Red, White & Cool: July Fun at The Ashland Kroc Center!
Celebrate Summer with Art Classes, Safety Town, RJ’s Spray Park & the Summer Food Service Program
ASHLAND, Ohio – This July, the sparks of summer fun are flying at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Center of Ashland! Whether you're a freedom-loving family, a pint-sized patriot-in-training, or simply looking to beat the heat with purpose and play—The Kroc Center is your all-American headquarters for star-spangled summer adventures.
“In the spirit of independence and community, we’re proud to offer programs that build strong families, creative minds, and confident kids,” says Dan Lawson, PhD, Director of Community Relations and Development. “Just as Joan Kroc envisioned, our mission is to uplift and empower through recreation, education, and the arts—all wrapped in the values of The Salvation Army.
From learning the meditative form of drawing called Zentangle, to learning life-saving skills in Safety Town, to cooling off with a splash at RJ’s Spray Park, there’s something here for every age and every hero.”
This July, ignite your summer at the Ashland Kroc Center—where every family can celebrate freedom, fun, and a fresh adventure. Let the summer fun ring—your red, white, and cool adventure starts here!
For families:
- Glow-rious Independence Family Skate Night: Red, White & Roll your way into the Fourth of July weekend with a glow skate night at The Kroc. Glow sticks will be provided. Feel free to bring your skates or borrow ours and enjoy this fun family activity!
- Date: Thursday, July 3 | Time: 5 to 7 p.m. | Cost: Non-members: $5 per person; Kroc members: Free
For adults:
- The Art of Zentangle Inspired Creative Drawing Series: This three-part series will introduce the easy, relaxing method of drawing complex artforms through the Zentangle method as we explore the basics and begin to create free-form designs, mandalas, borders, and more.
- Dates: July 15, 16 & 17 | Time: 5:15-6:45 p.m. | Cost: Members: $45 | Non-members: $60 | Material Fee: $5
- Stained-Glass Workshop: Perfect for both beginners and enthusiasts, this workshop offers hands-on experience in glass cutting, foiling, and soldering, blending skill-building with artistic exploration.
- Dates: Tuesdays, July 15, 22 & 29 | Times: 6 – 8 p.m. | Cost: Non-members - $100 | Members - $75 | Age: 16+ | Maximum of 8 participants
Kids activities:
- Vacation Bible School (Ages: Kindergarten – 6th grade)
- Dates: July 14 – 17 | Times: 5 to 7 p.m.
- Theme: True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World
- Activities: Bible lessons, science experiments, games, snacks, and exclusive waterpark party on July 20!
- Cost: Free
- Kroc Kids Safety Town (Age: Children entering Kindergarten in Fall 2025)
- Dates: July 21, 22 & 23 | Time: 3:30-5 p.m. | Cost: $35 per child
- Each participant will receive a bike helmet, certificate of completion, as well as learn valuable community safety basics over a 3-day period, including: fire safety, bus safety, bike safety, and more.
- RJ’s Spray Park: Through August 18, the Spray Park is free to the public Monday – Friday, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.
- Plus, the Spray Park is still open for party bookings. Please go to our party site at for more information and to check available dates: https://us.partywirks.com/storefront_express/main/vendor/krocashland/604/?customer=1.
- Summer Food Service Program FREE LUNCH to all children 0-17 years, on the back patio of The Ashland Kroc Center, by RJ’s Spray Park (rain location is the Community Room).
- Dates: June 9 - August 8, Monday – Friday; | Times: 12 –12:45 p.m.
- Mondays to include special events/activities, including: July 7 - Tail-Wagging Therapy, July 14 - Nature Explorers with Gorman Nature Center, July 21 - Touch-A-Truck Bash and July 28 - K-9's Return.
- Sponsored by the Greater Cleveland Foodbank
- Club STUNT Sampler Sessions: Join us for special STUNT Sampler Sessions this summer, where girls ages 8-14 can meet the coaches, learn basic stunting skills, and experience the energy of Club STUNT firsthand. It's a fun, no-pressure way to explore the sport before committing to a full season this fall.
- Dates: Tuesdays every two weeks: July 8 & 22 | August 5 | Time: 6 to 7 p.m. | Cost: $15 per session for members and $20 for non-members
- Maximum of 25 participants only.
To see the full offering of classes and activities at the Ashland Kroc Center now through August, please go to the Program section of the Ashland Kroc Center’s website and download a digital version, or stop by one of the Welcome Desks during regular business hours and pick up a hardcopy.
Online registration and membership information is available at: https://ashlandkroc.usaeast.org/s/registration
If you have any questions or would like to register for a class over the phone, please feel free to call the Ashland Kroc Center at (419) 281-8001.
To stay up-to-date on the latest classes and events, please follow Ashland Kroc Center on Facebook or @AshlandKroc on Instagram.
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