July 7, 2019—Students have been out of school for one month, but Shaker Heights Schools families can keep the fun (and learning) coming this summer by participating in any one of Northeast Ohio’s many summer activities—many of which are free! Also, be sure to check out events at Shaker’s own Van Aken District, including Movie Nights and writing workshops for kids.
The Family and Community Engagement Center has assembled a list of things to see, do and experience this summer, organized by theme/interest. We’ve even put together a sample week of activities for you!
Summer Activities, by theme
History
Heritage Tourism Take a Hike Walking Tours: Take a Hike tours offers six free 90-minute walking tours of Cleveland neighborhoods, featuring actors and actresses portraying historic figures from Cleveland’s past. Tours available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Shaker Historical Society is located across from Horseshoe Lake on South Park Boulevard. Visit the Historical Society to learn more about the history of Shaker Heights, Warrensville Township and the surrounding areas.
Get Outside
The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is a City-owned botanical garden and greenhouse that is open to the public seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. Admission is free.
Visit the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, where you can go birding, biking, hiking or running, ride on horseback, take a canal boat ride, or travel by scenic rail.
Wade Oval Wednesdays begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays through August 21. Live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and more.
Visit any of our local Nature Centers, including:
The Arts
STEM-related
Visit the International Women's Air and Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport
Visit the Stearns Homestead in Parma, open weekends noon-4 p.m. Explore more than 48 acres at this working farm. Animals include horses, cows, goats, pigs, chickens and turkeys.
NASA Glenn Research Center tours are open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents with a government-issued photo identification or a permanent resident card. Reservations are required. Registration for the August 10 tour opens July 10.
Libraries
Camp Listings
Sample Week of Activities
Monday: Free admission for Cuyahoga County residents on Mondays at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Tuesday: Beginning Sunday, July 7, the special exhibit “Medieval Monsters: Terrors, Aliens, Wonders” opens at the Cleveland Museum of Art. This exhibit is free!
Wednesday: Visit The Learning Center and the Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. (Bank tours must be scheduled in advance.)
Thursday: Head back outside for a day at the beach and hear some live tunes from 6-9 p.m. at Edgewater Live.
Friday: Starting Fridays, July 12, stay close to home for the Van Aken Beer Garden from 5-9 p.m. at the Van Aken District.
Saturday/Sunday: Cool off at Thornton Park pool!