NORTHEAST OHIO
FAMILY FUN GUIDE SUMMER 2021
MAKE A SPLASH! LOCAL POOLS + SPRAYPARKS
11 THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST WATER SAFETY TIPS
FOR FAMILIES
WANT MORE FAMILY FUN IDEAS? VISIT NORTHEASTOHIOFAMILYFUN.COM
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Welcome! Summer is upon us and that means it’s time for lazy beach days, afternoons by the pool, summer camps and many more opportunities for fun with your family. Wondering how to entertain the kids all summer long? Check out page 15 for 11 things you’ll want to add to your summer bucket list, plus details on where you can find even more ideas. Even though we are far from the ocean, there are plenty of amazing beaches in Northeast Ohio. Flip to page 8 to see our top picks. If you’d prefer to avoid the sand, you can cool off at an area pool or spray park instead. Turn to page 11 for all the details. Friendly reminder, summer camps are filling up fast, so now is the time to make your reservations. Our Summer Camp Guide on page 16 is all you need to find the perfect camp for your child. Here’s to making memories, one cool summer family outing at a time!
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It’s Time for an Adventure!
Can you solve the mystery phrase and come out victorious at the end?! Have a blast as you follow the map on a family friendly quest. Your team will look for clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges all while having fun!
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What’s Inside 06 3 MUST SEE LOCAL WATERFALLS 08 COOL OFF AT THESE 7 AREA BEACHES 11 MAKE A SPLASH AT THE POOL & SPRAYPARK 13 WATER SAFETY TIPS FOR FAMILIES 17 11 THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR SUMMER BUCKET LIST 18 SUMMER CAMP FINDER
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BUCKET LIST STARTER KIT VISIT NORTHEASTOHIOFAMILYFUN.COM TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PRINTABLE SPRING FUN BUCKET LIST! Summer 2021 | NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com 5
Berea Falls - Photo credit: Tim Evanson on flickr
3 Must-see Local Waterfalls Not only are these waterfalls easy to get to, they are also really big. We’ve shared details on where to park and what trails to take.
Berea Falls at Rocky River Reservation Easily Accessible. Park at the Scenic Overlook (Barrett Drive) and take a short trail to the falls. Location: Berea Falls Scenic Overlook, Berea
Brandywine Falls at Cuyahoga Valley National Park Easily Accessible. The most popular waterfall in the CVNP. Easy to find parking, then take the boardwalk to the falls. Location: 8176 Brandywine Rd, Northfield Trail: Brandywine Gorge Trail
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Chagrin Falls in downtown Chagrin Falls Easily Accessible. Easy to find nearby parking and then take the boardwalk near Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop down to the falls. Location: Chagrin Falls (closest intersection is North Main St. and Bell St.)
Chagrin Falls - Photo credit: Tim Evanson on flickr
Want details on even more waterfalls in Northeast Ohio? Visit:
Parent Poll
NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com/best-waterfalls-northeast-ohio/
What are the items you never go hiking without? • Water bottles and snacks! ~ Natalie K. • Sunblock in the summer and bug spray if we will be in the woods. ~ Emily F. • We like to go geocaching, so we always bring a pen to sign the log. ~ Adam H.
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COOL OFF AT THESE 7 AREA BEACHES ATWOOD LAKE PARK 9500 Lakeview Rd. NE, Mineral City A beautiful sandy beach by a lake filled with amazing inflatables including giant slides, towers, trampolines, and more. Daily admission rates apply.
EUCLID BEACH PARK 16301 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland Part of the Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation. Includes 650’ beach with shaded picnic areas, a scenic observation pier and one of the popular Cleveland Script signs. FREE Admission
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EDGEWATER LAKE PARK 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland Edgewater Park is the westernmost park in Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation. It features 9000 feet of shoreline, dog and swim beaches, fishing pier, picnic areas and grills. FREE Admission
FAIRPORT HARBOR LAKEFRONT PARK 301 Huntington Beach Dr, Fairport Harbor Beachfront park featuring an accessible boardwalk, picnic tables, concession stand, changing rooms, a dog swim area and a playground. Rated as the best beach in Ohio by Coastal Living. FREE Admission Continued on pg. 10
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GENEVA STATE PARK 4499 Padanarum Rd., Geneva, OH 44041 Huge lakefront park that features a 300-foot swimming beach. Other park activities include hiking, camping, fishing, boating and canoeing. FREE Admission
HEADLANDS BEACH STATE PARK 9601 Headlands Rd, Mentor The largest natural sand beach in Ohio, the beach has a concession stand, restrooms, and lifeguards on duty during the summer season. FREE Admission.
HUNTINGTON BEACH 28649 Lake Rd, Bay Village Part of Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation. Located on Cleveland’s west side, come for a swim or a stroll along the beach and take in the beauty of Lake Erie. FREE Admission.
Want details on even more beaches in Northeast Ohio? Visit: northeastohiofamilyfun.com/beaches/
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Make a Splash at the Pool & Spraypark TAKE YOUR LITTLE ONES TO THE SPRAY PARK The water spraying out of the fountains and interactive features provide an endless supply of fun for children. And because there is typically little to no standing water, they are safe for young children who don’t know how to swim. Find all the details here.
COOL OFF AT AN OUTDOOR WATER PARK OR POOL Water slides, playgrounds, lakes, kiddie pools, and more. There’s nothing better than a full day of summer fun spent relaxing by the pool and splashing down water slides! Find all the details here.
STAY THE NIGHT AT AN INDOOR WATER PARK It’s a fun overnight getaway that’s only a short drive from home, but feels like a tropical destination. Book a night (or two) at an indoor water park and enjoy the water. Bonus: no need to apply sunscreen or worry about getting burnt! Find all the details here.
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Water Safety Tips for Families Use these water safety tips to keep your family healthy and happy this summer.
TEACH YOUR KIDS TO ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION Set the ground rules with your children ahead of time. Make sure they understand the need to be careful around water and the importance of asking permission before they go near water.
EMPTY PORTABLE POOLS If you set up the backyard kiddie pool always make sure to empty the pool as soon as you are done using it and to store it upside down.
ENSURE LIFEGUARDS ARE ON DUTY When heading to a beach, whenever possible, swim in an area where a lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards are trained to recognize when a swimmer is distressed and to respond quickly when needed. Continued on pg. 14
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ALWAYS SWIM WITH A BUDDY If you aren’t planning to be in the water with your children, have them swim with a friend or sibling. Not only is it more fun to swim in a group, it also ensures there is someone who can get help if needed.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNATTENDED NEAR WATER It’s easy to get distracted if you’re not in the water with your kids, especially if you are talking with friends. Before the kids get in the water, designate an adult to be the lookout person and to keep track of the kids. Then take turns allowing each adult to take on the lookout responsibility.
TEACH YOUR KIDS HOW TO SWIM Learning how to swim is an essential and lifelong skill that every child should learn. The younger they learn, the better.
Wondering where to take your kids to learn how to swim? Check out our list of the best places to take swimming lessons in Northeast Ohio:
Parent Poll
northeastohiofamilyfun.com/swimming-lessons-northeast-ohio
What is your family’s favorite snack to take on a trip to the beach? • Squeeze pouches are the best for my toddlers. Simple and mess free! ~ Dina J. • Single serving snack bags of cookies, chips & crackers. ~ Becky B. • Our go-to beach snacks are grapes and granola bars. ~ Heather M.
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11 Things to Add to Your Summer Bucket List 1 WATCH AN OUTDOOR MOVIE UNDER THE STARS 2 TAKE A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE 3 RIDE BIKES ON THE TOWPATH TRAIL 4 WATCH FIREWORKS 5 VISIT THE CANOPY WALK AT THE HOLDEN ARBORETUM 6 VISIT ONE OF THE AREA CASTLES 7 LISTEN TO A SUMMER CONCERTS 8 PICK STRAWBERRIES 9 RIDE ON A CANAL BOAT PULLED BY A HORSE 10 PLAY MINI GOLF 11 WATCH A WATER SKI SHOW Want details on even more things to do this summer? Visit NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com Summer 2021 | NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com 17
SUMMER CAMP FINDER Summer camps are a great way to keep your kids active and learning while school is out of session. From Day Camps to Overnight Camps and themes for every age and interest, our Summer Camp Guide will help you find one (or more) for your kids.
Camp Invention In person and virtual programs available Energize your kid’s creativity and confidence with our new Camp Invention® program, Recharge! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends in hands-on, open-ended STEM challenges. Register Early & Save! Use promo code LOCAL40 to save $40 (expires 3/31) or LOCAL30 to save $30 (expires 4/30). Call (800) 968-4332 or visit invent.org/camp
Camp Roosevelt Firebird 4141 Dublin Road SW, Bowerston Overnight Camp with an Unconventional Vibe. Amazing activities for everyone - sporty, artsy and unique -- and a spectacular lakefront. Commitment to: Diversity * Being Green * Camper Choice * Making the World a Better Place. Email joe@camprooseveltfirebird.com to request a virtual appointment. Call (740) 269-0137 or visit camprooseveltfirebird.com
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ASCEND Climbing Summer Camps Youngstown + Pittsburgh Designed to grow strong minds and bodies in our region’s youth. Caring, experienced ASCEND counselors will guide children through fun and developmentally appropriate activities, such as climbing, yoga, slacklining, and more! Use code CLIMBYOUNGSTOWN to save $20 per child. Visit ascendclimbing.com/camps
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) In person and virtual programs available Whether your child is a young performer or a budding engineer, Tri-C Summer Camps will help them discover their passions and talents. Choose from 25 camps featuring culinary, coding, game design, music, performing arts and STEM. In-person and virtual camp options available. Visit tri-c.edu/summercamps to view camp descriptions and register.
Falcon Camp 251 Delta Road SW, Carrollton Falcon Camp is Ohio’s premier overnight camp. Celebrating outdoor fun since 1959, Falcon Camp is designed for boys and girls ages 6-16 to develop life skills, meet new friends and have a great time. If you are ready for a summer to remember, Falcon Camp is the place to be! Call (216) 991-2489 or visit falconcamp.com
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SUMMER
CAMPS 2021
More than 25 camps for ages 4 and up, featuring: • Culinary
• Game design
• Performing arts
• Coding
• Music
• STEM
Virtual and in-person camps available View camp descriptions and register at
tri-c.edu/summercamps
Beck Center for the Arts 17801 Detroit Ave. Lakewood Return to creativity! Summer Camps & Class are available in Dance, Visual Arts, Music, Theater, and Creative Arts Therapies. Artistic experiences are available for a wide range of ages and all abilities. A selection of online camps and classes also available! Call 216-521-2540 or visit beckcenter.org
Code Ninjas Summer Camp 35650 Detroit Road, Avon 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. It’s an unforgettably fun learning experience! Call (440) 834-2749 or visit codeninjas.com/oh-avon
Begin your search here to find a great camp and contiune your search online at northeastohiofamilyfun.com/summer-camps-in-northeast-ohio/
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Our Adventures Guide makes activity planning so easy all you have to do is make memories!
Spend quality family time creating priceless memories you'll never forget JUST IMAGINE HOW IT WOULD FEEL IF YOU COULD... Escape from the every day to intentionally create joy through dedicated family time Quickly and easily find details for local activities & events your family will love Discover activities that fit every budget, including FREE things to see and do Spend quality time creating memories & make keepsakes to enjoy for years to come Get out of your comfort zone to try new and exciting things Choose from some of the most loved activities in Northeast Ohio including unique experiences you won't want to miss! 22 NortheastOhioFamilyFun.com | Summer 2021