The Complete List of Kids Meal Deals Around the Chagrin Valley!

You have a busy life with all sorts of kids’ activities. They play sports, they take music lessons, or take part in countless other activities you couldn’t have imagined before having children. That means when it’s time to eat, the last thing you want to do is go home and start cooking.

The good news is, we have plentiful kid-friendly options most nights of the week right here in the Chagrin Valley and surrounding area. They not only want you to come in on week nights with your kids, they have good deals and / or entertainment to make it more pleasant. Many even allow kids to eat for FREE on certain nights. Yes, free!

We have families, too, so we did the legwork for you and put together a list. Take a look:

MONDAY

Burntwood Tavern, Chagrin Falls

At this local favorite, kids eat free all day on Mondays with the purchase of an adult meal. Complimentary valet parking is great for loading and unloading the munchkins, and optional outdoor seating is a nice option as well.

Oak and Embers, Chesterland

“Magic Monday” at Oak and Embers may not offer a ‘kids eat free’ deal, but they do have a magician performing from 6-8 pm. While you’re waiting for the magician to get to your table, Oak and Embers has paper “tablecloths” so your kids can be a crayon Picasso to their heart’s content.

Pro Tip: order the burnt ends appetizer and give your kids the plantain chips that come on the side.

Cowboy Food and Drink, Chagrin Falls

This roadhouse specializes in savory BBQ and Tex-Mex, which you can enjoy on Mondays when kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. For added fun, they often have a woman on hand making balloon animals – a good way to keep the little ones entertained!

Pro Tip: Bring quarters for the games if you get really desperate.

TUESDAY

Grove Hill, Chagrin Falls

Grove Hill is a popular local spot to grab a meal, and Tuesdays are a good day to do it with the family, since kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. It’s always hard for parents to find time to go to great gourmet restaurants and Grove Hill’s food is second-to-none. Do it on a Tuesday when you don’t have to pay for buttered noodles or the phenomenal chicken fingers.

Panini's Bar & Grill, Chagrin Falls

Another local favorite, with outdoor seating and a nice wine list, Panini's features specials for the kids on Tuesdays. Drop in, unwind with some wings and pizza, watch the game, and most of all, get the kids out of the house for the day!

Ruby Tuesday Aurora

You’ve been to Ruby Tuesday before, but did you know that kids eat free all summer long from 5 pm to close on (you guessed it) Tuesday nights? They have American fare at reasonable prices, making this a good choice for a last-minute dinner out. And of course, if you’re trying to eat a little bit healthier, Ruby Tuesday is known for the salad bar and also has many meals that are 700 calories or under.

WEDNESDAY

Buffalo Wild Wings Aurora

Buffalo Wild Wings has kids meals for $1.99 with the purchase of an adult meal every Wednesday. As with most places, “kids” are defined as kids under the age of 12. If wings are your thing, it goes without saying that this is a place you want to check out.

Pro Tip: They have tablet games you can grab and put in your kids hands to keep them occupied while you wait.

Zoup!, Solon, Beachwood

If Wednesday is your night to get out, you can zip over to Zoup!, where kids meals are free after 4 pm when you buy an adult meal. A bowl of hot soup may sound weird during the summer, but don’t worry! Zoup’s menu includes eight different salads and eight different sandwiches at the Solon location.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS

Stir Crazy, Lyndhurst

Tuesdays AND Thursdays at Legacy Village boast kids eat free specials, each time kicking off after 4 pm. If your family likes Asian cuisine, that makes this a no-brainer place to eat this summer!

Melt Bar and Grilled, Independence, Mentor

Another Tuesdays and Thursdays special, kids eat ‘cheap’ here on those days with the purchase of an adult meal. These locations aren't exactly close to the Chagrin Valley, but anyone who finds themselves in the neighborhood has likely felt the draw of the over-sized Melt menu. With a combo of fun grilled cheese sandwiches like you’ve never seen, plus cocktails and craft beers, this is a good spot for a family evening.

SUNDAY

Quaker Steak & Lube Valley View

More wings? More wings. This one features “$1.99 Kids’ Lube Cruiser Meals” on Sundays and affordable wings and beverages for the parents. And if your kids are especially good you can treat them to a phenomenal dessert of the “Amazing Chocolate Chunk Skillet Cookie,” which is exactly as good as it sounds.

Pro Tip: Kids 10 years and younger receive a free meal on their birthday.

Plaza Agave Chagrin Falls

Another Mexican establishment, this place also features family-focused specials on Sunday when kids eat free. Plaza Agave has outdoor dining options and this is just down the street from Dairy Island for post-meal ice cream.

As you can see, there are plentiful options in the region to avoid the kitchen and maybe even save a few bucks with the family.

So get out there and enjoy a night out! You earned it!

10 Things To Know About the Blossom Time Festival

The Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival is just weeks away, and that’s going to mean BIG fun for families throughout the region. After all, it’s one of the most famous and popular events of the year in our region.

You’re not going to want to miss out on this four-day event. Here’s what you need to know about the 2017 Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival:

1) Born in 1933

The festival got its start all the way back in 1933. Inspired by the Chagrin Falls 1933 Centennial, the town celebrated with a carriage and costume parade, prizes for the oldest resident, oldest married couple, and the man with the largest feet, a soap box derby, a chicken chase and more. The event evolved from there.

2) It Stopped During WWII

The war was a tough time for all, and for six years the celebration was not held. In 1956, festivities began again thanks to the then newly-formed Jaycees (see below), and in 1962 the event moved to Riverside Park.

3) This Year, it Begins Thursday, May 25

You might think of the festival as a weekend event, but in fact the fun begins on Thursday. Carnival, rides open at Riverside Park, the crowning of the Blossom Time Queen draws a crowd, and the amazing “Balloon Glow” takes place at dusk on E. Washington Street, behind Chagrin Falls High School.

4) There Will be Hot Air Balloons!

Look to the skies this year for hot air balloons above Chagrin Falls. On Friday, at 6:30pm, a hot air balloon launch at Chagrin Falls High School will kick off balloon races that will take place throughout the weekend. This maintains an area tradition that has existed since the 1880s!

5) No Shortage of Rides

Riverside Park will be packed with carnival rides of all shapes and sizes, so if you enjoy a nice ride, you won’t want to miss the festival. There will be plenty of opportunities for thrills. Rides open at 5:30pm Thursday, 2pm Friday, and 10:30am on Saturday and Sunday.

6) Bring Your Appetite

Don’t fill up before you come, because the dozens of food trucks and vendors on the Triangle are going to provide plenty of eating for you on Saturday during the “Taste of Chagrin” celebration. You name it and chances are there will be a truck devoted to it. You could spend the whole day just trying out all the food that will be here!

7) Hope You Like Pie

At 6pm on Friday, the festival will feature a pie eating contest – so maybe you should skip the food trucks that afternoon and save some room, because these pie eating contests involve a LOT of pie.

8) Of Course There will be Music

It wouldn’t be the Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival without live music, and this year will deliver in that regard. Be sure you’ll be ready to move, because live performances will highlight the entire festival.

9) Thank the Jaycees

The Chagrin Valley Jaycees are one of the primary engines that make the festival happen. Part of the community since 1956, these volunteers handle a massive amount of planning, work, and more to bring this festival to us. They are also involved in community mainstays like the Christmas Lighting of the Village and OctubaFest

10) It Helps Local Organizations

Money raised during the Blossom Festival ends up going back to the community in the form of donations to local organizations – so in a very real way, when you attend the festival you are helping the community!

It’s going to be a weekend jam-packed with fun, food and more in Chagrin Falls. We plan to be there to soak it all in. We hope we’ll see you there!

Photo Credit: Chagrin Falls Historical Society

Our "Must Do" Events for Blossom Time Festival 2017

Chagrin Falls is famous for many things. Its history. Its cozy atmosphere. Its people.

And of course, for the annual Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival, which draws thousands from throughout the region for four days of events, attractions, and more. It’s truly one of our favorite events of the year, perfect for a day out with friends and family.

If ever you wanted to find out why people are in love with Chagrin Falls, this event is the perfect time to find out.

Thanks to the efforts of the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, dozens of volunteers, and a slew of generous supporters, every Memorial Day weekend the Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival has been one of the area’s most beloved events. Food, rides, music, and more – there is a lot to take in!

Of course, it’s no surprise to find the Chagrin Valley Jaycees in the midst of something good. The Jaycees have been contributing to the community here since 1956, and during that time have sponsored some major community mainstays, including the Christmas Lighting of the Village and OctubaFest.

The Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival, however, may be the most popular of them all. Past themes have included “Superheroes” and “Wild, Wild West.”

For 2017, the festival kicks off on Thursday, May 25 at 5:30pm and runs until Sunday, May 28 at 10pm.

Highlights of the 2017 event will include the Taste of Chagrin all day Saturday, which will feature dozens of food trucks and vendors on the Triangle – be sure to bring your appetite – Sunday’s traditional Blossom Time Run, hot air balloon launches, and more.

Some key times to keep in mind:

• Thursday, 5:30pm – Festival begins! Carnival, rides open at Riverside Park.

• Thursday, 6:30pm – Crowning of the Blossom Time Queen

• Thursday, Dusk –The popular “Balloon Glow” will happen at dusk on E. Washington Street, behind Chagrin Falls High School.

• Friday, 2pm – Festival opens, the rides are ready for your family

• Friday, 6pm – Pie eating contest

• Friday, 6:30pm – Hot air balloon launch will be held at Chagrin Falls High School. Balloon races will be held throughout the weekend.

• Saturday, 9am - Give Chagrin Valley will host kid’s day programming

• Saturday, 10:30am – Carnival rides start their fun!

• Saturday, 6:30pm – Hot air balloon launch.

• Sunday, 9am – The Sunday morning Blossom Time Run will kick off.

• Sunday, 10:30 am – The last day of carnival rides begins

• Sunday, 2pm – The parade! The parade will go down E. Washington through the center of town, from the high school to the police station.

As you can see, it’s going to be a busy weekend! Lots to do and see, and lots of people to spend time with. We certainly know we’ll be among them. We hope we’ll see some of you out there!

10 Springtime Escapes Near Chagrin Falls

Spring has sprung, which means it’s finally time to get out and have some adventures with your friends and family.

Thankfully, Chagrin Falls and the surrounding region offer plenty. Whether you’re getting out for the day with the little ones or are looking for a Saturday adventure with friends, these places should be on your list:

1. Chagrin Waterfalls

We couldn’t forget the namesake of Chagrin Falls! There are few nicer places to visit in the spring. This time of year you’ll love the gorgeous views of the falls, the mesmerizing sound of the water, and getting your fill at the concessions. Very nice place to bring the family!

2. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

This quaint little theatre has been serving the community since 1930, offering a wealth of art and culture to the region. Here you’ll enjoy plays, musicals, dance, and more. And don’t forget their youth programs and murder mysteries!

3. Preston's Hope

If you have a family, this park should be high on your list of places to visit. Preston’s Hope features a miniature “town” that kids love, and with tons of room for romping your kids will be exhausted by the time they leave – which is great news for tired parents!

4. South Chagrin Reservation

With a lively river, forest full of places to explore, and the mysterious Squaw Rock carving, this huge park offers a perfect spring outing for adventurous residents. It’s s great place for group and family outings, too, with year-round educational programming year-round events like group bike rides and bird watching.

5. The Greenville Inn

Boasting a history that stretches back to the 1800s, The Greenville Inn is a good place to visit if you love music. They’ve been drawing the area’s best talent for as long as we can remember, and with so many locals making it a part of their Friday and Saturday night, you’ll always feel welcome.

6. Forest Ridge Preserve

This newly expanded preserve is an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors thanks to its wealth of trails, fishing ponds, and endless swaths of green. If you enjoy extended hikes, Forest Ridge connects with the South Chagrin Reservation, allowing you to put some miles on your shoes during the nice weather.

7. River Road Park

Boasting a large playground that is easily visible from anywhere in the park, this is one of the Chagrin Falls region’s most overlooked spots. There are trails for hikers and joggers, sports fields for getting together with the gang, and bathrooms with full plumbing. Great place to spend a spring afternoon!

8. Chagrin Falls Historical Society Museum

Open on Thursdays, the museum’s impressive collection of artifacts, photos, furniture, artwork, newspapers, and more will give you a window into the past that will make you appreciate the region even more than you already do.

9. The West Woods

A quick trip to Novelty will bring you to the West Woods, a park filled with well-maintained and secluded trails perfect for hikers. This is an excellent location for horseback riding, too.

10. Whitesburg Park

It’s not a big, sprawling nature preserve. Located near downtown Chagrin Falls, this is instead a cozy little park with approachable trails and nice water features. Perfect nature escape for the family.