Homeschool hub: Cleveland

One Thursday a month, educator-led programs for ages 3–18, with separate activities for ages 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 and 13+. Upcoming themes: STEM Day (Nov 19), Curator's Choice (Dec 10), Cleveland's Heritage (Jan 21), Photography (Feb 18), Women's History Month (Mar 18) and Sports and Society (Apr 15). Admission includes the rest of the museum that day. Bring a packed lunch to eat on site afterward.

• Ages: Ages 3–18 (13+ track for teens)
• Cost: $9 per student (ages 3–18); parents and guardians free; ages 0–2 free; parking $10 per car; $62 season pass for all eight sessions
• When: Thursdays Nov 19, Dec 10, Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18, Apr 15, 10 a.m.–noon (arrive by 9:50) · 10 a.m.–noon

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Hands-on afternoon programs for homeschooling families with kids of all school ages. Topics: Science is Magic (Nov 17), Balto and the Iditarod (Jan 19), BodyWorks (Mar 16) and DinoMania (May 18). Tickets include general admission to the museum.

• Ages: All school ages
• Cost: Members free; nonmembers $20 adults, $13 youths
• When: Tuesdays Nov 17, Jan 19, Mar 16 and May 18, 2–4 p.m. · 2–4 p.m.

See the full card on our Cleveland page →

Monthly programs for homeschoolers at Metroparks nature centers and reservations, on STEM, local history, recreation and outdoor skills. Caregivers must stay with their children unless the listing says otherwise. This week: T-Shirts to Tote Bags at the Watershed Stewardship Center in West Creek Reservation (Sat Oct 24, 11 a.m.–noon); The Science of Fall Colors at the Egbert Picnic Area in Bedford Reservation (Sat Oct 24, 2:30–4 p.m.); Map & Compass: Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt and Hot Cocoa at the Trailside Program Center in Brecksville Reservation (Wed Oct 28, sessions at 5, 6 and 7 p.m.). Groups of ten or more can request a custom program.

• Ages: Families with an adult; ages not listed
• Cost: Not listed on the page
• When: Oct 24 (11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) and Oct 28 (5, 6, 7 p.m.); new programs each month · Oct 24: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; Oct 28: 5, 6 and 7 p.m.

See the full card on our Cleveland page →

On Mondays, the Zoo is free for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township (not Memorial Day, Independence Day if it falls on a Monday, or Labor Day). Adults 18 and over need a driver's license or state ID, or a current utility bill with their address plus matching photo ID. Minors must come with an adult. Zoo hours Oct–Mar are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Other days: $25 adults, $23 seniors 62+, $21 ages 2–11, under 2 free.

• Ages: All ages
• Cost: Free on Mondays for Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents; otherwise $25 adults, $21 ages 2–11
• When: Every Monday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Oct–Mar) · 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

See the full card on our Cleveland page →

Michaels' own policy lists "teachers who work in ... home schools" under who qualifies for its 15% teacher discount. Many items are excluded (for example clearance, books, classes and some brands), so check the list on the policy page.

• Ages: For the parent-teacher
• Cost: Free to join (Michaels Rewards)
• When: Year-round
• Proof needed: Verify as a teacher in Michaels Rewards (checked by a third-party service) with a document showing your name, your school or organization, and your status. Michaels says a valid educator ID lets you make 3 purchases while verification finishes.

Apple's Education Sales Policy says any K-12 employee is eligible for education pricing, "including homeschool teachers."

• Ages: For the parent-teacher
• Cost: Education prices (vary by product)
• When: Year-round
• Proof needed: Apple may ask for extra qualifying information before it accepts an order, and it audits education purchases, so keep documents that show you homeschool. Yearly limits apply (for example one MacBook and two iPads per year).