It’s summertime so turn off the TV, put down the iPads/phones and get outside. This is the time of year when parks come alive and neighbors get reacquainted. And, luckily, Northeast Ohio is ripe for kids activities, with most being free and open to all. We’ve compiled a list of recurring activities to keep you and your family busy — from movies in the park to parties on the beach.
Edgewater Live : Thursdays @ 5:30 – 8:30pm
Once upon a time Edgewater Park was full of litter… now it’s full of clean sand and people enjoying the beach. Edgewater Live, which kicked off last year, is back and we’re sure it’ll be more popular than ever. Bring the kids to enjoy beach games, music, dancing and the serenity of Lake Erie.
Asphalt Cinema : Third Fridays @ 7:30pm
Bring the lawn chairs to Impett Park on West 153rd Street and watch movies the third Friday of June, July and August. Aside from movies, the event includes a DJ and family-focused activities.
Starting Fri 6/12, Lakewood Park will be showing movies fit for the whole family. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and chill out by the lake.
Outdoor Movie Nights on Coventry
Yes, outdoor movie nights are hugely popular. And who can complain? View drive-in style movies without the cars in Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park. The first movie kicks off Thu 6/11 with The LEGO Movie. Before the movie take part in a variety of cool activities (like a LEGO party).
Art in the Park : Wednesdays @ 1pm; Mondays at 5:30pm
LAND studios presents a series of art activities happening at Herman Park and Micheal Zone Rec Center. Go each week for something new.
Summer Ice Cream Socials : Thursdays @ 7pm
Show up on Thursday evenings at Fairview Park in Ohio City to meet some friends and get a cool sweet treat along with some fun summer programming.
Playgound Crawls : Tuesdays @ 10am
Spend Tuesday mornings checking out new parks on the near west side and getting involved in some sports activities. Each week is something new — kickball, beach ball volleyball, noodle hockey, wiffle ball, soccer and more.
Watch movies from the coolest spot of all — the pool. This movie series at Ledge Pool in Hinckley Reservation kicks off Fri 7/17 and includes three events where you can catch three different movies.
Cool Cleveland correspondent Sarah Valek studied art and writing at Ithaca College. After graduation, she came back to Cle and served two years as an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She can be found on all sides of the city in pursuit of homeschooling activities for her son and the perfect soy latte. Contact her at CoolEditor@CoolCleveland.com or via Twitter.