Northeast Ohio Parent | October 2025

OCTOBER insiDE

ON THE COVER:

We head to the farm for wickedly good dress-up fun with 2025 Cover Kids Winner Isla, 8, and her brother Zayn, 5, of Highland Heights.

Wickedly Good Halloween and Fall Fun

Family-friendly, spirited fun for the whole family, even your four-legged friends. Enjoy spooky events for teens and adults, along with pumpkins, festivals, corn mazes, farm activities and more. Plus, fall fun advertiser listings on pg. 24

10 HALLOWEEN GAMES

Enjoy Halloween thrills without the scares by planning a few fun, spooky-themed games that are age-appropriate, laughter-filled and festive. These games rely on creativity, laughter and just enough “boo!” to keep things playful for all ages.

Tracking Developmental Milestones

It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, but developmental milestones are here to guide you, not define your children as they grow.

50

Parenting with a Disability We talk about the struggles of raising a child while being a parent with special needs.

Rising to the Next Level

8

Worth Noting

Why do teens stay in their rooms? Plus reading room, what’s streaming in October, recipe of the month, flu season tips and more.

12

Open Houses

Explore the possibilities of your child’s next educational journey.

26 Party Planning Make their day magical with creative experiences. Plus, advertiser listings on pg. 28

55

Calendar Find family-friendly events for all ages and occasions. Also, check out storytimes and what’s happening at local attractions.

54

Children’s Resale Local fall events and tips to get you started.

60

Fall Fun on the Farms Get the family outside and connect with nature. Plus, head to a pumpkin patch to find a blank canvas to carve a pumpkin masterpiece.

62

Family Matters

Advice from a pediatric speech-language pathologist about maximizing kids’ face-toface interactions.

Doing the Little Things

I’ve been thinking about kindness. In fact, mostly in my car, as I feel everyone’s been beeping at each other a lot more lately. Not sure if it’s just impatience or weariness of this fastpaced world we’ve been experiencing, or both. When I look at my two sons, I’m hoping I am doing enough to teach them kindness and empathy toward others. What is the solution?

Last month, my 16-year-old son was at the grocery store. It was raining and he saw a woman struggling to put water cases in her car. Without prompting, he went over and helped her.

The next day, the woman posted on the town’s community page praising my son’s act of kindness.

He didn’t have to help and she didn’t have to post.

Now, will my son still argue with me when I ask him for a favor, like doing the dishes, etc.? Most likely. No one is perfect. But it made me think about the little things we can do every day. Maybe it’s just holding the door open for someone or letting that one car go ahead of you, even if you are in a hurry — it makes you feel good and who knows, it might make a small difference in that person’s day.

I think if you want to show your kids kindness, you have to act kind. Not just with words, but with actions.

In this issue, we focus on middle school, which I feel is a time when things seem to be unsettling for both parents and their kids.

According to a research article from the Institute of Education Sciences, the middle school transition can be one of the most stressful events students experience while in school.

“The move involves many changes, such as new student-teacher relationships, increased workloads, and different social structures. The stress of adjusting to these changes may lead students to experience higher anxiety and lower academic performance.”

Parents can help deal with these issues by staying connected with their kids — even when they seem like they don’t want you —but also by understanding how to navigate all the middle school emotions. Hopefully, articles in the Middle School Guide can help answer some of these questions.

Honestly, I can’t help but to love October. It’s when you start to see the leaves float down from the trees and the cool weather lets me wear my coziest sweaters.

I’m excited for you to read all the wickedly cool seasonal games to play with family and friends. (I remember my oldest son and his cousins having a blast being wrapped up as mummies with toilet paper. Our cover kids had fun, too!)

So this month, when we are celebrating the fall season with all its activities — whether you like the thrills or seasonal pumpkin chills — take a step back and spread some kindness, too.

October 2025

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Why Don’t Teens Ever Come Out of Their Rooms?

By Lori Orlinsky

If it seems like your teen is permanently stationed behind a closed bedroom door, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves wondering, “Why doesn’t my teenager ever come out of their room?”

According to Dr. Sarah Love, pediatric psychologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, there are several developmentally appropriate — and potentially concerning — reasons why teens retreat to their personal spaces.

THEY CRAVE INDEPENDENCE

As teens grow, so does their need for privacy and autonomy. “It’s developmentally appropriate for adolescents to spend more time alone,” Love says. “They’re learning to separate from their parents, and that often means creating physical space.”

THEY’RE DIGITALLY CONNECTED — BUT NOT ALWAYS IN HEALTHY WAYS

Thanks to smartphones, social media, YouTube and video games, a teen’s room can double as a full-blown entertainment center — and social hub. “Teens often feel more comfortable interacting with friends via text or video chat in private,” Love explains. “But excessive screen time, especially when isolated in a bedroom, can impact mental health, sleep and real-world social skills.”

THEY’RE OVERWHELMED

For high-achieving teens, their room may become a study bunker. “If a teen is dealing with heavy academic demands or perfectionism, they might retreat to their room to stay focused,” she says. But spending too much time alone — even for schoolwork — can increase stress and reduce social engagement.

SO... IS IT NORMAL?

Some alone time is healthy. But if your teen is spending multiple hours a day in their room (not including sleep or getting ready), it might be time to check in.

Love advises parents to look for red flags like mood changes, loss of interest in activities, shifts in sleep or appetite, or declining grades — signs that isolation may be linked to emotional distress.

Start by opening the lines of communication. “Ask your teen what they enjoy about their alone time without judgment,” she adds. “Understanding their ‘why’ gives you insight and builds trust.” Instead of immediately jumping to conclusions, approach the conversation with curiosity, not criticism.

Parents can also lead by example. Model healthy screen habits, prioritize family connection and create moments that invite — not force — interaction. Small

gestures like inviting your teen to cook dinner with you, watch a show together, or go on a walk can go a long way in creating natural connection points.

A FEW MORE PRACTICAL TIPS:

• Set healthy boundaries around screen time and tech use in bedrooms — consider device-free zones or hours.

• Create consistent family rituals like dinner at the table, game night or a weekly outing.

• Encourage involvement in activities that build social skills and confidence, such as sports, clubs, music or volunteering.

• Designate shared spaces for homework or relaxing, so your teen doesn’t associate their bedroom with every aspect of life.

• Be mindful of tone and timing — avoid only engaging with your teen when you’re asking for something; show interest in their world on their terms.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help — if you notice signs of emotional distress or persistent isolation, talk to a pediatrician or mental health provider.

• Ultimately, the goal isn’t to push teens out of their rooms — it’s to give them enough reasons to want to come out.

WHAT’S STREAMING: OCTOBER 2025

Kid-friendly movies and shows coming to streaming platforms this month.

VAMPIRINA: TEENAGE VAMPIRE.

“Vampirina: Teenage Vampire” tells the story of a tween vampire girl who leaves the safety of Transylvania to attend a performing arts boarding school. Living amongst humans for the first time, she pursues her passion for music while keeping her vampire identity a secret, something that’s made more challenging when her overprotective father charges an overzealous ghost to live with her at the school. Vampirina, or “Vee,” is an already beloved character from the popular book saga and the record-breaking Disney Jr. series. “Vampirina: Teenage Vampire” is the first live-action portrayal. Disney+, TV-G

DR. SEUSS’S HORTON!

Follow the exciting and whimsical adventures of young Horton and his best bud Samson as they go on adventures to help the citizens of the Jungle of Nool. Netflix Jr., TV-Y

THE TWITS.

When the meanest, nastiest villains pull a trick to take over their town, two brave children team up with a family of magical animals to bring them down. This new stop motion animation is based on a children’s novel by Roald Dahl. Netflix, TV-PG

NEO Parent Crafting with Kids:

Handprint Pumpkin Keepsakes

By: Krystin Fletcher

Celebrate the fall season while capturing a sweet memory of your child’s little hands. With just a few simple supplies, kids can create an adorable pumpkin that becomes a treasured keepsake long after the pumpkins on the porch are gone.

MATERIALS:

• All-Purpose Flour

• Salt

• Water

• Large Mixing Bowl

• Food Coloring

• Rolling Pin

• Parchment Paper

• Plastic Knife

STEPS:

• Start by mixing 1 cup of flour and a ½ cup of salt in a large bowl. Slowly add a ½ cup of warm water into the mixture until you have a playdoh-like consistency. Add red and yellow food coloring at this time to get a bright orange color.

WIZARDS BEYOND WAVERLY PLACE (SEASON 2). In Season 2, Billie grapples with the fact that being part of the Russo family might be more complicated than she thought — especially now that she’s not the only wizard in the house. Thanks to Roman and Milo’s new magical powers, Justin is now tasked with training three young wizards for the Family Wizard Competition. As the stakes rise inside and outside the family, a mysterious new threat emerges, one that could unravel the Russos forever. Disney+, TV-G

M

Ready, the Reading Dinosaur, is enjoying all the books about the fall season. Find other options at NortheastOhioParent.com

THIS YEAR, A WITCH! By Zoe

Abbott

Tired of being “cute,” a little girl decides to go full witch this Halloween — with spooky results and a sweet reminder of the power of imagination. Ages 4-8.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN LITTLE ONE By

Sandra Magsamen

• Once the thickness of the dough is about ½ inch, gently press your child’s hand into the dough.

• Use a plastic knife to carefully cut out a pumpkin shape around the handprint. If your edges are rough you can dip your finger tip in a little bit of water to smooth.

• To make the stem, take a small bit of the orange dough and add a little bit of blue coloring to get a light brown color. Shape it into a stem and attach to the pumpkin.

• Bake on parchment paper on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Once dry from the oven, set out on a cooling rack to cool completely before handling.

• Form the dough into a ball and use your rolling pin to flatten on a piece of parchment paper to prevent it from sticking to your surface.

A cuddly elephant shares Halloween thrills in gentle rhyme, while a sweet write-in memory page invites families to treasure those fall moments together. Ages 0-2.

ANOTHER By

Paul Tremblay

When 12-year-old Casey meets a silent, clay-faced boy named Morel, a creepy sleepover turns into a chilling tale of fear and belonging. Ages 8-12.

This collection of books was curated by freelance writer Lori Orlinsky, an award-winning, bestselling children’s book author and industry expert who lives and breathes children’s books.

Cottage Cheese Blueberry Muffins

By Melissa Koski Carney

During the school year, I’m always searching for quick and easy breakfasts and snacks. These muffins are sweet, but also have some extra protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/3 cup avocado oil

• ¾ cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup honey

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup plain cottage cheese (if you have picky eaters who are wary of texture, you can blend it first)

• 1 cup fresh or frozen (not thawed) blueberries

• Optional: Some extra cinnamon/ sugar for the top

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

• Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a muffin tin by lining it with liners or greasing it with non-stick spray. I like using a silicone muffin tin that I can spray lightly without lining.

• Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.

• Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, vanilla, honey, sugar and cottage cheese. Stir until combined well.

• Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined — do not overmix. Gently fold in the blueberries.

• Fill muffin tins: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups.

• Add the optional topping: Sprinkle a little cinnamon-sugar on top of each muffin for extra flavor and crunch.

• Bake: Start by baking your muffins at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, turn the oven down to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 15 to 18 minutes.

• Cool completely and enjoy!

These are great fresh right after they’ve cooled. I also like to store these in the freezer and take them out in the morning before popping them into my kids’ lunch boxes for school snacks.

Submissions for 18th Annual “Stop the Hate” Contest are Underway to Provide Students a Way to Speak Out

The “Stop the Hate” contest and program, from the Maltz Museum in Beachwood, gives students in Northeast Ohio an opportunity to reflect on real-life experiences in which they have witnessed, experienced or learned about hate, exclusion or injustice — and how to encourage others to take action — through personal essay writing. Students in grades six through 12, from Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties, can enter their essays for a chance to win scholarships.

The program, in its 18th year, has reached more than 50,000 Northeast Ohio students and has awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships. Starting this year, the grand prize essay scholarship has been increased to $30,000. Also, in response to the growing interest in poetry, it is expanding poem submissions.

This year’s program draws inspiration from the words of “Stop the Hate” alumnus Alex Stojsavljeciv, the 2011’s Grand Prize Winner, who wrote: “I have high hopes that one day I can look down upon the world and be glad in knowing that I had a part in it. In that regard, I believe I am just an ordinary teenager — I am living my life and creating a world that I want to live in.” Like Alex, students are asked to reflect on the quote and use their writing to imagine the world they want to live in.

Submissions should be made independently by students at maltzmuseum.org/sth/contest

WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE FLU

Senders Pediatrics provides a little insight on flu prevention this year

Last winter’s influenza (flu) season was characterized as a high severity season for all age groups — the first such season since the 2017-18 season. It was the highest cumulative flu-associated hospitalization rate since the 2010-11 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There were an estimated 46 million cases of influenza and 590,000 hospitalizations, with 28,000 adult deaths from influenza, according to a CDC report in April. There were 216 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported last season, the highest in history for a non-pandemic season.

The CDC recommended vaccine for the 2025-26 flu season is the same as it was for last year. All injected influenza vaccines will be trivalent (containing three strains): an H1N1 strain, an H3N2 strain, and a B strain to protect against the most common circulating strains.

The CDC is recommending a thimerosal-free (preservative free) formulation of flu vaccine, which is widely available.

Most side effects are mild. You cannot get the flu from a flu vaccine. If you rub the bandage immediately after the vaccination, you spread out the foreign protein in the muscle and reduce painful reactions significantly, according to Senders Pediatrics.

Flu vaccine is strongly recommended during pregnancy, as it has not been associated with greater infant mortality or miscarriage.

This season, FluMist, a nasal flu vaccine spray, will be available for consumers for self-administration by ordering on the FluMist website (flumist.com). It’s a live virus vaccine, approved for ages 2-49, that should not be used in people who have a severe allergy to eggs, have a history of asthma, are immunocompromised, or live with someone who is immunocompromised.

Since there has been inconsistent protection with this vaccine in the past, Senders Pediatrics is not recommending it for routine use this year.

Senders Pediatrics emphasizes that since the flu is already circulating in the community, parents should vaccinate their children and themselves against influenza.

Flu contributes to more lost school and work days, as well as more hospitalizations and deaths, than any other infectious disease in both adults and children.

For more information, visit senderspediatrics.com

7 WAYS OF AVOIDING THE FLU

1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too.

2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you’re sick.

3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Influenza viruses are thought to spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

6. Take steps for cleaner air. You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors.

7. Practice good hygiene and other healthy habits. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs regularly can help prevent the spread of some illnesses. Also, get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

BENEDICTINE

HIGH SCHOOL

Nov. 2

2900 MLK Jr. Dr., Cleveland 216-421-2080, cbhs.edu

GILMOUR ACADEMY

Oct. 26

34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills 440-473-8050, gilmour.org/visit

Fall Open Houses

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Lower & Middle Schools

Nov. 22

5000 Clubside Road, Lyndhurst Upper School Nov. 1

12465 County Line Road, Gates Mills Mastery School Nov. 8

11025 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 440-423-4446 hawken.edu

Birchwood School of Hawken

Oct. 19

4400 W. 140th St., Cleveland 216-251-2321 birchwoodschool.org

HERSHEY MONTESSORI

Upper School

Oct. 24, Nov. 21

11530 Madison Road, Huntsburg Twp. 440-636-6290

Lower School

Oct. 25, Nov. 22

10229 Prouty Road, Concord Twp. 440-357-0918 hershey-montessori.org

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS

Akron

Oct. 8, Nov. 7, Dec. 2 380 Mineola Ave., 330-333-5280

Brecksville

Oct. 14, Nov. 4, Dec. 4

8611 Wiese Road, 440-630-1711

Lyndhurst

Oct. 22, Nov. 12, Dec. 10

4982 Clubside Road

Westlake

Oct. 15, Nov. 20, Dec. 9

3600 Crocker Road, 440-471-4150 juliebilliartschool.org

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY

Nov. 14

37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-1175 lakeridgeacademy.org

LAUREL SCHOOL

Lyman Campus

Oct. 9

1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Hts.

Butler Campus Oct. 23

7420 Fairmount Road, Novelty 216-464-1441 laurelschool.org

MAGNIFICAT

Oct. 5

20770 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River 440-331-1572 magnificaths.org

MENLO PARK ACADEMY

Nov. 1

2149 W. 53rd St., Cleveland 440-925-6365 menloparkacademy.com

THE MUSIC SETTLEMENT’S CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

University Circle Campus

Nov. 13

11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland 216-421-5806

Ohio City Campus Nov. 13

2610 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-377-1410 themusicsettlement.org

OLD TRAIL SCHOOL

Oct. 10, Oct. 11, Nov. 6 2315 Ira Road, Bath 330-666-1118 oldtrail.org

RUFFING

MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Nov. 15

3380 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights 216-321-7571 ruffingmontessori.net

SAINT PASCHAL BAYLON CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Nov. 19

5360 Wilson Mills Road, Highland Heights 440-442-6766, saintpaschal.com

SPRING GARDEN

WALDORF SCHOOL

Oct. 15 (all school) Nov. 10 (preschool) 1791 S. Jacoby Road, Copley 330-666-0574 sgws.org

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Lower & Middle School Nov. 2

20701 Brantley Road, Shaker Heights 216-321-8260

Upper School Nov. 2

2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley 216-831-2200 us.edu

VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

Oct. 12

18491 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland 216-481-8414 vasj.com

Wickedly Good HALLOWEEN GAMES

Story By Denise Koeth

HALLOWEEN IS A MAGICAL TIME OF YEAR: THE COSTUMES, THE CANDY, AND JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SPOOKINESS. Enjoy Halloween thrills without the scares by planning a few fun, spookythemed games that are age-appropriate, laughter-filled and festive. These games rely on creativity, laughter and just enough “boo!” to keep things playful — so whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens or a mixed group, there’s plenty of fun for everyone. They’re perfect for a classroom party, neighborhood gathering or a low-key family night. As an added bonus, they’re easy to pull off with minimal prep.

1mummy wrap relay

(AGES 5+) Divide kids into teams and give each team a roll of toilet paper. One teammate becomes the “mummy” while the others race to wrap them up from head to toe. The first to finish — or the bestlooking mummy within a time limit — wins.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: The chaos of wrapping (and unwrapping) a giggling friend is half the fun.

TIP: Play inside, or on a smooth outdoor surface for easy cleanup.

2

witch hat ring toss

(AGES 3+) Transform an ordinary ring toss into something spellbinding. Use a cone-shaped witch hat (or several) and glow stick bracelets or plastic rings. Place the hats at various distances and challenge kids to land the rings over the tips. Assign point values to each hat for added excitement.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It’s simple, silly and the glow-in-the-dark option is especially fun at dusk.

TIP: Use small cauldrons or pumpkins in place of cones if you don’t have hats.

3

spoonful of eyeball(s)

(AGES 5+) This is like the classic egg-and-spoon race, but with plastic eyeballs (found at any party store). Mark a start and finish line, hand each racer a spoon with an “eyeball,” and let the wobbly fun begin.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It’s goofy, and the challenge of not dropping the “eye” adds suspense.

TIP: Add obstacles or make it a relay for older kids.

4

haunted feel box challenge

(AGES 7+) For this Halloween favorite, fill shoeboxes or foilcovered bowls with mystery items and cut holes for hands to reach in. Label them with spooky names like “witch’s hair” (cooked spaghetti), “eyeballs” (peeled grapes), “zombie brains” (Jell-O), or “vampire teeth” (candy corn).

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: The gross-out factor (without being truly gross) gets lots of giggles.

TIP: Keep it optional; some kids might be squeamish, and that’s okay.

5

Pumpkin Bowling

(AGES 3+) Paint empty cans or plastic bottles with spooky faces and stack them into a pyramid. Use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball and let kids take turns knocking down the pins.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It combines silliness with a satisfying crash when the pins fall.

TIP: Add glow sticks inside clear bottles to turn it into a nighttime glow bowl.

7

candy corn guessing GAME

(ALL AGES) Fill a jar with candy corn, gummy pumpkins or Halloween-colored M&Ms, and let kids guess how many pieces are inside. Closest guess wins the jar — or a smaller prize, if you’d like to avoid sugar overload.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: Everyone gets a chance to win, and it’s surprisingly suspenseful.

TIP: This works well as a calm activity at the start or end of your event.

8 spider web obstacle course

skeleton scavenger hunt

(AGES 6+) Buy an inexpensive plastic skeleton and disassemble it. Hide the bones around your house, yard or party area. Give kids a checklist or diagram and send them off on a hunt to find and assemble “Mr. Bones.” Adapt the hiding spot difficulty to participants’ ages.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It’s part mystery, part puzzle and feels like a spooky adventure.

TIP: For younger kids, hide larger pieces in easy-to-spot locations and give clues.

monster jam

(ALL AGES) Put on a playlist of Halloween hits — like “Monster Mash” or “Ghostbusters” — and have the kids dance like monsters. Pause the music randomly and call out a spooky pose in which they have to

freeze: zombie arms, vampire cape, witch’s cackle, etc.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It gets them moving and laughing while keeping energy high.

TIP: Have a panel of “mad scientist judges” award prizes for silliest poses.

9

(AGES 3+) Create a web using yarn or streamers taped across the length of a hallway in various directions. Kids must crawl, duck and twist their way through without touching the “web.”

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It’s like a mini spy mission with a Halloween twist.

TIP: For a party version, add glow-in-the-dark tape or blacklights.

10

ghost

bingo

(ALL AGES) Create custom Halloween bingo cards with images like black cats, candy corn, ghosts, pumpkins and spiders. Use candy corn or another small favorite treat as markers. Play rounds with small prizes like stickers, fidgets or temporary tattoos.

WHY KIDS LOVE IT: It’s familiar, festive and encourages a bit of friendly competition.

TIP: Download free Halloween bingo templates online or let older kids design their own.

not–so –scary haLL oween FUN

PICK - A - DAY

WEDNESDAYS

Family Fun Night. 4-8 p.m. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, 3319 Milan Road, Sandusky, ghostlymanor.com

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS

Halloween Fair. Haunted walking trail, pumpkin lagoon, train rides. 10/10-25. Carlisle Reservation, 12882 Diagonal Road, Lagrange, loraincountymetroparks.com

Spooky Science. 10/17 opening night, 10/18 astronomy night, 10/24, costume contest, 10/25 trick-or-treat. Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, beechcreekgardens.org

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

Boo at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Family-friendly after-hours Halloween. Through 10/26. Thurs-Sun. 5-9 p.m. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Halloween Drive-Thru. Experience playfully frightful sites throughout the park. 6:30-8:30 p.m. 10/10-26. Lake Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Boo at the Akron Zoo. Put on your costume, grab a candy bag. 10/11-26. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

DAY - BY - DAY

10/10

Trunk or Treat. Get ready for a spooktacularly fun evening. 6-8 p.m. Sweet Kiddles, 32900 Pin Oak Pkwy., Avon Lake, sweetkiddles.com/avon-lake

10/10-11

Enchanted Forest. Meet costumed volunteers such as black bear, dirt, luna moth and slug along the pumpkin-lit trails. 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave., SW, Wilmot, wildernesscenter.org

10/10-12

The Chillicothe Halloween Festival. A three-day festival celebrating the fun of Halloween. Yoctangee Park, 1 Annex, N. Park Dr., Chillicothe chillicothehalloweenfestival.com

10/11

Spooky Pooch Parade. A celebration of costumed canines, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Madison Park, 13201 Madison Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodalive.org

10/17

Fall Family Stroll. Treats, instrument discovery and interactive activities. 5:30-7 p.m. The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org

10/17-18

Halloween All Aboard. Wear costumes and take a ride on the miniature railroad. 6-8 p.m. Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturday. Lester Rail Trail, 3654 Lester Rd., Medina, medinacountyparks.com

10/17-18, 10/24-25

Pumpkins & Piranhas. Not-so-spooky Halloween fun. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com

10/18

Trunk or Treat. Explore trucks and vehicles that keep parks beautiful while collecting treats. 5-7 p.m. Silver Creek Metro Park, 5170 S. Medina Line Road, Norton, summitmetroparks.org

Bones, Bones, Bones. Everywhere you look in these fascinating paleontological sites, you will see bones, bones, bones. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

Trick or Treat Trail. Take a walk around the park, collect candy and goodies, and participate in a costume contest. 2:30 p.m. Green Central Park, 1795 Steese Road, Green, cityofgreen.org

Family Fun Fair and Exceptionalities Expo. A caring, not scary event for the whole family. Costumes, vendors, food and more. 12-3 p.m. The Church at Silver Lake, 2951 Kent Road, Silver Lake, mcbdd.org

10/19

Halloween Spooktacular. An enchanting program filled with musical tricks and treats. 1 p.m. Severance Hall, Mandel Concert Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

10/23

Halloween Boo-tique. Join in your Halloween costume for a fun evening of trick-or-treating. 5-7 p.m. Eton Chagrin Boulevard, 28867 Chagrin Blvd. Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com

10/25

Trick & Treats. Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready to kick off the weekend with some Halloween fun. 12-3 p.m. Crocker Park, 177 Market St., Westlake, crockerpark.com

Bootanical Bash. Little wizards and witches meander their way from the seasonally decorated terrace to the Hershey Children’s Garden gathering treats. 6-9 p.m. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, holdenfg.org

Hands-On Halloween. Experience a not-so-spooky monster course thrill, parade march, spooky snacks and creative Halloween STEM adventures. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

Haunted Gingerbread Houses. Families are invited to assemble and decorate a haunted gingerbread house together. 11 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

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10/25-26

Trick-or-Treat on the Farm. Interact with alpacas and goats, visit a fairy garden, ring the farm bell and more. Pure Passions Farm, 7679 Season Road, Kent, purepassionsfarm.com

10/31

Skulls, Bones and Skeletons. Spooky animal forensics and a discussion and viewing of many different animal bones. 1-3 p.m. Chippewa Lake, Krabill Lodge 7597 Ballash Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com

CHILLs haLL oween

CHILLs haLL oween

PICK - A - DAY

THURSDAY-SUNDAY

Spooky Ranch. Includes the extreme nightmares haunted house, the famous haunted hayride, the haunted barn and more. Through 11/2. Rockin’ R Ranch, 19066 E. River Road, Columbia Station, spookyranch.com

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

Hudson Haunted House. Visit the monster of all haunted houses. Through 11/1. 7:30-11 p.m. Hudson Jaycees, 2250 Barlow Road, Hudson, hudsonhauntedhouse.org

Lake Erie Fearfest. Plan your visit for one of the scariest haunted houses in Ohio... if you dare. 8-11 p.m. 3319 Milan Road, Sandusky, lakeeeriefearfest.com

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Haunted Schoolhouse and Laboratory. Enjoy 7 floors of terrifying sights sounds and scares. Through 11/1. 1300 Triplett Blvd., Akron, hauntedschoolhouse.com

Factory of Terror. This is an extreme haunt and not intended for children under 12. Through 11/1. 4125 Mahoning Road NE, Canton, fotohio.com

Carnival of Horrors. Travel through an abandoned fun house, an insane asylum and freak show in 3D. Through 11/1. 7:30 p.m. Stark County Fairgrounds, 305 Wertz Ave. NW., Canton, carnivalofhorrors.com

DAY - BY - DAY

10/10

Horror on the Big Screen: Poltergeist. A family’s home becomes the center of paranormal activity and they must cross over to the “other side” to get their daughter back. 7-9 p.m. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

10/24

Botanical Garden After Dark. Leave the kiddos at home and enjoy a night out at the Garden with creature features, a spooky DJ and more. 7-11 p.m. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., holdenfg.org

10/24-25

Mysteries of the Manor Haunted Golf Cart. Get your socks scared off as you view the frightening sights and sounds. Friday 6-9:55 p.m. & Saturday 2-9:55 p.m. Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road Mentor, cityofmentor.com

10/31

Circa Thriller! A Halloween Dance Party. Featuring a costume contest and a spooky dance floor perfect for kooky music and dancing. 7:30-11 p.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

FALL FUN EVENTS

PICK - A - DAY

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Derthick’s Corn Maze. Corn mazes, jump pad, monster clue maze game, safe archery and big slides. Through 10/26. Derthick’s Farm & Corn Maze, 5182 Twinsburg Warren Road, Mantua, derthickcornmaze.com

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Old West Pumpkin Fest at Rockin’-R-Ranch. More than just pumpkins, it’s fall fun for everyone. 12-5 p.m. 19066 E. River Road, Columbia Station, clevelandhayride.com

42nd Annual Pumpkin Festival. Enjoy a fall day of family fun on the farm. Through 10/26. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Red Wagon Farm, 16081 E. River Road, Columbia Station, redwagonfarm.com

Fun Farm Activities. U-pick apples, maze and other activities. Through 11/2. Hillcrest Orchards, 50336 Telegraph Road. Amherst, hillcrestfunfarm.com

ONGOING

THROUGH 10/5

Corn Maze. Winding paths that steer you to intersections where you must decide where to go. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

THROUGH 10/25

Pumpkin Pandemonium. Scavenger hunt, harvest maze, hayride and more. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, heritagefarms.com

THROUGH 10/31

Pumpkin Days at Nickajack Farms. Pumpkin bowling, paintball and a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 2955 Manchester Ave., Canal Fulton, nickajackfarms.com

THROUGH

11/2

Family Fun Fest. Enjoy giant covered straw piles, tons of slides, pedal tractors and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Patterson’s Farm, 8765 Mulberry Road, pattersonfarm.com

THROUGH 11/30

Trekking Through Autumn. Hike eight or more designated trails and receive an award. Medina County Park District, medinacountyparks.com

Fall Hiking Spree. Explore the trails while enjoying the fall colors. Firstyear hikers earn a staff and shield. summitmetroparks.org

DAY - BY - DAY

10/3-5

Norton Cider Festival. Apple decorating, train rides, inflatables, fireworks and more. Columbia Woods Park, 4060 Columbia Woods Dr., Norton, nortonciderfestival.com

10/3-25

Pumpkins and Ponies. Pony rides, horse rides, hayrides and more. Fridays and Saturdays. Spring Mist Farms, 691 Pearl Road, Brunswick Hills, springmistfarms.com

10/4

Shaker Lakes AutumnFest. Decorate a magic pumpkin, climb the enchanted beanstalk, take a hike, enjoy face painting and make a children’s craft. 3-7 p.m. Shaker Lakes Nature Center. 2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Hts., shakerlakes.org

Solon Fall Fest. Decorate pumpkins, play in the corn box, compete in backyard games and enjoy a petting zoo. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Solon Community Park, 6645 SOM Center Road, solonohio.org

10/4-5, 10/11-12

Hale Farm Harvest Festival. Experience the seasonal work of a 19th century farm like cider pressing and fermentation. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, wrhs.org

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10/5, 10/18-19

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides. Enjoy sights, sounds and scents of fall with a horse-drawn wagon ride through the woods. 1-5 p.m.Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield Twp, geaugaparkdistrict.org

10/10-12

Fall Fest & Ski Swap. Enjoy a weekend of fall-themed activities, including food trucks, free s'mores, fire pits, pumpkin painting, and more. Brandywine Ski Resort, 1146 W. Highland Rd., Northfield, bmbw.com

10/11

Family Fall Fest. Celebrate the fall season with this free, non-scary family event. 2-5 p.m. Sippo Lake Park-North, 5712 12th St., Canton, starkparks.com

10/11-12

Fall Forest Fest. Fall wagon rides, crafts and more. Through 10/12. 10 a.m.-

4 p.m. Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenfg.org

Apple Butter Festival. Take turns stirring apple butter, watch giant kites fly, shop and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St., Burton, centuryvillagemuseum.org

10/14

Pumpkin Carving. Create a seasonal work of art. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org

10/18

Yay! Fall Fun. Food, activities, educational zones, an outdoor movie and more. 1-6 p.m. Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, universitycircle.org

Fall Festival. An afternoon of carnival games, crafts and festive activities. 1-6 p.m. Camp Christopher, 1930 N. Hametown Road, Akron, ccdocle.org/fallfest

10/21

Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt. Learn to navigate the outdoors with confidence with a map compass. 1:302:30 p.m. Garfield Park Reservation, 11350 Broadway Ave, Cleveland, clevelandmetroparks.com

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CHECK OUT THESE ADVERTISERS FOR SEASONAL ADVENTURES!

FALL FUN LISTINGS

Ghostly Manor ThriLL Center

Ghostly Manor Thrill Center is a family-owned destination packed with excitement for all ages. This October, dive into spooky fun with the all-new Treasure Bay 3D Mini Golf, the heart-pounding XD Dark Ride and the nationally recognized haunted house. Little ones can join the adventure, too, with a bounce house and play area just for them. With so many attractions under one roof, it’s the perfect spot for family fun and unforgettable memories. Stay in the know by following on Facebook or visiting ghostlymanor.com

Lorain County Metro Parks

Join the Lorain County Metro Parks to celebrate a half century of Halloween fun. The 50th Halloween Fair will be held October 10, 11, 17, 18, 25, and 26 with a special sensory-friendly, all-ability day on Thursday, October 9. Tickets are on sale at loraincountymetroparks.com/ halloween. Admission is $7 per person and available through presale only — no onsite ticket sales. loraincountymetroparks.com

NickaJack Farms

Pumpkin Days at NickaJack Farms is open every day 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through October 31. Purchase your tickets online or at the door. Activities include wagon rides, corn maze, pony rides, animals, corn crib, peddle carts and much more. Interested in only pumpkins and decor? The perfect non-admission area is full of fall fun. The farm grows 75 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, and squash. Mums, large and small straw bales, corn and corn stalk bundles available for sale. nickajackfarms.com

Patterson Fruit Farm

Patterson Farm hosts its Family Fun Fest, a young-family oriented creative farm outdoor play area, daily from Sept. 13 through Nov. 2 at 8765 Mulberry Road in Chesterland. Reached by a wagon ride, it includes a huge pavilion of straw, corn maze climbing tractor, tree house, homemade go-carts, pumpkin painting, PYO apples and pumpkins are available. Food concession on weekends. Call 440-729-7144 for updates on weather conditions and closings. Visit the Farm Market at 11414 Caves Road, open daily year round. pattersonfarm.com

Red Wagon Farm

Every fall they turn the working farm into an amazing place for families to come visit and spend the day “unplugged”. Their wagon ride through the Land of the Scarecrows, five-acre corn maze challenge, kid’s play area and giant corn kernel pit are family favorites. They now offer a brewery, beer tent and live music to add to the adult fun. Please visit the website for hours of operation, redwagonfarm.com

REDWAGONFARM

Summit Metro Parks

There are countless opportunities to celebrate the arrival of autumn with Summit Metro Parks. Watch lumberjack glitter (otherwise known as sawdust) fly at Fall Family Outing on October 4 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Munroe Falls Metro Park (521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls). You’ll have the chance to watch lumberjacks and jills speed climb poles, perform springboard chops and more. Enjoy kids’ activities, food trucks, seasonal refreshments, hayrides, bonfires and other delights of the season. View this and other activities at summitmetroparks.org.

Make Their Big Day Magical: 6

Creative Kids Party Experiences

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

Looking for the ultimate wow-factor for your child’s birthday? Consider an “experience party” that turns their special day into an unforgettable adventure. Imagine feeding a giraffe or skating under disco lights with friends. These kinds of parties create not only fun in the moment, but memories that kids will talk about long after the candles are blown out.

HERE

ARE SIX CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR CHILD’S BIG DAY TRULY MAGICAL.

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS.

Get up close and personal to their favorite furry, feathered and finned friend with an animal experience birthday party. Some zoos or aquariums offer birthday party fun with admission for guests, behind the scenes tours, party rooms and even a chance to meet some animals. For families looking for something more adventurous, consider a drivethru safari park, where giraffes and zebras stroll right up to the car windows. Local petting zoos and nature centers also bring hands-on fun, while farms and horse stables offer pony rides and cuddle time with other barnyard animals.

GET ARTSY.

Your child and their friends can spend quality time together and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir with an art birthday party. Enjoy some uniquely messy fun at a paint splatter room where guests are encouraged to fling, drip and splash paint in any direction. If you’re looking for a calmer vibe, pottery painting studios offer a cozy and creative atmosphere to make something special.

From hockey parties to ice skating, ice rinks can transform birthdays into winter wonderlands, anytime of the year. On the other hand, roller rinks deliver retro fun with disco lights, music, and plenty of room for kids to show off their moves. Both options keep kids moving and guarantee lots of giggles.

ninja course, trampoline park or indoor rock climbing. Put their climbing, jumping and swinging skills to the test in a safe, structured environment.

BIG SCREENS AND HIGH SCORES. Give your child the red carpet treatment with their own private movie screening at your local movie theater, complete with popcorn and their favorite flick. For gamers, level up the fun and friendly competition with a party at an arcade or rent a mobile gaming truck.

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. For curious kids who love to learn, science and children’s museums offer parties with interactive exhibits, private classrooms, and even

PARTY PLANNER Advertiser Listings

Common Ground Center

Celebrate with an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Host your next birthday, team milestone, or special occasion at Common Ground in Oberlin, with Tree Climbing or Zipline Party packages. Tree Climbing Party (Ages 6+) — Harness up and explore the forest canopy. Zipline Party (Ages 10+) —soar through the trees with your private group. Learn more and book your adventure at commongroundcenter.org/partypackages

Cuts N Curls

They do more than haircuts at Cuts N Curls. Voted best party venue three years in a row. Be a princess for a day and book a princess party or royal treatment. Parties include glamorous updos with glitter and hair bling. Fabulous manicures, makeup, fun tattoos, crafts and games. Once you’re all glammed up, walk the runway for a red carpet fashion show. Sit back and relax, they have your next birthday covered. cutsncurls.net

Face

Painting by Virginia Wall.

Creating smiles, one face at a time. Face painting for birthday parties, school and church events, and holiday and corporate parties. Call 440-413-5174 or visit, virginiawall.wixsite.com/mysite

Gather ‘Round Games & Collectibles

Snapology

This family-owned and operated Poke Center was established in 2025 with the mission of providing TCGs to the community at fair pricing for all. Board games, puzzles, Magic: The Gathering, Lorcana, LoungeFly, supplies and much more. Bring the family in today and Gather ‘Round for all your games, gear and supplies. They can order WarHammer too. Tournaments are coming soon. 121 Ghent Road., Fairlawn, 330-300-0252

Snapology provides children’s enrichment with year-round STEAM learning programs in the community and at its Beachwood Discovery Center. Their instructors engage students using fun, hands-on lessons to explore robotics, coding, engineering and design challenges using LEGO® bricks. The programs are offered as after-school enrichment programs, summer and vacation camps, workshops, field trips, birthday parties and custom events. Call or text 216-990-8988 or visit snapology.com/ohio-cleveland

Tracking Developmental Milestones

By Aisha Taylor

Do you ever find yourself wondering if your child is developing “on time”? As a parent, you want to ensure your child has the best start in life, and that often comes with questions about whether they are reaching key developmental milestones. While it’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, developmental milestones are here to guide you, not define your children, as they grow.

According to Dr. Katherine Meyers, a developmental pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, you are the true expert on your child.

“You know (their) rhythms, personality and progress better than anyone else — and that’s why being aware of developmental milestones is so important,” she says. “If something doesn’t seem right to you, you’re likely the first person to notice — it’s about being your child’s best advocate.”

UNDERSTANDING THE MILESTONES

A developmental milestone is a specific skill or behavior that most children can achieve by a certain age. They are broken down into several different categories that are often measured by tools like the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ).

The key areas measured by the ASQ include:

• Communication (how a child expresses himself and understands language)

• Gross Motor Skills (the use of large muscles for walking, running and balancing)

• Fine Motor Skills (the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers for tasks like picking up objects)

• Problem-Solving (how a child thinks, learns and plays)

• Personal-Social Development

(self-help skills and social interactions with others)

Joan Hamm, executive director of the Early Childhood Enrichment Center, explains professionals such as early childhood educators and pediatricians use the ASQ to provide a structured way to monitor a child’s progress across various domains.

Parents can also access and complete the ASQ for their children at home through the Help Me Grow (Bright Beginnings) Sparkler app — instructions to download are on the Help Me Grow website.

While some parents wonder which is the most important milestone they should focus on, Meyers says that it’s difficult to pinpoint a single most important milestone “because it’s constantly adjusting and evolving over time.”

“The biggest misconception is that

“You know (their) rhythms, personality and progress better than anyone else — and that’s why being aware of developmental milestones is so important.”

— Dr. Katherine Meyers, a developmental pediatrician at Cleveland Clinic Children’s

all kids, even siblings, are going to meet milestones at the same pace, at the same time, and in the same way,” Meyers says, adding even with her professional knowledge, she was surprised to see her own children develop at their own individual pace.

Knowing this helps parents avoid the trap of comparison.

Hamm explains that development follows a bell-shaped curve. Some children may walk at nine months, while others may not walk until 18 months –and both are perfectly normal.

“That doesn’t mean you’ve missed the milestone,” Hamm says. “It simply means that learning occurs over time and requires practice. It’s the repetition that leads to the mastery of a skill, so a child may just need more time and opportunity to practice.”

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT

Many parents wonder how they can support their child’s development at home. The good news is much of what you are already doing is helping to support your child’s development.

OBSERVE AND PLAY

Hamm notes that early childhood educators evaluate children by looking at things like a child’s persistence with a puzzle or how he holds a pencil. Parents can do the same.

“Play is how children learn,” says Hamm, adding to look for opportunities for creative and imaginative play. For example, a toddler might just dump a bin of colorful toy dogs on the floor, but eventually, he will learn to sort them by color or shape — a key cognitive skill.

Children also learn by mimicking, so a great way to help them develop is to model the behavior you want to see.

Hamm explains, when you toss a ball, your child sees that and wants to copy you, which is a great way to practice gross motor skills. A two-year-old or an 18-month-old may not be great at catching the ball, but as Hamm

explains, over time as the child mimics our behavior the child will make the connection of how to close her hands around the ball to catch it.

If your child is old enough to safely play with beans, sorting them is a great way to work on fine motor skills and also a valuable pre-math skill. You can also get child-friendly tweezers and have your child pick up pom-pom balls and put them in a bowl or a cup. This simple activity helps develop the fine motor skills needed for writing. If in some instances you would like your child to get more practice building a skill, look for toys that are designed to work on those specific skills.

TALK TO YOUR CHILD

Language is a top concern for many parents, and the best way to encourage it is to let your child hear it. Talk about your day, describe what you’re doing, and read books.

Hamm encourages parents to ask their children questions about what they’re doing when they’re playing to encourage them to think about and describe what they are doing.

“That basic language goes a really long way for kids learning to under stand how language actually works,” Meyers adds.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES FOR OLDER KIDS

While the focus for younger chil dren is often on foundational skills like walking and talking, milestones continue throughout childhood.

“A lot of what our focus is on young er kids is, how much are they talking? What do their social interactions look like? How are they moving and walk ing?” Meyers says.

As they get older, the milestones evolve and change. For elementary, middle and high school-aged children, the focus shifts more to cognitive and academic abilities, social skills and emotional development.

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Parents should also pay closer attention to how independent their child is becoming over time.

“We look for a buildup of stronger reasoning skills, math skills and reading comprehension, as well as an increased ability to pay attention,”Meyers says.

“We also want to see a gradual increase in emotional understanding of friendships and relationships, and an ability to understand the feelings of others.

At the same time, we’d expect to see a

refinement of foundational skills, with language becoming more complex and motor skills becoming more coordinated.”

NEXT STEPS

Meyers explains that pediatricians are moving away from the term “red flag.”

“Realistically, we’re focusing a little bit more on, at any given age, what do we expect most kids to be doing at this point in time? Rather than saying, ifby this point you’re not doing X, Y and Z,

this is a red flag,” she says. “I know the terminology is a little confusing, but it’s helping us as pediatricians identify kids a little bit better, and again, taking some of that intimidation factor out of those red flags.”

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU’RE CONCERNED?

• Talk to your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor is a developmental expert who can screen for delays and offer guidance. Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns during a check-up, even if the concerns seem small.

• Speak with your child’s teacher or childcare provider. Teachers spend a lot of time with your child and can offer a different perspective. They are a valuable partner in your child’s development and can help you figure out if what you’re seeing is a temporary phase or something that needs more attention.

• Use reliable resources. The CDC has a great program called “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” that provides parents with reliable checklists and videos. Early intervention services are also available for free in every state for children under three. In Ohio, these services are called Help Me Grow (Bright Beginnings).

There is no book you can open to find a definitive answer about whether your child has hit a specific milestone — there are so many factors.

You should always feel empowered to go to your child’s teacher with your concerns, as they often spend enough time with children to know if a behavior is something he or she will outgrow, or if it’s a sign that warrants further action, Hamm says. With so many factors at play, it’s always best to turn to professionals with your questions. Your child’s doctor and their teachers are valuable partners in their development.

Connecting with Your PRETEEN

Staying connected as kids near their teen years and become more independent may become a challenge for parents. But it’s as important as ever — if not more so.

As children enter the preteen phase of life, activities at school, new interests and a growing social life become more and more of a focus for them. Even so, parents are still important anchors in the life of a preteen, providing love, guidance and support.

A connection to their parents gives preteens a sense of security and helps build the resilience kids need to roll with life’s ups and downs.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?

This can be a difficult phase for parents. Your preteen may suddenly act as if your guidance isn’t welcome or needed, and even seem embarrassed by you at times. This is when kids start to confide more in peers and request their space and privacy — expect the bedroom door to be shut more often.

As hard as it might be to accept these changes, try not to take them personally. They’re all normal signs of growing independence. The best way to deal with them is through balance: allow growing room by expanding boundaries while continuing to enforce important house rules and family values. For example, a child who asks for more privacy might be allowed to earn the privilege of getting a bedroom door lock by doing household chores for a set amount of time.

Parents don’t have to let go entirely. You’re still a powerful influence — it’s just that your preteen might be more responsive to the example you set rather than the instructions you give. Be sure to practice what you’d like to preach; just preach it a little less for now.

By modeling the qualities that you want your preteen to learn and practice — respectful communication, kindness, healthy habits and fulfilling everyday responsibilities without complaining — you make it more likely that they will comply.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?

Small, simple things can reinforce connection. Make room in your schedule for special times, take advantage of the routines you already share, and show that you care.

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A connection to their parents gives preteens a sense of security and helps build the resilience kids needs to roll with life’s ups and downs.

HERE ARE SOME TIPS:

• Family meals: It may seem like a chore to prepare a meal, particularly after a long day. But a shared family meal can provide valuable together time. Scheduling the meal just as you would any other activity can be a helpful way to make sure that it is a priority in your day. Whether the meal is homecooked, take-out or somewhere in-between, sit down together. Turn off the TV and put away cellphones. If shared mealtime is impossible to do every night, schedule a regular weekly family dinner on a night that fits kids’ schedules. Make it something fun and consider getting everyone involved in the preparation and cleanup. Sharing an activity helps build closeness and connection, and everyone pitching in reinforces a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

• Bedtime and goodnight: Your child may not need to be tucked in now, but maintaining a consistent bedtime routine helps preteens get the sleep needed to grow healthy and strong. So work in some winding-down time together before the lights go out. Read together. Go over the highlights of the day and talk about tomorrow. And even if your preteen has outgrown the tuck-in routine, there’s still a place for a goodnight kiss or hug. If it’s shrugged off or makes your preteen uncomfortable, be respectful of their physical boundaries and try a gentle hand on the shoulder or back as you wish your child a good night’s sleep.

• Share ordinary time: Find little things that let you just hang out together. Invite your preteen to come with you to walk the dog. Ask if you can join them on their run. Washing the car, baking cookies, streaming a movie, watching a favorite TV show — all are opportunities to enjoy each other’s company. Time spent together is a chance for kids to talk about what’s on their mind. Even riding in the car is an opportunity to connect. When you’re driving, your preteen may be more inclined to mention a troubling issue. Since you’re focused on the road, they don’t have to make eye contact, which can ease any discomfort about opening up.

• Create special time: Make a tradition out of celebrating family milestones beyond birthdays and holidays. Marking smaller occasions like a good report card or the end of a sports season helps reinforce family bonds.

• Show affection: Don’t underestimate the value of saying and showing how much you love your preteen. Doing so ensures that kids feel secure and loved while demonstrating healthy ways to show affection. Still, preteens may start to feel self-conscious about big displays of affection from parents, especially in public. They may pull away from your hug and kiss, but it’s important to recognize that this is about boundaries, not about you. Reserving this type of affection for times when friends aren’t around can be helpful. When in public, find other ways to show that you care. A smile or a wave can convey a warm send-off while respecting important physical boundaries. Recognize out loud your child’s wonderful qualities and developing skills when you see them. You

might say, “That’s a beautiful drawing — your art skills have grown so much this year” or “You worked so hard during baseball practice today — I loved watching you out there.”

• Stay involved: Stay involved in your preteen’s expanding pursuits. Getting involved gives you more time together and shared experiences. At the same time, recognize that it is OK for your child to want to do activities independently. You don’t have to be the Scout leader, homeroom mom, or soccer coach to be involved. Go to games and practices when you can; when you can’t, ask how things went and listen attentively. Help kids talk through the disappointments, and be sympathetic about the missed fly ball that won the game for the other team. Your attitude about setbacks will teach your preteen to accept and feel OK about them, and to summon the courage to try again.

• Stay interested: Stay interested and curious about your preteen’s ideas, feelings and experiences. Understand that it’s OK for their opinions to be different from your own. If you listen to what they’re saying, you’ll get a better sense of the guidance, perspective and support needed. Respond in a nonjudgmental way and your child will be more likely to come to you when tough issues arise.

• Manage electronic devices: As kids get older, they’re more likely to have (and increasingly use) their own tablets, laptops or phones. While some screen time is a helpful way for preteens to stay connected with their friends, excessive or unrestricted use can lead to challenges and reduce the quality and frequency of family time. Set limits consistent with your values while allowing freedom within those limits. Don’t spy on social media and text conversations unless it’s necessary for your child’s safety and well-being. Settings that limit screen time and filters for apps, programs, games and parental control sites can help you enforce boundaries. Finally, make sure that you model healthy electronics use.

• Shift your communication style: Your preteen’s newfound independence will probably lead to some important changes in communication. While a young child might appreciate you solving a problem with a friend by calling their mother, a preteen probably won’t want this type of solution. For many preteens, the point of discussing a life challenge with a parent is no longer about parent problem-solving; it’s about listening and support. You might feel the urge to solve every problem your preteen mentions (or call their teachers or friends to deal with it directly). But for small problems, remember that they might be looking for a place to vent and the support to figure it out on their own. When you hear about a problem that doesn’t need an adult solution, try saying something like, “That sounds really tough, I can see why it would make you angry. I’m here for you if you need anything or want to talk about it a little more.” If they want help, they’ll ask you for it. Your support, listening and empathy will help them feel empowered to find solutions on their own.

When Should Parents Give Their Tween a Smart Phone?

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

It’s the parenting dilemma of the digital age: When should you give your child their first cellphone?

For many families, middle school is when the social pressure kicks in and you start hearing, “Everyone has one but me,” from your tween.

There’s no set age for getting a child a cellphone. Instead, experts recommend weighing factors such as your child’s maturity and your family’s needs to help decide when the time is right.

WAIT UNTIL EIGHTH GRADE

According to a 2021 report by Common Sense Media, 42% of kids have a phone by age 10, 71% by age 12 and 91% by age 14.

The national “Wait Until 8th” campaign encourages parents to delay giving their child a smartphone until at least eighth grade. The parenting campaign links early smartphone use to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep and exposure to social media pressures that can lower self-esteem. According to the campaign, delaying a phone also gives kids more

time to build face-to-face social skills, develop independence offline and learn how to manage responsibility in smaller ways before tackling a device that puts the entire world at their fingertips.

Still, many parents find that middle school is exactly the time when a phone becomes useful — and sometimes necessary. Whether you’re managing sports practice drop-offs or your child is hanging out at a friend’s house, having a direct line of communication provides peace of mind.

Phone Safety Tips for Parents:

Phones open a whole new world for tweens, which can be useful and risky. Setting clear rules and safety measures from the start helps your child use their device responsibly. Here are some tips for keeping your tween safe and setting healthy boundaries.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PHONE.

Having a phone doesn’t have to mean unlimited access. Kid-friendly devices allow only calls and texts, offer built-in parental controls and block internet or social media access. Consider what your child will primarily use the phone for, and how much access feels appropriate.

SET RULES AND EXPECTATIONS.

Talk about when and where the phone can be used and how long your child is allowed on it at one time. A written phone contract between you and your child can help make boundaries clear

LIMITED ACCESS IS OK.

It’s OK for your child to have limited access to social media apps until your family is completely comfortable with him or her using these platforms. Talk to your child and let them know their safety is your priority. It’s best to set limits early, instead of taking them away. Start slow and introduce new apps when you feel they are appropriate for your child.

TEACH PRIVACY AND ETIQUETTE.

Remind your child screenshot of messages and photos can happen and be shared without their consent. A good rule of thumb: Don’t type anything in a message that you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying out loud. Also, they shouldn’t take photos of body parts or private areas such as locker rooms or bathrooms, which is not appropriate — and can come with legal consequences.

MONITOR WITH TRANSPARENCY.

Use parental controls to track screen time and set limits. Be upfront with your child about how you’ll monitor their usage. Spot checks are reasonable, but reading every message without their knowledge can damage trust.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

Phones come with risks — from cyberbullying to inappropriate content. If you notice sudden changes in your child’s behavior, such as withdrawal, secrecy or signs of bullying, address it right away with your child and, if needed, a counselor or health professional.

Things to Consider:

Life360

A lifesaver app where you can track your whole family members movements. This is great for tweens/teens. (Some drawbacks: create a rule that kids are not allowed to turn it off). life360.com

Bark

The Bark phone might be a great first phone for your kids. It monitors your kids’ social, texts and apps. bark.us

Google Family Link

It might be a good option for parental controls for Android users. (Drawbacks: Not user friendly with Apple devices) families.google/familylink

Aura

Set screen time limits, block inappropriate websites and apps, and get real-time alerts about cyberbullying or predators in online games. Apple (iOS) and Android devices. aura.com/parental-controls.

Apple Screen Time

The feature for iOS and iPadOS devices that allows parents to set parental controls by managing app usage, restricting content and setting downtime on their child’s device. support.apple.com

Wait Until 8th

By signing this pledge, you promise not to give your child a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade as long as at least 10 families total from your child’s grade and school pledge. waituntil8th.org

How to Help Middle Schoolers and Tweens Avoid the Rumor Mill

By Aisha Taylor

Are you noticing your middle schooler or tween talking more about the rumors she hears in school? Are you wondering how to help her navigate this landscape? The “rumor mill” consists of discussions that happen behind someone’s back, without their knowledge, and saying things you wouldn’t say if that person were present.

Kristen Hopkins, a mom of five, says, “These discussions are not only unkind, but they also damage friendships. Spreading rumors erodes trust and can ruin relationships. If you hear a friend gossiping about

someone else, it’s natural to wonder, ‘What do they say about me when I’m not around?’”

She adds it all comes down to the golden rule: Treat others how you want to be treated. Nobody wants their private business discussed without their consent, especially when untruths are being shared.

WHY ARE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS PRONE TO SPREADING RUMORS?

Lauren Jasica, assistant principal at Global Ambassadors Language Academy in Cleveland, explains that middle schoolers are especially prone to spreading rumors for a few reasons.

She says that at this age, they’re trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in, and having “inside information” can feel like a way to gain attention or status. They’re also still developing their social skills, so sometimes rumors become an unhealthy outlet for frustration or conflict. While their thinking skills are growing, they don’t always recognize the long-term harm words can cause.

On top of that, Jasica adds, friendships and peer groups mean everything at this stage, so students may use rumors to strengthen certain

bonds or exclude others.

“Technology only adds fuel to the fire, making it easier and faster to spread things without considering the consequences,” she says. “Because tweens are testing boundaries and exploring independence, they may spread rumors just to see what kind of influence they have.”

HOW TO HELP A CHILD WHO HAS BEEN TARGETED BY RUMORS

When a child is the target of rumors, Jasica says the most important step is to respond with care, consistency and clear communication. The first thing parents and educators can do is listen and give the child space to share his or her story, making sure to validate his feelings. Rumors hurt, and it’s important for students to feel understood. Reassurance is also key — reminding the child that they’re not alone and that this doesn’t define who he is can make a huge difference.

“At school, staff should calmly investigate by gathering facts and documenting what’s happening so the spread can be stopped quickly,” she says. Students responsible for spreading the rumor should then be addressed directly and held accountable, while the child who was targeted should be offered support through check-ins, safe spaces and strong peer connections. Communication with families is essential to keep everyone aligned, and children should be guided in building coping skills like confidence and knowing when to ask for help. These moments also provide an opportunity to reinforce school values like kindness, respect and digital citizenship.

HOW TO WORK WITH A CHILD WHO IS SPREADING RUMORS

Working with a student who is spreading rumors requires a balance

of accountability and support. Students need to understand the damage rumors can cause and should be given clear expectations and consequences when their behavior is harmful, Jasica explains. At the same time, she also suggests that they should be offered opportunities to reflect and grow, such as through restorative conversations or time with a counselor.

She encourages parents to reinforce these lessons at home by talking about empathy, respect and the importance of honesty while encouraging their child to build friendships in healthier ways.

“The goal isn’t only to stop the rumor, but to help the student develop the social and emotional skills she needs to manage conflict and relationships more positively,” Jasica says.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP THEIR CHILD AVOID PARTICIPATING IN RUMOR MILLS

Hopkins suggests being transparent with your child if you have engaged in spreading or sharing rumors by saying, “I understand the struggle. I’ve struggled with this as well.”

Help your child see that it’s a common temptation for many people, but that doesn’t make it right.

“It’s important to get to the heart of the matter and go beyond simply telling your child that gossip is wrong,” Hopkins says. “Help (them) understand that it is unkind. Taking the extra time to have this conversation, even when you’re busy or tired, is important.”

Beyond simply telling kids not to spread rumors, Jasica says it’s important to give them the tools to resist social pressure when it comes up. This means teaching them simple, confident responses they can

use, like redirecting the conversation or making it clear they don’t want to participate in gossip. Practicing these responses through roleplay can make students feel more prepared. Encourage your child to be someone who helps stop the spread of rumors.

Hopkins suggests that kids can learn to take a pause before speaking and ask themselves, “Is what I’m saying kind or loving? Am I being a good friend right now?”

She also recommends that they be proactive and avoid being sucked into situations that look like gossip or rumors.

“If your child sees a bunch of people talking and it appears they are gossiping, encourage your child to not join in,” Hopkins says. “Another great tip is to choose friends wisely. If you know people who tend to gossip, don’t befriend them.”

She adds that although this may be hard initially, in the long run, people will see your child’s good character, which will lead to gaining the right kind of friends.

Jasica believes that creating a school and home culture that celebrates kindness and respect encourages students to make good choices. When children see their peers being recognized for positive behavior, they’re more likely to follow suit. Helping kids build self-confidence and secure friendships makes them less likely to feel pressured to spread rumors.

Encouraging them to think about how they would feel if the roles were reversed helps them build empathy. Together, these strategies equip students with the confidence and compassion to make respectful decisions, even in tough social situations.

Birchwood School of Hawken

Birchwood School of Hawken’s mission is to develop the intellectual skills and character traits that will enable children to become the best versions of themselves and focusing on their ability to benefit others. Birchwood takes responsibility for placing each child on this trajectory by recognizing four components for achieving those goals — challenging academics, systematic character training, small class sizes, and subject specialists. Students graduate prepared to make a positive impact on their communities. To learn more, visit birchwoodschool.org

Constellation Schools

More than a school, it’s a place to find confidence. Constellation Schools: Parma Community Intermediate and Middle provides an environment where students can thrive. Its dedicated teachers and diverse programs go beyond academics, helping them navigate new challenges, explore their interests and build leadership skills. Staff empowers students to grow into their best selves, preparing them for a lifetime of learning and achievement. constellationschools.com

School

Gilmour Academy

As an independent and Catholic school, Gilmour Academy is uniquely able to develop the minds and hearts of its students. Gilmour’s identity as an independent school reflects a commitment to rigorous academic programming, smaller classes and a variety of real-world opportunities. Gilmour’s Catholic identity means students are learning in an environment that is inclusive, thought-provoking and rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. Gilmour empowers students of all faiths to grow spiritually. Through its comprehensive curriculum, faith-based tradition, commitment to service and emphasis on leadership, Gilmour educates the whole person. gilmour.org

Hawken School

Hawken’s Middle School program focuses on building strong academic skills while placing an increasing emphasis on personal responsibility. It partners with parents to ensure that students receive the optimal balance of structure, freedom, nurture and support that will enable them to successfully navigate this exciting and challenging transition into adolescence. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, interdisciplinary approaches and student choice, students become active participants in their education. To learn more, visit hawken.edu/academics/middle-school

Hershey Montessori School

Choosing a school is choosing a second home for your child. At Hershey Montessori School, families find more than academics — they find a place where children are deeply known, nurtured and inspired. From infancy through adolescence, Hershey offers hands-on, purposeful learning across two Northeast Ohio campuses. Rooted in the Montessori approach to education, students grow with confidence, empathy and independence. For parents seeking a school that honors the whole child, Hershey is where meaningful education begins. hershey-montessori.org

Julie Billiart Schools

Julie Billiart Schools, a private, Catholic network of kindergarten through eighth grade schools in Akron, Brecksville, Lyndhurst and Westlake, educate and empower children with mild to moderate learning and social differences like anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, autism and executive function needs. Students experience small student-to-staff ratios and onsite therapies including art, behavioral, music, occupational and speech. They also offer Begindergarten, a full-day kindergarten readiness program for the youngest learners. Learn more at juliebilliartschool.org or call 216-716-8318.

Lake Ridge Academy

Lake Ridge Academy is the only independent, college preparatory school on Cleveland’s west side. Its junior kindergarten through grade 12 coeducational curriculum offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, extracurricular activities, and a focus on wellness and character development. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, their devoted faculty provides personal attention to help every student thrive. Come visit its 93-acre campus and see the Lake Ridge difference. The next Preview Day is Nov. 14. Register at lakeridgeacademy.org/admissions/visit.

Laurel School

Laurel is an independent day school for girls, K-12, with a co-ed Early Childhood School. Laurel students come from over 70 communities in Northeast Ohio. Laurel has two campuses, the 11-acre Lyman Campus is in Shaker Heights and the 150-acre Butler Campus is in Novelty. The Butler Campus is home to competitive athletics, full-time outdoor experiential learning for Grades 3-5, Northeast Ohio’s first Outdoor PreK, and the new Ruhlman Family Center opening in January 2026. Learn more about Laurel at its Open Houses on October 9 and 23. Visit laurelschool.org/visit for details.

Menlo Park Academy

Menlo Park Academy is the state’s only tuition-free school for gifted children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers an innovative, accelerated curriculum, including nine high-schoolcredit classes, the opportunity to learn alongside like-minded peers and a faculty dedicated to meeting the unique needs of gifted children. Students can explore their passions, build friendships and find belonging, as well as academic and social emotional success. Menlo Park Academy is the #1 charter elementary, #1 charter middle school, ranked #13 of all kindergarten through fifth grade Ohio public schools (niche.com). menloparkacademy.com

Sc hool

Seton Catholic School

Seton Catholic School (pre-kindergarten through grade eight) is a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. A lifetime love of learning starts here. Young hearts and minds develop into thoughtful, educated students — ready to thrive and grow. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics and environmental education — students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Innovation and tradition unite with guided responsible use of technology, successfully integrated with time-honored instruction. setoncatholicschool.org

Spring Garden Waldorf School

Spring Garden Waldorf School is one of only two accredited Waldorf schools in Ohio, and it has been educating children from the surrounding five-county area for 44 years. Families come to Waldorf education because they’re ready for something different. Its curriculum challenges students with hands-on learning, critical thinking and creative expression. By engaging the whole child with a multi-disciplinary approach, it nurtures a lifelong passion for learning. Discover education that engages, inspires and empowers. sgws.org

St. Hilary School

The Future Begins Here. St. Hilary School in Fairlawn serves students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade in a faith-based environment with a curriculum that challenges and accommodates diverse learning abilities. The average student-teacher ratio is 20 to 1. Special offerings include Spanish, French, Chinese, religion, art, music, physical education, technology, advanced math and enrichment opportunities. Many extracurricular activities, as well as auxiliary, remedial, clinic, lunch and extended care services are available. 645 Moorfield Road, Fairlawn, 330-867-8720, ext. 343, st-hilaryschool.org

University School

At University School, each boy is free and supported to let his true self thrive. The faculty at University School are invested in every boy’s interests, his mental and emotional health, as well as his academic development. Built to match how boys learn best, the renovated and expanded Middle School building opened in Fall 2025. US is ranked Ohio’s #1 private K–12 School by Niche. Its open house is November 2. Learn more at us.edu/visit.

THE MALTZ MUSEUM’S

18TH STOP THE

HATE® SCHOLARSHIP

CONTEST IS NOW OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS

Each year, nearly 8,000 students take part in Stop the Hate through workshops and tours, with about 3,000 students entering the contest. With the help of more than 400 volunteer readers, the program names 30 contest finalists, recognizes outstanding teachers, and awards $100,000 in scholarships and prizes to students who raise their voices against hate.

Since its inception, Stop the Hate has reached more than 50,000 students across Northeast Ohio and awarded over $1.7 million in scholarships, prizes, and educational grants, making it one of the largest opportunities of its kind in the nation. Rooted in the Jewish value of respect for all humanity, the Maltz Museum is proud to provide a platform where young people of all backgrounds can speak out against bullying and hate.

What’s New this Year?

This year, the grand prize essay scholarship has been increased to $30,000. In addition, responding to the growing interest in poetry, the program is expanding poem submission to include all students in Grades 6-12 across our 15-county region.

Who Can Enter the Contest?

The contest is open to Northeast Ohio students in grades 6–12 who live in or attend public, private, or home school in one of the following counties: Ashland, Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wayne counties.

How to Participate in the Contest

Students are invited to submit a personal essay (500 words or less) or a poem that reflects on real-life experiences they have experienced, witnessed, or learned about hate, exclusion, or injustice—and how it inspired them to take positive action and encourage others to do the same. Submissions should be made independently by students at maltzmuseum.org/sth/contest. Schools and educators are encouraged to support participation, and while a visit to the Maltz Museum is encouraged, it not required.

Inspiration for

Students

This year, the program draws inspiration from the words of Stop the Hate alumnus, Alex Stojsavljeciv, 2011’s Grand Prize Winner who wrote: “I have high hopes that one day I can look down upon the world and be glad in knowing that I had a part in it. In that regard, I believe I am just an ordinary teenager – I am living my life and creating a world that I want to live in.”

Like Alex, students are asked to reflect on the quote and use their writing to imagine the world they want to live in.

Deadlines

Submissions are due in the essay category on Thursday, January 15, 2026. The deadline for poetry submissions is Thursday, January 22, 2026.

About Stop the Hate:

In 2025, the total amount of scholarships, prizes, and anti-bias education grants awarded through the contest to Northeast Ohio students, teachers, and schools will be $1.7 million. The Maltz Museum’s Stop the Hate program is made possible through the generous support of board and committee members, volunteer readers and judges, sponsors and partners, and our members and visitors. For more information about the program, please visit maltzmuseum.org/learn or contact education@mmjh.org.

37501 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-1175

lakeridgeacademy.org

Jr. K-12 Preview Days: November 14, and April 17

Enrollment: 400

Grades served: Jr. K-12

Student to teacher ratio: 8:1

Tuition: $11,600-$22,000

Power Points:

The Only Jr. K-12 Private School on Cleveland’s West Side

Lake Ridge Academy is a unique educational oasis on a stunning 93-acre campus in North Ridgeville. Students from over 35 communities and 13 countries flock here for our exceptional learning experience, where relationships, wellness, and belonging are at the heart of everything we do.

Small Classes, Big Impact

Our commitment to small classes and exceptional teachers means your child will receive personal attention and a deep understanding of their unique learning style. Our teachers are passionate about their subjects and dedicated to inspiring a love of learning.

A Community of Learners

Lake Ridge Academy isn’t just a school; it’s a community. Our students have the opportunity to interact with peers from all grade levels, fostering leadership, collaboration, and lifelong friendships.

Academic Excellence Meets Individual Needs

We believe every student is an individual with unique abilities, strengths, and interests. Our rigorous curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, while our personal approach ensures each student can reach their full potential.

• 100% of graduates attend a four-year college or university

• 73% of students receive financial aid

• Students travel from 35 communities and 13 countries to attend Lake Ridge

Beyond the Classroom

At Lake Ridge Academy, we believe in a wellrounded education. Our beautiful campus offers a serene setting for exploration and discovery, while our extracurricular programs cater to various interests, from athletics and arts to STEM and community service.

A Place Where Everyone Belongs

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. Our focus on wellness, both physical and emotional, ensures that our students can thrive academically and socially.

Ready to Join Our Community?

Discover why Lake Ridge Academy is the perfect choice for your child. Schedule a tour today at lakeridgeacademy.org/admissions/visit.

• 93-acre campus 25 miles outside of Cleveland

• The class of 2025 received over $9.4 million in merit scholarships

• 70% of the class of 2025 was accepted to their top-choice school

• Five Graduation Certificate programs offered, including Business and Entrepreneurship, Fine Arts, Global and International Studies, Engineering and Innovation, and Scientific Research.

❝

Parenting with a Disability

We talk about the struggles of raising a child while having special needs.

By Angela Gartner

Phillip and Becky Music met at Parma Senior High School in 2004, when she was a freshman and he was a senior. The Musics have been together ever since, and just celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary. Phillip works as a cashier and

Becky is currently looking for employment. The couple, who both have special needs, also have an 8-year-old son with autism.

“I think a lot of people judge us,” Phillip Music says. “A lot of people who don’t really know us that well, I think they do judge us a lot. They’re like, ‘You gotta learn this and how are you going to take care of your kid?’ I have confidence in myself. I know I can still be a good parent. Maybe I don’t know everything, but I’m learning every day.”

Phillip and Becky Music are not alone, as there are many parents with a reported disability who are raising children.

According to a 2024 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, an estimated 3 million parents with children age 5 and under have a reported disability.

The most common types of disabilities parents have are cognitive difficulties and learning disabilities.

These parents are at an increased risk of being in the child welfare system. Parents with disabilities also have a higher likelihood of housing and financial struggles, which might play a factor, along with bias associated with parents who have disabilities.

According to the National Research Center for People with Disabilities, parents with disabilities are more likely to lose the right to parent their child.

STATE AND LOCAL SUPPORT

In Ohio, a law passed in 2023 supports parents who have disabilities. Ohio Senate Bill 202 prohibits public

or private agencies from denying or limiting parental or custodial rights solely on the basis that a person has a disability.

“The law ensures that the rights of parents with disabilities are equal to those without disabilities and acknowledges that disability does not determine fitness to parent,” according to a written release from the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD).

While decisions are not solely based on a disability, every case is different and parents still have to adhere to the standards to ensure care is in the best interests of the child.

Katie Hunt Thomas, disability rights attorney and director of advocacy at The Ability Center in Sylvania, says (before the law) they got a number of calls from parents with disabilities who had evidence of discrimination and in danger of losing their children solely based on their disability.

“The legal standard is the “best interest of the child “ — all the (new) law does is make having a disability not the

“I think that every child deserves to be with their loving parents. Every loving parent deserves to be with their biological child. And I think it’s important to just have community support. That’s a love that I think can’t be duplicated from somewhere with better resources or better access.”

Joanne Holloway, counselor at Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities

only reason that a child is taken away from a parent.” Thomas says. “(Parents with disabilities) should know the law now protects them if there is a decision being made because of a disability.”

She notes the laws do not put together support services, but there are plenty of organizations who can support these parents.

“There is a board of developmental disabilities in every county, there are legal services that serve people with disabilities at no cost, such as Disability Rights Ohio,” Thomas says.

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Joanne Holloway, counselor at Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD) works with more than 40 parents with disabilities in a program that provides parental educational and support services.

“When we become parents, there’s always a challenge to adapting and adjusting and caring for ourselves, our households and our children,” she says. “I take all of that and fit that into what our parents need.”

Parents come in with needs ranging from connecting with service providers for resources such as employment, housing, clothing, parenting classes and groups, and navigating how to communicate needs with other agencies such as schools, medical and other public systems.

She notes the parents have the responsibility of independently caring for their children, but the Cuyahoga DD acts as their support system.

Holloway also helps to advocate for the families who are currently working with the child welfare system.

“There is a large stigma against parents with disabilities,” she says. “A lot of our families don’t have the presence that we would consider societal norms of how to conduct yourself. Sometimes behaviors (are) not seen the same when it’s individuals with disabilities.

“I think that every child deserves to be with their loving parents,” Holloway adds. “Every loving parent deserves to be with their biological child. And I think it’s important to just have community support. That’s a love that I think can’t be duplicated from somewhere with better resources or better access. So we try to create those resources and access to the families and really just sustain them within the community that they live in.”

MEETING EACH FAMILY’S SPECIFIC NEEDS

Currently, Phillip and Becky Music are working with Cuyahoga DD and taking parenting classes with Holloway.

“It gave us a lot of information that really helped us to know more about autism when we didn’t know much about autism in the first place,” Phillip Music says. “I think it helped give us the tools that we needed to be a lot more successful.”

Becky adds they didn’t understand what their son actually needed and what they needed to work on.

“Nobody was being patient enough to sit down with us and say, this is what he needs, this is what you need to do to help him,” she says. “That’s what the parenting classes were for. Joanne broke it down step-by-step, and she didn’t even get mad or anything. She helped us understand what (our son) needs. So everything that we’ve learned with Joanne, we’ve been practicing and working on stuff with him.”

Becky Music says her son does require a lot of attention, adding, “We try to work together as a team to help him to talk and have a successful life.”

“I think people should acknowledge that regardless of whether you have a disability, it doesn’t mean you can’t become a good parent; it doesn’t mean you can’t become a good mother or father,” Phillip Music says. “As long as you help provide them with the right tools and knowledge, they can still be a successful parent.”

Children’s Fall Resale & Consignment

It’s that time again to reorganize your family’s closets and gear as you transition from summer to fall to winter. It’s the time when we find out what stays, what doesn’t fit this year and what can go. Some items you might want to donate, but is selling possible? There are fall and spring events where you can sell your gently-used children’s items — and maybe purchase a few things for next season.

HERE ARE FIVE TIPS:

1. Know your Load

Go by the seasons, as there are things parents need now and other items that you should store until spring to sell.

2. Wash Everything

If you are looking to sell, wash everything and put items in neatly folded categories so it’s more ready for buyers.

3. Look to Event Details

Make sure you know the event organizer’s policies — how to sign up, admission fees and if the proceeds are shared by the organization and seller.

4. Know What It’s Worth

Make it affordable enough that it’s worth your effort. In general, it’s said to price items at 25-40% of their value. However, it depends on the wear — and sometimes the value to you. Don’t sell things you will regret or that you’re better off keeping or donating.

5. Don’t just Sell — Buy, Too!

The whole purpose of resale is to get rid of items you don’t need and find things you do, especially as our kids grow and the hand-me- downs are no longer an option.

October 3 & 4

Brecksville Broadview Heights Preschool Mothers’ Club Fall Consignment Sale Brecksville Broadview Heights Middle School, 6376 Mill Road, Broadview Heights 7-9 p.m. Friday; 8-11 a.m. Saturday preschoolmothersclub.com

October 4

Westlake Early Childhood PTA Tots to Teens Resale

Westlake Elementary School 27555 Center Ridge Road 8 a.m.-noon $5 early bird admission 8-9 a.m.; $2 admission 9 a.m.-noon wecpta.org/totstoteens

October 5-10

Rhea Lana’s Children Consignment 2000 Brittain Road, Akron Times Vary medina.rhealana.com

October 6-11

Fall Kids Stuff Sale The Summit Dover, 302 E. Slingluff Ave., Dover Times Vary Facebook: Kids Stuff Sale Event

October 11 Too Good to be Threw Fall and Winter Sale Wooster Church of the Nazarene, 3100 Oak Hill Road 8 a.m.-noon facebook.com/ TGTBTWooster

October 16 & 18-20

Solon Council of PTAs Budget Bin Consignment Sale Parkside Elementary School, 6848 SOM Center Road, Solon Thursday 3-8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Monday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. facebook.com/ SolonPTABudgetBinSale Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for more resale events. If you want to be on the list for our spring resale event information, email editor@ northeastohioparent.com.

October Calendar

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Exploration Adventures for Kids

THURSDAYS

Pre-K Explorers. Weekly drop-off program that gives junior naturalists the opportunity to explore, create and play. Ages 3 1/2-5. Through 12/1. 8:30-10:30 a.m. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., Cleveland, shakerlakes.org

10/4

The SPACE RACE! Jog or walk as many laps as possible within the two-hour race time frame through our solar system. 4-6 p.m. Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org

10/11

STEAM Saturday: Creepy Crawly. Curated for ages 3-8 years old with an accompanied parent or adult present. 10 a.m. The Music Settlement, 2610 Detroit Ave., Ohio City, themusicsettlement.org

11/2

First People Day. Delve into the unique history of Northeast Ohio nature cultures with talks, hikes and demonstrations. 11 a.m -4 p.m. Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Pkwy., North Olmsted, clevelandmetroparks.com.

Pick - A - Day

TUESDAYS

Clay Wheel Throwing. Young artists explore the fundamentals of working on the pottery wheel. Ages 10-13. 10/28-12/9. 4-6 p.m. Valley Art Center, 155 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, valleyartcenter.org

WEDNESDAYS

Call Me a Painter. Ages 7-10 learn the basics of mixing colors and how to make watercolors pop. 10/1-22. 4-5:30 p.m. BAYarts, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, bayarts.net

THURSDAYS

Afterschool Adventures. Active nature and science exploration, hikes, games, animal encounters and activities. K-2nd graders. 3-4 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

Kids Mixed Aerial. Students build strength, flexibility and confidence while learning the foundations of aerial arts. Through 11/6. 6:15 p.m. Sky Circus Cleveland, 4700 Lakeside Avenue E., skycircuscleveland.com

Teen Thursday. A casual hangout with board games and other laidback activities. 3-4:30 p.m. Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, geaugalibrary.net

FRIDAYS

Homeschool Hops. 90-minute jump just for homeschool students. 12-4 p.m. SkyZone, 6217 Chittenden Road, Boston Hts., skyzone.com/ bostonheights

SATURDAYS

STEAM Team Saturdays. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, children ages 5-11 discover the wonder of S.T.E.A.M. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

Art Discovery Studio. Explore your creativity and gain an understanding of various visual art media and techniques. Ages 6-10. 10:15 a.m. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

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Second Saturday Science. A naturalist answers questions and helps spot marsh wildlife, including birds, bees and butterflies. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Mentor Marsh, 88528928 Woodridge Ln., Mentor, cmnh.org

Children’s Saturday Studio. Young artists will engage with the museum’s collection while building idea-generation and critical-thinking skills. Ages 5-10. 10-11:30 a.m. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

Ongoing

THROUGH 10/12

Jekyll & Hyde. A musical performance of the epic struggle between good and evil. 2 p.m. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org

THROUGH 10/31

Return of the Butterflies. See butterflies actively searching for nectar as food sources and exploring their surroundings. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., holdenfg.org

Day - By - Day

10/7

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE. This interactive live show brings CoComelon’s world to life, inviting families to sing, dance and play together. 6 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

10/9

Kids Cook: Guacamole. A beginner series for young cooks, bakers and foodies. Ages 5-8. 6:30 p.m. South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, lorainpubliclibrary.org

10/10

Multigenerational Cookies & Conversation. Trade stories with the residents of Regina Health. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Regina Health Center, 5232 Broadview Road, Richfield, akronlibrary.org

Inspiration Through Music: Drumming. Discover the fundamentals of rhythmic expression, master diverse cadences, and explore tempo. Ages 6-11. 4:30-5:30 p.m. South Branch Library, 3096 Scranton Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

10/12

Hand Sewing For Literacy. Learn basic sewing skills and work collaboratively to create a single sewn project. Grades 3-5. 2-3:30 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

10/14

Play With Your Food. Create fruit kabobs, fruit bouquets and fruit faces. 4-5 p.m. Kenmore Branch Library, 969 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, akronlibrary.org

10/16

Finding Fungi. An informative and fun fungi hike led by a naturalist. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sippo Lake Park, Wildlife Conservation Ctr., 800 Genoa Ave. NW, Massillon, starkparks.com

Mean Green Science Machine. Students and professors from CWRU will lead fun, interactive science experiments. 2:30-3:30 p.m. Fulton Branch Library, 3545 Fulton Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

10/18

Volcano Voyage. Journey on an exciting field trip with Miss Frizzle to discover the science behind volcanoes. Grades K-3. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Chagrin Falls Branch Library, 100 E. Orange St., cuyahogalibrary.org

Teen D&D. Create adventures and solutions in a magical Dungeons & Dragons campaign. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., fallslibrary.org

10/18-19

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. Hop on the Magic School Bus for this new musical adaptation where the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium. Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

10/20

Young Architects Challenge. Showcase your building skills and creative thinking while building a newspaper shelter. Ages 7+. 4-5:30 p.m. University Heights Branch Library, 13866 Cedar Road, heightslibrary.org

Homeschool Family Day. Special admission rates and unique experiences designed for homeschoolers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., greaterclevelandaquarium.com

10/24

Party with the Peanuts Gang. Celebrate Charlie Brown turning 75 years old with crafts and activities. Ages 12 and under. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

10/30

Batty About Bats. Learn about bats and what kind of habitat they need. Ages 3-6. 1-2 p.m. Dix Park, 7318 State Route 44, Ravenna, portagecounty-oh.gov

Lego Imagineers. Drop in and complete a new Lego challenge. 3:30-5 p.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org

FOR YOU & YOUR LITTLE ONE

MONDAYS

Stroller Strides. Functional, total-body conditioning workout for moms with kids in tow. 6 pm. Hudson Montessori School, 7545 Darrow Road, fit4mom-twinsburg.pike13.com

Sprouts & Shoots. Children will be introduced to extended preschool classroom routines and content as they explore the wonders of nature & science. Through 1/15/2026, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

TUESDAYS

Music & Movement. Fun, interactive storytime featuring music and creative movement while introducing stories and early literacy concepts. 10-10:30 a.m. Brook Park Branch Library, 6155 Engle Road, cuyahogalibrary.org

Itty Bitty Combo. Ballet and Tap class for ages 3-5 with an adult. 3:45-4:30 p.m. Through 12/3. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org

Little Baby Bookworms. Story time with songs, fingerplays and more with Mrs. Howard. 11 a.m. Through 11/11. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

Preschool Storytime. Stories, songs and movement. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mogadore Branch Library, 144 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, akronlibrary.org

Play Lab. Hands-on, open-ended, STEAM, and creative play experiences for ages 2-5 10:3011:30 a.m. Odom Boulevard Branch Library, 600 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, akronlibrary.org

WEDNESDAYS

Family Circle Time. Stories, songs and fingerplays. 11 a.m. Through 11/5. South Branch Library, 3096 Scranton Road, Cleveland, cpl.org

Explor-a-Story. Morning stories, open play, and hands-on-exploration. Designed for preschoolers. 10/15-11/26. 10:30-11 a.m. Noble Neighborhood Branch Library, 2800 Noble Road, Cleveland, heightslibrary.org

Pajama Story Time. Head to the library for a pajama storytime. 6:30-7 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., Wadsworth, wadsworthlibrary.com

THURSDAYS

Family Fun Storytime. Stories, rhymes and songs. 10:30 a.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222nd St., euclidlibrary.org

Newsy Mom Playdates. Stories and activities on the 2nd Thursday monthly. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Belden Village Mall, 4220 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, shoppingbeldenvillagemall.com

Lapsit Storytime. Rhymes, songs and play for children ages 0-24 months. 9:30 a.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

Baby Storytime. Introduce your littlest darling to books, bouncy rhymes, and musical beats. Through 11/13. 1 p.m. Medina County District Library, 210 S. Broadway St., mcdl.info

2-5 Year Old Story Time. Stories, songs, and rhymes. Through 11/17. 10-10:30 a.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org

FRIDAYS

Family Storytime at the Great Northern Mall. First Friday of each month. 11:30 a.m. 4954 Great Northern Mall Blvd., North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio.com

Wiggle, Giggle and Shake. Have fun clapping, marching and moving to music. Ages 2-6. Through 10/10. 10 a.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

AKRON ART MUSEUM

ORDINARY MIRACLES. Robert Glenn Ketchum’s photographs of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Through 1/25/26. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

AKRON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM FARM TO TABLE. Kids pick apples, gather eggs and pick vegetables, buy and sell from each other at the farmer’s market and then put on a chef hat and make lunch. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER

TWO ACRE OUTDOOR PLAY PARK. A 60-foot giant slide, a four-person helicopter swing, a 200-foot zip line, a mini challenge course and an old fashioned merry-go-round. 2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com

AKRON ZOO

PENGUIN POINT. Look at the zoo’s Humboldt penguins on land, underwater, at water level and above the water, looking down into the penguin pool. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND MAKING MINIATURES. Children discover a fascinating collection of dollhouses and search through hands-on play. 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND

BOTANICAL GARDEN

HERSHEY CHILDREN’S GARDEN. Search for fish, frogs and turtles in the pond, learn about veggie and herb gardens, create in the sand box, care for plants with the water pump, and explore. 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER

MINI MANIA! Big Fun on Little Bikes. Features nearly 40 uniquely engineered minibikes and mini motorcycles, including several built right here in Northeast Ohio. Through 10/26. 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, wrhs.org

CLEVELAND

METROPARKS ZOO

EAGLE ZIP ADVENTURE. This family-friendly experience takes guests to new heights. A simulated Australian baobab tree and virtual Aussie playground. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

THE CLEVELAND

MUSEUM OF ART

ARTLENS GALLERY. A multifaceted, innovative experience that allows you, your family, and your friends to look closer, dive deeper, and have fun discovering the museum’s collection. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR. Witness the beauty and fragility of life on Earth through the lens of the world’s best wildlife photographers. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

D&R INDOOR PLAYLAND PLAYGROUND

TWO LEVELS OF INDOOR STRUCTURE COVERING OVER 6500 SQUARE FEET. 6700 Biddulph Road, Brooklyn, drplayland.com

GREAT LAKES

SCIENCE CENTER

HANDLE WITH CARE. This immersive 2,000-square-foot early childhood exhibit is designed to support early experiences with

empathy and engineering for the Science Center’s youngest guests. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM

ASIA AND INDONESIA GALLERY. Entering this gallery almost sends you into a zen serenity, and with those heightened senses. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

SCHUELE PLANETARIUM. An immersive learning experience through high-resolution, 360 degree images and breathtaking display of stars. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

LITTLE DIGGERS PLAY SPACE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S LARGEST INDOOR SANDBOX. Dig, build and explore with the magic of sand play with hundreds of toys and tons of sand. 3020 Westgate Mall Dr., Fairview Park, littlediggersplayspace.com

MCKINLEY PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM

GRANDMA & GRANDPA’S ATTIC. See artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection from the 1890s through the 1980s. Through 10/26. 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, mckinleymuseum.org

MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE. AN AMERICAN STORY. Step into a world filled with inspiring and moving stories of Jewish immigrants, perhaps even their own ancestors and modern-day heroes. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS CLEVELAND

ILLUSION ROOMS & INSTALLATIONS. Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of illusions and let these captivating rooms play tricks on your mind. 186 Euclid Ave., Suite 130, Cleveland, moicleveland.com

FALLFUN onthe FARM

As the leaves change color and a crispness fills the air, farms across Northeast Ohio come alive with the magic of autumn. This is the perfect time for your family to get outside, connect with nature and create seasonal traditions that will stick with your kids long after the last leaves have fallen.

Whether you’re visiting for freshpicked apples, saying hello to the animals, or getting lost in a corn maze, local farms offer a wholesome blend of education and entertainment. Here’s how your family can enjoy farm life this fall — one hayride, cider sip and goat nuzzle at a time.

By Denise Koeth

Get up Close to Animals

For many children, one of the biggest thrills of visiting a farm is seeing animals up close. Fall is a great time to visit petting zoos and working farms, where kids can interact with gentle goats, see dairy cows and horses at work, and learn more about where our food comes from.

Pick-Your-Own Produce

Nothing tastes sweeter than an apple picked straight from the tree or a pumpkin plucked fresh from the vine. Many Northeast Ohio farms open their fields to families in the fall, offering pick-your-own experiences that double as outdoor adventures.

Enjoy Classic Fall Farm Activities

Area farms go all out in autumn, and weekends are packed with family-focused events that celebrate the season. Expect to find corn mazes, hayrides, corn cribs, straw bale labyrinths, slides and more. If you’re looking for something a little spooky — but not too scary — many farms also host family-friendly haunted hayrides or flashlight corn maze nights later in the season.

Learn About the Harvest

Beyond just picking pumpkins or petting goats, fall farm visits can be the perfect time to teach kids about agriculture. Many area farms offer educational signs, guided tours or even hands-on demos.

Shop the Flavors of the Season

Many Northeast Ohio farmers markets are in full swing throughout most of the fall, offering sweet corn, crisp apples, colorful squash and other just-harvested ingredients. For parents, these markets are more than a place to shop — they’re a chance to let kids sample new flavors and spark conversations with local growers.

Add a sense of adventure by giving each child a role — produce picker, bag carrier, price checker, etc. — or making it a scavenger hunt by creating a list of things to spot, like something orange, a farmer wearing a hat or a fruit they’ve never eaten before.

Back at home, the day’s haul can inspire a family cooking session, whether it’s baking a cake with fresh apples or simply roasting vegetables to go with dinner.

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for a complete lineup of fall fun listings.

FIND A PUMPKIN PATCH

Find the perfect blank canvas for your family’s carved-pumpkin masterpiece at a local farm. Make an afternoon of the hunt by visiting one of the many pumpkin patches in the greater Cleveland/Akron area, courtesy of this seasonal guide.

Arrowhead Orchard 11724 Lisbon St. SE, Paris 330-862-2733 arrowheadorchard.com

Bauman Orchards 161 Rittman Ave., Rittman 330-925-6861 baumanorchards.com

Beriswill Farms 2200 Station Road, Valley City 330-350-2486 beriswillfarms.com

Boyert’s Greenhouse & Farm 4557 Paradise Road, Seville 330-725-3509 boyerts.com

Brasee’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch 18421 St. Rte. 58, Wellington 440-647-6749 braseescornmaze.com

Derthick’s Corn Maze & Farm Experience 5182 State Route 82, Mantua 330-569-8661 derthickcornmaze.com

Detwiler Farm

4520 Renkenberger Road, Columbiana 330-482-2276 detwilerfarm.com

Guyette Farms 10833 Chamberlain Road, Mantua, 330-562-5234 guyettefarms.com

Heavenly Hill Farm 18373 State Road, North Royalton 440-537-3018 facebook.com/heavenlyhillfarmfun

Heritage Farms 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula 330-657-2330 heritagefarms.com

Hillcrest Orchards

50336 Telegraph Road, Amherst 440-965-8884 hillcrestfunfarm.com

Hillside Orchard 2397 Center Road, Hinckley 330-225-4748 facebook.com/hillside orchardandfarmmarket

Kingsway Pumpkin Farm 1555 Andrews St. NE, Hartville 330-877-6241 kingswaypumpkinfarm.com

Lake Metroparks Farmpark Fall Harvest Weekends

8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-2122 lakemetroparks.com

Luther’s Farm Market 5150 Alger Road, Richfield 330-659-2526 lutherfarms.com

Maize Valley Winery 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville 330-877-8344, maizevalley.com

Mapleside Farms

294 Pearl Road, Brunswick 330-225-5577 mapleside.com

Monroe’s Orchard & Farm Market

6313 Pioneer Trail, Hiram 330-569-7464 monroesorchard.com

Nickajack Farms 2955 Manchester Ave. NW, North Lawrence 330-323-9714 nickajackfarms.com

Patterson Fruit Farm 8765 Mulberry Road, Chesterland 440-729-9809 pattersonfarm.com

Pickering Hill Farms 35669 Detroit Road, Avon 440-937-5155 pickeringhillfarms.com

Ramseyer Farms 4000 Ramseyer Lane, Wooster 330-264-0264 ramseyerfarms.com

Red Wagon Farm 16081 E. River Road, Columbia Station 440-236-3007 redwagonfarm.com

Regal Vineyards 2678 County Line Road, Madison 440-812-4936 regalvineyards.com

Rockin’-R-Ranch 19066 E. River Road, Columbia Station 440-236-5454 clevelandhayride.com or spookyranch.com

Rufener Hilltop Farms 1022 State Route 43, Mogadore 330-628-1082 rufeners.com

Sirna’s Farm 19009 Ravenna Road, Auburn 440-834-0696 sirnasfarm.com

Szalay’s Farm & Market 4563 Riverview Road, Peninsula 330-657-2727 szalaysfarm.com

Whistle Hollow Farm 9324 Zimmerman Road, Homerville 330-625-4182 whistlehollowfarm.com

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com to find corn mazes, hay rides, and apple orchards or to view our complete Fall Fun Directory.

Dozens of Camps and Schools to talk with 1-1

Family Matters

Raising Talkers in a Tech Era

TBy Gina Schumann

pediatric speech-language pathologists, and we’ve both observed a concerning rise in communication delays in young children over the past decade. We’ve witnessed the ways in which these small screens can pull our children’s attention away from real world learning opportunities.

Technology has its benefits (grocery pickup is a personal lifesaver!), but for children, maximizing face to face interactions is imperative for language development.

Here are a few ways to support communication skills in a tech-heavy world:

MODEL MINDFUL HABITS

Kids watch us first. Even setting aside 10–15 minutes each day with phones put away makes a difference. For older children, invite them to help set family screen rules, like no phones at the dinner table or during walks. Use the screen-free time to ask open-ended questions or share stories from your day. This type of conversation strengthens narrative language skills.

PRIORITIZE QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

Not all screen time is equal. Instead of setting strict time limits, I personally try to pay more attention to the quality of the activity. A video chat with grandparents builds connection and allows for the natural turn taking of ongoing conversations. For me, a family movie night is preferable to solo tablet time, as it allows for group commentary and a shared experience to be reflected on later.

OFFER RICH, SCREEN-FREE EXPERIENCES

he other day I was catching up with a friend who had just returned from a family vacation and was sharing stories from her trip. Something she mentioned has stuck with me since — how well her children, ages 6 and 8, handled the trip’s downtimes, whether it was waiting for food at a restaurant, sitting on a train or simply being still. She attributed this ability to tolerate the mundane moments, in part, to the intentional limits she and her husband had set on screens earlier in their children’s lives.

I knew exactly what she meant. While I admit that long road trips almost always involve a tablet in our car, my husband and I have generally tried to avoid using screens as a means of entertaining our kids when we’re out and about. Now, those decisions show up in conversations on the way to piano practice, silly jokes told around the dinner table and quiet moments where our kids can simply be.

It’s worth noting that both my friend and I are

Giving kids opportunities to explore, play and connect helps to build a strong foundation for language and communication skills. Build those skills while enjoying family time, whether you want to do outdoor play like local parks and playgrounds, metroparks with hiking trails, or arboretums, botanical gardens and nature centers. Spend time indoors at places such as libraries, children’s gyms or play cafés, science centers, children’s museums, art museums and community recreation centers.

Raising children in a tech era doesn’t mean cutting out screens completely, but rather using them thoughtfully and making space for real connection. By modeling balance, prioritizing quality interactions and seeking out simple, screen-free experiences, we can help our children grow into connected and confident communicators.

Gina Schumann, MA-CCC/SLP is a licensed pediatric speech-language pathologist. She is the founder of Small Talk Speech Therapy, LLC, specializing in customized in-home speech therapy for children.