NORTHEAST OHIO
FAMILY FUN GUIDE SUMMER 2020
2020
SUMMER FUN CHALLENGE 9 LOCAL SPOTS TO SEE
DRIVE IN MOVIES
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
VIRTUAL & IN PERSON CAMPS
AT HOME ACTIVITIES
IDEAS FOR ALL AGES!
WANT MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS? VISIT NORTHEASTOHIOFAMILYFUN.COM
Welcome! Let’s kick start the season with a Summer Fun Challenge! Nothing crazy or overwhelming, just some ideas & simple tips to help you make memories this summer. Flip to page 10 for details on how to join the fun. Enjoy the summer harvest of delicious fruits and veggies. We’ve got details on where you can buy local meat, eggs, milk and produce straight from the farmer (or close to it). Wondering how to keep the kids entertained at home? Check out our at home activities ideas with suggestions for toddlers to teens and all ages in between. Plus, use our helpful list to stock up on tried and true craft supplies for kids. Load up the car and experience a classic summer night at one of the iconic drive-in movie theaters located in Northeast Ohio. There are 9 to choose from! Camps are a big part of summer and while some had to cancel, many are now offering virtual camp options. Prefer in-person camps? Our Summer Camp Guide has details on those too. With summer comes sunshine, blue skies and many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors! We’ve got details on 5 outdoor adventures your family will love. We know this summer will be unlike any other, but we let’s make the most of it!
Our Team
Danielle Weiler - Publisher Jen Zils - Client Engagement Manager Elise Egbert - Graphic Designer Nikki Doyle - Contributor Darlene Walker- Contributor
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Virtual
SUMMER
CAMPS 2020
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What’s Inside 04 LOCAL FOODS: BENEFITS & WHERE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCE AND LOCALLY RAISED MEAT 06 DRIVE IN MOVIES: 9 LOCAL SPOTS TO ENJOY A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS 08 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE: VIRTUAL & IN PERSON CAMPS HAPPENING THIS SUMMER 10 SUMMER FUN CHALLENGE: 12 WEEKS OF CREATING SUMMER MEMORIES! 12 AT HOME ACTIVITIES: IDEAS FOR TODDLERS TO TEENS (AND ALL AGES IN BETWEEN!) 14 20 MUST HAVE CRAFT SUPPLIES: STOCK UP NOW! 16 OUTDOOR FUN: 5 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES PERFECT FOR FAMILIES
FREE DOWNLOAD:
SUMMER FUN BUCKET LIST VISIT NORTHEASTOHIOFAMILYFUN.COM TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PRINTABLE SUMMER FUN BUCKET LIST! Summer 2020 | NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com 3
LOCAL FOODS: BENEFITS & WHERE TO BUY LOCAL PRODUCE AND LOCALLY RAISED MEAT 3 BENEFITS OF BUYING LOCAL FOOD 1. Food is Fresher and Tastes Better The closer food is produced to home the fresher and tastier it will be. That’s because local produce is able to ripen naturally, instead of being picked early. Most produce in chain grocery stores must travel long distances. This means the food is often picked before it has fully ripened. Local foods however are picked at peak ripeness which makes them more flavorful and nutritious. 2. Talk with and Learn from area Farmers You have the opportunity to ask farmers questions and learn about their farming methods first hand. This allows you to know exactly where your food is grown or raised. Some area farmers use little or no pesticides so the products are grown with organic methods including some farms with USDA organic certification. 3. Support Local Farms for a Stronger Community When you buy local, you not only get the benefit of delicious and nutritious food, but you also support your local community and help area farmers and businesses
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continue on for future generations. Purchasing local food is good for your family, good for the environment and supports local farmers. It’s a win, win for everyone.
WHERE TO FIND LOCAL MEAT: 60+ LOCAL FAMS, BUTCHER SHOPS & MEAT MARKETS We are very fortunate that there are many farms in Northeast Ohio that raise quality meat that you can purchase for your family. In addition, we have local butcher shops and meat markets that sell local meats. Find all the details at northeastohiofamilyfun.com/locally-raised-meats/
FARMERS MARKETS HAPPENING ACROSS NORTHEAST OHIO THIS YEAR Just like everything else, farmers markets will be organized differently this year. Thankfully many local markets have come up with safe and creative ways to ensure we can still purchase the fresh fruits, veggies and local products we love. Find all the details at northeastohiofamilyfun.com/farmers-markets-in-northeastohio/
CSAS: SIGN UP TO GET FRESH FOOD DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL FARMERS Did you know that there are many local Community Supported Agriculture Programs (CSAs) in Northeast Ohio where you can not only buy locally grown produce and farm products but also support the farmers who grow and produce them? Find all the details at northeastohiofamilyfun.com/csas-in-northeast-ohio/
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Drive In Movies: 9 Local Spots to Enjoy a Movie under the Stars While drive-in theaters are becoming rarer and rarer across the country, we are fortunate to have nine right here in Northeast Ohio! Make sure to call ahead or visit the theater website to find out what movies are playing and to get information on current safety policies.
Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In
Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theater
33395 Lorain Rd., North Ridgeville, OH Two screens, each with double features each night. autoramadrivein.com (440) 327-9595
1895 Elm Rd. NE, Warren, OH Three screens, with double features each night. elmroadtripledrivein.com (330) 372-9732
Blue Sky Drive-In Theater
Lynn Auto Drive-In Theatre
959 Broad St., Wadsworth, OH One screen with double features each night. blueskydrive-in.com (330) 334-1809
9735 State Route 250 NW Strasburg, OH Two screens, with double features each night. lynndrivein.com (330) 878-5797
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Magic City Drive-In Theater
Skyway Twin Drive-In Theater
5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Barberton, OH Two screens with double features each night. magiccitydrive-in.com (330) 825-4333
1825 N. Leavitt Rd., Warren Two screens with double features each night. skywaydrivein.com (330) 898-3059
Mayfield Road Drive-In Theatre 12100 State Rd. 322, Chardon, OH One screen with double features each night. fb.com/mayfieldroaddrivein (440) 286-7173
Springmill Twin Drive-In 1040 Springmill Rd., Mansfield Two screens with double features each night. springmilldrive-in.com (419) 747-2156
Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre 2736 OH-59, Ravenna Two screens with double features each night. fb.com/midwaytwindrivein (330) 296-9829
LOG IN TO CREATIVITY ONLINE ONLY SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES
music | visual arts | dance | theater creative arts therapies | private lessons
JULY 1 - AUGUST 14
REGISTER AT WWW.BECKCENTER.ORG Summer 2020 | NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com 7
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
WILL THERE BE SUMMER CAMPS THIS YEAR? Summer camps are trying to figure out how to best meet the requirements in the Responsible RestartOhio plan. Some have sadly canceled for the year. Others have gone virtual. And a few are offering both in person and virtual options. All are doing what they can to protect the health and safety of the children and families that rely on them.
Family Camp at Camp Roosevelt Firebird 4141 Dublin Road SW, Bowerston Escape * Relax * Enjoy * Bond - Come smell the fresh Appalchian air. Listen to the sounds of the forest. Gaze at the fireflies and the stars. Whether you’re into swimming, boating, biking, playing tennis, hiking or just chilling in the shade or around the campfire ...we’ve got it. Call (740) 269-0137 or visit crffamilycamp.com
Camp Curiosity: Summer Science Camps Participate at home or in person Great Lakes Science Center is ready to welcome everyone back to Camp Curiosity this summer! This year we are offering both @Home and @GLSC camp experiences for kids in grades K-8 to best fit your family’s needs. Both options have been designed with your child’s health and safety in mind. Call (216) 621-2400 or visit GreatScience.com
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Code Ninjas Participate at home or in person Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. From coding and game building, to various STEM activities - it’s an unforgettable experience! Call (440) 834-2749 or visit codeninjas.com/oh-avon
Camp Invention Participate at home or in person Imaginations soar with Camp Invention® and Camp Invention Connect™! Children will spark their creativity with fun, hands-on STEM activities in a safe and healthy in-person program or from the comfort of home! Register Early & Save! Use promo code LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 6/30). Call (800) 968-4332 or visit invent.org/camp
iD Tech: Virtual Tech Camp Participate from home For students ages 7-19 seeking the collaborative spirit of our on-campus programs. Structured, weeklong sessions with 2 hours of live instruction per day + 2 hours of self-paced project development. 5 students max per instructor, blending personalized learning and team interaction. Save $100 with code TOGETHER. Call 1 (888) 709-8324 or visit iDTech.com
Camp Lead Online Participate from home Leaders are made, not born! Effective Leadership Academy (ELA) is excited to announce Camp LEAD Online, a virtually-delivered fun and dynamic summer experience focused on healthy competition and team collaboration. This intensive, one-week online summer day camp engages 5th-8th grade boys and girls at a pivotal point in their development. Call (216) 292-8775 or visit effectivela.org Summer 2020 | NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com 9
Online Esports Summer Camp Play and participate from home The University of Akron is proud to bring you the only collegiate esports summer camp in the Midwest! Engage in esports activities at the university. This year for 2020 we are offering the camp online for only 100$ per camper! Students aged 12-17. Email ntm2@uakron.edu or visit uakron.edu/esports/ events/summer-camp
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) Participate from home Virtual summer camp options for children ages 4-18. Whether your child is a young performer or a budding engineer, Tri-C Summer Camps will help them discover their passions and talents. We are excited to continue learning online with our campers this summer and look forward to joining them on campus again when it is safe to do so. Call (216) 987-3075 and select option 1 or visit tri-c. edu/summercamps
Challenge IslandÂŽ is a a one-of a kind enrichment program on the cutting edge of STEAM education. Our live, hands-on camps take campers on fantastical themed STEAM journeys where they tackle various challenges using only the materials in their treasure chests and their boundless imaginations. A variety of camps are available including Xtreme STEAM Sports, Steam-warts Camp of Wizardry and STEAM Tank Entrepreneur Camp. Visit www.challenge-island.com/clevelendeast or www.challenge-island.com/summit-medina to learn more.
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Classroom Antics LIVE Virtual Summer STEM Camps Participate from home Virtual STEAM camps are live, interactive, and a great way to fuel your child’s passion for learning. With new camps being added all the time, our virtual camps are a great way to learn new tech skills or sharpen existing ones. Register early, as there are only 5 spaces available in each camp. Call (800) 595-37766 or visit classroomantics.com/ cleveland-summer-camps/
Challenge Island STEAMtastic Summer Camps Participate from home Challenge Island is a high-energy, hands-on fusion of STEAM, 21st Century Skills, problem-solving adventure, project based learning and a trademark STEAMbuilding experience. Campers embark on fantastical themed STEAM journeys where they work in collaborative teams to tackle various exciting challenges. Visit challenge-island.com
Make Believe Summer Camps 8303 Day Dr, Parma, OH 44129 Kids will run, jump, play, explore, and make friends from the minute you drop them off until the minute they leave. Activities include “Ballocity” 3 Story Indoor Playground, ropes course, rock wall, Ninja Wall, bumper cars, mini bowling, arcade games, laser tag, arts and crafts, reading, story time and cooking experiments. Call (440) 385-5500 or visit makebelieveparma.com/camp-2/
Beck Center for the Arts Participate from home Get creative and have fun at Beck Center! Online camps for ages 5-19 in dance, theater, music, and visual arts. Beck Center offers online classes for all abilities in creative arts therapies, music, theater, dance, and visual art while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe online environment for all artists and audiences. Call 216-521-2540 or visit beckcenter.org Spring 2020 | NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com 11
SUMMER FUN CHALLENGE: 12 WEEKS OF CREATING SUMMER MEMORIES! Join us for the 2020 Summer Fun Challenge! Summer has arrived in Northeast Ohio, and it’s going to look completely different than any summer we’ve experienced before. Many of the events and activities we look forward to each year aren’t happening, and we’re left wondering what summer will be like. Plus, how in the world are we going to keep the kids entertained all summer long?!? The Summer Fun Challenge can help!
HOW DOES THE CHALLENGE WORK? Start the week off with the Summer Fun Challenge email - Get a free download, tips and activity ideas designed to make your summer more relaxing and fun Get Support & Encouragement during the Mid Week Check-in - Join us on Instagram Stories every Wednesday Receive Ideas & Inspiration from Other Local Families - Use the hashtag #NEOhioFamilyFun when sharing your photos on social media Participate and WIN - We’ll be giving away prizes, but you have to participate for a chance to win!
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SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE Visit northeastohiofamilyfun.com/summer-fun-challenge/ to sign up for the Summer Fun Challenge.
MANY THANKS TO AKRONCANTON JELLYSTONE PARK FOR SPONSORING OUR SUMMER FUN CHALLENGE!
Akron-Canton Jellystone Park 12712 Hoover Ave NW, Uniontown Whether you plan to stay overnight at the campground or just visit Clearwater Park for the day, you will find topnotch customer service and clean facilities that you and your family will enjoy visiting again and again.
Parent Poll
Call (330) 877-9800 or visit akroncantonjellystone.com
What is your favorite part of the annual Summer Fun Challenge? It is helpful to have the suggestions, discounts, and tips readily available. All I had to do was plan the days. ~ Bobbi G. I am a grandmother and I loved the suggestions and many activities I could do with my grandchildren. Thank you. ~ Evelyn A. We could easily use the suggestions to create our own adventures. ~ Elizabeth L.
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At Home Activities: Ideas for Toddlers to Teens (and all ages in between!) Let’s not overthink this. You don’t have to be a creative genius to entertain your kids at home. But having some ideas in your back pocket will come in handy the next time the kids say “I’m bored.”
FOR TODDLERS Pillow Stepping Stones This game is a favorite for kids of all ages when stories are told and played out as kids make their way across stepping stones made of all sizes of pillows and cushions. Watch out for the lava! Dinosaur Prints Explore the shapes dinosaur feet leave as the toy dinosaurs tromp through the play dough mud! Be sure to make a few fossils and allow them to air dry for a fossil treasure hunt later! Laundry Basket Toss Challenge your toddler to a game of toss! Make your own bean bags or make it more fun by using stuffed animals! Continued on pg. 16
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FOR PRESCHOOLERS Freeze Dance Grab a playlist of some of their favorite songs to get them moving while developing their gross motor skills. Enjoy the dance party, but be sure to freeze when music stops with funny faces and fun poses! Indoor Obstacle Course Using simple materials and toys you already own transform the toy room or any room into an indoor field event to keep them moving! Make Puffy Paint With equal parts of shaving cream and white glue your kids can create with puffy paint. Add a few drops of food coloring and paint away!
FOR ELEMENTARY AGE Lego Minifigure Parachute Using a coffee filter, cord, and your favorite Lego Minifigure, make a parachute and enjoy! Paper Airplane Contest Have each family member choose and create different paper airplanes for a challenge everyone will enjoy! Talent Show Encourage the kids to put on a talent show for the family or make it a family talent show and take turns entertaining each other!
FOR TWEENS & TEENS Create a Stop-Motion Movie Encourage your children to get techy and download a stop-motion app. Using family members, Lego Minifigures, household objects, or whatever they need to let their imagination create a movie of their own.
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Build Something/Woodworking Older kids are more mature and able to handle more serious tools. Encourage them to broaden their skills and try more complex projects. Cake Decorating Not as easy as it looks, but a rewarding and yummy skill worth trying. Download a digital book from the library or find free tips online.
Want more at home activity ideas? Visit northeastohiofamilyfun.com/activities-for-kids-at-home/
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WEEK THEMES:
Kick Off — How the Challenge Works Set the Stage for Summer Fun FREE & Low Cost Summer Fun Outdoor Adventures Creative Ways to Capture Summer Memories Kid Friendly Snacks & Recipes At Home Activity Ideas for all Ages Fun & Educational Activities Mid Summer Check-in Water Fun at Home & at the Pool Tech Free Fun One on One Time Summer Fun Challenge Wrap-Up
SIGN UP TO GET YOUR FREE DOWNLOADS AND JOIN OUR 5TH ANNUAL SUMMER FUN CHALLENGE! 18 NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com | Summer 2020
20 Must Have Craft Supplies: Stock up now! Stock up on these tried and true craft supplies and you’ll be a set for an artistic summer! Remember to post a picture on social media and use the hashtag #NEOhioFamilyFun so we can see their creations. Tape
Markers
Ribbon
Crayons
Pipe cleaners
Colored Pencils
Craft Sticks
Glue
Tissue paper
Scissors
Glitter Glue
Stickers
Pom-poms
Beads
Sequins
Paint
Googly Eyes
Paintbrushes
Butcher paper
Parent Poll
Construction Paper
Bonus - These household items can be used during craft time: Paper Plates Paper Towel Rolls Toilet Paper Rolls Tissue Boxes Egg Cartons
What do you do with your kid’s artwork? We take a picture of them holding their creation. Then we can toss it without them being upset. ~ Karen M. Mail the pictures to out of town family members or friends. ~ Kim W. We have them date and write their name on the ones we keep. Everything else we throw away. ~ Kristy C.
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Escape to Family Camp
crffamilycamp.com 216.849.9395 20 NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com | Summer 2020
Outdoor Fun: 5 Outdoor Adventures perfect for Families EXPLORE THE STONE CARVINGS AT WORDEN’S LEDGES Located in Cleveland Metroparks Hinckley Reservation, the stone carvings at Worden’s Ledges are a fascinating treasure all ages will enjoy. The short .7 mile hike leads through beautiful scenery and moss covered ledges. Then out of nowhere you’ll discover historic carvings among the stones.
TAKE THE FAMILY CAMPING Camping is a fun and relaxing way to get the kids outside this summer. Whether you head out for a long weekend getaway or make it a week-long vacation in nature, most area campgrounds offer many recreation options such as swimming, fishing, and crafts. So pack up your tent, load up your trailer or RV and visit one of the family campgrounds in Ohio.
HIKE TO SEE A WATERFALL Waterfalls are one of nature’s greatest gifts and northeast Ohio is home to several amazing waterfalls. Whether you and your family are avid hikers or you just want to get out of the house for an afternoon, there are waterfalls accessible for everyone including the popular Brandywine Falls in the Cuyahoga Fall National Park. Continued on pg. 2 2
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GO ON A BIKE RIDE Bike riding is a great way for the family to get out and explore the outdoors. Take a ride around your neighborhood or load up your bikes for a ride on the Towpath Trail that spans 87 miles from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. Don’t feel like dragging your bikes all over town? Consider renting them instead!
VISIT SQUIRE’S CASTLE IN NORTH CHAGRIN RESERVATION Squire’s Castle is part of the Cleveland Metroparks’ North Chagrin Reservation and is located just off of River Road in Willoughby Hills. The historic castle is well maintained and a stunning piece of Cleveland History. Get photos in front of the castle, hike the nearby trails through the woods and enjoy time playing and relaxing in the open grassy fields. Want more details on these and even more outdoor activity ideas? Visit northeastohiofamilyfun.com/outdoor-activities/
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INTRODUCING OUR NEW
SCAVENGER HUNTS Each scavenger hunt will lead you on a unique adventure. Stroll along paved pathways through area parks or explore historic town centers. Along the way, answer the questions and use them to solve the final mystery phrase. Each scavenger hunt is great for large and small groups and kids of all ages. Make sure to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #NEOhioFamilyFun Enjoy your adventure!
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