Lakewood Family Room Programs

The Lakewood Family Room is a program from Lakewood’s Department of Human Services. All programs are free to Lakewood residents. We welcome parents, grandparents, nannies, and any other caregiver with their children aged birth to 8. Adults must stay with their child at all times. Programs are facilitated by an Early Childhood educator and volunteer staff. Participants are expected to adhere to current COVID-19 federal, state and local guidelines and health orders.

Click here for the Fall 2023 Family Room Schedule

Lakewood Family Room Fall 2023

Mondays (3-6 PM; 3-7 PM second Mondays):

On Mondays, Lakewood Family Room will be open afterschool and early evening for all families. Caregivers and children 8 and under may play, unwind, and connect in our playroom. Older kids can do homework, watch TV, read, create art, or play board games in one of our activity rooms. On the second Monday of the month, we will have a bonus hour and be open till 7 PM!

Also on Monday afternoons (3:30-5:30 PM), youth aged 11-19 can take part in Colors + Connections Drop In that focuses on emotional, social, and mental wellness skills in a judgement free environment. Colors + also facilitates a Parent Connection group on Second Mondays from 6:30-7:30 PM for those with a child that has come out as trans, gender expansive, or when a child is beginning to question their LGBTQ+ identity. Both groups are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional.

Tuesdays (9-11 AM & 3-5 PM):

At the Lakewood Family Room Tuesdays are for TODDLERS! At once loveable, sweet, and goofy as well as irrational, demanding, and crazed, we give toddlers a place to work out all those important feelings. And give parents a place to commiserate.

Join us in the afternoon for a place to wind down after school. Children 8 and under are welcome in the Family Room with their caregiver and older kids can unwind in one of our activity rooms.

Wednesdays (10 – Noon):

On Wednesday mornings, Kristen Bindel (Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor) facilitates our Parent, Infant & Lactation Support group. Bring your newborn or baby under one year for peer support, postpartum support, infant care issues, weight checks, lactation and infant feeding support. We even have a variety of babywearing carriers and wraps to try!

While weather allows, those with children over one can join Miss Jess for outdoor fun at Cove Park also from 10 to Noon. We will have toys, blocks, cars, chalk and more. If it is raining or too cold, group will be cancelled.

Thursdays (9-11 AM & 3-5 PM):

Thursday mornings are for Babies to Big Kids! Moms, dads, grandparents, and other caregivers can bring their 0-5 year olds for unstructured play in the Family Room.

Join us in the afternoon for a place to wind down after school. Children 8 and under are welcome in the Family Room with their caregiver and older kids can unwind in one of our activity rooms.

Fridays (9:30 – 11 AM):

Learn thru Play is a free family early literacy program for kids birth to six that gives parents and caregivers a chance to participate in art, creative play, math, science, and language activities with their children. Facilitator and Early Childhood educator, Brenda Nakonecznyj creates activity stations around a monthly theme that will stimulate your child’s natural curiosity to explore and discover all while playing.

Special Events

Thursday, September 14 & 28: Miss Emily’s Storytime (check social media for themes) 10:15 AM

Saturday, September 30: Fall Play Day, 11 – 1 PM, RSVP Requested, For parents/caregivers and children 8 and under

Tuesday, October 31: Cove Community Center Halloween Party, 9:30 – 11:30 AM, Costumes, photos, activities & trick or treat around the center                                               And More to be announced!

Call 216-529-5018 for more information or email jessica.parker@lakewoodoh.net.

Cove Community Center is located at the corner of Cove and Clifton.

Cove Park is just North of the train tracks on Cove.

*** The Lakewood Family Room is a program from the City of Lakewood’s Department of Human Services. The Family Room is closed on all city holidays. ***