Why Rocky River Rocks for Kids

City Services

Top-rated schools

Rocky River City Schools is one of only 18 school districts in the state with an overall five-star Ohio School Report Card rating, says the district’s Communication Specialist, Greg Murphy. Three of the district’s schools have also been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools in recent years. But that’s merely the icing on the proverbial cake. With more than 2,600 students sprinkled throughout five schools, Murphy says the focus on academics, activities, arts and athletics makes for a collaborative effort that helps each child achieve at the highest level. 

“It starts with strong leadership at the top, all the way down to great teachers in the classroom and students and families who care about education,” he notes. “There’s something for everyone to do here in the district, and that’s what makes it so great.” 

Epic parks and playgrounds

Among the eight parks in Rocky River with playgrounds, Director of Recreation Bob Holub points to Linden Park as having the “ultimate amenities.” There you’ll find playgrounds; pickleball, tennis and basketball courts; softball and soccer fields; sand volleyball; a walking path; a storybook trail; and a gazebo. Holub notes the ever-growing list of features makes it his top choice for variety in park amenities.

“A lot of people would expect me to say Rocky River Park or Bradstreet’s Landing,” Holub admits. “Those are crown jewels for the city, but Linden Park has some of the most amenities across the board for everyone to enjoy the space.” 

He notes a close second for kids is Martin Park due to a recent renovation that includes separate play spaces for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, where kids can climb, slide, swing, swivel and spin their way through the multi-colored maze of obstacles on Kings Mill Run.  

But with five playgrounds receiving facelifts in the past five years, Holub points out, there’s not a bad facility in the bunch. From the daredevils to the timid tots — to the parents who welcome the opportunity to play alongside their children — these kid magnets are waiting to entertain everyone.    

The security of safety town 

Visit Safety Town Park next to the city pool to teach your tike all about traffic signals, railroad crossings, bicycle safety and more. The miniature village was created in conjunction with the Safety Town program, which has been offered in Rocky River to children entering kindergarten since 2021, says Officer Neil Czaplicki, one of the Rocky River police officers who oversees the weeklong courses offered in August. 

Approximately 160 kids pass through the curriculum every summer, which includes topics such as pedestrian and bicycle safety and riding a school bus for the first time. Tours of the fire and police stations as well as daily visits to Safety Town park reinforce the lessons that are designed to help children prepare to “take on the big world.”

“It really helps them learn the things to keep them safe,” says Czaplicki, who is also a school resource officer in the district. “It starts building trust and a relationship [with police officers] so that they can build off it as they get older.”

Shops

Once Upon a Time Toys

This cornerstone of Rocky River for more than 40 years allows children to sit down and play with baby dolls, building blocks, games and puzzles at tables while caregivers shop the magical aisles that bring brands like Fisher Price, Playmobil and Melissa & Doug to life. 

Manager Mary Monroe says the screen-free shop invites children to leave electronics behind and immerse themselves in books, stuffed animals, trains, dinosaurs, science kits, Legos, crafts, cars and trucks that have been delighting children for generations. 

As a timeless toy store where kids can actually touch and play with items, is there anything that isn’t unique about this hometown treasure? 

19285 Detroit Road, 440-333-2327, onceuponatimetoys.com

belle: a shop for girls

This Old Detroit Road boutique beckons 5- to 14-year-olds to see what’s on the other side of its Barbie-pink door. Once inside, clothing, jewelry, accessories, hair and beauty products, home décor, school supplies and gifts invite visitors to enjoy the art of accessorizing colorfully — and charismatically.  

19142 Old Detroit Road, 216-767-5277, belleshopforgirls.com

Babycakes

This Detroit Road boutique offers everything soft and cuddly for baby boys and girls. From clothing and shoes to shower gifts and seasonal favorites, Babycakes caters to trendy cuties for casual and special occasions. With sizes up to 6 for boys and girls, Babycakes also helps shoppers round the corner from toddler to trendsetter, with premier apparel and accessories. 

19315 Detroit Road, 216-767-5209, babycakeschildrensboutique.com

Chill Out

Kids and ice cream go together like cookies ‘n’ cream. Here are some spots to indulge that sweet tooth after a day at the park.

Mitchell’s Ice Cream
19700 Detroit Road
440-333-4563
mitchellshomemade.com
Try it: Wildberry Crumble 

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
21960 Center Ridge Road
216-712-4139
ritasice.com
Try it: Cotton Candy