2023 Choice Awards

By Northeast Ohio Parent Editors

We asked, you answered the call to vote for your Northeast Ohio family-friendly favorites. For the 8th annual contest, we again asked our readers and online followers to vote on their favorite spots — local businesses, attractions, family services and more — in the Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards. Here’s the winners you chose and the runners-up — check out if your place won or find a new family hotspot to try.

BEST DANCE STUDIO WINNER: CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

Join classes in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, pointe, hip-hop and more, for all ages, beginners to advanced. Experienced teachers nurture the passion and talent of the students. They offer summer camps for tots starting at age 3 and more. They also started an All-Boys’ Ballet camp for ages 7-12 to bring boys together in a positive environment building mutual camaraderie, and to build on specific strength and movement qualities necessary for male dancers. They are the home of the City Ballet of Cleveland, where students celebrate their hard work and demonstrate their growth by auditioning and performing for the pre-professional, non-profit ballet company. clevelandcitydance.com

RUNNERS-UP:

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

This arts center in Lakewood offers age-appropriate early childhood classes in Preschool Dance, Preballet, Kids ‘N Dance, which foster a love of movement and build confidence, coordination, and creativity. Join them for ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, pointe and tap for all ages. It has a highly qualified and caring dance faculty. beckcenter.org

BEST LOCAL, INDEPENDENT STORE TO BUY TOYS, GAMES AND LEARNING PRODUCTS WINNER: PLAYMATTERS TOYS

It’s playtime, and this locally-owned shop in Pepper Pike is always on the lookout for the latest educational, fun toys. They carry a wide variety of building toys, puzzles, dolls, games, fidgety things, outdoor fun and board games. So whether you are looking for something for your infant, preschooler, school-age or teen or you need to buy a gift, they have something for everyone, all ages and abilities. Also, check out their online staff picks! playmatterstoys.com

FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

The Program in Willoughby allows students to enter at any level and/or style appropriate to both ability and age. Programming includes ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, and tap for all ages. Select students can also perform in the FAA Dance Companies. Also, they offer an adapted dance program for kids with disabilities. fineartsassociation.org

LAKESHORE LEARNING

RUNNERS-UP:

The store in Beachwood provides items to play, discover and learn. Shop online by age, grade or if you are a teacher, find various materials for your classroom. They also have free printable resources for parents and educators. lakeshorelearning.com

S’IL VOUS PLAY

A shop in a historic firehouse building in Cleveland Heights. Parents will find well-made inspired toys from around the world and some local brands. Their goal is to find toys that encourage open-ended and immersive play. silvousplaytoys.com