Kids in Akron have it made with the many story time and craft times available to them all year long. Parents like that the kids are kept entertained while learning, and that it is free. Below are my choices for the top places to find free story and craft times in the "Rubber City."
Barnes and Noble
Your child’s favorite storybook characters come to life during story time at Barnes and Noble. Kids enjoy freshly-baked cookies from the café while listening to the 2-4 animated stories on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am. They also enjoy crafts after story time every Tuesday. Costumed characters such as Clifford, The Big Red Dog, and Curious George arrive monthly for a special Saturday story time. Make reservations for your group to have their very own story time: take a field trip of the store or go on a scavenger hunt.
Barnes and Noble
4015 Medina Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
330-665-5199
Barnes and Noble
4015 Medina Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
330-665-5199
Planet Make Believe
(courtesy of Planet Make Believe)
A true storyteller delights children at Planet Make Believe every Thursday at 10am. The energetic storyteller leads children on a wild adventure with lively stories. The fun continues with live music and songs that the kids help make up and sing. Snacks and juice provided for all.
Planet Make Believe
843 North Cleveland Massillon Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
330-666-1781
Planet Make Believe
843 North Cleveland Massillon Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
330-666-1781
Home Depot
(© Flickr user: Neubie)
Kids get creative while learning out to use construction tools at the Home Depot during Kids Workshops. The first Saturday of every month from 9am – 12pm is when kids and parents can enjoy building items such as tool boxes, birdhouses, mailboxes, fire trucks, bughouses, step stools and more. This is a fun time for kids to build items with their parents. Kids also receive a free kids size Home Depot apron and achievement pin.
Home Depot
4066 Medina Rd.
Fairlawn, OH 44333
330-670-0988
325 Howe Ave.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
330-922-3448
Home Depot
4066 Medina Rd.
Fairlawn, OH 44333
330-670-0988
325 Howe Ave.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
330-922-3448
Amazone Family Entertainment Center
(courtesy of Amazone)
Story time at Amazone is just as exciting as playing on their huge indoor playground. Story time on Wednesdays at 11am is free with paid admission and includes themed stories with visuals on the felt board. Kids also enjoy interactive song time and chances to win stickers and prizes.
Amazone Family Entertainment Center
2789 Medina Rd.
Medina, OH 44256
330-764-4237
Amazone Family Entertainment Center
2789 Medina Rd.
Medina, OH 44256
330-764-4237
Borders Bookstore
(© Flickr user: msnbcmom/cc license)
Borders Bookstore offers story time three times a week. Join the Tuesday morning story time from 10-11am or the Thursday evening at 6-7pm. Story time includes a themed story and coloring sheet activity. On Saturdays from 1-2pm, story time includes a craft time. Kids will enjoy a different craft each week including paper art projects, pipe cleaner creations, sand art and themed crafts for Harry Potter, Nancy Drew, etc. Story time is coming to the Fairlawn location soon.
Border's Bookstore
335 Howe Ave.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
330-945-7683
Border's Bookstore
335 Howe Ave.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
330-945-7683
Berean Christian Store
Story time at Berean is filled with music, stories, giveaways, and fun. The story time is a good mix of 3-4 songs with active body and hand motions as well as 2-3 stories. Kids have the chance to win the books that are read during story time. Parents love the 20% off coupon that can be used to purchase anything in the store. Join the fun every Friday at 10:30 am.Berean Christian Store
143 Rothrock Rd., Ste. A
Copley, OH 44321
330-666-0931
Pat Catan's Craft Center
Join the fun at Pat Catan’s every Tuesday at 10am for Storybook Craft. After story time, kids make a craft that coordinates with the story read. Every Thursday is Kids Craft Time from 2-4pm. Kids make a variety of crafts such as visors, pom pom pals, moveable foamy creatures and model magic air drying clay projects. All day long on most Saturdays and Sundays there are Make It and Take It projects such as visors, holiday cards and gifts.Pat Catan's Craft Center
1886 West Market St.
Akron, OH 44313
330-836-5600
Summit County Library
Summit County Library offers a great line up of story times. There are story times available for newborns through age 2 and for preschoolers ages 2-5 offered year round at every library branch. Sign up is required and they meet in 6-8 week sessions. The main branch offers Preschool story time every Thursday at 10:30am. Story time includes 2-3 interactive stories with visuals. Every Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 2pm is Story Time Sampler for families; no sign up is needed. This is a time of stories, crafts and activities.Summit County Library
60 S High St.
Akron, OH 44326
330-643-9000
Lowe's Home Improvement Stores
Kids learn basic tool safety and construction techniques every second Saturday of the month at Kids Clinic. Kids are proud of the many projects that they can make by themselves. These projects change monthly. Examples include wood picture frames, door hangers, bird houses, and money cases.Lowe's Home Improvement Stores
186 N. Cleveland Massillon Rd.
Akron, OH 44333
330-665-9356
940 Interstate Pkwy.
Akron, OH 44312
330-245-4300
Logos Christian Bookstore
Meet up at Logos during the school months for story time. Story time includes stories that will teach children the importance of morals, interactive music, exciting activities and yummy snacks. Attendees receive a 10% off coupon for anything in the store. The fun starts at 11am on Thursday and Saturday mornings. Walk ins are welcome, sign up are preferred. A special story time for your group can be arranged during any time of the year.Logos Christian Bookstore
4433 Kent Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
330-673-6099
