Moms Talk Q & A: Best Kids Activities in the Area

This week's question for the : What are the best activities for young children in our area?

Devone Lansing

One of the best things about living in Mentor is the .

There are always great programs for small children there, and that's important to me because I have four little ones. It's nice to be able to go to a "one-stop-shop," so to speak.

On the days we go, there is usually a program for toddlers followed by one for older children, and a place on the Children's Floor to play when you're not in class.

My older girls grew up with the Open, Shut Them song that Ms. Mary does in the Tiddlywinks class, and now my toddler is learning it, too. It's cute to see them all sing it together!

Best of all, every one of these programs is FREE. There's a reason they were voted the Civic Organization of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. We love the library.

Another thing my kids have always liked to do is visit the Kidgits playground area at Great Lakes Mall. They call it "the cow that jumped over the moon place," because there's a big (you guessed it) cow jumping over a moon there that kids can climb all over.

The best part about this is that moms can sit and eat soft pretzels from the food court while watching the kids burn off all their energy inside a contained area!  The worst part is probably the germs, but I prefer not to think about that until after I lather them up in hand sanitizer once we make it to the parking lot. 

Renee Ochaya

I think one of the best options for young kids in Mentor this time of year is sledding.

There is a behind the Polo building and another smaller one at Zimmerman’s trail, near the entrance to Headlands Beach.

Another favorite a bit further out is the Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland. My kids could spend an entire day at the Science Center. They liked the interactive exhibits, always enjoyed the ball pit and water play area and were amazed by the 3D movies. The Science Center was also great fun for parents.

Donna Milnes

In the summer, the best times were at the Mentor pools.  My children took swim lessons in the mornings and then we would go back in the afternoon for open swim.

Afterward, they were always tired and ready for dinner so they would play in the house or read a book until dinner time.  They learned the valuable skill of swimming and had plenty of exercise. Plus, they always had things to tell Dad about their day at the pool.

My grandsons have already started swim lessons and having fun in the water. On weekends, it is always a family affair.

Debbie Lynn

Two of my girls took ice skating lessons at the . They both loved it. Sam was able to help out with a special needs class once her skating was up to par.

There's always . It has areas for baseball, basketball, tennis, playground equipment, a pool, pavilions with picnic tables, and ducks and geese.

We took a group of kids to and they enjoyed it. This probably isn't a great idea for little ones.

My girls loved having school . With creativity, you can teach so many subjects with what you find there.

Gloria Kilfoyle

The best activity in this area is story hour at Mentor Library, and this activity is even free. The library has so many wonderful programs children of all ages.

Reading is the key to a child's future. If you think about it, everything depends on reading – math, computers, even texting.

The children's area also has puzzles, a big Thomas the Train set and other toys to use while there. Library time is an awesome gift to children.