Akron Zoo: Little ones will have the chance to meet Santa, roast s’mores and explore the Wild Winter exhibits during Snack with Santa Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17. “It creates a tradition,” says Carli Molinelli, Akron Zoo event and marketing coordinator. “When their kids are old enough to bring their kids, they can say, ‘My mom and dad used to bring me to this.’ ” $18-$31, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org
Cleveland Botanical Garden: We’ll take our eggs with a side of holiday cheer during Breakfast with Santa Dec. 3 and 10. But leave room for dessert, which features Christmas crafts, cookie decorating and a trip on the Garden Express train ride. “Santa is the highlight,” says Bridget Hays, facility rental associate. “Kids and their families can get breakfast anywhere, but they really want to see Santa.” $18-$32, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org
Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market: The flea market has kept its Breakfast with Santa tradition alive for almost a decade. Its Dec. 9 event includes a breakfast of fresh fruit and biscuits and gravy, plus a photo with Saint Nick. “It’s the gift-giving that everyone enjoys, the heritage of Santa giving gifts to kids that everyone loves,” says owner Marion Coblentz. $8.50 kids, $10.50 adults, 1289 Edison St., Hartville, 330-877-9860, hartvillemarketplace.com
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake: After you snag a photo with the big man Dec. 10, fuel up on breakfast — think quiches and omelets — then enjoy crafts and games. “It gets the parents out, and lets the kids have a great time,” says Janine Johnson, director of food and beverage. $7.95 kids, $14.95 adults, 4888 N. Broadway, Geneva-on-the-Lake, 440-415-1546, thelodgeatgeneva.com
Merwin’s Wharf: The Cleveland Metropark’s spot goes all out for its Breakfast with Santa events Dec. 3, 10 and 17, with a breakfast buffet, face painter, balloon artist, magic show and, of course, Santa. “Having everybody here gets the kids in the mood for the holidays,” says manager Zach Bohn. $18, 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, 216-664-5696, clevelandmetroparks.com
