Things to do

Kids want and need to be active and burn off excess energy during our long Northeast Ohio winters. The solution? Try an indoor play area. Our region has plenty of options. Some have age restrictions and require reservations. Check websites or call before heading out. Most sell admission tickets and require waiver forms that you can fill out online, significantly cutting your wait time when you get there with eager kids. ...

The BASH is BACK on the west side! Boomer Bash West is returning on April 12, 4:30-7 p.m. at LaCentre in Westlake. It’s time to dust off your best disco duds for Boomer Bash Disco Inferno! ...

Nancy Dzurnak is the program manager for Greater Cleveland Volunteers, a non-profit organization that recruits and matches the skills and talents of volunteers ages 18 and older to more than 100 nonprofit agencies in Northeast Ohio. We talk about the benefits of volunteering, both for organizations and for the people doing the volunteering, plus how to get started.

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Every grandparent wants to delight their grandchildren, support Mom and Dad, and be relevant to a busy family on the go. Most grands do this with gift-giving during the holiday season. But the actual gift isn’t important—what matters is how you make the recipients feel. ...

Our warmer-than-usual autumn temperatures have given us extra time for gardening, and that includes gathering seeds to plant next spring. Here's how to to grow more of the plants you love next year with what you already have. ...

This new, free app connects residents and visitors to Cleveland’s ever-expanding public art collection, highlighting the beauty in the neighborhoods and exploring sites related to the city's history and infrastructure. ...

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad creates a magical evening for children with elves, Santa and a ride on a train during its annual North Pole Adventure in Peninsula.

Organizers are looking for helpers to take children to the North Pole from Nov 11-Dec. 21. Wear your favorite elf costume and become a Santa helper or be a North Pole first aid volunteer to assist CVSR staff. For more information, call 234-759-0091 or complete the CVSR volunteer agreement online.

 

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A holiday favorite returns this month but a bit more gracious than usual (although that hardly seems possible at the sprawling mansion and grounds). Stan Hywet's Deck the Hall: Gracious Gatherings opens Nov. 25-Dec. 30 in Akron. ...