Summer Fun & Travel Guide:

AC&J Railroad

Memories to last a lifetime. Looking for a trip back in time to the Civil War or the Wild West? Then hop aboard the Ashtabula, Carson and Jefferson Scenic Line. The Civil War Train Raid “A Journey in Time” will be at 1  and 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12 & 13 and includes a soldier battle and encampment. The Wild West Weekend “An American Adventure” at 1, 3 and 5 Saturday, Aug. 16 & 17 and includes a robbery and a stop at a saloon. Cost for these events is $12 for adults and $7.50 for children, under 2 free when held. Paid reservations are recommended. Kids Magic on the Train is June 28 & 29 - regular fare and departs 1 & 3 p.m. No reservations needed. Train Bandit Weekend is Aug 2 & 3 - regular fare and departs 1 & 3 p.m. No reservations needed. For more information, call (440) 576-6346, e-mail info@acjrscenic.net or visit www.familytrainrides.com. Boarding site located at 161 E. Jefferson Street. 


Akron Zoo

The Akron Zoo, located on 50 acres just west of downtown Akron, is a world conservation zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
When you visit the zoo you’ll get nose-to-nose with more than 700 animals, including endangered Humboldt penguins, lemurs, tigers, jaguars, Komodo dragons and much more. Marvel at the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens with over 7,000 plants and flowers indigenous to Northeast Ohio. This summer, sloth bears will be on exhibit for the first time ever. Also don’t miss the jaguar cubs that were recently born at the zoo and will be on exhibit midsummer.

The zoo’s first-ever saltwater exhibit Jellies: Rhythm in the Blue, continues, too! Watch as seven different species of jellyfish fascinate you and you’ll really get close with starfish, crabs and sea urchins at the touch tank. For more information call (330) 375-2550 or visit www.akronzoo.org.


Chagrin River Canoe & Kayak Livery

The Chagrin River Canoe & Kayak Livery is gearing up for its third season serving Lake, Geauga and Eastern Cuyahoga counties and the surrounding communities. The livery offers canoe and kayak rentals and tours on the Chagrin River in Eastlake. The livery also offers safety, educational, merit badge counseling, recreational and adaptive programming including senior paddles.

Are you an avid fisherman? Would you like to sink a line into the waters of Lake Erie or, would you prefer to relax and catch a beautiful sunset along the Coastline? Come visit the Eastlake Seawall Fishing Pier at the end of Erie Road approximately a quarter mile north of the canoe & kayak livery. White bass, perch, steelhead trout, and walleye are the frequent catches at differing times throughout the fishing season. Seawall Concessions offers a full menu, bait, and tackle to meet your immediate needs. Call (440) 942.4141 or go online at www.chagrinriverckc.org.


Cleveland Metroparks Dive in Movie

Grab your swimsuits because it is cool to watch movies in the pool. Join Cleveland Metroparks for three Dive-In Movies this summer: Friday, June 26 - Summer’s Here, Let’s Make Waves with “Surf’s Up!” Friday, July 17 - Halfway to the Winter Holidays with “Dr. Seuss: How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and Friday, August 7 - Take One Last Summer Adventure with “R.V.” Doors open at 8 p.m., movie begins after sunset.

Bring something to sit on and enjoy the movie for free from a spot on the lawn or view the movie while relaxing in a rented inner tube in the heated luxury of the pool. Inner tubes are available by reservation only - $4 for single tubes and $6 for double tubes.  

All ages welcome to these great movies but visitors must be 8 or older to use the pool and rent inner tubes. No outside floating devices permitted in the swimming area.  

For details, call (440) 331-8111 or clevelandmetroparks.com.


Cleveland Metroparks Farm & Garden Day

Ohio has a rich history of farmers and gardeners, and Cleveland Metroparks Garfield Park Reservation is no different. At one time, most of the property was farm land and it briefly will again during the “Farm & Garden Day” event.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 6, the area around Garfield Park Nature Center in Garfield Hts. will be transformed back to the early days when it was mostly farm land.

Whether you have a herd of dairy cattle or a patio with 6 tomato plants, there’s something for everyone at this free event featuring vendors and exhibitors, live farm animals, antique and modern farm equipment, kids hands-on activities, tasting stations, scarecrow building area (bring clothes, or buy some for $1 on site), and square dancing. And, there will be demonstrations of spinning, sheep herding, and more!

For information, call (216) 341-3152 or clevelandmetroparks.com.

Put on the overalls and head over to the “Farm & Garden Day."


Cleveland Metroparks Knee High Naturalists

Most young children want to explore and try new things but are often told they are too young. Not this time! Cleveland Metroparks encourages young children to explore, play, learn and more at the “Knee-High Naturalists” event.

The free event is from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 14 at the Chagrin River Road Sledding Hill in South Chagrin Reservation in Bentleyville.

The event is geared towards preschoolers, ages 2-6. The “knee-high naturalists” can play and learn all afternoon with many fun-filled and educational activities, including nature games, live animals, nature crafts, entertainment by “Mr. Hatbox,” playing in the “discovery sandbox” and taking a hike with “Nora the Explorer.”

Adults should be sure to bring a camera to capture the lasting memories.

For information, call (440) 247-7075 or clevelandmetroparks.com.


Cleveland Metroparks Train Day

Ladies and gentleman, children, families and train-lovers alike will enjoy the free annual Cleveland Metroparks “Train Day” event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at CanalWay Center in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation in Cuyahoga Hts., just below the massive 2,000-foot long bridge that carries more than 40 trains a day through the area.

Experience all things trains by enjoying model train exhibits (G-scale, HO-scale, N-scale, S-scale, and Legos), exhibits, guided trestle hikes, crafts, live music, movies about trains shown all day, wandering down the “Hobo Trail,” and more.

Plus, kid’s train rides, ($1/person), EarthWords Nature Shop selling unique train items, and visitors can enter-to-win family 4-packs of passes. Refreshments for sale, too.

For more information, call (216) 206-1000 or clevelandmetroparks.com.


CPR2YOU

CPR2YOU offers you and your family peace of mind in knowing you have a set of skills that may help you in the event you find yourself having to save a life, maybe even someone in your own home. Life happens so why not be prepared by investing a few hours now for a skill that will last a lifetime.

Our professional nurses will bring the training right to your home or where ever is convenient for groups  of 3 to 10 participants. We offer group training and certification in:

All training in accordance with the American Heart  Association and presented by professional nurses who care.

Contact cpr2you2009@yahoo.com or call (440) 789-4453 for more information.


Cuyahoga County Public Library

From June 6 – August 1, all you need to do is READ for a chance to win weekly prizes and End-of-Summer Grand Prizes, provided by our co-sponsors, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Xeko; and our community partners, the Cleveland Indians High Achievers Kids Club, Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Pick up a game board at any Cuyahoga County Public Library branch. Eco Quest is fun for all ages. Register to play and receive a gift. Don’t forget to ask about our Summer Reading On-the-Go Program. We’ll bring everything you need to play Eco Quest directly to you. On-the-Go is perfect for daycare centers, summer camps, at home or at the office.

For details, check out Eco Quest at cuyahogalibrary.org. The quest begins June 6. Register at your local branch. www.cuyahogacountylibrary.org.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is a familiar site to most. Driving down through the valley, it is so exciting to see the historic cars chugging by carrying passengers between Cleveland, Akron and Canton. CVSR offers affordable and fun-filled excursions traveling through Cuyahoga Valley National Park Wednesday through Sunday, June through October. Regular excursions are $15 for adults and $10 for children and include scenic round trips or the ability to hop off and explore in Peninsula, Akron or Canton. Sandwiches, snacks and beverages along with souvenirs are available.

Bike Aboard! Have you heard about the $2 fare for bicyclists? Offering a great way to ride to better health and the opportunity to see more of the National Park, Bike Aboard! allows cyclists to bike the trail in one direction and ride the rails in the other.  This is a one-way trip between stations.

For more information, www.cvsr.com or call (800) 468-4070.

Goodtime I

Take in the sights and sounds of the perfect one day vacation. Enjoy a daytime island hopping trip aboard the Goodtime I. During this daytime adventure, relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of Lake Erie from our topside deck and enjoy a live personal narration. Along the way, see Cedar Point, Johnson’s Island, the Marblehead lighthouse and more. During our trip we will stop and visit two of Lake Erie’s most famous islands. Our first stop will be Kelleys Island, Lake Erie’s largest island. Spend an hour and a half taking in the sights and beauty of this tranquil island. We will also visit Put-in-bay on historic South Bass Island. Enjoy three and a half hours on the Great Lakes best kept secret. Two islands, in one day, for one low price is only $25 for adults with discounts for children, seniors and groups. Call (800) 446-3140 for departure time and availability.


Great Lakes Science Center

Looking for family-friendly summer activities? Great Lakes Science Center has an exciting array of special summertime offerings.

Set sail for a 2-hour Lake Erie cruise aboard the 65-foot schooner, Appledore V. Learn about basic ship functions, knot tying and more. For reservations, call (216) 621-2400.

Experience the thrill of river-rafting action on a movie screen six stories high when you see the OMNIMAX film, Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk. The film opens June 27.

Climb aboard and explore the historic Steamship William G. Mather. Be sure to check out the special Fourth of July and Air Show events happening onboard this summer.

Celebrate Dad this year with the Extreme Science Night, on June 20. Explore the S.S. Mather, tour Browns stadium and more. For reservations, call 216-621-2400.

For details on these and other summer events, call (216) 694-2000 or visit www.GreatScience.com.

Holden Arboretum

That natural world is a fascinating place that we all, no matter what our age, should stop and take the time to explore. We especially need to encourage this in our children. This summer Holden is going to help this endeavor by offering activities that will leave “no child left inside” if we can help it. It will be a summer of exploration where there will be many ongoing opportunities to stop by Holden and play. Kids can dip for pond creatures, play in the woods and enjoy our Buckeye Bud Discovery Tower. Parents are encouraged to play too, but there are a few rules: Don’t be afraid to get dirty; bring your imagination, and last but not least, come ready to play. Located in Kirtland, Ohio Holden is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (440) 946-4400 for details.


Ken Heart Foundation

Register early and plan to run or walk in the 3rd annual North Coast Run For Hearts event benefiting the KEN Heart Foundation.  The 501c3 nonprofit organization provides programs that educate our community in life saving skills to respond to a cardiac emergency in our youth.  Defibrillation donations to schools and recreation leagues, CPR/AED training, community resources, and policy change are to name a few.

You will have all summer to get in shape for the 10K, 5k, or 1 mile walk/run. Share the fun with your family and friends participating in our post race children’s activities. Win a life saving defibrillator for your school or youth league. For more information visit www.northcoastrun.com, www.kenheart.org or call (440) 466-0417


Kindermusik by the Falls

In just eight lessons, experience a summer’s worth of music, stories and activities created to inspire a lifetime of learning. In a Kindermusik summer camp, parents and children will play, learn, sing, dance, create and share in the fun of making music together. A Kindermusik educator guides the class through each research-proven and giggle-approved activity. Best of all, every one of our summer camp activities is specially designed to nurture every child’s natural curiosity.

Classes for babies, toddlers, preschooler plus Family and Sign & Sing classes
Locations: Avon Lake, Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge, Chardon, Cleveland Heights, Hudson, Rocky River, Solon/Twinsburg.
Dates: sessions à la carte from mid-June to mid-August.
Kindermusik by the falls with Ardis Billey, (440) 338 5508
info@kindermusikbythefalls.com, www.kindermusikbythefalls.com


Kindermusik of Cleveland

Inspire your child’s love of learning in a Kindermusik summer camp. Choose from a variety of camp themes created with your child and your lifestyle in mind. Join us this summer and discover why so many families recommend Kindermusik.

The Kindermusik Adventures Camps pack fun and learning into one class, plus get a fully interactive set of at-home materials that research has proven to help your child develop lasting learning skills.

Experience music, instruments, storytelling and more during the eight-week session that offers once-a-week, 45-minute classes for newborn to 1 1/2 years (with caregiver), 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 years (with caregiver) and 3 to 5 years (caregiver joins in the last 15 minutes). One-week camps, two hours per day for five days, is for ages 4 1/2-7 years (caregiver joins in the last 15 minutes).

See our schedule online at www.kindermusikofcleveland.com. Kindermusik of Cleveland can be reached at (216) 991-1063 or cathy@huser.org.


Lake Metroparks Farmpark

See farm animals up close and learn about agriculture and how it affects our daily lives. Enjoy a day at the farm discovering what farmers do. Milk a cow, make ice cream, make bread, and see how cheese is made.

Take a wagon ride and meet more than 50 breeds of farm animals. Visit a variety of farm animals and watch the border collie herd sheep.

Learn about plant life and hydroponics exhibits. Discover renewable energies like wind and solar power. Experience special events and seasonal activities year-round.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for ages 60 and over, $4 for ages 2 to 11 and free for under 2 years and for Farmpark members.

Lake Metroparks Farmpark is at 8800 Chardon Road in Kirtland, just east of U.S. 6 and SR 306. Call (440) 256-2122 or (800) 366-3276 or log onto lakemetroparks.com.


Laurel Highlands

We all need to get away to a special place for some summer fun while at the same time not worry about spending too much money. The Laurel Highlands offers such a place, a stunningly scenic region packed with quality experiences and exceptional values.

Experience two of the Laurel Highlands most popular summer pursuits with a Pedal and Paddle Package in Ohiopyle State Park. Peddle a nine-mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage and exchange your bike for a float trip down the river.

A FunDay Pass to Idlewild & SoakZone - voted the No.2 best kid’s park in the world by Amusement Today is one of the best values around. The low admission price is for all seven areas of fun, thrilling waterslides, and water play area.

Take the Family Tour at Fallingwater® where combinations of hands-on activities allow children to see how a house can be inspired by nature.

For more information, call (800) 333-5661.


Loyal Oak

Loyal Oak is a beautiful summer destination with safe, well-maintained grounds. Loyal Oak offers a swimming beach area with diving boards and slides, picnic shelters and grills, a playground area and recreation room equipped with pool tables, ping pong, electronic games and a juke box.

The park also provides sports equipment such as baseball pitching machines and batting cage, horseshoe courts, a jogging track, and tennis and basketball courts. Miniature golf is also available for $1 for 18 holes. You can’t beat the price.

Loyal Oak opens May 28 and closes Labor Day for the season. Operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to dusk Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to dusk on Saturday and Sunday. The beach opens at 10:30 a.m.

Call (330) 825-4343 or go to www.loyaloaklake.com for more information.


Memphis Kiddie Park

Memphis Kiddie Park is Ohio’s only amusement park dedicated to little people. With 11 kiddie rides to choose from and a championship miniature golf course with game arcade, families can entertain themselves in our park like setting. There is no entrance fee, no parking fee and tickets never expire. Come for an hour or come for the day.  We welcome birthday parties and other group outings. Call (216) 941-5995 for details and reservations.


Nautica Queen

Ahoy there Mateys. Get set to sail on the Nautica Queen. Sunset cruises run May through New Year’s Eve and include lavish buffets, entertainment and climate-controlled decks. Special events in 2009 include a Capt’n Willie Family Pirate Lunch, Saturday, Oct. 31. Capt’n Willie is sure to show your family a swashbuckling good time.

Also be sure to reserve your cruise for Wednesday Cruise Down Memory Lane Lunches, Friday Legends of Lake Erie Lunches, July 4th lunch and fireworks dinner or Labor Day Weekend Air Show Cruises. The Nautica Queen also sets sail for Sweetest Day Dinner, a Halloween Cruise, holiday parties, a New Year’s Eve gala and much more.

Reservations are strongly recommended for all cruises. Visit www.nauticaqueen.com or call (216) 696-8888 or (800) 837-0604 for additional information, directions or to purchase tickets. The Nautica Queen is located on the West Bank of Cleveland’s Flats, 1153 Main Ave.


Ohio State Parks

When you think of the ideal vacation, what comes to mind? Is it the simple pleasures of spending time with the family? Or is it sneaking away on a romantic getaway for two? Whatever your intentions, Ohio State Parks let you spend precious time with those who mean the most to you.

At Ohio State Parks, the accommodations are as unique as the beauty that surrounds them. All of the lodges have their own architectural influence. Some are more historical, with quaint Victorian and colonial-style design. Others are more family-oriented, with game rooms and modern luxuries. 

With seven unique parks open year-round, planning a vacation in Ohio is easy. From the rolling hills of Salt Fork to the forests and lakes of Shawnee, Ohio State Parks are giant playgrounds. So make an appointment with your children, or come to get reacquainted with the child inside you.

Call (800) AT-A-PARK or visit www.atapark.com.


River Expeditions

Experience real adventure in the scenic, historic New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. Discover amazing rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, ATV touring, horseback riding and more. Let River Expeditions host your trip for memories that last a lifetime. Our affordable vacation packages include lodging, meals and adventures, and attractions. Kids raft for half price everyday on the Upper New River. Rafting is something the family can enjoy together for years to come.

Rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers offers something for everyone, age six and up, from leisurely float trips to thrilling whitewater runs. River Expeditions headquarters features camping, rustic cabins, tents on platforms, RV Sites, The Red Dog River Saloon, outdoor pool and hot tub, Fire Creek Lodge & Conference Center, Outfitter Store, Dining Area, massage therapy, kids arcade and more.  Experience Nature, History, Beauty, Adventure in West Virginia ’s New River Gorge with River Expeditions. Call (800) 463-9873 for more information.


Shipwreck Camp

Join us for a virtual adventure to find a shipwreck in Lake Erie. Inspired by the research and exploration of Dr. Robert Ballard, finder of the wreckage of the Titanic, this camp will engage campers in field science and exploration weekdays from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (times may vary, depending on event planned) starting July 20 through July 31 for youth ages 12-15.

In collaboration with Cleveland Lakefront State Park (ODNR), the Cuyahoga County Public Library, and Case’s Center for Science and Mathematics Education, campers will:

Cost of this two week inquiry-based camp is $450. A $25 non-refundable application fee is included. Call (216) 368-5075 or e-mail: kmk21@case.edu.


Smile Summer Camp

SMILE Summer Camp is a therapeutic day camp developed for kids with disabilities to provide them with a fun, interactive way to further develop their social skills and to help these kids have a better summer – and a better life.

Everyday will be fun-filled with speech-language therapy focusing on the child’s goals while engaged in community-based activities focusing on social skills, communication and emotional regulation. Due to a 5:2 ratio, space is limited to only 5 children per week.

Fun is provided at no extra charge and each child receives a free t-shirt and gift.

Call (330) 405-8776 or visit wwwSMILESummerCamp.com


Thoughtful Images

Summer is a terrific time for those family portraits you’ve been putting off for so long.  From barbecues on the beach to family reunions to participating in an organized event like Thoughtful Images’ Portraits in the Park - Summer Edition, the light and summer colors combine to create an ideal opportunity for heirloom quality images. Call 440-354-5900 to register for Portraits in the Park - Summer Edition which will be held on June 20. Your images will be created near a choice of decorative ponds, woods, fields, and open areas. Don’t forget to include the family pets. Animals are our specialty, and always welcome. 

If June 20 does not fit your schedule, arrange a Thoughtful Images photo session in our studio, on the beach, at a park, or even in your own backyard at your convenience. We look forward to crafting poignant portraits that preserve your memories forever.  For more information visit us at www.thoughtfulimages.com or call (440) 354-5900.