Great Escape: Nature at Night

If your idea of a great night out includes sno-cones, mac 'n' cheese, an outdoor film and no baby sitter fees, you’re in business. Grab yourself a date or two – depending on family size – and head for the North Chagrin Nature Center on Saturday for Nature at Night. Bring a blanket.

The free event, from 5-11 p.m., has nighttime-related activities planned to keep your children happy and entertained, which means you, too, will be happy. There will be a concession stand, a maze to walk, crafts, storytelling and opportunities to meet live nocturnal animals. And singer-songwriter Kevin Conaway will perform two sets, from 5:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m.

And at dusk, you can arrange your blanket in the lawn, arrange your children on the blanket, and while your children watch Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, you can think your own thoughts undisturbed. Now, that’s a great escape!

The nature center is off Buttermilk Falls Parkway, off the Sunset Lane entrance of North Chagrin Reservation, off SOM Center Road/Route 91 in Mayfield Village.