A Sand-tastic Good Time

Beach Bums

By Karen Shadrach

If a backyard pool and Popsicles aren’t cutting it with the grandkids, maybe it’s time to escape to the beach. Sure, you could travel hours to dip your toes in the ocean. But here in Northeast Ohio, we’ve got plenty of sandy beaches of our own.

Ohio’s North Coast is home to a surprising number of public beaches along Lake Erie’s shoreline, extending through Erie, Lorain, Cuyahoga, Lake and Ashtabula counties. The only questions are which ones to visit and what to pack for a day at the beach?

SUN & SAND

Different ages have different needs and preferences, but sand toys such as buckets, shovels, sand molds, a beach ball and Frisbee hold wide appeal. Pack towels, sunscreen and sun hats. Include a blanket to lie on, one that’s lightweight, waterproof, and made for the beach with nylon webbing to let the sand fall through.

Water shoes are great for lakeside beaches since small stones hurt tender feet. Pack lots of water or other beverages and snacks. Bring diaper wipes to remove sand from feet, hands and anything (everything) else that needs cleaning off. Use a large beach tote to carry things across the sand. Include a beach umbrella if you’re sensitive to the sun, and a few chairs if you don’t want to sit on the ground.

After finding your spot on the sand, the grandkids will have no problem amusing themselves. If they need suggestions, have them dig a large hole or make a sand castle with a moat. The kids can play sand games, such as tic-tac-toe, hopscotch, or handwriting in the compact sand by the water. Have them go on a scavenger hunt to find special shells, stones, driftwood or sea glass.

Sandusky’s shoreline in Erie County is probably the largest, with a mile-long Cedar Point Beach stretching out along the lake. Without paying to get into the park, you can enter the beach by driving to the Breakers Hotel and then walking from their (pay) parking lot. You’ll have access to restrooms and restaurants nearby plus shoreline snack shacks. Our grandkids love this beach, especially on windy days when the waves are high.

Lakeview Beach, part of the Lorain County Metro Parks, is on 20 acres along West Erie Avenue in Lorain. It is known for its Historical Rose Garden, a short walk from the beach. The Sunset Café (formerly Rose Café) serves lunch during the summer in the shoreside bathhouse, offering the perfect spot for lunch and a sunset view. The one-third-mile beach is protected by three breakwaters, with lifeguards on duty, noon-6 p.m. There’s even a small playground and library (which provides free Wi-Fi access to a range of 100-150 yards).

Edgewater Beach in Cuyahoga County is part of the Cleveland Metroparks system and is accessible from both the upper and lower sections of Edgewater Park. The 2,400 beachfront includes 1,000 feet of swimming access and a dogfriendly westernmost portion. There are shady picnic tables and a paved walkway along the breakwater rocks. The renovated Edgewater Beach House includes clean restrooms and a concession stand. The balcony offers a view of both downtown Cleveland and the entire beach area.

Headlands Beach State Park in

Mentor is the longest natural beach in Ohio with 35 acres of beach plus picnic areas and concessions. It is located between the Mentor Marsh and the Grand River.

Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County includes four beaches. The largest, Breakwater Beach, has 600 feet of natural beach with nice sand and clear water. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake (GOTL) is a great spot to cool off, grab lunch, and use the beach house for changing, showers and restrooms. Nearby GOTL has a frozen-in-time feeling with mini golf, ice cream, shops, food stands, restaurants, amusement rides and arcades.

Choose a beach near you this summer, or go for a day trip to experience one you’ve never visited for a mini vacation that’s close to home.

Karen Shadrach is a Northeast Ohio on-the-go, in-the-know grandmother of two sets of twins. Read her grandparenting blog at northeastohioboomer.com.

SUNDAYS

Family FUNday. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art and more. First Sunday of each month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

7/23

Valley City Frog Jump Festival. Family fun day with music, food, activities, frog jump and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Liverpool Mill Stream Park, frogjump.valleycity.org

7/30

Jazz It Up Flower Show. With its musical theme, the show features inspired floral designs and horticulture exhibits. Noon3 p.m. Brecksville Community Ctr., 1 Community Dr., emeraldnecklacegardenclub. org. FREE

8/20

International Kite Festival. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Edgewater Park, 6500 Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, osekcleveland.org

WEDNESDAYS

Seiberling Explorers. Join in on select Wednesday mornings, Wed nesday evenings or Saturday mornings for a variety of interactive adventures. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

THURSDAYS

Storytime Stay & Play at the Maltz Museum. Come for storytime and then explore the museum. Through 8/24. 10:30 a.m. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

Fun With The Grandkids

8/3

Bindlestiff Family Circus. Laugh one minute—gasp with wonder the next! 7 p.m. Cain Park, 14591 Superior Ave., Cleveland Heights, cainpark.com

SATURDAYS

STEAM Team Saturdays. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, children, ages 5-11 discover the wonder of S.T.E.A.M. 12 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org ok to remove

Family Saturdays at Skylight Park-Tower City. Games, crafts, live entertainment and more. First and third Saturdays. 12-4 p.m. 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

8/12

Fun Fest. Free family festival with arts, crafts, music, and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Massillon, massillonmuseum. org/fun-fest

THROUGH 8/6

Fin Fest: A Celebration of Sharks. Build a broader appreciation for the diversity, importance and plight of these JAWsome animals. Through 8/6. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com. FREE-$19.95

7/21-23 & 7/28-30

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr. Follow your favorite friends as they escape from Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey. French Creek Theatre, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks.com

7/28-30

Solon Home Days Community Block Party. Weekend-long annual city festival. Solon Community Park, 6679 SOM Center Road, Solon, solonohio. org/1444/Home-Days

Northeast Ohio Parent Events. Free, family-friendly entertainment with activities for kids, northeastohioparent.com