for the Kids

BY JILL SELL

Lace up those skates, swing that golf club, check out your favorite holiday family movie memorabilia or get ready to taste some of the region’s best pizza. Medina County’s opportunities for kids (and your inner kid) range from nationally known destinations to local favorite hangouts.

CCastle Noel continues to expand! We all know the one-of-a-kind museum and activity center features the largest privately-owned holiday movie memorabilia collection in the world. But the complex’s 19-hole, blacklit, indoor Alien Vacation Mini Golf area has added a Sci-Fi Movie Museum. Think authentic props and costumes from Star Trek, Men in Black, Land of the Lost and more. Also new: the MegaWheel HotWheel with more than 1,000 tiny toy cars and Christmas window displays from Canada. An outdoor patio seating 100 and featuring a 20-foot waterfall, firepit and authentic Hawaiian Luaus opens in 2023.

Experience the wonder of Christmas any time of the year at Castle Noel.

Located in Brunswick, Scene75 Cleveland is an entertainment city all its own. Choose arcade games, indoor go-karts, mini-bowling, bumper cars, inflatables, laser tag and much more. The national parent company has been recognized for its safe, clean, well-run locations. Parties and groups are welcome with reservations.

Buzzard Cove features a recently refurbished mini golf course and a driving range that received upgraded lighting this year. But even if you don’t feel like hitting a little white ball, this favorite stop in Hinckley offers some of the best madefrom-scratch pizza around. Hand-dipped and soft-serve ice cream is also a treat.

Founded in 1959, Strike and Spare Lanes in Lodi is a Medina County institution. With 12 resurfaced lanes and new monitors for scoring, this comfortable, classic location is a hot spot for leagues and casual bowlers. The Kids Bowl Free option to a family pass is the best deal in town. Brunswick Skate Station also has that relaxed vibe. Skate dates include adult, kids and open, as well as group lessons.

Whispering Acres Farm Sanctuary in Medina is home to more than 100 rescued farm animals, including horses, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, donkeys and turkeys. Hour-long tours are available of the non-profit shelter and its pastures, but this is no ordinary petting zoo. Children and adults learn about the humane treatment of animals, receive animal assisted therapy if in need and experience co-existing in peace with the animal world.

“Best toy store ever.” That’s how the owners and customers describe Bennett’s Smartickles, a 2,000-sq-ft., family-owned toy store in Medina. Look for educational toys, games, puzzles, costumes, dolls, wooden toys and toys for kids with special needs. We think even Santa shops here.

HERE ARE 10 THINGS TO DO DURING YOUR TRIP TO DOWNTOWN WADSWORTH!

Visit East Park, a unique island in the center of downtown featuring Wadsworth’s gazebo, unveiled in 1976 to celebrate America’s 200th birthday, and the Boy with the Leaky Boot war memorial fountain, which lists all of the names of Wadsworthians who died in heroic service to their country.

Visit the Johnson House Museum, home of the Wadsworth Area Historical Society, full of artifacts and history all about Wadsworth. Free tours on Saturday mornings 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 161 High Street!

Get a photo with the downtown clock, hand-crafted by the Verdin Company in Ohio. It plays showtunes, love songs, and American folk music every hour and half hour. It also plays “America the Beautiful” every morning and “God Bless America” each evening.

Check out downtown Wadsworth’s 11 art murals

Enjoy local food, drinks, and live music at a half dozen restaurants, many with outdoor patios and stages.

Gaze at the historic St. Mark’s Church (146 College Street), built in 1842 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Channel your inner artist with an art class at several different downtown painting and crafting locations.

Shop LOCAL retail at a dozen boutique shops and specialty stores!

Attend a downtown event including First Fridays, Scare on the Square, Candlelight Walk, and Small Business Saturday. Visit www. mainstreetwadsworth.org for details!

Enjoy the Main Street Wadsworth Farmers Market Saturdays 9-12 JuneSeptember at 151 Main Street! Visit www.wadsworthfarmersmarket.com to learn more.