It’s hard to believe that March 13, the last day of school before we had to stay home from Solon High School, was over 200 days ago, as we now have spent more than seven months taking possible measures to ensure COVID-19 does not spread further.

There are activities to do in or near Solon that won’t compromise your ability to have fun and be safe. With winter weather approaching soon, spending time doing outside activities such as swimming or biking may soon no longer be an option. 

South Chagrin Reservation

One outdoor activity to do is visit the South Chagrin Reservation, located partially in Bentleyville, Solon, and Moreland Hills. The reservation features an outdoor sculpture known as Henry Church Rock carved by Henry Church in 1885. The sculpture features a unique carving with an unknown message. The South Chagrin Reservation also has an arboretum, polo field, and some trails. No mask necessary unless other people are around.

Downtown Chagrin Falls

Another possible outdoor activity is a walk in downtown Chagrin Falls. Downtown Chagrin Falls has shopping, dining, a park but most notably the Chagrin Waterfalls. Chagrin Falls is 4.5 miles from Solon. The terrain in Bentleyville, the town separating Solon and Chagrin, makes it hard to get to Chagrin Falls on foot, but is a  short 10 minute drive.

Fireside Book Shop is a popular destination for teenagers because they offer a variety of different genres, offer trade-ins and spotlight books involving social justice ideas. Popular restaurants include Yours Truly, Parkside Grille and Dave’s Cosmic Subs. 

For dessert, the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop is popular due to a variety of ice cream flavors, coffee, candy and gourmet popcorn. The shop has an old-timey style that provides nostalgia to some. The Chagrin Falls Popcorn shop has been in it’s spot since 1875, with a brief exception in 2000. It is not just locals who have heard of this sweet spot, Former President George W. Bush once made a stop at the shop during his re-election campaign in 2004.

Chagrin Falls Waterfall is at the center of the village. The waterfall has a drop of 20 feet and a crest line of 60 feet. Two stairwells which meet midway down to the falls allow for you to get closer to the waterfall and even stand in the rocks at the bottom. A playground is located at Chagrin Falls Park across from the waterfalls if you are interested in walking along the river. 

Fun n’ Stuff

If you’re not an outdoor person, perhaps Fun n’ Stuff, located in Macedonia, 10 miles from Solon, is right for you. However, Fun n’ Stuff offers outdoor activities if you are uncomfortable with being indoors.  Activities include laser tag, go-karts, roller skating, bumper-boats, batting cages, rock climbing, bowling, an arcade, and more.Fun n’ Stuff is open on Thursday through Sunday, offering later hours until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Fun n’ Stuff has put procedures in place in order to provide a safe environment during the pandemic.

You can buy tickets for an individual activity, with the average price of eight dollars. You can also buy bulk single attraction tickets. If you would like to do more activities, you can instead buy unlimited tickets with a time restriction. The band time includes three hours, five hours, all day unlimited, four-pack of five hour unlimited or four packs of all day unlimited.

With cases on the rise in Ohio, some of these activities may not be available in the future. With the uncertainty during this time, it is important to find the time to have fun. Wear a mask and you will be set to do these activities.