Patterson Farms

Fall in Ohio is one of the best times of the year--and a place to take it all in is Patterson Farms.

We loaded up for a tractor ride out to the field where they had acres of corn mazes, pumpkin patches, play houses, hay to play on, slides, and numerous other FUN things.

We passed the apple orchards...(they offer pick your own apples and Strawberries!)

and ended up at the tepee/canoe sandbox.

And slowly made our way through the MANY play structures...

seriously, this place was AMAZING!! This will be our go to place for the rest of the time we are here...it was truly magical.

Back hidden in the woods was a big wooden fort and a 50 foot slide!
(and hundreds of thousands of leaves)

We munched some freshly picked apples....

And tested out tractors...

And found our way through a corn maze...

Was the perfect way to spend a fall day!

Because this is a seasonal thing to do, the info changes year to year. You can find more about their family fun fest here!

Amish Country - Hershberger Farm

HERSHBERGER FARM in Amish Country.

With small children, we were looking for a one stop shop in Amish Country, where we could experience some of everything without paying an arm and a leg. :) I feel like we definitely found that here!

The farm has a good size free petting zoo, with the option to ride ponies ($3.00 per person) and take a ride in an Amish buggy ($5.00). Also at this location was a cute little store, with loads of handmade goods and toys, and another store with bakery items, fruits, and veggies. There were lots of things to sample (which were ALL delicious) and the prices were REALLY reasonable for food items. We brought back a HUGE cantaloupe that was DELICIOUS!

There is also a place to buy lunch--they sell sandwiches, burgers, fries, etc. Some of everything. We felt that food was kind of pricey, but it was also served in good size portions. Our 3 small kids split one burger and fries and were full. (I want to say it was like $5 for a burger and fries, no drink included).

Fresh kettle corn was being made the whole time we were there, and they had yummy samples of that--(definitely pick up a bag! IT WAS SOOO GOOD!)

All in all we thought it was a great place to go to see the sights. If you have more time or aren't with kiddos, there are lots of shops and great places to stop along the way (and in Berlin, a short distance away).

How do I get there?

Address:

5452 State Route 557

Millersburg, Ohio 44654

330-674-6096

Visit Them:

Summer Monday - Saturday 8-5 Winter (Jan - March) Tues - Sat 8 - 5

---See a list of all their food item pricing here

---View their ad here

Fairview Splash Park and Kentucky Gardens

If you are loking for some FREE summer fun, splash parks are a PERFECT way to cool off and have a great time.

This particular one is in Ohio City, a neighborhood in Cleveland. This park and gardens are located within a few blocks of the Westside Market.

I don't know when it closes for the season, but I assume it's labor day--as that is when many other waterparks close. Check with the city to verify though.

For the link to see information on Kentucky Gardens click here

For instructions to the park (that also has a nice ball field, picnic tables, and a big playground) click here.

It is on the corner of Franklin and W. 38th St in Ohio City.

Squire's Castle

SQUIRE'S CASTLE: Part of Cleveland metroparks

COST: FREE

Hours: normal park hours--I can't find the times online but it seems like it's open until 10 p.m.

How do I get there?
Click here for a map of the North Chagrin Reservation
It's just south of Chardon Rd--and if you can't find it at first, follow the signs. They will take you right there. :)

Our take?

AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! This place was SO cool! It has such a fascinating history and although it has been gutted and only the stone remains, it is so neat to walk through and imagine. The kids had a blast! And behind the castle are all sorts of walking trails for hiking and ejoying nature. There are also picnic tables and a few picnic shelters with grills that are available on a first come first serve basis.

Definitely worth the trip!!!

Liberty Park and Saftey Town

LIBERTY PARK (part of Elmwood Park)

COST: Free

HOURS: Normal city park hours

How do I get there?
This is the address to the library. If you turn into the library parking lot and go to the far side of the library, you will see a road that keeps going back to your right. Turn there and you will see the houses and park.

OUR TAKE?
What an amazing hidden gem! This is such a great place! There really is play equipment for all ages...something for the young tots, and the old school age kids, and everyone in between. Tons to do and see. I love that there were so many places to sit and watch the kids, and a beautiful gazebo in the middle of the park for shade. There is a rock climbing wall, lots of swings, dinosaurs, etc.

There is also an ADORABLE little safety town lined with little houses. Town includes a working stop light and crosswalk signs, as well as real road signs to help teach children. I can't wait to go back and take their bikes so they can go on a ride through the town.

This park is GREAT for another reason...real, nice, indoor plumbing. Having young kids it is SO nice to have "facilities" available and accessible...that don't stink terribly. Everything was clean and nice and included drinking fountains inside and outside the building. I gave that part of the park 2 thumbs up!

Overall an AWESOME place to play!

West Creek Reservation

WEST CREEK RESERVATION:

From their website:

The 9-mile West Creek meanders through a valley that harbors rocky gorges, forest-draped hillsides, and floodplains that each spring burst forth a variety of wildflowers, and flows through the cities of Parma, Seven Hills, Brooklyn Heights, and Independence where it eventually connects to the Cuyahoga River.

The 278-acre West Creek Reservation is geologically unique and biologically diverse, as the West Creek tributary not only provides natural beauty, but also a home to a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, scarlet tanagers, nesting pair of red tailed hawks and five species of oak: white, red, pin, scarlet and swamp white oak. In the wetlands nesting wood ducks, painted turtles, green frogs, cardinal flower and pickerelweed are abundant.

How do I get there?

This is right across from the picnic grove between State and Broadview. Click the link above to see the map (since there is not an actual address)

Our Take?

We have gone here many times now--it is a great place for photography, for nature watching, for evening walks, etc.This really has something for everyone. We love to go off the beaten path and down to the little creek to skip rocks and rest in the shade. We haven't even began to venture into the entire 9 mile span, but are always excited to see what's in store for wherever we get to explore when we DO go.

Great place to walk dogs too!

Cookie Cutters

From their website:

Step into the world of Cookie Cutters, Haircuts for Kids. See what makes it special for a child to Discover How Much Fun A Haircut Can be! Take a look at some of the styles we offer, and in the near future, make your appointment for a visit to your nearest salon.

It's a place where kids not only get a great haircut, but a one-of-a-kind haircut experience!

Phone:
(440) 572-5722

Hours:
M-F: 9 am - 8 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 5pm
Sunday: 12pm - 5 pm

How do I get there?

Our take?

My daughter gets very nervous when it's time for a haircut. But she has thick, long hair and we've just gotta keep up with it. We headed to Strongsville to a place called "Cookie Cutters"--a hair place for kids. It was a child's haircut heaven! A great big playplace to use while waiting greeted us as we came in.

They had a large selection of movies to pick from, and each station was set up with a TV and VCR.
My favorite part of all, was the chairs. They were all different cars. There was a plane, horse, jeep, car, and a few other things--SOOO cute. My daughter hopped right in the pink jeep and picked Little Einstiens for her viewing pleasure.

At the end of the haircut, she got to pick a new hair clip, a sucker, and a balloon.

She was thrilled!

While this may seem like a strange thing to post on a blog about things to do in Ohio, it really seemed like so much more than a haircut. It was a really fun mommy-daughter date and such a fun experience...so I'm throwin' it on here.

TOY LIBRARY--Brooklyn Branch

FROM THEIR SITE:

The Brooklyn Branch has a toy lending library which holds over 1,700 toys. Selection is made by professional staff who consider safety, stimulation, and quality. Brooklyn offers programming for all ages including special children's programs, storytimes, and lapsit programs for babies. Our Teen department holds game days, monopoly tournaments, and baby-sitting workshops. For the adults there are programs sponsored by The Friends of the Library, as well as three growing book discussion groups. In the summer all three departments hold popular summer reading games.

We have over 300 different toys to choose from (with multiples of most) arranged in the following Categories:

Active Play (includes ride-on)
Baby & Toddler Toys (6 months – 3 years)
Blocks
Games (includes board games)
Learning Skills (includes lacing, sorting)
Literacy (includes ABCs)
Math (includes numbers & telling time)
Music
Pretend Play (includes make-believe, trucks)
Puppets (includes dolls) *see below for more
Puzzles
Science & Nature (includes animals & dinosaurs)

Every toy in the Cuyahoga County Public Library Toy Collection is carefully prepared for borrowing. Each toy is examined, cleaned and disinfected between borrowers. These precautions reduce your child’s exposure to germs and safety issues resulting from damage, wear, etc.


COST:
FREE

HOURS?

Hours
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
Open Sundays 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Labor Day to Memorial Day

HOW DO I GET THERE?

OUR TAKE?

I think the toy lending library is GENIUS! It is so fun to bring home a special toy for the kids to play with--and there is a GREAT selection! You can even request toys online to be sent to your local branch. I felt great knowing that the toys and bags they come in were all sanitized and labeled with the number of pieces your toy comes with--so there is no guessing when it's time to return it if you have them all!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FREE RESOURCE!

Wallace Lake - Mills Stream Run Reservation

FROM THEIR WEBSITE:

The history: Mill Stream Run Reservation is located in Berea, Middleburg Heights, North Royalton and Strongsville. Long ago nineteenth century communities like Albion, Sanderson's Corners and Slab Hollow sprang up to take advantage of the water power from the east branch of the Rocky River and its tributaries. After the sawmills and grist mills were established, businesses like a basket factory, taverns, blacksmith shops and tailors followed. At Berea, the river cuts through Berea sandstone carving potholes in the stone. Baldwin and Wallace lakes are former quarries that produced some of the finest grindstones in the world. The settlers were not the first to visit; artifacts have been found in the reservation that indicate Native American tribes frequented this area over 8,000 years ago. The reservation includes numerous species of wildlife and plant life, including ferns and wildflowers.

HOURS:
6 a.m. - 11 p.m.

You may want to CALL first to verify all information, since it is seasonal.
The number is: 440.826.1682

COST:

Paddle boat rentals: For a 2-3 person paddle boat, it's $4.00 per half hour. For a 4-5 person paddle boat, it's $8.00 per half hour.

Swimming: FREE

HOW DO I GET THERE?
Wallace Lake is located off Valley Parkway in Mill Stream Run Reservation, south of Bagley Road in Berea.

(because there isn't an exact address, see the trail map for details.)


Our take?

We were pleasantly surprised at this little hidden gem of a place! The swimming looked so fun--it was a nice sized area and had a little beach to play on or lay on! :) We went specifically with paddle boats in mind and headed there. There is a little cafe area (The Quarry Rock Cafe) where you pay for your rental (they have several food options as well).

The actual part of the lake you can go in with your paddle boat wasn't HUGE--but we felt like it was just right for a half hour ride. The water was calm and the scenery is really nice. They have life jackets for even the smallest--my 10 month old baby even got one! :)

We would love to check out the swimming another time, but this place is GREAT--for picnics, swimming, trails, running, biking, boating, fishing...it has it all!

The Memphis Kiddie Park

From their site:

Memphis Kiddie Park has been putting smiles on children's faces since 1952. We offer 11 amusement rides for children, a concession stand, arcade, and miniature golf course. We are truly a landmark of the Cleveland area serving generations of area children. Come start your own tradition today.

HOURS:

Open daily at 10 a.m.

COST:

At Memphis Kiddie Park you pay as you go. Each ride is only one ticket and tickets never expire.

TICKET PRICES
Book of 25 Tickets $21.50
Strip of 10 Tickets $12.75
Single Tickets $1.40

PRICES FOR MINIATURE GOLF
$3.75

Children under 5 FREE with a paying adult.

How Do I get there?

OUR TAKE?

We go here often! This is the perfect place for small children as all of the rides are tailored for the small ones! It is so much fun to watch the kids--they ALL enjoy it! You CAN ride the train around the park as a family, and they have miniature golf at a minimal cost.

I especially love that it is a smaller area and has never been very crowded when we have gone. It is nicely maintained and gives plenty to do to fill an hour or so. (which is the max my kids can handle anyway!) :)

See the rides here.

Be sure to buy a booklet of tickets since they never expire and are cheaper that way!

Shinto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

See Shinto on the web for full details on menu, pricing, etc.

Hours:
Sunday - Thursday:10am~10pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am~11pm

HOW DO I GET THERE?

OUR TAKE?
Our tables were really great big grills with a counter around the edges. So, our hibachi chef came and cooked up all the food right in front of us. He did all sorts of neat tricks and was SO fast working with the food! It was quite the sight!

This place IS pricier than our normal dinner budget, but I think the EXPERIENCE makes it worth a special trip. The atmosphere was really nice--modern, but relaxed and fun.

BD'S Mongolian Grill

BD's Mongolian Grill

From their Site:

bd's mongolian barbeque© is the world's number one Create Your Own Stir-Fry restaurant concept where the guests choose their own ingredients from a great variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, salads, sauces and spices. The food is then prepared by master grillers on a 600° 7-foot grill.

You can check out more information here.

HOURS:

Sun - Thurs:
11:00am - 10:00pm

Fri - Sat:
11:00am - 11:00pm

COST:
See here for detailed cost and menu


How Do I get there?

Our take?
This was a really fun way to go make your own stirfry--and even though I felt it was more Americanized than traditional Mongolian Grilling we have eaten in the past, it really was delicious and allowed many different options--and it was really fun to watch them grill it up right in front of you! :)

Swings-n-things

If you're lookin' for loads of good, family fun, Swings-n-Things in Olmsted Township is a great place to start!

Visit Swing-N-Things on the web!

HOURS?
See here for current schedule of events

COST?
Check here for a detailed list of pricing

(NOTE: In the VAL-PAK savings coupons that come in the mail, they always have coupons there and it was cheaper than their online discount price was.)


How do I get there?


Our Take?

There was really a lot to do--paintball, lazer tag, batting cages, 2 different go-cart tracks, a whole mini-golf course, and a big arcade and kids play area inside, as well as a restaurant and creamery. But it ended up being a a little disappointing that my kids are too young for most things (they are all under 4)--except the playplace. . However, if I just wanted to go to a playplace, I would choose a local McDonalds or the mall! :)

If you have school-aged kids I think this would be PERFECT! In fact, my husband and I decided this would be SO much fun for US to go to on a date. Would be a GREAT time!