What's Going on This Weekend in CLE, June 8-10th, 2012

Photo Credit


Here's a roundup of this weekend's events and activities:

23rd Parade in the Circle and CircleVillage
Saturday, June 9th from 11am-4pm in Wade Oval
This "fabulous, fun, and FREE celebration" is entertaining and great for people of all ages! Come enjoy the parade, which begins at noon, and watch the colorful, animated display of floats, puppets, costumes, musicians, and dancers. Hang out in Wade Oval for an afternoon filled with live music, activities, and delicious food! For more information about the parade, click here!


7th Annual Fine Art Fair at Crocker Park
June 9-10th; Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
Featuring more then 100 nationally and locally known fine art and crafts artists displaying a variety of mediums. In the past there has been a children's tent, where they can make their own arts and crafts project to take home! For more information about the Fine Art Fair, click here.


Cars, Crafts, & Strawberries Festival at Mapleside Farms
Sunday, June 10th from 10am-4pm
FREE Admission, Crafts exhibits, Classic cars, BBQ, Strawberries desserts galore! Fun for the whole family!

CanalWay Sunset Concert
Friday, June 8th from 7:30-9pm at the CanalWay Center
Come hear the Chardon Polka Band, and eight year old band that will not disappoint! Bring a chair or blanket.

Don't forget to check out the Father's Day Freebees and the Outdoor Concerts that are going on this weekend, as well!


Anything we missed? Please leave a comment!!

"Toad-ally" Awesome Amphibians!

Saturday, March 26th, 2-9 p.m.
North Chagrin Nature Center in Mayfield Village

Discover how unique amphibians are as they survive on land and water at the FREE “Toad-ally” Awesome Amphibians event.

Featuring:
~Amphibian crafts and activities: 2 – 5 p.m.
~Over 40 different live amphibians: 2 – 5:15 p.m.
~Amphibian puppet show: 5:15 p.m.
~Tadpole Trivia: 5:45 p.m.
~Movie: 6:15– 7:15pm – Land Invaders – Amphibians
~Walks of varying distances for all ages

Visit the website for more details!

Family Friday Night: Go Sledding in the Metroparks

February 25 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
North Chagrin Reservation
Old River Farm Picnic Area parking lot

Bundle up, grab your sled and join us on the sledding hill. While you sled, take in the beautiful sights and sounds of our surroundings. We will provide FREE hot chocolate to warm you up. Families of all ages are welcome!

Trail Trackers: Halloween Animals on October 20th

Owls, bats, and spiders await as we take a close look at these “not-so-scary” Halloween creatures. Discover the important roles they play in the natural world. 10 - 11 a.m. or 1 - 2 p.m. North Chagrin Reservation at the Nature Education Building
Ages: 3 years - K with adult
Terrain: level, .25 mile
Register beginning October 1
440-473-3370

Friday Movie Night at the Metroparks on October 15th

Bring your family out for a FREE animated movie classic: The Secret of NIMH. Witness the bravery of Mrs. Brisby as she saves her family from extermination by the harvest plow and meet the extraordinary rats of “NIMH”. Popcorn will be served. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.
7:30 - 9 p.m. North Chagrin Nature Center

Your Guide to Fun & FREE Halloween Events in Cleveland

Northeast Ohio Halloween Trick-or-Treat Times
Click here to find out when trick-or-treating is scheduled near you!

Trick-or-Treating at Parmatown Mall
Friday, October 22, 5-7 pm
Trick-or-Treating comes early this year at Parmatown Mall! Dress your little monster up to trick-or-treat throughout Parmatown Mall on Friday, October 22 from 6-7 pm. Come early for a costume contest with prizes from 5-6 pm at the main stage. The Rockin Kids Club is unable to perform before mall trick or treating. For Children 10 and under please. Trick-or-Treating at Parmatown Mall is sponsored by Parma Community General Hospital.

Storytime: Halloween
Saturday, October 23 at 11:00am
Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Legacy Village
Trick or Treat?! Come in costume, if you’d like, for this spooky storytime! We’ll read some fun Halloween books, sing scary songs, and snack on candy corn! Children are welcome to stay for a special Halloween craft following storytime!

Old Brooklyn Community Fall-O-Ween Festival
Saturday, October 23, 2010, 12-4 pm
4229 Pearl Rd. on Devonshire
Trick-or-Treat bags and refreshments for the first 500 children that sign in! Loads of family fun, entertainment, 50/50 raffle, magician, zoo animal games, music, and best costume contest! All ages welcome.

Great Pumpkin Party
Saturday, October 23, 1-4 pm
South Chagrin Reservation, Look About Lodge
Come anytime between the hours below to Look About Lodge for a celebration of pumpkin proportions! Wear your costume, bring a pumpkin to decorate, and sample sweet and savory pumpkin platters. Be ready for the “Great Pumpkin Fling” of 2010. Great gourds! It’s fun for everyone!

Westfield Family Spooktacular
Join us for what is sure to be the most Spooktacular event of the Halloween season at Southpark Mall. WFamily members will enjoy this free event, featuring:

Saturday, October 23, 12pm–5pm
• Halloween Costume Parade*
• Arts & Crafts Activities
• "Boo Book" of Savings
• Enter to Win an Entertainment System
*RSVP by 10.21 to participate in the Halloween Costume Parade and receive a free Halloween gift.

Sunday, October 24, 11am–3pm
• Spooky Kooky Charity Carnival
• “Boo Book” of Savings
• Enter to Win an Entertainment System
• Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt
(To participate, donate 1 can of food to the Cleveland Food Bank and help "Scare Away Hunger.")

Take a moment and join WFamily (it's FREE!). RSVP for this event at Westfield Concierge or by calling 440.238.9000.
*Spend $150 at Westfield retailers on 10.30 and 10.31 and receive a $15 gift card.

Family Night Halloween Festival at Chick-fil-A
Tuesday, October 26, 5:30-7:30 pm
Chick-fil-A in North Olmsted
Come for the free Halloween Festival featuring face painting with Tracey, crafts, games, "Sneakers the Clown," balloons & tattoo's, decorate your own treat bag and pumpkin, and make your own ice cream sundae! And as always, kids get a FREE 4-count Kid's Nugget Meal with the purchase of an adult meal.

Harvest Party & Bible Heroes Costume Party
Wednesday, October 27 2010, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Grace Church, in the Activity Center
Harvest Party is for children in grades 1-6. Children must be accopanied by an adult. Invite family, friends and neighbor's kids to this safe evening filled with games, giant slide, candy and lots of FUN! Cute and creative costumes are welcome.
Bible Heroes Costume Party is for children 4 years old, Pre-K and Kindergarten. Dress in your favorite Bible hero costume. Enjoy an evening with special surprises, candy, prizes, games and lot of fun.

Family Fun Day: Pumpkins & Scarecrows
Friday, October 29, 3-7 pm
Ages: kids at heart!
Come make a mess at the Garfield Park Nature Center! You can make a jack-o-lantern, painted pumpkin or scarecrow. We will have the leaves (for stuffing), the patterns, paints and safety knives. We will also have samples of pumpkin snacks. You just bring the pumpkin, old clothes and your imagination. Time slots are available every half hour. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memories! Registration recommended/walk-ins will be fit in as space allows: 216-341-3152.

How to Draw Something Spooky
Friday, October 29, 2010 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Brooklyn Branch of the CCPL
In the mood for drawing something creepy and spooky? Come to our class and draw something just in time for Halloween. Space is limited. For grades 5-8 only.

Family Friday Night: Pumpkin Carving
Friday, October 29, 6:30-8:30 pm
North Chagrin Nature Center
Ages: 5 years & older with adult, adults
Bring a pumpkin to carve and have fun as you make a mess being creative. We’ll supply the patterns and safe knives. Register beginning October 1: 440-473-3370.

Family Halloween Event at Michael's Craft Stores
Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Includes Duck Tape Cuff Make-It Take-Its, Face Painting and Halloween Parade.

Parma Heights Baptist Church Fall Festival
Saturday, October 30 from 12:30-3pm
Come join families in our community for a FREE fall festival as an alternative to Trick-or-treating at Parma Heights Baptist Church. There will be tons of games, candy, movies and popcorn, doughnuts and cider, a craft, and so much more! Bring your children for this free event! Friendly costumes are encouraged.

Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 30, 11am-12pm
Registration Starts: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 9:00 AM
Parma-Ridge Branch of the CCPL: storyroom
Halloween Party for Ages 3-8. Registration required.
Come for a spooky- but not too spooky party. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes. Children must have a release form signed by a parent or legel guardian prior to the program to have the snack.

Halloween Magic and More
Saturday, October 30, 2010 10:00 AM
Registration Starts: Thursday, September 16, 2010 9:00 AM
Parma-Snow Branch of the CCPL
Enjoy a spectacular magic show with the fantastic Rick Smith, Jr., at 10:00 AM. Then trick-or-treat around the library for cool (although non-edible) treats and make some spooky walk-in crafts. Make sure to wear your costume--optional costume contest at 11:30 AM with fun prizes for various age groups.
All ages. Registration required.

Family Halloween Celebration
Saturday, October 30, 2010 11:30 AM
Registration Starts: Wednesday, September 08, 2010 9:00 AM
Solon Branch of the CCPL: Meeting Room
Families with children ages 3-6 may join us for some not so scary Halloween fun! Registration required. Click on program name for details.

Joseph-Beth Halloween Party!
Saturday, October 30 at 12:00-3:00PM
Join us for our annual Joseph-Beth Booksellers Halloween party! Throughout the event kids can trick-or-treat, get their face painted, make crafts, play games, win prizes and explore our spooky “Goosebumps” inspired haunted room. Show up in costume to receive a special discount coupon and Bronte Bistro specials. All ages welcome!

Halloween Hoopla
Saturday, October 30, 1-4 pm
Rocky River Nature Center
Ages: 12 years & under with adult
Get into your costumes early and come to Rocky River Nature Center for lots of fun activities to get you geared up for an evening of trick or treating in your neighborhood. Stories, live animals, crafts, and scavenger hunts are part of the celebration.

2nd Annual Crocker Park Pet Parade and Costume Contest
Sunday, October 31, 12-4pm
Featuring trick-or-treating, games and more, the afternoon event is fun for both kids and their four-legged friends at Crocker Park. The Pet Parade begins at 12:30 p.m., and winners are crowned at 1 p.m. Owners may register their costumed pets starting at noon. Registration is $5. All proceeds benefit the Cleveland Animal Protective League.
The schedule of events at the Crocker Park Pet Parade and Costume Contest is as follows:
12 p.m. Registration for participating costumed pets
12:30 p.m. Pet Costume Parade
1 p.m. Contest awards
2:00-4:00 p.m. Trick-or-Treating (at participating stores)
Brain Drain Prize Game (at Learning Express Toys)
4:15 p.m. Announcement of Coloring Contest Winner at Nicky Nicole (Contest begins a week prior at Nicky Nicole, call 440-835-1223 for details)
For more information about this event contact Guest Services at 440-871-6880.

If you know of any family-friendly events or activities that aren't mentioned, please post them on facebook so we can get a good list going! Thanks!

Your Guide Nature Centers in the Cleveland Area

There are several Nature Centers in the Cleveland area, many of which are located in the Cleveland Metroparks. Nature and Visitor Centers are Cleveland Metroparks gateways to outdoor discovery. Come and ask questions, experience "touch and feel" exhibits, and go outside to see the plants and animals that make up Cleveland Metroparks. Naturalists are available to provide information and guide visitors to nearby trails. Nature centers are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). All of Cleveland Metroparks nature and visitor centers offer a diverse array of outdoor education programs for all ages. Located in Brecksville, Cuyahoga Heights, Garfield Heights, Mayfield Village, and North Olmsted, the centers are FREE and open to the public. All programs are also provided FREE of charge. Visit here for center descriptions and programming.

The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is located at 2600 South Park Boulevard, Cleveland, 44120.  The center is located within a section of the Shaker Parklands that includes six natural habitats -- lake, stream, marsh, field, ravine and forest. To experience these fascinating habitats, take a walk along one of two beautiful trails. The center also has many exhibits, occasional art shows, and activity tables for children and adults. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Trails are open from dawn till dusk. The center is FREE and open to the public. Visit here for more details and upcoming events.

The Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is located in Bay Village. The center teaches the wonders of wildlife through our live animal exhibits, our wildlife education programs and our rehabilitation services. They have outdoor and indoor display areas for our public visitors to view both local wildlife and exotic/domestic animals. You can visit the beautiful red fox, magnificent bald eagle, 9-foot boa constrictor and many other creatures during Center hours: Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center has a wide variety of educational programs available for all ages as well as a planetarium that also has programs for children and families alike. The center is FREE and open to the public. Visit here for more details.

Get a Passport & Travel the Outdoors at the Cleveland Metroparks "Outdoor Odyssey"

Kids can pick up a “passport” and travel recreation discoveries at the FREE, annual Cleveland Metroparks “Outdoor Odyssey” event along the Ohio & Erie Canal in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Heights on Saturday, October 9th, from 12-4pm. Young visitors can experience the great outdoors with a variety of fun activities, including fishing, golf putting and chipping, outdoor skills and demonstrations, nature crafts, and more! Basic fishing skills and techniques will be taught along the canal. Children can learn what types of bait the fish enjoy and how to bait their hook properly. A variety of nature and environmental organizations will be on hand with activities and displays to enjoy, too. And, live animal presentations by Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Calling All Kids 12 and Under! Print out and color in the Outdoor Odyssey logo and redeem the finished coloring page at The Big Show Catering concession stand at Bug City for a FREE treat! And, redeem the attached coupon to The Big Show catering concession stand for $1 Hot Dogs at Outdoor Odyssey! Visit
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/outdoor%20odyssey.asp for more information & to print the coloring page. Enjoy!

FallFest: A FREE 18th Century Festival in the Cleveland Metroparks

No radio, cell phones, TV, Playstation, not even telephones – how did colonial people get by? Experience a day-in-the-life of an 18th century colony at the free “FallFest: 18th Century Festival”. Enjoy a variety of hands-on early settlers arts and crafts, including: candle dipping, quilting, stenciling, quill pen writing, reed ornaments, carding wool, dying wool with natural dyes, and more. Event-goers can also sample a variety of 18th century traditional foods, such as fresh-pressed apple cider, butter, cornbread, honey, and more.

Sunday, September 26
11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Meadows Picnic Area
Brecksville Reservation • Brecksville

Calling All Kids 12 and Under! Print out and color in the FallFest logo coloring page and redeem the finished coloring page at The Big Show Catering concession stand at FallFest for a FREE treat! And, redeem the attached coupon to The Big Show catering concession stand for a Buy One Hot Dog, and Get One FREE at FallFest! Visit http://www.clemetparks.com/events/fall_fest2.asp for the coloring page and other details.

Enjoy a FREE Nature Walk with Your Toddler in the Metroparks

Stroller Science: All things yellow will be what we are looking for today. Bring your precious little one out to discover and explore the wonderful world of bees, flowers, leaves and bugs.

September 28
10:15 - 11:15 a.m. North Chagrin Nature Center
Ages: 2 years & under with adult
Register beginning September 1
440-473-3370
http://www.clemetparks.com/events/programs/months_progs.asp#25

Train Day, a FREE Event at the Cleveland Metroparks

"Come immerse yourself in a day of trains and all that’s related. CanalWay Visitor Center will transform itself into a center full of fact, fun and free entertainment for all ages. Visitors will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the day including model train exhibits – featuring G-scale, HO scale, S-scale and Lego trains. Take a hike on the Hobo Highway or take a guided walk with a cultural interpreter to the Trestle Overlook. Crafts, music, storytelling and a Thomas the Train movie await all who desire to climb aboard the fun. Children’s train rides will be available for $1. Food and train related vendors will be located at various points throughout the event."

Event takes place on Saturday, June 19th from 10am-4pm at the CanalWay Center in Cuyahoga Heights. See the link for more details and the schedule of events! http://www.clemetparks.com/events/train%20day.asp

"Knee High Naturalists," a FREE Nature Event for Preschoolers on June 13th

"Most young children want to explore and try new things, but are often told they are too young. But, not this time! Cleveland Metroparks encourages young children to explore, play, learn, and more at the “Knee-High Naturalists” event. The event is geared towards preschoolers, ages 2 to 6. The “knee-high naturalists” will play and learn all afternoon with many fun-filled and educational activities. They can play nature games, make nature crafts, play in the “discovery sandbox,” or have their face painted, refreshments for sale, and more!"
This event takes place on Sunday, June 13th from 12-4pm at the Arboretum, located off Arbor Lane in South Chagrin Reservation, north of Cannon Road in Bentleyville. See the link below for more details!

http://www.clemetparks.com/events/kneehigh.asp