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14 minute read
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from Northeast Ohio Parent | June July 2023
by Mitchell Media LLC: Northeast Ohio Parent & Northeast Ohio Thrive/Boomer
Falcon Camp is an ACA accredited camp located in Carrollton, OH. Through their programs, its designed to increase independence, self-confidence and self-discovery as they encourage campers to choose what they like, and excel in those activities. Overnight campers, ages 6-16, can experience archery, swimming, riflery, tennis, canoeing, drama, crafts, athletics, sailing, fishing and more. falconcamp.com
Geneva on the Lake
Bring the family to this Ashtabula County lakefront. There’s something for every member of your family. From beaches, parks, fishing, climbing, canopy tours, mini golf, hiking and more. If you want to enjoy a weekend trip, there’s places to camp, head to a hotel, bed and breakfast or vacation rental. visitgenevaonthelake.com
Great Wolf Lodge
For anytime of the year, your family can stay at this indoor waterpark resort in Sandusky. Kids will get a kick out of staying in the themed suites such as the “Wolf Den” where they have their own cave sleeping area. There’s plenty of things to do outside the water from visiting the arcade, bowling, MagiQuest Adventure, build-a-bear, shopping, treasure hunt and more. greatwolf.com
Hocking Hills
If your family loves adventure in the outdoors, this Ohio destination provides an array of activities for everyone. From ziplines, hiking trails, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf, rock climbing, horseback and more. Plus, whether you want to camp or stay in a cabin or cottage, there’s plenty of stay options. explorehockinghills.com
BEST SENSORY-FRIENDLY OUTING (SPECIAL NEEDS)
WINNER: WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KIDS GYM
This gym in Mayfield is for children of all ages. It provides services from open play, respite, break time care, one-to-one assistance, birthday parties and special events. It hopes to become an inclusive “hub” for families of Northeast Ohio. It provides a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences. The core principles on which We Rock was founded includes fostering inclusivity, supporting the sensory needs of those with atypical processing patterns, developing gross and fine motor skills, encouraging social skills, and facilitating play. werockthespectrumcleveland.com
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Camp Carl
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A Christ-centered overnight and day camp in Ravenna that’s dedicated to the nurturing, development and guidance of children and teens. The campers, third through 12 grade, can participate in a variety of activities from creek walks, ziplines, tubing, climbing, horseback riding, field sports and more. campcarl.life
Mandel JCC
The Mandel JCC has a variety of opportunities for campers from preschool to age 15. Preschoolers to kindergarten can attend Playland Day Camp at the Beachwood campus. For older campers they have Anisfield Day Camp or The Francine and Benson Pilloff Family Performing Arts Camp. For those interested in overnight opportunities, Camp Wise is the only Jewish summer overnight camp. mandeljcc.org
YMCA
Communities across Northeast Ohio have Y’s to bring together families in fitness, health and fun. They offer summer day camps for children, which provide activities such as sports, arts, crafts, games and more adventures. Multiple locations, ymca.org
Akron Zoo
This zoo is a welcoming place for all ages and abilities. People who have sensory needs can enjoy quiet time at “Zoothing Hour” which allows guests the opportunity to explore the zoo before it opens to the public. It has also partnered with KultureCity, which provides resources from sensory bags, weighted lap pads, quiet areas and headphone zones and more. akronzoo.org
Children’s Museum Cleveland
This museum has a hands-on approach for all children. For those with sensory needs, it provides a variety of resources such as sensory support kits, which includes noise canceling headphones, sensory toys and visual supports. Also, they have call ahead accommodations and a re-entry sticker if breaks are needed. cmcleveland.org
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks has been sensory inclusive certified by KultureCity since 2019. Zoo guests with sensory needs can be provided a sensory bag, which includes fidget toys, noise canceling headphones, sunglasses and other visual communication supports. Also, they provide quiet and headphone zones throughout the zoo. clevelandmetroparks.com
Best Animal Encounter
WINNER: CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Home to over 2,000 animals representing 400 species from six continents, the year-round Zoo features several unique destinations including African Savanna, Asian Highlands, Australian Adventure, Wilderness Trek and The RainForest, a unique, two-level indoor habitat with 600 animals and 10,000 plants from around the world. clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo, futureforwildlife.org
Value World
BEST THRIFT/CONSIGNMENT FOR CHILDREN’S CLOTHING Winner TIE: ONCE UPON A CHILD
With families growing, kids can outgrow stuff fast. If you want to check out gently used kids’ clothes, shoes, toys and baby gear, this is an option. Not only shop, but also sell your items and get paid on the spot. It’s a great way to keep items out of the landfill and find used and unique things you need now. onceuponachild.com
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Goodwill
For families who love to shop thrift, this is a great opportunity for every member of your family. Find and sell items from women’s, men’s, kid’s and more, plus they have plenty of sales to make it affordable for everyone. This family-owned, operated thrift shop also helps support non-profits and raises funds for charitable missions. valueworld.com
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There’s plenty of shop locations around Northeast Ohio with this household nonprofit, which provides support for its local communities in need. Reduce your clutter by dropping off gently used or new donations. At the thrift store, it’s best to shop on Monday and Tuesdays, which many locations offer different sales times. Also, with the variety of items available, it’s easy to find unique buys for the whole family. goodwill.org
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AKRON ZOO
Get nose-to-nose with hundreds of rare and exotic animals from around the world. Check out the zoo’s many exhibits, including Grizzly Ridge, Pride of Africa and more. The Akron Zoo is sensory-inclusive to accommodate guests with sensory processing needs. akronzoo.org
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GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM
Guests can get excited about the Aquarium’s 11,000-gallon stingray touch pool and a 175-foot Shark Gallery seatube. The Aquarium’s seven galleries are home to 3,600 animals representing 250 fresh and saltwater species. A working scuba dive team assists with animal observation, cleaning, guest interaction and education, encouraging guests to consider how their actions can impact waterways and the natural habitats. greaterclevelandaquarium.com
LAKE METROPARKS FARMPARK
Lake Metroparks Farmpark is a working farm and education center. This popular destination features dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, rabbits, horses, goats, a plant science center and more. Horse or tractor-drawn wagons provide visitors with rides to all destinations throughout the park. lakemetroparks.com/farmpark.
BEST PLACE TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY WINNER: CHUCK E CHEESE
Chuck E. Cheese is the ultimate kids’ birthday party place for everyday fun. Don’t choose between easy and awesome. Book a birthday and the party team at Chuck E Cheese will take care of the games, pizza, prizes, and cleanup. Each location features arcade games, amusement rides, and character stage shows in addition to serving pizza and other food items. Make sure to pose with Chuck E. Cheese! Multiple locations, chuckecheese.com
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Adrenaline Monkey
Adrenaline Monkey is an innovative family adventure and performance training center focused on empowering guests of all ages, sizes, and abilities with adrenaline-pumping adventures. Challenge yourself on various ninja warrior-style obstacle courses, climbing walls, aerial courses and more! There’s also a soft play area for “wee warriors,” ages 4 and younger. Locations in Cleveland and Geneva. adrenalinemonkeyfun.com
BEST ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE WINNER: DR. GEN ORTHODONTICS
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SKYZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK
Sky Zone is an amazing birthday party venue for kids and their parents. They set up, clean up, and supervise the event. That means that parents can just sit back, enjoy, and take pictures of all the fun — or they can get in on the action, too. Multiple locations. skyzone.com
URBAN AIR
Make your kid’s birthday party a little bit more epic at Urban Air Adventure Park. Let your kiddo and their friends explore the best indoor attractions in town for two hours while the Urban Air staff takes care of the rest. All birthday party packages come with a tablecloth, table runner, plates, forks, napkins, balloons and a bottle of water for each jumper. Multiple locations. urbanair.com
Dr. Gen Orthodontics is a friendly, customer-service oriented practice dedicated to providing state-ofthe-art orthodontic care in a comfortable environment. For over 20 years, Dr. Felix Gen and his team have treated residents of Mayfield Heights, Twinsburg and surrounding areas as if they were part of their family each and every time they come in. Dr. Gen and staff are committed to helping you achieve a smile that will exceed your expectations. Two locations, brace4success.com
PREMIER SMILES
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Premier Smiles Orthodontics is dedicated to helping patients and their families feel as welcome and comfortable as possible throughout their experience with them. Inspired by the many deserving children and adults throughout the community, they maintain a mission-driven model that provides top-quality care at affordable prices, low monthly payments, and interest-free financing. Multiple locations, premiersmilesortho.com
WEISS & TOR ORTHODONTICS
At Weiss & Tor Orthodontics, everything revolves around you. Your comfort, needs, and smile dreams are the top priority of Dr. Ira Weiss, Dr. Shira Tor, and their team. When you’re here, you’re a member of their smile family. Locations in Orange Village and Middleburg Heights, weissandtorortho.com
WENGER ORTHODONTICS
The professionals at Wenger Orthodontics are experts in the field of orthodontics and specialize in techniques that utilize both art and science with a people centered orientation. Fifty years ago, the practice was started by Dr. Terry Wenger and is now carried on by his son, Dr. Ryan Wenger, as well as Dr. Noha Orabi. The office motto “Generation of Smiles” applies not only to the doctors but also to the patients who were treated by Dr. Terry Wenger and now have their children in treatment. wengerortho.com
Best Place For Gymnastics
WINNER: WORLD ELITE KIDS
Get your child moving from 6 months to ages 18. Parents can sign up for these classes, which run monthly, sign up anytime for gymnastics, cheer, tumbling, ninja and more. Your child will learn skills to develop confidence, whole body development, movement, motor, strength, speed, balance, flexibility and more. Also, schedule your child’s birthday party geared toward their age group, with obstacle courses, games and activities. Kids will be able to run, jump and play. Brecksville and Tallmadge locations, worldelitekids.com
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JUMP START GYMNASTICS
From ages 2 to 17, learn gymnastics skills in a fun and energized atmosphere in Beachwood. There are plenty of levels from beginner to advanced classes. Also, opportunities to join a team for competitions, summer camps, birthday parties and more. jsgymnastics.com
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THE LITTLE GYM
It offers programs for kids ages 4 to 12. Kids can get moving to develop flexibility, strength, balance and coordination through fun physical activities. It also hopes to encourage socialization with peers to teach teamwork, sharing and listening skills. Multiple locations. thelittlegym.com
BEST LIBRARY WINNER: LAKEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
This beautiful, historic library offers a wide variety of unique books and extended learning opportunities. From youth programs for infants to teens, it really has something for all ages and abilities. Families and their children can participate in storytimes, camps, literacy programs, book clubs, tutoring, homework help and college planning, special presentations and events, performances and more. It is also a Connecting for Kids partner, which provides education, resources and support to families with or without a formal diagnosis. lakewoodpubliclibrary.org
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BEST FAMILY DENTIST/DENTAL CENTER
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WINNER: GREAT BEGINNINGS PEDIATRIC
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Cleveland Public Library
Multiple branches around Cleveland, it provides resources from special events, exhibits to classes. Families, children and teens can enjoy the library’s public performance spaces, the TechCentral Makerspace, storytimes, gaming and esports with CPL Play, online courses, book discussions and author visits. The Cleveland Public Library also has many services from meals services, tutoring and homework help. cpl.org
Orange Public Library
A Cuyahoga Library branch in Pepper Pike, it offers a children’s area that features artwork from the book “Aesop’s Fables” by illustrator Jerry Pinkey as well as a display dollhouse. Families, children and teens can also enjoy hands-on activities and events including the Orange Branch Storywalk, which runs through the pollinator garden behind the library. cuyahogalibrary.org/branches/orange
Twinsburg Library
The library provides a multitude of resources for children of all ages and abilities. The library is a KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive venue. Families can find storytimes, interactive activities, and request books in different languages. Teens and tweens are encouraged to use the library not only for books, but a safe environment to hang out with friends and a quiet place to study. twinsburglibrary.org
If you ask kids what they love about Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry, they might mention the touch-screen games in the waiting room or the movie screens over every chair. Every member of the dental team knows how to meet kids on their level. From pajama parties to silly selfies, they go the extra step, so that your kids look forward to their dental visits. At the same time, they show their serious side by exceeding the required continuing education requirements each year. Other benefits include: experienced, compassionate pediatric dentists with 25 years of combined dental experience, and gentle, innovative dental technology including Solea laser dentistry (no needles and no dental drill), digital radiography (X-rays), intraoral cameras, and mercury-free fillings. greatbeginningspd.com
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BAY DENTAL
Bay Dental provides family dentistry and orthodontics to Bay Village and surrounding communities. They use advancements in dental care, techniques and tools to make your experience in the chair more pleasant and less time-consuming. They offer competitive pricing and work with nearly all insurance plans to assist you in getting the care you deserve. Bonus: They understand and speak Spanish, Hungarian, Romanian, and Serbian. baydentaloffice.com
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Best Pediatrics Practice
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WINNER: SENDERS PEDIATRICS
Senders Pediatrics uses a unique approach that blends experience, personal connection, community engagement, and a willingness to look at out-of-the-box solutions for its patients. Dr. Senders founded Senders Pediatrics more than 30 years ago to help create a pediatric care community, to help parents figure out their kids, and to serve as their trusted guide as they navigate the challenges of raising children from cradle through college. senderspediatrics.com
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GREATER CLEVELAND PEDIATRICS
Caring for your family is the greatest priority at this practice that follows the increasingly popular Direct Primary Care model. This means that they limit the number of patients in their practice, so they have the time to focus completely on each individual patient without any interference from insurance companies. Your child is no longer one of thousands of patients that a doctor may take care of. Your doctor truly knows your family, and your child receives personalized care. clepeds.com
UH RAINBOW GREEN ROAD PEDIATRICS
The goal at UH Rainbow Green Road Pediatrics is to provide exceptional care in a friendly and compassionate environment. Its affiliation with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital ensures that infants, children and adolescents receive the expert, specialized treatment they deserve. The doctors and staff are dedicated to advancing children’s health and well-being and educating the patients and families it serves. uhhospitals.org/ locations/primary-care/uh-rainbow-green-roadpediatrics
BEST PREGNANCY/ POSTPARTUM CAR FOR MOMS AND FAMILIES WINNER: NURTURED FOUNDATION
Nurtured Foundation strives to provide you with the nonjudgmental support and education you need during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Nurtured Foundation’s Cleveland doula and newborn care services include birth doulas, high risk birth planning, postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, overnight newborn care, placenta encapsulation, lactation support, in-home postpartum and prenatal massage and sleep training. It also offers private breast/chest-feeding classes including back-to-work preparation. nurturedfoundation.com
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CLEBABY
This modern, full-service agency, specializes in birth and postpartum doulas, childbirth education, and in-home sleep training. It provides physical, emotional, and informational support to help you navigate your journey into and through parenthood. clebaby.com
CLEVELAND CLINIC
When it’s time to bring your baby into the world, Cleveland Clinic is with you every step of the way. Women and babies benefit from world-class medical expertise in a family-focused environment. Multiple locations, clevelandclinic.org
SENDERS PEDIATRICS
Senders Pediatrics believes that the postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable periods in a new family’s life. Their Brestfeeding Medicine of Northeastern Ohio provides medical and lactation support for you and your baby. senderspediatrics. com
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BEST NORTHEAST OHIO MOM INFLUENCER WINNER: TIFFANY KEENE
Tiffany Keene’s journey as a blogger began in 2020 when she started documenting her son’s school lunches on social media. Her posts quickly went viral, and she became an overnight sensation in the food blogging community. Since then, she continues to share her passion for food, cooking, nursing and family-related content with her followers. You can follow her on Instagram @real.at.tiffanys. realattiffanys.com
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Best Place For Family Fitness
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WINNER: YMCA
The Y brings together health-seekers of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels in a fun, supportive environment where they move, groove and sweat their way toward better well-being. For families, they have multiple options to choose from sports, summer camps, afterschool programs, fitness classes, special events and more. It’s a place where every member can attend together. Multiple locations, ymca.org
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CLEWITHKIDS
Bethany started @clewithkids in 2019 to inspire parents to make the most of the time they have with their littles by exploring the amazing places Cleveland has to offer families. Some of her kids’ favorite places to visit are playgrounds, museums and kid-friendly restaurants. You can follow her on social media @clewithkids. clewithkids.com
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KHADIJAH FAIR
She is a Cleveland native, an alumna of Glenville High School and Notre Dame College. As a mom of an elementary scholar, children’s book author, and board member of the Cleveland Children’s Museum, she is passionate about inspiring young minds and purpose within youth in Cleveland as well as advocating for quality education and providing resources for families. Follow her on Instagram @khadifair
LIFETIME FITNESS
This Beachwood location offers multiple kids and adult classes to attend. Programs such as Grown Up & Me Classes, all ages classes from sports, yoga, dancing, tumbling and more. For older kids, they can participate in classes such as LifeBarre Dance, Warrior Sculpt and Ringside. Also, whether or not your kids play sports, they can learn the fundamentals of movement, balance and coordination to help with confidence and ability. lifetime.life
MANDEL JCC
Parents can come to this stateof-the-art facility in Beachwood to take fitness classes, but also bring the kids along that offer programs for all ages. Families with children ages 5 and younger can participate together in a play, sing, move, explore program. Also, children under 4 has an open gym space to play and explore under parent supervision. They also have kids’ after school programs, summer camps and programs for kids with special needs. Right on campus, families can go outdoors to Preston’s H.O.P.E. playground for all abilities. mandeljcc.org
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BEST PARENT’S NIGHT OUT DESTINATION
WINNER: PLAYHOUSE SQUARE
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Playhouse Square is the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. This not-for-profit performing arts center’s mission is presenting and producing a wide variety of quality performing arts, advancing arts education and creating a destination that is a superior location for entertainment, business and residential living. One of Northeast Ohio’s brightest cultural gems, Playhouse Square is where memories are made, dreams are encouraged, and excitement never stops. Be sure to check out its long list of events for the summer. playhousesquare.org
CROCKER PARK
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Spread over 12 city blocks in Westlake, the lifestyle center starts with exquisite shopping, dining options and only gets better from there. From relaxation to socializing and recreation, Crocker Park’s weekly and monthly attractions and events offer something fun for everyone. The annual events calendar is packed with more than 200 activities occurring in this open-air park, with everything from live music to free movies and workout classes, plus an annual wine festival and block party, food truck pop-ups and more. crockerpark.com
PINECREST
Celebrate your style with a premier mix of nationally renowned retailers and the best local and regional brands. Create your own unique look at the most curated shopping center in the Cleveland area. Discover your favorite from one of the most diverse restaurant and specialty eatery offerings our city has to offer. Check showtimes and buy your tickets for the state-of-the-art entertainment/ dine-in theater experience at Silverspot Cinema — created for the true film lover. Explore all Pinecrest has to offer! discoverpinecrest.com
Van Aken District
The Van Aken District is a place you’ll want to linger longer, savor and come back to – again and again. This vibrant urban hub, located in Downtown Shaker Heights, offers the best mix of retail, restaurants and entertainment – all coming together in the name of community, craftsmanship and supporting the local economy. thevanakendistrict.com