Kids at Loose Ends? Warm Weather is Coming...
Quintessential (and very cool) Fun to Hold You Over Until Spring

If you live in Cleveland, chances are you either love the change of seasons, or perhaps just tolerate them. During the last days of winter and the cool of early spring, you may find yourself at loose ends with the kids spending the weekends watching another movie or having your own karaoke night with another round of kid's favorites playing on the stereo. Bottom line: It's time to get out. Need some incentive? Need a reminder that there are plenty of places in town for fun and frolic with kids? Here's a quick list of essential "Cle w/kids outings" to get you (and me) out there.!

1. Chocolate (and educational, too?)! In addition to a half dozen shops, make an advanced reservation and take a tour at Malley’s. Think of the "educational experience" you're providing for your kiddos! http://www.Malleys.com.

2. All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Be sure to keep an eye on the special events. And, the Peninsula Winking Lizard is a great place to grab lunch or dinner. http://www.CVSR.com.

3. Preston’s Hope has to be one of the best playgrounds in Cleveland. Pack your lunch or pick up a lunch from (a kosher) Subway (located in the lobby of the Mandel JCC, just a few steps away from the playground). http://www.PrestonsHope.com.

4. It's Christmas all year long... even better than the movie. Check it out. http://www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com.

5. Bugs, camps for kids, and lots of cool flowers. Take a visit to the Cleveland Botanical Garden: http://www.CBGarden.org.

6. Cleveland Lakefront State Park includes one of the best (the longest) beach in the state (Headlands). Pack a picnic and keep your eye out for the awesome special events. http://www.ClevelandLakefront.org.

7. One of the best bargains and outings for kids. Take a hike, (= wear your kid out!) and picnic in the Cleveland Metroparks. http://www.CleMetParks.com.

8. Even when it is cold outside, it's warm in the rainforest. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. http://www.CleMetZoo.com.

9. Check out their classes for tiny tots. Take time to climb the dino out front. It's the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. http://www.CMNH.org.

10. Accessible classical music and even something for the kids. And be sure to plan a trip out to Blossom this year. http://www.ClevelandOrchestra.com.

11. Ooommmm... Evolution Yoga has programs for the kids AND Eton has good shopping, food, and Trader Joe's (organic animal crackers - yummy!). http://www.EtonChagrinBlvd.com.

12. Sail the seven seas, or at least Lake Erie. They do school trips, too. http://www.NauticaQueen.com.

13. Science should always be hands-on and fun. It is at the Great Lakes Science Center! http://www.GreatScience.com.

14. Remember going to Hale Farm and Village as a kid? It’s time to go back. http://www.WRHS.org.

15. How about a milkshake at Tommy's? http://www.TommysCoventry.com. After that indulgent treat, find Big Fun and other great shops on Coventry http://www.bigfunbigfun.com. newwin%http://www.CoventryVillage.org.

16. It's almost baseball season! Keep your eye on what they're offering for kids. http://www.Indians.MLB.com.

17. Check out the westside science and learning action and great family programming at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. http://www.LENSC.org.

18. Singing "Old McDonald Had A Farm"? Experience the real thing at the Lake Metroparks' Farm Park. http://www.LakeMetroparks.com.

19. Kids bouncing off the walls? Why not let em'?! http://www.PumpItUpParty.com.

20. Year-around food fun and grocery shopping can be educational, too. Soak in the cultural cornucopia that is the West Side Market. Other metropolis' wish they had something this cool.http://www.WestSideMarket.org.

OK, you've got some links and ideas. Now get out there... you've got places to go and things to do! Cheers & Happy Discoveries!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A. fleminggiffordATyahoo.com
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