CanalWay Center

"Just had an absolutely horrid experience with the staff here. We had our unschooling coop here today (several families with kids from 1yr to 11 were with us). One of the kids dropped a (toy) potato on the floor and began walking away. Joann yelled at him for not picking it up right away. She claimed the kids weren't following the rules and deserved to be yelled at for it. Zero communication with the kids. Zero communication with the parents. We're*literally* the only people here the entire time and she's yelling at kids about a potato on the floor. Alex (Joanns boss?) kept saying that they have standards that need to be followed and that kids can't play (despite calling 2 locations "play areas") here. Again, zero communication or relaying any "rules" to kids or the adults. No kids breaking anything, disrupting any guests (there werent any anyway). Just zero to yelling "HELLO!!! PICK UP THE POTATO!!!" at a child. We were here a few weeks ago (same group), and stayed and cleaned the place, including sweeping and vacuuming, so the staff member could leave right at closing. We take care of the places we are and always leave it cleaner than we find it. Every place we go welcomes us and thanks us when we leave. This place, today, left an absolutely disgusting taste in my mouth and don't think we'll be coming back."

"Excellent learning center, especially for children. Staff is more than willing to educate and talk. Educational activities and events are consistent, inclusive, and involved in a person way, no matter who is running it. Incredible place, I am genuinely grateful it exists."

"Naturalist guided 5 mile hike on mostly paved trails to see Eagles’ nest, beaver activity, blue herons, red tailed hawk along old towpath canal alongside cuyahoga river, fishing and wildlife"

"This has got to be the best nature center in the Metroparks. Alex did a great job on the Eagle Cart Tour and we enjoyed seeing all the live animals at the center, including a Bald Eagle and Red Tailed Hawk."

"This is one of the nicest nature centers in the county! I highly recommend taking kids of any age and exploring the little trails behind the center if they are dry!"