3/15

Date Night: Maple Syrup. Learn the basics of Maple tapping and enjoy a sweet treat. Then, warm up around the fire with campfire activities and drinks from the bar. Tam O’ Shanter Park, 5055 Hills and Dales Rd NW, Canton, starkparks.com

3/23-24

Maple Mania Open House. Join a naturalist and learn the ins and outs of maple syrup production. Noon- 4 p.m. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org

4/25-28

Geauga County Maple Festival. Four days of fun, food and “everything maple.” Chardon Square, 111 E. Park St., 440-286-3007, maplefestival.com

By Jason Lea

Jason Lea has a son, a daughter and a full-time job at the Mentor Public Library. He also blogs for Northeast Ohio Parent in his nonexistent free time. You can find this East sider on Twitter at @jasonmarklea or read his blog at northeastohioparent. com/bloggers

The Eclipse’s Golden Lining

Cleveland averages five sunny days and eight partly sunny days each April.

By the most generous count, that means Cleveland has about 13 notcloudy days that month.

In other words, there’s a better than 50-percent chance we’ll be staring at dark clouds on April 8.

We’re spending months preparing for a three-minute interlude — the last total solar eclipse visible from the continental USA until 2044! Some will travel hundreds of miles. And we may all be rewarded… with clouds.

I don’t say that to be a bummer. I offer these percentages because:

A. Parenthood is an exercise in managing expectations and…

B. Those clouds have a silver lining.

Don’t misunderstand me. I want to watch the eclipse with my children. We have eclipse glasses. (Try calling your local library or metroparks, if you’re struggling to find a pair.) I still remember observing the partial eclipse with my son in 2017. My daughter was only nine months old at the time, so I can’t wait to share that experience with her.

We’re so fortunate to be here — both in this region and on this planet. After all, it’s a cosmic coincidence that Earth experiences total solar eclipses. It’s only by chance that the respective proportions and distances of the sun and moon make them look the same size from our space rock.

And we’re so lucky to be here now. The last total solar eclipse visible from Northeast Ohio happened in 1806. Moreover, the sun will become larger as it ages. (Don’t we all?) That means the moon won’t always be big enough or close enough to blot out the sun.

We will experience — if not a miracle — at least a cosmic magic trip. The solar system is going to hide the sun in its shirt sleeve, and we’ll have front row seats.

(Or we’ll see clouds.)

But I promised you a bright side. And here it is: Regardless of weather, we get to share the joy of space with our children.

Because space is fascinating. Our solar system alone contains a hurricane that’s more than 400 years old, a moon with methane lakes, a canyon as big as Delaware, and an enormous nuclear furnace that makes our lives possible.

But space also feels far away… and less imminent than, say, your kids’ favorite YouTuber. It can feel especially abstract to children who prefer hands-on learning. Unless, of course, there’s a once-in-a-generation science experiment happening above them.

So find a way to make the eclipse a family activity. Visit the library for space books. Watch a video together about how eclipses work.

If you can, take them to the Great Lakes Science Center to learn about the 25 astronauts from Ohio, including John Glenn and Neil Armstrong. (My favorite is Sunita Williams. She ran a marathon in space.)

Let your children imagine themselves in the stars.

Because that excitement will linger with your children long after the moon has finished its traipse across the sun’s face.

Even if it’s cloudy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON LEA