Farmer's Markets in the Cleveland Area 2012

Farmers markets are FREE to attend, and a lot of them will offer free samples, tastings, demonstrations, and more! Buying local produce is not only better for you but is good for our local farmers and economy, so stop by one close to you! Here's a roundup of the markets in the area I'm aware of (special events are italicized):

Farmers Market at Farmpark

• Every Wednesday 3-6pm, May 18th-October 12th
• Located in the Lake Farmpark parking lot in Kirtland
• Featuring locally grown seasonal produce and products. Click here for a list of items, updated each week, that can be found at the market.

Geauga Fresh Farmers Market

• Every Saturday 9am-noon, rain or shine, starting May 19th
• Located at Rt. 306 and Bell St. in South Russell
• Featuring lots of fresh produce, herbs, flowering plants, honey and maple syrup, handmade soaps and lotions, meat, cheese, kettle corn, jewelry, crafts, and more!

Medina Farmers Market

• Every Saturday 9am-1pm, June 2nd-October
• Located in Medina Public Square
• Featuring fresh flowers, plants, herbs, produce, foccacia, cookies, pies, and more!

North Coast Harbor Farmers Market

• Every Thursday 11:30am-2:30pm, June 2nd-September 8th
• Located on the E 9th Street Pier
• Features produce, cheese, flowers, canned items, jewelry, clothing, cooking demonstrations, and much more!
• FREE parking

North Union Farmers Markets

• One of the top 20 Farmers Markets in the US and voted "Best Farmers Market" in Cleveland
• There are many North Union markets in the area:
• Shaker Square Market, Saturdays 8am-noon, April 7th-December 22nd. This will be followed by the Shaker Square Winter Indoor Market.
• Crocker Park Market, Saturdays 9am-1pm, April 14th-December 22nd
• Crocker Park Evening Market, Thursdays 4-7pm, June 14th-August 30th
• Chagrin Falls Market, Sundays 10am-1pm, June 3rd-October 21st
• Cleveland Clinic Main Campus Market, Wednesdays 10:30am-1:30pm, June 6th-October 24th
• Cleveland State University Market, Thursdays 11am-2pm, June 7th-September 27th
• Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Market, Wednesdays 11am-2pm, July 25th-September 26th
• Click each link for more information about each market, including location, vendors, and more!
• Flower Days at the Market on Saturday, May 19th from 9am-1pm at Crocker Park and again on Saturday, May 26th from 8am-noon at Shaker Square. It's an event focused on getting your garden and yard ready for summer. Win a FREE Troy-Bilt Lawnmower! Click here for more details.

Tremont Farmers Market

• Every Tuesday 4-7pm, May 1st-October 30th
• Located in Lincoln Park in Tremont
• Featuring eggs, cheese, produce, spices, coffee, tea, honey, meat, bread, salsa, local artisans, musicians, and more!
• Visit their website for more information on vendors and other weekly happenings at the market
• Flower Power Dance Workshop on Tuesday, June 5th from 5:00-5:45pm for ages 3-7. Children can participate in a FREE creative movement dance class with Tremont Moves. Wear play clothes and tennis shoes. Click here for more details. 

Don't see your local Farmers Market listed? Click here for an extensive list of Ohio Farmers Markets to find one near you! Enjoy!

Father's Day FREEbees in Cleveland 2012

Here's a list of all the FREE stuff for Dad on or before Father's Day in the Cleveland area.

Home Depot: Build an Organizer for DAD! Saturday, June 2nd from 9am-12pm at the location near you.

Lowe's: Build a Monkey Powered Plane just like in the Madagascar movies! Saturday, June 9th at 10 am and Sunday, June 10th at 2pm. Click here to register and find the location near you.

Pat Catans: Duck Tape Wallets for Dad. See how easy it is to create with duck tape! Saturday, June 9th and Sunday, June 10th from 11am-3pm. Find a participating location near you!

Michael's: Choose from several Father's Day Make It Take It Events! All are designed for children ages 3 and up. Check with the store near you to see if they are participating!

• Father's Day Frame (with purchase of frame), Saturday, June 9th from 10am-noon
• Father's Day Keychain (FREE), Sunday, June 10th from 1-3pm
• Father's Day Mug (with purchase of mug), Tuesday, June 12th from 6-8pm
• Father's Day Duck Tape Wallet (FREE), Friday, June 15th from 6-8pm
• Father's Day T-shirt/Tie (with purchase of shirt/tie), Saturday, June 16th from 10am-noon

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Dads receive half-priced admission to the Zoo on Father's Day, June 17th, from 10am-7pm.

Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival: For the 9th year, this unique festival will take place on Father's Day weekend, June 15-17th, in Veteran's Memorial Park (located on Detroit Rd. in Avon). There will be a Duck Tape Parade Saturday, June 16th at 10am. For the complete schedule, hours, and other details, click here.

FREE Family Fun Father's Day Weekend: Located at Medina County Fairgrounds. "The Medina County Antique Power Association invites the community to attend our 37th Annual Engine & Power Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Father's Day weekend (June 16th & 17th). There will be antique cars, trucks, lawn & garden equipment and tractors & engines on display. Throughout the weekend, our club will be demonstrating how some of the old farm equipment is operated (rock crusher, corn meal grinder, etc.). There will also be a kids' corner, flea market, bake sale and food concessions. On Sunday, there will be a truck and tractor pull starting at 10 am. There is something for everyone to do at our show. ADMISSION IS FREE!! Please enter off Smith Road. For more information please call our club president, Lanny Mostoller, at (330) 336-3181." *NEW* (Thanks, Amy!)

TCBY: Dad gets a FREE frozen yogurt (cup or cone) on Father's Day, June 17th. Click here to find a location near you.

A Summer in Ohio: A Father's Day Cabaret!: Enjoy a musical performance of showtunes old and new. Perfect for all ages! This special event will be held on Sunday, June 17th at 2pm at the Beachwood branch of the CCPL. FREE tickets are required for admission and are available at the branch.

FREE Book on Fatherhood for Active Duty Service Members *NEW*

Restaurant Deals for Dad: Does anyone know of any? Discounted meals for dad or gift card promotions? If so, please leave a comment!

Enjoy!

Art in the Village at Legacy Village, June 2 & 3

Saturday, June 2, 10am-8pm 
Sunday, June 3, 10am-6pm

Come and see this unique and talented display of artist, handpicked by experts from hundreds of applicants. All artwork is original and made in the United States. There will be live music throughout the event featuring several different styles of music. Visit the Kid's Art Zone from noon-4pm Saturday and Sunday where children can create a piece of art to take home! There will be a special wine tasting from noon-6pm both days, food, shopping, and more! Admission and parking are FREE. For more information click here.

FREE and Cheap Summer Movies in Cleveland 2012

Here's a roundup of all the FREE and cheap summer movie programs and events in the greater Cleveland area this summer.

Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express
Select theaters offer G or PG movies for only $1/person on Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings at 10am from June 19th through August 15th. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute. The two participating theaters in the Cleveland area are:

COBBLESTONE SQUARE STADIUM 20
5500 Cobblestone Road
Elyria OH440-934-3355

MEDINA STADIUM 16
200 West Reagan Pkwy
Medina OH
330-721-7056   

To find a theater close to you or to view movie dates/times, click here.


Cleveland Cinemas FREE Summer Kids Fest *NEW* (Thanks, Rochelle!)
Select Cleveland Cinemas locations will be presenting a series of 6 FREE family films this summer. Seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Doors open at 9:30 AM. Films will play at 10AM at these locations on the following weekdays:

Plaza Cinemas at Chapel Hill - Tuesdays
Chagrin Cinemas - Wednesdays
Solon Cinemas - Thursdays
Capitol Theatre - Fridays

The films in the series are:
PUSS IN BOOTS (PG) - June 19 - 22
MONSTERS VS. ALIENS (PG) - June 26 - 29
THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN (PG) - July 3 - 6
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (PG) - July 10 - 13
KUNG FU PANDA 2 (PG) - July 17 - 20
OVER THE HEDGE (PG) - July 24 - 17

**Pick up a Marquee Rewards Card at any Cleveland Cinemas location for FREE. Simply register your card online (earning a free 20 points when you do!) and immediately start earning points towards great rewards like free popcorn, fountain drinks, and movie tickets! Earn one Marquee Rewards Point for every dollar spent at the box office or concession stand. Click here for more details or to register your card. Rewards Cardholders also get a free 32 oz popcorn with paid admission on Tuesdays!

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Fun films for kids, and all are rated G or PG. Get 10 shows for $5 if purchased in advance or $1/show at the door. Shows are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and start at 9:30am, and they run from June 12 & 13 through August 14 & 15. Local theaters include:

• Aurora, Cinemark 10
• Macedonia Cinemark
• North Canton Cinemark Movies 10
• Strongsville Southpark Cinemark

To find more information about the theater near your or to view movie schedule, click here!


Movies in the Park at Crocker Park
Movies will be shown every Thursday evening at 9pm starting June 7th through August 30th in the West Park, behind Game Stop. Movies will end around 10:30pm. The films will cover all ages and genres. There's something for everyone! And best of all, it's FREE!! Click here for the complete schedule.


Moonlight Movies at Legacy Village
Movies will be shown on the third Wednesday of each month during the summer from 9-11pm on the Lawn (located between Bar Louie and California Pizza Kitchen). They are FREE! The dates for the summer are:

• June 20th (feature presentation is The Muppets)
• July 18th
• August 15th

There will be movie-themed kids activities on the Lawn with Radio Disney from 7-9pm before the movie begins. If the event is cancelled due to weather, it will be rescheduled for June 27th. For more information, click here. 

Keep an eye out for local community movie nights, as well! If you know of any that aren't mentioned, please comment and let us know! Enjoy.

Little Italy Art Walk, June 1, 2, & 3

Friday, June 1 from Noon to 9 PM
Saturday, June 2 from Noon to 9PM
Sunday, June 3 from Noon to 6PM
(Hours may vary by gallery.
Call your favorite spot to verify hours)

Valet Parking during Art Walk
hours on Mayfield Rd.

Over 100 visiting and local artists, unique art, one-of-a-kind stores, and fabulous food all characterize this event. Stop by and see what it's all about! Visit their website for more details!

FREE Doughnuts on National Doughnut Day, Friday, June 1st

Make the rounds on Friday, June 1st, and get a handful of doughnuts for FREE in honor of National Doughnut Day!! Here are the local places that are offering freebees:

Krispy Kreme: Get a FREE complimentary doughnut of your choice, all day at participating locations. Sign up for their e-Club to get a reminder and other details.

Dunkin Donuts: Visit any participating location and receive a FREE doughnut with any beverage purchase.

Giant Eagle: Get a FREE doughnut with any hot or cold dispensed beverage purchase, while supplies last.

Jack Frost Donuts (4960 Pearl Rd., Cleveland): Get a FREE donut with any purchase.

Enjoy!

FREE Magazine Subscriptions: Never Pay For One Again!!

Do you love reading magazines or even just enjoy having them on the coffee table for guests? Did you know that you can get a subscription to many different magazines for FREE? These are the ones I currently have a free subscription to: Popular Science (for the hubby), Martha Stewart Living, Everyday with Rachael Ray, and Everyday Food. I have a hard time keeping up with all those, so I recently passed along Better Homes & Gardens and Whole Living to family members. Lucky them, huh?!? :)

There are a couple different sites that routinely offer FREE magazine deals. Here's some to get you started:

• Rewards Gold: All you have to do is sign up, refer some friends, and answer a few survey questions with 25 words. Then you've got yourself a FREE subscription! This might not seem like a legitimate site or offer, but it is--that's where my Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food subscriptions came from! I have several email accounts, so I referred myself, and I would recommend using a "junk" email account to sign up because you might receive spam. Click here to view the current available magazines (MSL is one of them!!!). If you don't see one you like now, just save your points until you do.

• Recyclebank: A website that encourages green living, where you can watch video clips, take quizzes, & make pledges to earn points. Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, one of them currently being Everyday Food for 115 points. Earning is easy and quick. Start now and you'll have your free magazine in no time! 

Other magazines I've seen for FREE:

• Redbook
• Women's Day
• Good Housekeeping
• Family Fun
• Field&Stream
• Working Mother
• Outdoor Life
• Shape
• Family Circle
• And more!!

When I come across any of these deals in the future, I'll pass them on!

75 {Mostly} FREE Things to Do with Kids in the Summer!

Are you ever stuck wondering, "what should we do today?" during the summer?? Look no further! Below is a list courtesy of Freebies2Deals that will make any summer fun and full of memories!

Something that my kids and I like to do when the weather is nice is sit outside and play the "Car Game." This gives the kids (well, my husband and I play, too!) something to do when you're sitting in the front yard, riding bikes, or having a picnic. It goes like this:

• The object of the game is to correctly guess what color car will drive down the road next.
• Everyone gets a chance to pick a different color, and whoever guesses the color of the car correctly (by pure luck) gets to choose the color of their car first for the next round. 
• The colors can be as simple (red, blue, green, etc.) or as complicated (navy blue, teal, tan, etc.) as you'd like!
• Whoever guesses the most correctly, wins!

This is a game that can be played anywhere, anytime, and doesn't require anything but participation. Hopefully you will have better luck then my daughter, who always guesses pink... Bless her heart, but she never wins!!! 

Here's a link to the 75 Kids Activities for Spring and Summer, and have a safe and happy summer!!

FREE Admission to Blue Star Museums for Active Military Starting May 28th

Blue Star Museums offers FREE admission to active military personnel and their families to more then 1,500 Museums across America. These benefits start on Memorial Day, May 28th and run through Labor Day, Sepetember 3, 2012.

The participating Museums in the greater Cleveland area include:

• Akron Art Museum
• The Summit County Historical Society in Akron
• Cleveland Botanical Garden
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• Cleveland Sculpture Center

Click here for a complete list of participating Ohio Museums. Visit the website for more details!

FREE Events on Memorial Day Weekend in Cleveland 2012

Lots of fun and FREE activities in Cleveland on Memorial Day weekend!


Tremont Greek Fest
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunication, 2187 West 14th, Cleveland 44113
May 25-27th, 11am-11pm; May 28th, 11am-7pm
Enjoy authentic Greek food, pastries, dancing, and a Greek marketplace and beer tent! The festival is held over Memorial Weekend each year, and admission is free! Food and beer extra.

Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival
Riverside Park, Chagrin Falls
Thursday, May 24th - Monday, May 28th; check schedule of events for details.
What a great line-up of family-friendly events for the weekend! Carnival rides, pie eating contests, fair food, hot air balloons, and more! Come out on Saturday from from 9:30am-noon at the Big Top Tent for Kids Day, and make sure to catch one of the Heinen's Hot Air Balloon Races, held Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:30-8:00pm.

Berea's National Rib Cook-off
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea
May 25th-28th; Friday noon-11pm, Sat & Sun 11am-11pm, Monday 11am-9pm
What is a holiday weekend in the summer without some great BBQ??? Offering a mechanical bull, inflatables, and a rock climbing wall, this event couldn't be more family friendly. Enjoy FREE admission all day on Friday only. Parking is FREE, as well, and kids ages 12 and under get free admission all weekend. Admission is $5/person (ages 12+) the rest of the weekend, and tickets can be purchased at the gate. Food and beverages are extra, of course, but worth every penny!

Outdoor Summer Concert Series Begin Friday, May 25th
Outdoor concerts start all over the Cleveland area on Memorial Day weekend. Some of the top locations include Mapleside Farms, Crocker Park, Legacy Village, Medina Square, and more! See this post for all the details!

Memorial Day Parades on Monday, May 28th
Make some memories by attending a parade in your local community this Memorial Day! Whatever you decide to do, please remember all the brave men and women who have fought, and who continue to fight, for the freedoms you are enjoying today!! For a complete list of local parades click here.

FREE Slider at Max & Erma's Restaurants on Memorial Day
In honor of National Hamburger Day on May 28th, Max & Erma's restaurants are giving away a FREE Slider to each person that comes in! One per person with beverage purchase, valid May 28th only.

Pools and Splash Pads open for the season!
Just another thing to keep in mind for Memorial Day weekend, especially if the weather is sunny and warm! Community pools and splash pads will open for the summer starting Memorial Day (when the weather hits 80 degrees) and will remain open through Labor Day. Information about Splash Pads in the area can be found in this previous post here.

Happy Memorial Day!!!

FREE Outdoor Concert Series in Cleveland for Summer 2012

Here is a round-up of all the great, local outdoor concert series that are starting for the summer! They start THIS WEEKEND and most run through early September. Hopefully you will take time to enjoy some of them! :)

Concerts Over the Valley at Mapleside Farm

(Photo Credit: Mapleside Farms)

• Every Friday night from May 25-September 28, 6-9:30pm (gates open at 5pm)
• Concerts feature a wide variety of genres and styles
• Admission is FREE, with the exception of June 15th, July 20th, August 31st (these are Premium Concerts and cost $2/person or $5/Family of 3 or more)
• Wine, beer, and food are available for purchase
• Bring your own chair or blanket, relax, and enjoy the view! 
• For the complete concert schedule, click here. 

Legacy Live at Legacy Village

• Every Friday & Saturday night from May 25-September 15, 6-9:30pm
• Concerts feature a wide variety of genres and styles
• Concerts take place on the Lawn, located between California Pizza Kitchen and Bar Louie
• Subject to change/cancellation due to weather when applicable
• For the concert schedule through June 30th, click here.

Music in the Park at Crocker Park

(Photo Credit: Crocker Park)

• Every Friday & Saturday from May 25-September 1, 6-8:30pm
• Enjoy a variety of musical talents
• Concerts take place behind GameStop by the large grassy area (off the roundabout)
• For the complete concert schedule, click here. 

Rally in the Alley in Medina Square

(Photo Credit: Main Street Cafe)

• Every Friday night starting May 25th and ending with a large event the entire Labor Day Weekend (September 1 & 2)
• Admission is FREE with the exception of Saturday and Sunday Labor Day weekend
• Wine, beer, spirits, and food are available for purchase
• For the complete concert schedule and other details, click here. 

Summer Concert Series at Shaker Square

• Every Saturday night from June 23-August 18, 6-9pm
• Admission is FREE
• Bring a chair or blanket, or you can listen from a restaurant patio while you enjoy dinner!
• There is currently no concert schedule posted

First & Main Music Nights in Hudson

• This concert series takes place on the Green at First & Main in Hudson
• Concerts run from July-August on Fridays and Saturdays, 7-9pm
• Schedule and more details will be posted when they become available

Quick Giveaway: Baker's Square Kids Eat FREE Coupons!!

This is the first ever giveaway on Free As Can Bee!! It seemed only fitting to start off by giving away something that had to do with families and FREE. Two lucky readers will win two coupons each for a Free Kids Entree with Any Adult Entree Purchase at Bakers Square! 


The giveaway will start immediately and run until 5:00 pm tomorrow, Tuesday, May 22nd. Each person can earn up to three entries. Here's how:

1.) Leave a comment on this post letting us know which post on Free As Can Bee is your favorite.

2.) Like us on Facebook and leave a separate comment on this post letting us know you did!

3.) Share this post on your Facebook page and encourage all your friends to check us out! Then leave a separate comment on this post letting us know you did.

The two winners will be chosen at random and the results will be posted Wednesday evening. The winners will have until Thursday at 5:00 pm to respond via email. Details to follow in the winners post!

Good luck!! :)

**Fine print on the coupon: Side dishes, kid's meals, beverages and pies are not considered an adult entree. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with any other offers/promotions/discounts. Not valid with Pie Rush Wednesday. Dine-in only. One coupon per person per visit (so two adults would have no problem using the two coupons). Tax and gratuity not included. Expires 6/2/12

FREE Fun in the Water at Splash Pads in Cleveland

(Photo Credit: Crocker Park)

There are several Splash Pads in the Greater Cleveland area, and they are a free, safe way to have fun in the water this summer! They are open for the season starting Memorial Day (when the temperature reaches 80 degrees) and close on Labor Day. These are the ones that I'm aware of, and the details are as follows:

North Ridgeville Splash Pad, located in South Central Park. This splash park is completely fenced in and good for small children. Open daily from 10am-9pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Click here for more details. As of this summer in 2012, this splash pad is now open only to residents of North Ridgeville.

Medina Splash Pad, located in Fred Greenwood Park on West Sturbridge Drive across from A.I. Root Middle School. Open 11am-8pm, Memorial Day to Labor Day. Click here for more details.

Lake Ridge Academy Splash Zone in Westlake, located in Crocker Park off the roundabout right behind Game Stop. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 10am-4pm and again from 7pm-10pm every day (Sunday hours are 11am-4pm only). Children must wear shoes.

Old Brooklyn Splash Pad, located in Loew Park. Newly constructed in 2011. Splash pad and 3 ft. pool open daily at 12pm.

There are many other Splash Pads located in parks throughout the Cleveland area. They are open when the weather hits 80 degrees from 11am-6pm, Memorial Day thru Labor Day. The parks are listed below:

Arthur Johnston Park (E. 147th & Seville)
Carol McClendon (East 98 & Union)
Charles Orr (Ansel & Lamont)
Easton (E. 88th & Union)
Emery (West 130 & I - 71)
Fairview Park (W. 38th & Franklin)
Grant (E. 38th & Central)
Halloran Park (West 117th & Linnet)
Irma (E. 74th & Irma)
Lincoln Park (Tremont)
Mercedes Cotner (W. 95th & Maywood)
Moulton/Scoutway (E. 115th & Moulton)
R.J. Taylor (Melville Rd. & Nottingham)
Regent (E. 70th & Regent)
Roberto Clemente (West 38th & Seymour)
Rockefeller Park (East 105 & MLK Blvd)
Trent (W. 40th & Trent)
Village Green (Olmsted Falls)

Enjoy!

FREE Redbox Rental Codes!

If you're a regular Redbox user, or even once in a while, this post is for you!! There are a handful of codes that can be used at any Redbox kiosk for a FREE one-night DVD rental. The codes with no expiration are as follows:

BREAKROOM

DVDONME

DVDONUS

RENTONME

Codes valid only at Walgreens locations:

DVDATWAG

BREAKDOWN

WALGREENS

Codes valid only at Sonic locations:

DRIVEIN

DVDATSONI

Rental codes can be used one time per credit card. Remember to return the DVD by 9pm the following day to avoid additonal charges! 

Also, you can join the Redbox Text Club to receive a FREE rental code on the first Monday of every month, valid that day only. 

Enjoy!

FREE Festivals in Cleveland This Weekend, May 19-20th

Well, summer is almost here and so are the wonderful, FREE festivals that come with it each year! Here are a few to get you started this weekend:

Pop UP Pearl
Located in the Old Brooklyn area of Cleveland on Pearl Rd, just south of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Come out and see all the unique, beautiful crafts by Images in Bloom and enjoy some amazing food and music at the Grace Church Blues and BBQ tent, just to name a few!




6th Annual Chalk Art Festival
Come out and see professional artists create beautiful chalk masterpieces, or sign up for your own space and create one yourself! This festival goes from 9am-5pm on May 19th and is located in Downtown Medina on the Square.

Hessler Street Fair
This street fair is an annual community arts and music event in University Circle, boasting to be one of Cleveland's most successful festivals! This family-friendly event will be celebrating is 43rd year and features a wide variety of local food, artists, musicians, and poets. This year’s fair will be held Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20, 2012 from 11 am to dusk, rain or shine.

The Hessler Street Fair Committee
11326 Hessler Road
Cleveland, OH 44106

Cleveland Metroparks Annual Children's Fishing Derbies

If your kids (ages 4-15) like to fish, or if they've always wanted to try it, this annual fishing derby is for you! Bait (red worms, maggots and corn) will be available at no charge for derby participants. Bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store the “catch of the day.” While supplies last, loaner rods (fully rigged for bait fishing) are available for children who do not have their own. Rain or shine. Participation is FREE!

Saturday, May 19
Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, Cuyahoga Heights

Sunday, May 20
Wallace Lake Mill Stream Run Reservation, Berea

Fishing Sessions:
Ages: 4-8 • 9 a.m. to noon (one rod per child)
Ages: 9-15 • 1 to 4 p.m. (one rod per child)

FREE Admission to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, May 11th (tomorrow) ONLY!

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, for FREE!! Visit the Better Homes and Gardens website here to print out your coupon now! This coupon is valid tomorrow, May 11th only. Print out one for your family and friends, too! The other participating Ohio gardens are listed here. Enjoy!

FREE Cannoli at Mapleside Farms, TODAY only!

Today is the Grand Opening of Corbo's Bakery at Mapleside Farms, and to celebrate they are giving away a FREE CANNOLI to every customer who stops by! They are open tonight until 7pm. Enjoy!

FREE Easter Egg Hunts in Cleveland in 2012

Easter is almost here! With about two weeks left until Easter Sunday, here are some of the FREE Easter Egg Hunts in the Cleveland area:

March 31st

Broadview Heights, 9543 Broadview Rd, 10 am
Annual Broadview Egg Hunt is open to children up to age 10. Children will join together at Broadview Center to look for eggs and meet the Easter Bunny, who made an appearance last year on a fire engine! Free refreshments are available for adults.


Westlake, City Recreation Center (outdoor playground area), 28955 Hilliard Blvd, 1 & 1:30 pm
Annual Easter Egg Hunt and candy scramble hosted by Westlake Town Criers. There will be two candy scrambles: 1pm, ages 4-6, and 1:30pm, ages 7-10. Children ages 3 and under can participate in a separate egg hunt. Eggs are redeemable for stuffed animals and special prizes. Balloons and refreshments will be provided, and there will be a special visit from Peter Cottontail! Call 440.888.6783 for information.

Westlake, Crocker Park, March 31st @ 11am & April 1st @ 2pm
Come to the 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Crocker Park to collect candies and coupons and hunt for the golden egg! *Bring your own basket!*


Old Brooklyn, Grace Church, 2503 Broadview Rd., 1-3pm
Come for the FREE Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Grace Church in Old Brooklyn. There will be about 2,000 eggs to hunt for as well as an appearance by the Easter Bunny, crafts, and a message about the true meaning of Easter. Ages 0-10. *Bring your own basket!*


April 7th

Granger Township, Fire and Rescue Dept, 3737 Ridge Rd, 1pm

The Easter Party for Granger Children will feature the Easter Bunny, who arrived in style on a helicopter last year!! He will arrive promptly at 1pm, and his arrival will be followed by a candy scramble. There will be FREE candy, prizes and refreshments. 

FREE One-year Subscription to Disney's Family Fun Magazine, TODAY ONLY!

Today on Plum District there is a deal for a one-year Family Fun magazine subscription for $6. Today only, you can enter the promotional code 10today (valid TODAY ONLY) at checkout to receive $10 off any purchase, making it FREE!! Act soon if you want this, as it will probably go quick! Not a member of Plum District? No problem! Sign up for free here! Enjoy!

FREE Breakfast at Chick-fil-A September 6-10th

From September 6 – 10, 2011, participating Chick-fil-A^® restaurants are giving away a variety of FREE breakfast entrées to customers who make a reservation online. Go here to make your reservation now, and enjoy!

Customer Appreciation Week at Chick-fil-A=FREE Food!!

This week, August 15th-20th, is Customer Appreciation Week at Chick-fil-A in North Olmsted. Stop by and grab some FREE breakfast and participate in a variety of different activities throughout the week. The schedule is as follows:

Monday
2-5 pm, $5 All-you-can-eat Nuggets

Tuesday
6:30-10:30 am, Breakfast: FREE Yogurt Parfait
5:30-7:30 pm, Family Night: LUAU (kids eat FREE with purchase of an adult meal)

Wednesday
6:30-10:30 am, Breakfast: FREE Cinnamon Clusters
5:30-7:30 pm, Game Night

Thursday
6:30-10:30 am, Breakfast: FREE Small Fruit Cup
2-3 pm, Water Wars
2-5 pm, Snack Attack!

Friday
6:30-10:30 am, Breakfast: FREE Chicken Biscuit
2-5 pm, Ice Cream Social

Saturday
6:30-10:30 am, Breakfast: FREE Multigrain Oatmeal
National Lemonade Day: FREE Small Lemonade Day ALL DAY!

Chick-fil-A is located at 4779 Great Northern Blvd. in North Olmsted. Enjoy!

2011 Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival on Father's Day Weekend

The 8th Annual Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival will kick off on June 17th, just in time to celebrate Father’s Day. The festival will be an all-weekend event starting Friday at 4:00 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Avon, Ohio. This three-day event celebrates duct tape, its enthusiasts and its wacky and fun uses. The festival also honors the history and heritage of the city that is proclaimed the “Duct Tape Capital” of the world—Avon, Ohio—the home of Duck brand duct tape. From sculptures and fashion to games and a parade, everything at the festival revolves around duct tape and the wonderful City of Avon."

See avonducttapefestival.com for more information, and enjoy!

Enjoy FREE Outdoor Theater throughout Cleveland this Summer

The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival's 14th Season Opens at Notre Dame College in South Euclid this weekend. Come and enjoy FREE outdoor theater in parks and other locations around the Greater Cleveland area.

2011 Show dates:

Curtain for all shows is 7pm.

June 17th & 18th Othello at Notre Dame College

June 24th & 25th Love's Labour's Lost at Notre Dame CollegeJuly 2nd Othello
July 3rd Love's Labour's Lost at
The James A. Garfield National Historic Site

July 9th Othello
July 10th Love's Labour's Lost Lakewood Park

July 16th Othello
July 17th Love's Labour's Lost
Shaker Hts. Colonnade

July 23rd Othello
July 24th Love's Labour's Lost
Lorain County Community College Stocker Center for the Arts

July 30th Othello
July 31st Love's Labour's Lost
The Kulas Stage at Wade Oval

August 6th Othello
August 7th Love's Labour's Lost at Lincoln Park

Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and seat themselves prior to each outdoor performance. Rain spaces have been secured for every venue except Wade Oval, allowing performances to proceed, rain or shine. Visit http://www.cleveshakes.org/ for more details!

Thanks, Brian!

FREE Annual Engine and Power Show in Medina This Weekend

Medina County Antique Power Association 36th Annual Engine & Power Show featuring Allis Chalmers Equipment. The show is Saturday, June 18th and Sunday, June 19th starting at 9 am at the Medina County Fairgrounds. Enter off of Smith Road. Admission is FREE. There will be antique cars & trucks, antique lawn & garden equipment, antique tractors & engines. As well as arts & crafts, flea market and bake sale. On Sunday there is a non-denominational church service and a tractor pull at 10 am. Sounds like a fun event for Father's Day Weekend!

Thanks, Leighann!

Father's Day 2011 FREEbees in Cleveland

TCBY
Get a FREE Frozen Yogurt for Fathers Only on Father's Day, June 19th. Local store is in Richmond Heights.

Spaghetti Warehouse
Treat your Dad to a FREE Incredible 15-Layer Lasagne or Original Recipe Spaghetti Entrée on Sunday, June 19.  Not valid with any other discount or coupon. Dine in only.  Located in Akron on Main St.

Home Depot
The kids can go to the Father's Day Home Depot Kids' Workshop on Saturday, June 18th from 9am-12pm to make a toolbox to give dad for Father's Day.

Michaels
FREE Make-It Take-It Father's Day Crafts:

• Father's Day Duck Tape® Wallet Event FREE Make-It Take-It, June 16th from 6-8pm Make something unique this Father's Day. Design a Duck Tape® wallet for Dear Ol' Dad. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up. 
• Father's Day Card Event FREE Make-It Take-It, June 17th from 6-8pm                              Create a thoughtful card for Father's Day. Make it extra special with words of loving encouragement. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up.    
• Father's Day Key Chain Event FREE Make-It Take-It, June 18th from 10am-12pm.            Create a handmade keepsake for Father's Day. Design your keychain creation with lots of love. While supplies last. Ages 3 and up.    

Know of any others? Comment and let us know! Thanks and Happy Father's Day to all you dads!

Sign Up for a FREE Dinner for 4 at Earth Fare in Fairlawn

Earth Fare, "The Healthy Supermarket," recently opened it's doors in Fairlawn (which isn't Cleveland, I know, but if you're a FREE junkie like me, you'll think it's worth the drive, too!). If you visit their website and click on the "start now" link to sign in, you will receive a coupon for a FREE dinner for 4 with any $10 purchase. The coupon is ready to print right away, so make sure you're ready! The dinner includes a whole (raw, organic) chicken, bag of carrots, and mashed potatoes, valued at about $24. We had ours last week, and it was excellent!

Their sale prices are pretty good, and don't forget to grab a coupon booklet right when you walk in the door to maximize your savings! The best deal I saw was Bigelow Teas (several varieties) on sale for $1.68 (price cut through 6/4 I believe). Use the $.75/1 Bigelow Tea coupon found in the Earth Fare Coupon Booklet and snag a box of tea for only $.93!!

The 22nd Annual Parade in the Circle on Saturday, June 11th

Find Yourself in the Circle at Cleveland's signature summer event from 11am-4pm on Saturday, June 11th at Wade Oval in University Circle. This fabulous, fun, FREE celebration features the Parade, presented by The Cleveland Museum of Art, and Circle Village, presented by University Circle Inc.

 The Parade, which begins at Noon, incorporates the drama and artistry of colorful floats, puppets, costumes, dancers, and musicians. Circle Village invites visitors onto Wade Oval for an afternoon of activities, live music, and delectable food. Visit their website for more details.

Get a FREE Doughnut at Krispy Kreme on Friday, June 3rd

On Friday, June 3, Krispy Kreme will give back to its guests by offering one FREE Krispy Kreme Doughnut on National Doughnut Day at participating retail locations. The free doughnut offer is good for one doughnut of any variety per customer at participating U.S. Krispy Kreme retail shops. Visit our store locator page at www.krispykreme.com to find a participating Krispy Kreme location near you.

FREE Annual Fishing Derbies This Weekend in the Metroparks

Kids can reel in the “big one” at the annual Cleveland Metroparks Children’s Fishing Derbies. Each day of Children’s Fishing Derbies is divided into two sessions: children, ages 4 to 8, can fish from 9 a.m. to noon, and youth, ages 9 to 15, fish from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants can also learn how to cast and test their skills at the casting challenge. Guidance will be available from experienced anglers to help those new to fishing.

Live bait is provided. Participants should bring a rod, tackle and a cooler with ice to store their “catch of the day.” A limited number of loaner fishing rods will be available for children who do not have their own. Prizes will be awarded at the end of each session for catching the largest trout, largest other fish, and smallest fish, plus best cast from the casting challenge. Prizes will be awarded at noon and 4 p.m. sharp. You must be present to win.

Saturday, May 14
Wallace Lake
Mill Stream Run Reservation
Berea

Sunday, May 15
Ohio & Erie Canal
Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Cuyahoga Heights

The event is rain or shine (hopefully the weather will cooperate!), no advanced sign-ups. Registration is on the day of the derby only. Please go to the big tent when you arrive.

2011 Mother's Day FREEbees in Cleveland

Here's a list of some places in Cleveland offering FREEbees this weekend to celebrate Mother's Day. Hope you find something to enjoy with the mom in your life!

Archiver's: Special FREE Mother's Day Crop on Saturday, May 7th. Local stores in Fairlawn and North Olmsted. See the website for details!

Beachwood Branch (CCPL): Mother's Day Music at the Library on Sunday, May 8th at 2 pm. Vocalist Diane Menges and guitarist Brian Kozak will present a program of works by John Dowland, John Jacob Niles, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Manuel De Falla and others. Sponsored by the Friends of theLibrary. Free tickets are required for admission and are available at the Library or by callling 216-831-6868.

Chagrin Falls Branch (CPPL): Make a Mother's Day Gift from Monday, May 2 through Saturday, May 7th from 9am-9pm. Drop in and use our craft materials to make a gift for mom any time the library is open during the week! We supply the supplies and general instructions, you supply the creativity for that special gift.

Champps': Treat Mom to Champps' this weekend from May 6-8th and receive a "Mom's Eat FREE" gift card for $10 off a $25 purchase that will automatically be loaded with $15 on the first day of each month, through April 2011 (you can register your card here to receive additional rewards). Combine this offer with a kids eat FREE night (every Tuesday after 4 p.m. with the purchase of a regularly priced adult meal) and you've got a pretty cheap family meal out each month for a year!!

Cleveland Metroparks: May is for Mothers. May is a month of newborn animals. Many animals have their young now that it is warmer and food becomes available. Bring mom out to see this year’s waterfowl babies. 1:30 - 3 p.m. at the North Chagrin Nature Center. Terrain: level, easy, 1 mile.
 
Cleveland Metorparks Zoo: Mother's get FREE admission to the Zoo on Mother's Day, open 10am-5pm!

Home Depot: Bring the kids in to build a planter as a Mother’s Day gift on Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Lowe's: Mother's Day is May 8th. Bring your child to Lowe's and they can build this great Heart Flower Vase! (Flower not included) Saturday, May 7th at 10 am.
 
Pottery Barn Kids: Celebrate Mother's Day at the Mother's Day Doll Tea Party on Saturday, May 7th. Put on your finest and bring your child's favorite doll or teddy bear in for some refreshments, crafting and more! RSVP required. Call your store to reserve a spot!

Ruby Tuesdays: Mom will receive a complimentary Red Velvet Gourmet Cupcake on Mother's Day. Make a reservation today!

TCBY: They are offering FREE frozen yogurt for all moms!! The local Cleveland store is located in Richmond Heights.
 
Know of any other great freebees? Please comment and let me know!