It’s that time of year again-when the kids go back to school! But that doesn’t mean it’s the END OF SUMMER! Officially, the end of summer is not until September 22 this year. The sun sits lower in the sky, the leaves start to change colors, but the sunny days can still be “scorchers”. Where can you go to cool off in these last days of summer?
We are fortunate to have so much WATER in Northeast Ohio. From our greatest body of water -Lake Erie, to all the creeks and rivers between, there are plenty of places to let the kids cool off, for free! Head to our neighboring Tinker’s Creek, anywhere along the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, tie a string to a small plastic sailboat for the “little ones” to float in the water, grab a net and scoop up some crayfish, or skip rocks along a creek.
Ever heard of splash parks in public urban spaces? Both Tower City-downtown Cleveland Ohio, and Cuyahoga Falls on Front Street, near the Amphitheater, offer such amenities. Adults and kids alike, along with cyclists have been seen dipping their toes in to cool off. Stopping at Cuyahoga’s Front Street can offer a tasty ice cream treat from Pav’s ice cream parlor, or some fresh gourmet popcorn at Metropolis, which offers savory to sweet unique flavors.
While in Cleveland’s bustling downtown area, venture over to Merwin’s Wharf and jump in the lake, literally (well-first make sure you know how to swim)! Or if you prefer to stay a bit drier-load a kayak, paddleboard, and canoes from their public dock, and pack a snack to have a picnic. As you travel north along the water, take in the sights and sounds of Cleveland’s waterfront businesses. Follow the bass and acoustic sounds of live music playing at The Farm, and Shooters, which are at the end of the river, just before the train bridge, which connects the west and the east bank of the flats. Before reaching the mouth of the river that opens up to Lake Erie, you will paddle past the west bank’s Jacob’s pavilion at The Nautica, The Music Box, and the east-where Collision Bend Brewery, the new Lindey’s Lake House, and Rum Runners welcome guests for cool drinks and warm eats. Keep heading north and take a glance at the Coast Guard station and pier, take the turn with caution (there are not many breakers for the waves here) head west and land yourself at Wendy Park to dock your watercrafts, and play some volleyball.
Wendy Park is known for their numerous volleyball courts, picnic tables, and lakefront scenery. A very short walk through the park, towards the west- will land you at Whisky Island Still and Eatery, where you can complete your water adventures with live music, every day of every weekend through the summer months, play corn hole, and check out the boats at the marina! Locals call this place Whisky Island, but there is no need for a ferry, as it is accessible, even without boating, and nearby to Edgewater Park.
