The Cleveland Orchestra Pixar in Concert
Aug. 31-Sept. 1 // Blossom Music Center
Enjoy montages of Pixar animated films ranging from Toy Story to Brave
as the Cleveland Orchestra provides the soundtrack. It's like seeing all 13 movies
in one night, capped by a fireworks display. "I had never seen the film Up,"
says Mark Williams, the show's director of artistic planning. "The music is so good,
so descriptive and the orchestra plays so well that I really felt I experienced
this entire story, but in seven minutes." $20-$85, under 18 free. 8:30 p.m., 1145
W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, clevelandorchestra.com
Rhododendron Discovery Garden
All summer // Holden Arboretum
Lake County's Holden Arboretum has a new garden blossoming this year, a 4.5-acre
area created to serve as an educational space that deepens visitors' understanding
of the existing Helen S. Layer Rhododendron Garden. "It's beautiful and serene and
peaceful," Holden marketing and public relations specialist Vicki McDonald says
of the arboretum's first new permanent exhibition since its butterfly garden opened
in 2003. "It's divided into three segments: the evolution and history, a hybridization
display and how to successfully plant rhododendron in your own garden." $6, $5 (seniors
60 and older), $3 (kids 6-12), kids 5 and under and members free. Daily 9 a.m.-
5 p.m., 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland,
holdenarb.org
World Oceans Day
June 8 // Akron Zoo
Seventy percent of the Earth is ocean, so deepen your appreciation for it at the
Akron Zoo's World Oceans Day. "We wanted to highlight water and the importance of
animals in water," says David Barnhardt, the zoo's director of marketing and guest
services. Visit ocean-themed exhibits ranging from penguins to jellyfish. Kids can
participate in games and activities such as making an octopus out of cups and paper
to take home. "We want to do things that are educational, but make it fun," Barnhardt
says. "So hopefully kids learn something without even realizing it." $10, $8.50 (seniors
62 and older), $7 (kids 2-14). 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org
Train Day
June 15 // Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation
Kids will get a glimpse of bygone days when those down on their luck and looking
for work along the railroad would rely on coded messages left by others to navigate.
"They would say different things — if they could find food here, if people were
friendly here — with all kinds of symbols that they'd draw on trees," explains Karen
Lakus, the cultural history interpreter at the CanalWay Center. This one-day event
also allows kids to ride on a trackless train for $2, make railroad crafts and view
model train displays. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., CanalWay Center, 4524 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga
Heights, clevelandmetroparks.com
Junior Eco Chefs
June 26-28 // Rocky River Reservation
Boost your kids' understanding of Earth-friendly eating with Cleveland Metroparks'
Junior Eco Chefs day camp. "Kids will learn to connect with where their food actually
comes from," says chef Rae Endreola, who runs the program. "They'll make their own
salad dressing from the greens they pick." Pizza and pancakes are among the creations
on the menu during the three-day cooking camp. $66 (pre-registration required). 10
a.m.-2 p.m., Rocky River Nature Center, 24000 Valley Parkway, North Olmsted, clevelandmetroparks.com
Living History Days
July 20 // Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Step back into the early days of the 20th century, when F.A. Seiberling, co-founder
of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and his wife, Gertrude, lived at Stan Hywet Hall
& Gardens. Those touring the Manor House will be able to interact with actors
portraying period-accurate friends and employees of the famous pair. "If [a visitor]
talks about an electric kitchen range, I have no idea what it is," says Jim Urban,
the actor who portrays Chef Mazur. "But I tell the folks that I understand the engineers
at GE are working on one." $14, $6 (kids 6-17), kids 5 and under and members free.
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org
