Outdoors

A visit from grandkids is fun, noisy, messy and (c'mon, admit it) a little bit stressful. Throw the holidays into the mix and things can go sideways fast. Thrive magazine's grandparent columnist Karen Shadrach always has great suggestions for ways to spend time with grandkids of all ages. Her conversation on this podcast episode with Thrive editor Marie Elium focuses on holiday events for kids of all ages. ...

Apple picking, hay rides and corn mazes are a lot of fun but not if they leave you with a runny nose and itchy eyes. Read about why autumn may be the sneeziest season for alleriy sufferers. ...

‘Tis the season for pumpkins! It is time to create some special decorations and treats with the grandkids to celebrate October. There's something about this month that feels like a cozy hug — the crisp air, the golden leaves, and of course, the excitement of the pumpkin season. Grammy on the Go offers several pumpkin-themed activities and recipes to share. ...

Holden Arboretum kicks off the fall season with a new exhibit, Skeleton Grove, featuring nearly a dozen 10- to 12-foot-tall skeletons decorated by local artists. Holden will keep the autumn fun rolling with the familiar favorite, Fall Forest Fest. ...

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), nestled between Cleveland and Akron, offers us an unexpected escape. Rustling leaves, winding trails, the Cuyahoga River — along with the rhythmic whistle of a train — all invite us to slow down and soak it all in. One of the most unique and perfect ways to explore this national treasure with your grandkids is by combining bicycling with a scenic ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR).  ...

The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) will host its annual Chalk Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, noon-5 p.m., rain or shine. Participants and observers of all abilities and ages are invited to create and delight in sidewalk artistry. ...

There are road trips. And there are road trips. A post-retirement adventure taken by Bill and Heidi Watson of Solon belongs in the latter grouping. Their 10-part trek began in the spring of 2021 and ended in the fall of 2024 after visiting the 48 contiguous states. ...

Some people find retirement happiness on solid ground. Others take to the water. Meet two veteran Loopers, couples who explored the country's coastlines by boat. ...