April Family Calendar

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April 2007

One Day at a Time

Pick Your Date

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s "Song and Dance." Through April 7. Song and Dance has been called "a concert for theatre." Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Don Black and Richard Maltby, it was nominated for eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Choreography. 8 p.m. Sundays, 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 5; Beck Center for the Performing Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. $17-$28. 216-521-2540 or online at www.beckcenter.org.

Family Weekend Wonders. Programs feature stories, activities, music and crafts. Staff provides materials and ideas for families wishing to continue reading and storytelling at home. Each weekend of the year has a different theme. Times vary. Lakewood Public Library or Madison Branch, Lakewood. Free. 216-226-8275, ext. 127, or www.lkwdpl.org/calendar.

The Nightingale. March 31-April 1. Youngsters from the Rainey Institute present a delightful tale about a beautiful nightingale whose song is more powerful than a trio of deceptive hyenas. 8 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday. Tri-C Metro Campus Theater. $5. 216-881-1766.

KidShow. March 31-April 1. For two days, a mall will be transformed into a huge marketplace of children’s products and services intertwined with free activities and fun. Every half hour entertainment changes on the Lake/Geauga Family Stage. Answer trivia questions to win prizes throughout the weekend. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Great Lakes Mall, 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Free. 440-974-1198, usepromark@oh.rr.com or www.usepromark.com.

w Easter Egg Extravaganza. March 31-April 1. Take the Easter Bunny Express from Independence to Peninsula, then take a bus to Happy Days Visitor Center to meet the Easter Bunny and have some fun, including a puppet show, crafts and an Easter egg hunt with prizes. Allow 4 1/2 hours for this excursion. Times vary. Rockside Station, Independence. $25 adults, $12 children, free younger than 3. 800-468-4070.

USEF Winter Series Hunter/Jumper Horse Show. March 31-April 1. 9 a.m., Lake Erie College, George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center, 8031 Morley Road, Concord Township. Free. 440-375-8000 or www.lec.edu/equine/events.php.

NCAA Hoop City. March 31-April 2. Love NCAA college hoops? Then Hoop City Refreshed by Coca-Cola is the place to be during the NCAA Women’s Final Four. The three-day fan festival celebrating the history and passion of NCAA sports is coming to Cleveland. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, noon-8 p.m. Monday, Cleveland Convention Center. $7 adults, $5 children, free under 2. www.Hoop-City.com.

Andrews School Horse Show. April 6-8 and 20-22. The Hunter Jumper Horse Show features horses and riders from Ohio and surrounding states. 8 a.m. until finish of show (generally 5 p.m.), The Andrews School Equestrian Center, 38588 Mentor Ave., Willoughby. Free. 440-942-3600, ext. 252, or www.andrews-school.org.

w Preschool Classes at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. April 8-28. April topic is ABC Animal Explorers. Ages 2-5. Classes meet once a week for three weeks: age 2 and adult on Wednesdays, ages 3-4 and adult on Thursdays and ages 4-5 on Fridays. Each class includes a close encounter with a small animal, stories, crafts, snacks and a zoo tour. 9:30-11:30 a.m., Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. $43/series. Register: 216-635-3391 or www.clemetzoo.com.

Father/Son Learn ’n’ League. April 14-May 12. Fathers and sons ages 10-14 can enjoy golf instruction and practice together, followed by playing nine holes. Not meant for raw beginners. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Washington Golf Learning Center, 3841 Washington Park Blvd., Newburgh Heights. $90 per person, includes greens fees. 216-641-1864.

Stuart Little. April 21-22, 28-29. The Fine Arts Association presents the story of an above-average mouse that sets off into the big city after his friend Margalo goes missing. Based on the novel by E.B. White. Sign-interpreted and audio-described performance April 29. 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. The Fine Arts Association, Corning Auditorium, 38660 Mentor Ave. Willoughby. 440-951-7500.

Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Adaptation. April 27-28. The first Cleveland screenings of the acclaimed amateur film "Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Adaptation," a shot-for-shot remake of the classic 1981 Steven Spielberg film that was made by three teenagers in Mississippi during the 1980s. They were 12 years old when they started the project in 1982. They finished it seven years later. 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday. Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11141 East Blvd., Cleveland. $10 adults, $7 children. 216-421-7450.

Musical Rainbows: Heavenly Harps. April 27-28. Musical Rainbows are designed to introduce children ages 3 to 6 to instruments of the orchestra. Each 30-minute Musical Rainbow program features a single instrument or instrument family, with narration, demonstration, audience participation and short solo selections. 10 a.m. Friday, 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday. Reinberger Chamber Hall at Severance Hall. $6. www.clevelandorchestra.com.

Verizon Wireless Swim for Diabetes. April 20-22. Support your local community in the fight against diabetes by participating in or volunteering at more than 70 indoor pools throughout Northeast Ohio! Visit www.SwimForDiabetes.com to register and to create a personal fundraising webpage so you can start fundraising today. Times and locations vary. 216-591-0800.

Mohican Wildlife Weekend. April 20-22. Experience wildlife habitat, heritage and natural history up close. More than 30 workshops and demonstrations for beginner and experienced naturalists alike. Sponsored by Gander Mountain. Times and locations vary. 800-642-8282.

Junior "Fun"damental Series. April 23-May 14. New golfers ages 12-17 will get a chance to learn the basics and have fun, too. Full swing, putting and chipping will be covered. 4-5:30 p.m. Mondays. Washington Golf Learning Center, 3841 Washington Park Blvd., Newburgh Heights. $80. 216-641-1864.

Cleveland Metroparks North Coast Nature Festival. April 27-29. Put a little "spring" in your step and head over to the Rocky River Reservation to celebrate birds, wildflowers and other animals native to Northeast Ohio with lectures, wildflower hikes, birding tours, nature presentations and more. See a show filled with wildlife art exhibits, nature-related organizations, hikes, guest speakers, children’s activities, bird walks, field trips, live animals, interactive videos and more, all celebrating the great nature of the North Coast. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Rocky River Nature Center, Rocky River Reservation, North Olmsted. 440-734-6660.

Ohio Boychoir Concert Spring Concerts. April 28-May 12. Enjoy the spring concert performance of this 30-child choral group at seven locations around northeast Ohio. Times and locations vary. 216-780-6161.

Fool’s Hike for the Family. Test your nature knowledge along the "unnatural" trail. When finished, stop back at the nature center and enjoy some treats. 2-3:30 p.m. Brecksville Nature Center, Brecksville. 440-526-1012.

City Music Cleveland Concert. CityMusic Cleveland and Michi Wiancko will perform the world premiere of Margaret Brouwer’s Concerto for Violin and Chamber Orchestra. Also on the program are Wolfgang Mozart’s Symphony #39 and Igor Stravinsky's Danses Concertantes. 7:30 p.m. Rocky River Presbyterian Church. (Additional concert locations throughout northern Ohio during the last week of March.) Free. 440-333-4888.

Hayes Easter Egg Roll. Children ages 3-10 are invited to relive a White House tradition started in 1878 by President Rutherford B. Hayes: an Easter Egg roll reminiscent of the Victorian era. Bring your colored eggs (three per participant). 2-3:30 p.m. Hayes Presidential Center, 1337 Hayes Ave., Fremont. Free. 419-332-2081.

Welcome Back Spring. Birds sing in it. Flowers bathe in it. Even animals play in it. What is this great thing that is causing so much excitement? Spring. Come welcome spring with a short hike and crafts. 10-11:30 a.m. Happy Days Visitor Center, 500 W. Streetsboro Road. Peninsula. $3 children. 800-257-9477.

Zany Zoo Soundzzz. Enjoy a musical safari when the CIM Orchestra brings the sounds of wildlife to the Kulas Hall stage. Exciting and imaginative musical works include Hoedown, Flight of the Bumblebee and Aesop’s Fables. A dessert reception will follow. 7 p.m. Cleveland Institute of Music, 11021 East Blvd., Cleveland. $8 adults, $6 children, $5 schools and groups of 10 or more. 216-791-5000, ext. 411.

KidzBlitz. With lights, fog, a unique sound track and loads of action, KidzBlitz is a fast-paced, high-octane event for the family. Families will experience Biblical truths communicated through special effects and illustrative interaction. 4-6 p.m. Garfield Memorial Church, 3650 Lander Road, Pepper Pike. Free. 216-831-1566.

Tri-C Kids JazzFest. Concert performances 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., activities throughout the day. Museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Children’s Museum of Cleveland, 10730 Euclid Ave., University Circle. $7, advance tickets available, includes museum admission. 216-791-7114 or www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner. All are welcome to enjoy an evening filled with authentic Italian food and music. Proceeds benefit the Murray Ridge Support Group. 5-7 p.m., Murray Ridge School, Elyria. $6 adults, $5 children. 440-329-3734 or www.loraincountymrdd.org.

Earth Day 2007 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Enjoy a showcase of energy, farmland and wildlife conservation, solar energy array, hybrid electric/gas cars, composting, eco-fair, children’s crafts and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Farmpark, 8800 Chardon Road, Kirtland. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children (free admission for Lake County residents). 800-366-3276.

Earth Day. Enjoy live music from local musicians, a b"earth"day cake, storytelling, wildflowers and nature walks, recycled crafts and an open mic to share environmental poetry. 1-5 p.m., rain or shine. Shaker Lakes Nature Center, 2600 S. Park Blvd. Cleveland. Free. 216-321-5935.

Bridges to Our Community. Two exciting components have been added to this exhibit: a two-story house and a two-story replica of Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, including a doctor’s office, nursery and much more. Splish Splash. Water exhibit teaches children about water transportation, weather and the Earth’s water systems. It features a two-story tall climbing structure designed to teach the basic principles of the water cycle. Egyptian Sands. Through April 14. Pinzone Pavilion is transformed with more than 70 tons of sand. Travel back in time to ancient Egypt and learn about everyday life, hieroglyphs and the customs and traditions of ancient Egypt that exist today. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Children’s Museum of Cleveland, 10730 Euclid Ave., University Circle. $6. 216-791-7114 or www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org.

John James Audubon: American Artist & Naturalist. Through April 29. Exhibition traces Audubon’s life and development as an artist and features 51 double-elephant, folio-sized, hand-colored engravings from his masterwork The Birds of America. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland. $9.50 adults, $7.50 senior/student, $6.50 child, free under 3. 800-317-9155.

Baseball as America. Through Sept. 3. The most significant exhibition of baseball artifacts and history ever assembled is coming to the Great Lakes Science Center, part of a national tour. Organized by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, the exhibit features than 500 artifacts which illuminate America’s fascination with the game and define its impact on today’s society. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Great Lakes Science Center, North Coast Harbor, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland. $14.50 adult; $11 child. 216-694-2000, www.GreatScience.com.

MISCELLANEOUS
w Night Tracks. Ages 6 and up with parent. Fridays and Saturdays through May. Overnight adventure in which campers explore the zoo at night and learn about North American wildlife. Campers learn how to identify various North American animals through their tracks, scat and other clues. Includes accommodations, evening snack and light breakfast, as well as admission to zoo and Rainforest after camp ends. 7 p.m.-11 a.m. next day. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. $35. Register: 216-635-3391.

Tremendous Treehouses. Through Oct. 31. This blockbuster exhibit features 11 custom-designed, site-specific treehouses, as well as two tree-art constructions, which stretch the definition of the classic treehouse and spark the imagination of young and old alike. $8 adult, $5 youth (under 12 free). 330-836-5533.

Australian Adventure opens for the season March 31. Wander through the Wallaby Walkabout and get close to some free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies and wallaroos, or hop aboard the Boomerang Express and see what life’s like Down Under. Feed nectar to colorful parrots at the Lorikeet Aviary and be sure to visit the koalas as they munch on eucalyptus at the GumLeaf Hideout. Summer admission rates are back in effect. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. www.clemetzoo.com.

Toy Lending Library. For the price of one toy, families have access to hundreds of quality toys. Little Tikes, Mattel, Fisher Price, etc. Heights Parent Center, 1700 Crest Road, Cleveland Heights. 216-321-0079 or www.heightsparentcenter.org.

Heights Parent Center. A gathering place for families with young children, the center offers free and low-cost programs and services. No membership is required and all families are welcome. Many programs, including an extensive toy lending library, are offered. 1700 Crest Road, Cleveland Heights. 216-321-0079 or www.heightsparentcenter.org.

Shaker Family Center. Two core programs include the Patricia S. Mearns Family Playroom and the Play and Learn Station. Five early childhood programs offered. 19824 Sussex Road, Shaker Heights. 216-921-2023.

Little Heights Family Literacy Playroom. Ages 2-5 with adult. Help your child gain school readiness skills by playing and enjoying activities with him or her. Check for schedule. Cleveland Heights-University Heights Main Library, 14780 Superior Ave., third floor. Free. 216-321-0079.

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