Get Out: A Day With Thomas the Tank, Live Music and a Wildflower Dog Walk

It’s Friday, and you have no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We've got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and bars/restaurants/shops to explore. Note: This week's because of flooding could affect some events, at least how you get there.

1. A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE

Where/When: Boston Mills Boarding Station, 7100 Riverview Rd., Peninsula; Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 9:30 a.m.

Why Go: Activities for little engineers include inflatable bounces, model railroad display, a maze, a play area, and a Touch A Truck display.  The 25-minute train ride will depart every hour, rain or shine. 

Price: $14 to $16.

2. ART @ M.D. GARAGE

Where/When: M.D. Garage, 1556 West Boston Mills Rd., Peninsula; Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why Go: It's part of a series of free art exhibitions presented by the Crooked River Gang, a volunteer group of local artists. This is the last weekend to check out The American Landscape. Most of the artwork is available for purchase.

Price: Free

3. LIVE MUSIC AT PEPPERMILL PUB AND GRILL

Where/When: Peppermill Pub and Grill, 7011 Mill Rd., Brecksville; Saturday at 8 p.m.

Why go: Every Saturday, Peppermill features live music by local acts. Key Antidote performs this weekend.

Price: No cover charge.

4. DISCOVER THE J: AN AUTHENTIC ISRAELI EXPERIENCE

Where/When: Shaw Jewish Community Center, 750 White Pond Dr., Akron; Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Why go: There will be open swimming at the center's outdoor pool and a Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebration with inflatables, a music and more.

Price: Free.

5. WILDFLOWER DOG WALK

Where/When: Hinkley Reservation, Johnson's Picnic Area, between Bellus and State roads in Hinckley Township; 10 a.m. and noon.

Why go: Bring the family dog on this naturalist-guided 2.5-mile wildflower hike. Expect hills and stream crossings.

Price: Free.