Once you have spent a quiet moment in the Kirtland Temple and toured the Whitney Store, there are things to do in the Kirtland vicinity that will round out your vacation with a bang.  Whether your tastes run to roller coasters, nature, pro football, or even a live musical production, Kirtland has something to intrigue you and your family.  

• This is Kirtland! — This hour-long live production explains the role of the Church in Ohio’s history through a musical/theatrical format. In 2005, performances are scheduled from June 30 thru July 23 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Kirtland Stake Center at 8751 Kirtland Road. Admission is free but seating is limited. For groups of 20 or more, for the 2006 schedule, or for questions, contact the Kirtland visitors’ center. 

• Penitentiary Glen — For those with children, I would almost consider this a “must do.” The 422-acre park includes a nature center, wildlife reserve, butterfly garden, hiking trails (some stroller-friendly) including a 1-mile hike to see the gorge, and picnic areas. Children and adults alike will enjoy the hands-on nature center located in the main building. It is very kid-friendly with interesting exhibits, activity centers, and even includes a working beehive. Hop aboard one of the miniature steam engine trains for a free ride through the woodlands and along the rim of the gorge (check at nature center for current schedule). Entrance to the nature center is free and open daily 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. The park is also open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free. Located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road. (Turn right as you leave the LDS visitors’ center and go about 2 miles.) For more information call 440-256-1404 or 440-639-7275. 

• The Holden Arboretum — Features 3,100 acres of gardens, ponds, natural woodlands, and horticultural collections. Numerous trails offer a variety of breathtaking options. For more information or to see about tram tours (available April thru October), visit www.holdenarb.org or call 440-946-4400.

• James A. Garfield National Historic Site — Learn more about the 20^th President of the United States, James A. Garfield, and see his home as it looked in the 1880s. Once referred to as “Lawnfield” because of the expansive grounds, the 8-acre site includes a visitor center and museum store. Located at 8095 Mentor Avenue. 440-255-8722.

• Ice Skating Rink — Visit the Mentor Civic Arena for some fun on the ice. Open ice skating sessions are offered daily from October thru April and closed May through early June. Contact the Mentor Civic Arena for summer hours. Located at 8600 Munson Road, Mentor. 440-974-5730.

• Civic Center Water Park — Beat the heat at a nearby water park. Featuring a 165-foot waterslide and children’s interactive water play area; all fully handicap-accessible. Located in front of the Mentor Civic Arena at 8600 Munson Road, Mentor. 440-974-8260.

• Lake Farmpark — Milk a cow, take a wagon ride or see a variety of animals at this family oriented farm. Located at 8800 Chardon Road, Kirtland.  440-256-2122 or 1-800-366-3276.

• Mentor Headlands State Park — Enjoy a mile-long natural sand beach on Lake Erie. The park includes a playground, picnic pavilion, barbeque area, restrooms, and concession stand. Lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Located next to Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve at State Route 44 and Headlands Road.

• Cedar Point Amusement Park — Rated as one of the best and most exciting parks and often referred to as the roller coaster capitol of the world, Cedar Point features 68 rides, including 16 roller coasters! Located west of Cleveland in Sandusky, Ohio. For more information and to purchase tickets on-line (saves waiting in long lines), visit www.cedarpoint.com.

• Six Flags Amusement Park — Located about 30 miles south of Kirtland just off Route 306.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame – Located one-hour south of Cleveland at 2121 George Halas Dr., next to Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Open: daily except Christmas. Call 330-456-8207 or 800-533-4302 for more information.

• Things of interest in nearby Cleveland include: the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Browns Stadium, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For more information, contact the Cleveland Tourism Department at 800-321-1001.

© 2005 LDS Family Travels. All Rights Reserved.