Grammy on the Go
by Karen Shadrach
The library systems in Northeast Ohio have once again opened their doors, and even though storytimes have been suspended, you can still enjoy a story outdoors on one of many storybook trails.
The storybook trails are short stories that you follow from sign to sign, reading as you go along and following their directions. Many of the signs have physical activities for the kids to do that go along with the story, such as flying, jumping or clapping hands. The trails are easy to navigate and the children love to run forward to the next sign. These trails help to build children’s interest in reading and are for children of all levels to enjoy the outdoors and read a book with their families. Some of these trails take you deep into the woods, while others lead you around peaceful lakes and fields. Stories on most trails are made new every month and all are free!
Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont began the Storybook trails in 2007. She was looking for ways to get families outside and moving. She had the idea of separating out the pages of a children’s book and then would post the pages along a local nature trail. The idea was a success, and many stories have since been installed in all 50 states and 12 countries.
So, take advantage of the open libraries, wear a mask and allow your grandkids to browse and choose their own books. You can take them home to read, or plan to read one or two in the park after the story trail. You can have an enjoyable end-of-summer afternoon with the grandkids by having a picnic outdoors, along with reading the story trail and playtime in the park. There are so many different trails to try — maybe you could make it a full day adventure to visit more than one!
Here is a list of storybook trails that can be found around NEO:
- Elmwood Park, Independence – Can be found next to Liberty Playground
- Kopf Family Reservation Park, Avon – Visit in the fall with leaves on the ground for a magical adventure
- South Central Park, North Ridgeville – 0.7 mile trail around a lake, then into woods
- Every Child’s Playground, Avon – Located next to the pool. An additional trail (Avon History Trail) is adjacent to the storybook one and going to both together makes for a fun trip
- Coe Lake, Berea – Trail begins a short distance from the gazebo
- Carolyn Ludwig Park, Medina – One of the oldest trails. Also a side nature trail to explore
- Carlisle Reservation Park, Lagrange – Includes four little cabins that the kids can explore
- Lagrange Community Park, Lagrange- Trail follows a quiet little lake with a nearby playground
- Westlake City Recreation Center, Westlake – Trail ends by a big hill the kids can run up and down
- Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, Bay Village Rocky River Library, Rocky River – Next to the library, a short trail, but a new book every week!
