Lakewood Parks
Lakewood's parks vary from pocket-sized areas to the great expanse of Lakewood Park. In addition, each elementary school has a playground, so it's a rare home that isn't within a walk -- or at least a wagon ride -- of some swings and slides. Check out www.lkwdpl.org/parentpages/playgrounds/ for an interactive map of all of Lakewood's parks and playgrounds, complete with pictures and a description of each play area.

Rocky River Parks
Elmwood Park at 600 Elmwood Road has a nice little playground. Also popular with parents and kids alike is Rocky River Park at 20250 Beachcliff. This gem of a park has a beach, playground, and a staircase that takes you to the top of the bluff for a fantastic view of Lake Erie. This is a popular spot for families to take in the sunset over Lake Erie. Check out www.rrcity.com/rec/facilities%20trial.htm or call 440/356-5657 for information on all the Rocky River parks.

If your furniture is taking a beating and the weather won’t let your kids get out and run, take them to Playground World in Avon, 1014 Jaycox Road. Children can swing, climb and slide in a showroom full of Rainbow play sets, play make-believe in Victorian playhouses and log cabins, or enjoy the latest STEP 2 and Brio products, all in the great indoors. Free play hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Play dates ($5 per hour per child) are available weekday mornings, but you must call ahead 440/937-5760 for availability.

This cool new children's area, called the Libranium, has hands-on fixtures inspired by Lakewood designer Benjamin Coutant, that encourage pretend play, textural exploration and other experiences that contribute to reading readiness in young children. Show up just before or just after story times for an impromptu playdate and make new friends!

Also, be sure to check out Cleveland Institute of Art director and Lakewood resident and artist David Deming's installation featuring the fish and wildlife of our area at the threshold of the children's room. Call 216/226-8275 for more information.

Avon Lake's Public Library has a wonderful children's area equipped with nice, educational toys and a cheery atmosphere. Visit www.alpl.org for more information or call 440/933.8128.

Cuyahoga County Public Library has toys available for children from infant through age eight that range from fun (and educational) items to those designed to assist children with various learning disabilities. Patrons can request and renew toys online, just as they do for books, movies, and music. Requested toys are delivered and can be returned to any Cuyahoga County Public Library branch, and patrons can borrow toys for up to three weeks using their library Greater Access cards. An individual may borrow two toys at one time. Check out the catalog online at www.cuyahogalibrary.org

The Brooklyn Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, located at 4480 Ridge Road, also maintains a browsable toy lending collection. The toys in that collection must be picked up fromand returned to the Brooklyn Branch, and are not renewable. Call 216/398-4600 to make sure the item is available.

The Lakewood Family Room provides direct services to families that may include, but are not limited to parent education, support groups, parent/child activities, resources and referral, time and stress management and more.

Learn Through Play is their new and exciting program for parents and their children six weeks through age six. The Family Room environment "transforms" into eleven Activity Centers throughout three rooms. Each Center offers opportunities for children to learn by reading, writing, talking, listening and experiencing. They include science, art, math, dramatic play, writing and listening stations. Learn Through Play will provide parents their own "classroom" to assist their child in developing strong literacy skills and tools for school success. NOTE: This Family Room program is not a "drop-off" program - parents must stay with their children while utilizing the Activity Centers. Call 216/529-5018 for more information.

Located at 15528 Madison Avenue in Lakewood and dedicated to the memory of Matthew James McCarthy, this not-for-profit, publicly funded corporation provides adaptive therapy equipment and adapted toys to children and young adults with special needs. In addition, they help link families for social interaction and support, and act as an advocate for inclusion in community playground settings. Membership is by application with a nominal annual fee. Call 216/226-3669 for further information.