Cleveland: A Most Livable City, Especially for Families
By Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Is Cleveland “one of the most livable cities?” Yes, it is true! In fall 2005, Cleveland was ranked as the number one "Most Livable City" in the U.S. and 26th in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a leading international research and analysis firm. Northeast Ohio's negative aspects – loss of jobs, loss of population, poor city schools – often obscure the fact that our community is rich with a variety of family-friendly gems. Here are some places to go visit with your family this summer.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
There is no question that checking out the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field is a fun family outing; however, also consider the Lake County Captains, an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. Since 2003, the Lake County Captains has provided another ballpark option – at a very reasonable price – at Classic Park located in Eastlake. Box-seat tickets cost $9, bleacher tickets are $7, lawn seats are $6 and children under the age of three are free. (Plan to have your under-the-age-of-three children on your lap if you are in the box or bleachers.) Take in the game from the lawn to allow your little ones to run around. This area is in close proximity to the Captain's playground and picnic area. From the on-going entertainment of the game to the lovable mascot named Skipper to the picnic and outdoor activity areas, this outing is a home run. For more information, visit www.captainsbaseball.com or call (440) 975-8085. Tickets can be purchased from its website or by calling (440) 954-WINS.

Head to the Outdoors!
Cuyahoga County and Lake County Metroparks offer diverse programs for kids (and for those who are kids at heart). From movie nights to programs about specific animals (bats, owls and more), their offerings are vast and economical (many are free). In addition, the parks offer hiking, biking and rollerblading trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and wide-open spaces suitable for organized (or not-so-organized) sports and games. More information about Cuyahoga County Metroparks is available on its website, www.clemetparks.com, or by calling (216) 635-3200. More information about Lake County Metroparks is available on its website, www.lakemetroparks.com, or by calling (440) 639-7275.

Weather Not Cooperating? Head Indoors
Located off I-271 in Woodmere, locally owned CHABAM (which stands for Children Have Active Bodies And Minds) offers classes for kids ages 4 months to 12 years and a creative-arts drop-off program for children ages 18 months through 7 years. CHABAM provides music, art and movement programs facilitated by degreed educators. Your kids will be thrilled to explore the interactive tree house, swinging bridge, puppet theater, pottery wheels and more. This innovative environment offers unique learning experiences for families, as well as a safe, secure, clean and educational place for children to be when adults need to tend to other things. For more information, check out www.chabam.com or call (216) 464-8500.

Another great indoor family outing is the Cleveland Botanical Garden located in University Circle. Open year round, the Cleveland Botanical Garden's mission is “grounded in the belief that quality-of-life can be improved through a better understanding of the interdependence of plants, people and the environment.” A trip to the Botanical Garden invites you and your children to explore the glasshouse, which features two distinct ecosystems. And, if the weather is cooperating during your visit, be sure to also check out the 10 acres of display gardens including the Hershey Children's Garden, the first garden of its kind in the State of Ohio. The Garden also has great amenities such as onsite parking (for a fee) and the Garden Café, which features light snacks, lunches and refreshments. To find out more, visit www.cbgarden.org or call (216) 721-1600.

Music for Your Ears
Everyone in Northeast Ohio should know about and take advantage of one of the world's (yes, the world's) greatest symphony orchestras, The Cleveland Orchestra. With its home base at Severance Hall in University Circle and its summer home at Blossom Music Center, the orchestra provides a variety of musical programs. Aimed at introducing children to classical music, concerts are age appropriate, and many provide hands-on explorations before the concert experience. For example, have you ever experienced a musical petting zoo? Blossom Music Center is picnic friendly on the lawn, and some nights feature fireworks or music from movies such as Harry Potter and Star Wars. Learn more about the Cleveland Orchestra at www.clevelandorchestra.com or by calling (216) 231-7300.

Fun and Healthy Food
When it comes to family, Mom knows best, right? That is the philosophy of one locally owned east-side eatery. Mom's Diner, located at 21849 Miles Road in Orange Village, offers the great comfort foods that moms make in their own kitchens: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, breakfast served all day and more. Best yet, Mom's uses quality products including locally grown produce, organic Ohio milk, eggs and dairy products and homemade ice creams. Want to know more? Call (440) 248-6669.

Another locally owned restaurant, Liquid Planet, has locations on Clifton Boulevard in Cleveland and now at Crocker Park in Westlake. With the motto “Great food and juice. For life!” the menu features “grown-up drinks” (coffee, teas and espresso), as well as great smoothie drinks (30 different varieties) that the kids will love. It is a delicious – and sneaky – way to get more wholesome fruits into your kids' diets. In addition, Liquid Planet's menu offers toasted pita sandwiches and salads served in a classic, funky, family-friendly eatery. Check them out at www.liquid-planet.com or call (216) 631-2266.

Of course there are many more offerings in Northeast Ohio, but these will get you started this summer. Grab your kids and get out there to explore our livable, family-friendly city.

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A., is the director of CHABAMTM, The Educational PlaycenterTM, as well as a freelance writer. To contact Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, e-mail fleminggifford@yahoo.com.