Toddlers are busy little people! Their minds and bodies never stop moving. Keeping them occupied can be a challenge! We’ve compiled a handy list of things to do with toddlers in Geauga County that will nourish and delight their insatiable desire to learn and strengthen their growing bodies as well. Many events and activities are free and require no planning or registration. Check links or call if you need more info before heading out. This list of things to do is geared toward kids three years old and younger, but many of them are just as suited for older children and whole families. We will update the list periodically. If you know of other places we have not mentioned, please add them to the comments below. Have fun!
$ = 10 or under
$$ = 11-25
$$$ = 26+
$+ = registered weekly attendance
Do It NOW – No Registration or Planning
Geauga Park District
Website
Facebook
There may be no better park system in Northeast Ohio than this one – and possibly the whole state! Hand-feed birds; hike dozens of trails; explore creeks; go sledding, enjoy picnics, playgrounds and camping; indoor presentations and seasonal specials…the list goes on. Beautiful, clean, and maintained, there’s no better way to grow kids than to get them out in nature. Plan to spend a looong time on their engaging website! Check their Programs & Events page for a list of all programs, then filter for children-specific and check out Timbertots (ages 3-5).
Register: only for programs
Cost: free
Geauga Parks and Community Playgrounds
Always free – always fun! No matter where you live in Geauga County, there’s a park near you where you and your kiddos can play.
Geauga Parks have many playgrounds and recreational areas. You’ll find plenty to choose from!
Mineral Lake Park, Middlefield
Chester Township Park, Chesterland
Maple Highlands Biking and Walking Trail
Website
9280 Ravenna Rd, Chardon, OH
If you own a bike with a child carrier or trailer, then this trail is for you! With 20 miles of paved paths, two award-winning covered bridges, covered pavilion with picnic tables, and plenty of nature to take in, you can easily get in your day’s exercise quota while giving the tots some fresh air and beautiful scenery. If you’re not a biker, pack up the stroller and enjoy the same scenery at a slower pace.
Sage’s Apples
Website
Facebook
11355 Chardon Rd., Chardon, OH
(440) 286-3416
Sage’s Apples is a family fruit and vegetable farm and farm market. Everything they grow is sold through their local farm market in Chardon. The market is open year round and carries much more than apples! They encourage you to visit and offer samples – yum for the toddlers! During summer and fall, many families make it a regular outing as they pick their own raspberries, blueberries, apples, pumpkins, and grapes.
Eagle Park Sprayground
Website
Facebook (unofficial)
14730 Springdale Ave, Middlefield, Ohio 44062
440-632-5284
This popular, outdoor waterpark and playground caters to both children and adults. Covered picnic areas – great for parties – large grassy play areas, two age appropriate playgrounds, numerous splash zones – plenty of things to do with toddlers and all for free! Clean grounds and restrooms.
Cost: free
Miniature Golf Courses
Chip’s Clubhouse
Website
Facebook
214 5th Avenue, Chardon, OH 44024
440-285-3456
Introduce your older toddler to miniature golf at Chip’s. A nicely landscaped course with lots of water into which your golf ball will ultimately take a plunge and you get to fish it out with a net. Great fun for kids! Open April through October. Hours vary with the season.
Cost: $ / under 4 free
Fantasy Island
Facebook (unofficial)
8295 E Washington St., Chagrin Falls, Oh 44023
(440) 543-9178
There is no website or official Facebook page for this mini golf course, which is unfortunate because it‘s outstanding! Almost every hole is uniquely designed with colorful, challenging structures such as bowling pins that raise and lower; an outhouse; giant mushroom, windmill, etc. Truly one of a kind and very kid-appealing. Open seasonally. Call for hours and pricing. Hole in one on one of the designated greens of the day gets you a free ice cream cone next door!
Cost: $
Chardon Public Pool
Website
316 Maple Avenue, Chardon, OH 44024
(440) 286-2672
Pool opens in June and closes late August. Mornings are devoted to lessons (some evening lessons available also) which include learn-to-swim parent-child lessons. Afternoons and weekends are open swims. Purchase a one-day pass or season passes.
Cost: $ daily / $$-$$$ season passes (non-resident more)
Sledding Hills
Sledding Hills in Geauga County
Geauga Park Sledding
Website
Beartown Lakes Reservation and Orchard Hills both have sledding hills, with Beartown being more suited for the youngest with its gentle slope.
The Snow Chalet in Chardon
Website
220 Basquin Drive, Chardon, OH 44024
The Chalet is open to the general public from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on weekends during the winter months and when school is not in session. You can also sled “at your own risk” during the week.
If you’re new to sledding, check out these tips by an Orchard Hills sled lover! And remember – any trail that’s covered in snow means you can pull those toddlers along as you hike!
Cost: free for all!
Planned Day Trip – Part to Full Day
Geauga County Library Calendar of Kids Activities
Geauga County has a well-funded, well-stocked library system! Along with oodles of books, you’ll find that creative learning opportunities abound for everyone. Ages for activities are listed along with descriptions on their calendar. Besides story time, there’s plenty of hands-on learning experiences offered each month which include fun in the arts and sciences.
Register: some programs
Cost: free
Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park
Website
Facebook
10661 Kile Rd, Chardon, Ohio 44024
440-285-0910
This family-oriented park has activities for all ages including Totland for the little guys with a kiddie-sized waterland and playground area. For anyone who is 3 years old and at least 46” tall, you have access to giant water slides, an innertube ride, water sports, paddleboats, mini golf and driving range, go-karts and more! Some activities are at an additional cost, but most are included with an activity pass. Opens Memorial Day weekend and closes late August.
Cost: Parking $ / Day Activity Admission $$-$$$ / Under 3 free
Various season passes and group rates are available. Access discounts on their website.
Huntington Stables
Website
17415 Jug Street, Burton, Ohio 44021
(440) 834-4356 – Ask for Holly Donovan
For the horse lovers! Huntington Stables has been in business for over 45 years. Visitors are welcome by appointment. There is no charge for a scheduled visit. They offer riding lessons and summer camps among other activities. The summer camp “is a great opportunity to learn all the ins and outs of horsemanship. All skill levels and ages are welcome from beginners to intermediate and advanced riders. Ages three to five stay only for a half a day. Ages six to adult stay a full day beginning at 9:30 AM and concluding at 3:00 PM. A camp week runs from Monday until Friday.”
Register: schedule a free visit
Ridgeview Farm
Website
Facebook
5488 Kinsman Rd, Middlefield, OH. 44062
440-693-4000
Ridgeview Farm is a fifth generation working farm and educational resource center. Beginning sometime in June, customers can pick their own strawberries while in season. Other fresh produce is available in their farm market. Pick your own berries daily from 8am till they run out. Market is open Mon-Sat, 9-5 beginning in June.
Fun Fall Weekends begins the first day of fall and runs through October. You can enjoy hayrides across their colorful 100 acres, wander through the pumpkin patch, or attempt the three acre corn maze. Wagon rides and the petting barn are also a big hit.
Fun Fall Weekends hours: 11am-6pm
Cost: $ / 2 & under free
Patterson Fruit Farm Market & Orchard Hills Park
Farm Market
Open Daily 9am–6pm
11414 Caves Rd., Chesterland, Ohio 44026
Patterson’s has two locations you’ll want to visit. The farm market and gift shop is open year round and chock full of seasonal fruits and veggies along with homemade jams, apple cider, maple syrup, and homemade pies and donuts baked daily. Sit by the fire in winter with your cider and donuts before or after your sledding excursion at Orchard Hills Park (Geauga County Park District) which is just down the path. You can also hike, bike, fish, picnic, and view the natural outcropping of glacial rock deposits in sight of Lake Erie.
Pick Your Own & Fun Fest
8765 Mulberry Road, Chesterland, Ohio 44026
440-729-9809
Pick Your Own
Start summer off with a trip to Patterson’s for pick-your-own strawberries mid June. Late August is the start of apple picking and lasts through October with a nice selection of varieties. Patterson’s Pick Your Own program is a great family event and gives children the opportunity to experience the farming lifestyle.
Fun Fest
Website
Mid September kicks off this annual family event which lasts through October. The outdoor farm fun area is designed with preschool and elementary age children in mind and offers an array of things to do with toddlers. Many activities for the whole family to enjoy together. Play in haystacks and a corn crib; climb the tree house in the woods and slide down the 50 foot double slide (they are slide-happy people!); wander through the corn maze then take a pony ride or paint a pumpkin. Admission is very family-friendly with a few dollars extra for a couple of activities.
Fest hours: Open daily once it begins. Check their website for specific times.
Cost: $ / under 2 are free
The Pond Family-Friendly Ice Rink
Website
Facebook
9999 E.Washington Street Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
440-543-3884
“We have a wide variety of programs including: birthday and private parties, learn to skate, hockey, figure skating, and public skating. We have programs for all ages!”
Outdoor/Indoor skating rinks; cafe with smoothies, salads, soups; low-cost public skating and weekly classes (see below). Skate rentals available.
Cost: $ / under 4 free
Stella’s Art Studio Classes
Website (click the current recreation brochure, then scroll to the Youth page)
Chalet Building, 220 Basquin Dr., Chardon OH
440-286-2630
This new class (as of fall 2019) is part of the Chardon Parks and Recreation Department. Stella’s Art Gallery, located in Mentor, is now offering classes at the Chalet Building. These experienced art professionals have designed fun and exciting projects for you and your toddler to enjoy. The website link above will take you to their brochure where you will find specific dates and times. Classes are offered once a month on a pay per class basis.
Parent and Child Art (18-36 Months)
Preschool, Pre-K
Cost: $$
Corner Field Model Railroad Museum & Hobby Shop
Website
Facebook
16720 Pioneer Road, Middlefield, Ohio 44062
(440) 636-5162
What an incredible display! You’ll feel as though you just walked into an “I Spy” picture book!
“We have the largest family owned 3-Rail layout in the country of the United States. It has over a thousand buildings, over 4,500 feet of track, and hundreds of freight cars. Over a thousand lights, automobiles, trees. We’re a model train museum and we also are a hobby shop that sells, Lionel, MTH, etc electric trains.”
“Amazing Model Railroad display and Hobby Shop. Friendly helpful staff. Really enjoyed talking with Tom Jr. Step stools for kids to carry around with them so they can see was a plus. My 3yr old loved it. You can literally spend hours looking at everything. Can’t wait to make it back!” ~ Mike K.
Open year round except for major holidays.
Cost: $ / under 3 free
Chardon Square Association
Website (calendar)
Chardon offers a number of free events throughout the year, many of them toddler-friendly, including an Easter egg hunt, Old Glory Day, and Kid’sFest. Check this event calendar and plan for fun!
Geauga Family YMCA
Geauga Family YMCA
Website
Facebook
12460 Bass Lake Road, Chardon, OH 44024
440-285-7543
Swimming Lessons
Beginning at six months (with an adult), you can start your little one in swimming lessons at the Geauga YMCA. Y swim instructors are nationally certified with CPR, AED, First Aid and Oxygen Administration. Reasonably priced with several time options available. Members enjoy free open swims for families.
Swim Class Offerings
Website
Jr. Cavs Basketball
Website
“The Jr. Cavaliers youth basketball league is a learning league for children ages 3-14. This league is a fair play league that promotes youth development and character building through sports and recreation. All players must purchase a new jersey.”
The Pond Tot Learn to Skate Program
Website
9999 E.Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023
440-543-3884
Along with the public skate option above, you can also choose to register for weekly classes. Classes are six or seven weeks long and offered throughout the school year for 3 – 6 year olds. In addition to ice skating, The Pond offers a Mini Lyons soccer program for young kids starting at age 3 and has an indoor turf area, The Yard.
Weekly Class Programs $+
Fairmount Center for the Art
Fairmount Center for the Arts
Website
Facebook
8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, OH 44072
440-338-3171
“… a welcoming, friendly environment. It’s a fun place to learn and to feel inspired. It’s a place to create friendships – for kids… Let us give you a personal tour or jump right in and discover the programs that are right for you.”
A few programs for the tots:
Fairmount Recreational Dance
Creative Movement 18 mos–3 yrs
Kinderdance 2-3 yrs.
Let’s Move 3-5 yrs
Itty Bitty Ballet 3–5 yrs
Approx 16 week sessions
Toddler & Preschool Art
A couple of classes available for 3 year olds. Download their full list of all classes available for all ages.
Dance to EvOLvE
Dance To EvOLvE is a mobile dance company that has been specializing in classes for children ages 14mos -12yrs for over 10 years in ballet, tap, and hip hop. They do not have a studio but offer classes throughout the Cleveland area including several locations in Chardon. The youngest toddler at 14 months can begin in the You & Me Movement and Music Class. Watch their Facebook page for opportunities to attend a free class!
Toddler and Preschool Gymnastics Classes
Emeth Gymnastics
Emeth Gymnastics
Website
Facebook
14999 White Rd., Middlefield, OH 44062
440-834-0800
“We’ve served families in Northeast Ohio for nearly 20 years, helping them build confidence and TRUE character through gymnastics.”
Toddler gymnastics classes start at age 18 months and begin with practicing listening, balance, and movement while exploring gymnastics events and equipment. As children gain coordination and skill, they are moved into higher-level classes.
Totlights is a parent-child class for toddlers 18 months – 3 years.
- “Just Right” sized equipment: beams, bars, and more made just for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Help your child grow in an active, safe, and fun environment.
- Friendly and positive with trained, caring coaches who believe in each student.
- Unique to Emeth is their original character training program, incorporated into every class offered.
“Love this gym! Awesome coaches! Mentally and physically motivating while focusing on personal character growth and team sportsmanship.”
~ January, 2020
United Gymnastics School
United Gymnastics School
Website
Instagram
12550 Chillicothe Rd, Chesterland, OH, 44026
(440)678-8736
Little Rabbits
“This is a 45 minute fitness/gymnastics class filled with non-stop fun for 2-3 year olds. This class requires parent participation to help guide the children through the various activities in class. Each class will start with an obstacle course for climbing, jumping, rolling, etc. Basic skills on all of the gymnastics equipment will be taught to promote early development. And each class will end with a fun activity and a sticker for each child.
Looking for some fun quality family time? Safely play on our small scale equipment and more! Lots of fun and great for play-date groups!”
Leave A Comment