SUMMER FUN GUIDE
Sip, Swim, Soak it In
By Marie Elium
No judgment here if you spend the next couple of months with a cool drink on a shady porch.
Other seasons have obligations: holidays, scary weather, calendars we have no control over. Summer is different. While there are plenty of fun things to do, the undercurrent is slower and more laid back.
We’re spotlighting special events worth checking out this summer when you need a break from that porch. You’ll find more on our website northeastohiothrive.com.
Grandkids in Town?
- Memphis Kiddie Park, Brooklyn
Let the little ones enjoy kid-friendly rides at this historic amusement park. memphiskiddiepark.com
- Westlake’s free outdoor movies
On Thursdays at sundown, head to Crocker Park near Regal Cinemas for a family movie. crockerpark.com/events/movies-in-the-park
- Free splash parks
Two favorites are Eagle Park Sprayground in Middlefield and the Aurora Splash Pad at Kiwanis-Moore Park, 35 W. Pioneer Trail.
Like Free Music?
- Cleveland Metroparks hosts Thursday evening concerts at Euclid and Edgewater beach parks. Find the schedule at clevelandmetroparks.com
- Ohio City’s Hingetown neighborhood will host the Cleveland Museum of Art’s free concerts on Wednesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 29, featuring the West African group Kaleta & Super Yamba Band and the South Korean group Insun Park & Generals. clevelandart.org
- Legacy Village’s free summer concert series is every Saturday evening through Sept. 5. See the schedule at Legacy-Village.com/play
Want to Escape the Heat?
- The Kent State University Museum exhibit, “Quilts & Coverlets: Art for the American Home,” opens June 26 and runs through April 18. Kent State University Museum
- To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is hosting the exhibit, “The Families that Built Akron,” now through Sept. 13. stanhywet.org
Like to Shop Outdoors?
- Find interesting paintings, ceramics and more at the Cain Park Arts Festival, July 10-12. cainpark.com
- Head to Medina’s Art in the Park on July 19 on Courthouse Square and stroll the booths in this historic city center. medinacountyartleague.com/artinthepark
Want a nature adventure?
- Take a kayak or canoe ride down the lovely Cuyahoga River near Hiram in Portage County. Our pick: Camp Hi. camphiadventure.com
- Register for a free Sunday guided hike at Mentor Marsh, Ohio’s first state nature preserve. cmnh.org
