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Community Corner

Grab & Go Kids Planner: Walk the Parks for Fitness and Fun

Nature hikes, a musical, American Girl event and John Deere Days are our top picks for family-friendly outings this week

Hello, North Canton moms and dads! Thank you for checking out our "Grab & Go Kids Planner," which recommends five family-fun activities to take part in each week. These events are happening right in your neighborhood or just a short drive away and can provide you and your children with a wonderful time together.

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

Snow and rain have kept parents and kids indoors long enough this winter. Opportunities to enjoy fresh air and nature as a family are beginning to pop up, however — a sure sign spring is just around the bend.

Here are two great walks to get you and your family outdoors and exercising this week. After fitting in some fitness, be sure to see North Canton Playhouse’s youth musical, The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White, the classic story with a twist! Moms and daughters can step back in time with the American Girl dolls, and dads and sons can bond around antique tractors this weekend, as well.

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1. Fit Friday

When/Where: 9 a.m. Friday at the Stark County Park District’s Petros Lake Park, 3275 Perry Drive SW, in Perry Township

Why Go: Stark Parks announced it will step up its efforts in 2011 to help individuals of all ages get and stay in shape. The Stark County Park District is beginning Fit Fridays, a spring and summer series of low-impact hikes to get you and your family, including Grandpa and Grandma, walking outdoors. Get out and show your family how important and fun exercise can be, especially in a park setting!

Pricing: Free. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 330-409-8096

2. Migration Bird Hike

When/Where: 9 a.m. Saturday at Deer Creek Reservoir, 14514 Price St., just north of Alliance

Why Go: You and your family can move at your own speed during this nature appreciation stroll along the new Mahoning Valley Trail. A Stark Parks' naturalist will help the group locate and discuss water fowl flying above and swimming in the thawing lake. Enjoy nature’s beauty together, and hopefully, soak up a little sunshine!

Pricing: Free. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 330-409-8096

3. The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White

When/where: Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the , 525 7th St. NE

Why Go: According to the musical's synopsis, this show makes the tale of Snow White fresh with new characters and comedic twists. The story comes to life when a mother reads the Brothers Grimm tale to her restless children. This youth musical will feature well-known characters, including the evil queen and the dwarves, and will bring together multiple musical styles. Support our local theater and its cast and enjoy a hilarious and toe-tapping evening with the entire family!

Pricing: Tickets are $10 for all ages. Purchase tickets online or by calling the box office at 330-595-1613

4. Be an American Girl

When/Where: 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Jackson Township Branch, 7487 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon

Why Go: Girls in grade 3-8 can learn about the historical periods of the American Girl books and dolls. They also can make a craft and enjoy a snack from a specific era. So this may not be an event for the entire family, but it does sound like a special time for moms and daughters!

Pricing: Free. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the library at 330-833-1010

5. John Deere Days

When/Where: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hartville Marketplace and Flea Market, located on state Route 619 in Hartville, just behind the large Hartville Kitchen Restaurant

Why Go: The John Deere Days event offers fun for the entire family. Enter to win a John Deere tractor, listen to live country music and take part in or watch a cornhole tournament. Antique tractors will be on display and a wide variety of refreshments will be available, including fried bologna sandwiches and freshly squeezed lemonade. Browse the wares for sale by numerous vendors and don’t head home without getting a meal from the Hartville Kitchen, offering delicious home-cooked dinners and freshly baked pies.

Pricing: Free

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