Cleveland, Ohio is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Cleveland has many family-friendly activities to do. Beyond the main attractions of Cleveland, the city has multiple festivals and parades, including the Feast of the Assumption in the Little Italy neighborhood, the Harvest Festival in the Slavic Village neighborhood, and the Cleveland Asian Festival in the Asia Town neighborhood. Cleveland is full of places to go and see. Tourists can check out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to learn about the history of rock and roll. A tour of the USS Cod lets visitors take a walk in history while they tour a World War II submarine. The iconic house from the movie The Christmas Story is open to visitors too. When it’s time for the adults to have their own time, there is the Great Lakes Brewing Company brewery tour to visit. If you’re planning to visit, you get your pick of awesome accommodations, from an Airbnb in Downtown Cleveland to a luxury hotel with a hot tub - it’s entirely up to you. Keep reading for more things to do in Cleveland, Ohio.
1. Pay a visit to Cleveland History Center (from USD 13.0)
If you want to learn more about the history of Cleveland - and Ohio - be sure to book your ticket to Cleveland History Center. Expect to spend at least two hours touring the place. Fans of cars will enjoy seeing the automobile exhibit, which showcases vehicles built in Cleveland. There are also some interactive displays, an aviation exhibit, and a carousel. This is not your typical museum, so definitely bring your family or friends here when you visit.
Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket
Duration: 2 hours
2. Treat your tastebuds with an Ohio City food tour (from USD 69.0)
Foodies, don’t forget to book your tickets to this Ohio City food tour. Besides a quick stop at West Side Market, you’ll be passing by Ohio City Farm and spending an hour of the tour in Ohio City, one of the trendiest neighborhoods here and every gourmand’s favorite place in the city. Come hungry, because you’ll be sampling food from four to six different eateries. From burritos made with fresh ingredients to delicious cones of ice cream, this might well become your favorite memory of Cleveland!
Ohio City Food Tour
Duration: 3 hours
3. Explore the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
One of the best things to do in Cleveland is to take an insider’s look at the history of rock and roll at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Explore artifacts from top musicians, including instruments used in concerts, handwritten copies of record hits from top artists, and more. The Hall of Fame has five levels of exhibits for visitors to go through.
General admission tickets are 23.50 USD, seniors are 21.25 USD, and it is 13.75 USD for kids ages 6 to 12. Children under five are free. Check the website for a complete list of open hours.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Address: 1100 E 9th St, 44114 Cleveland, OH
Website: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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4. Visit the animals at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Posted by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Sunday, 23 July 2017
Our baby giraffe (born June 22) is spending time outside today with mom, Jhasmin, and the rest of herd in the giraffe yard. She does not have a name yet; stay tuned!
Posted by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Saturday, 5 July 2014
Lions, tigers, and bears. Oh, my! At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, visitors can see elephants, snakes, cheetahs, exotic birds, crocodiles, and more. There is also a train, carousel, picnic areas, and other special places for kids and families. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cleveland, this is where you should go.
There are concession items available for purchase and there are two gift shops at the zoo with souvenirs for purchase. All areas of the zoo are handicap accessible. Admission ticket prices can be found on the zoo’s website. The zoo’s open hours are Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Address: 3900 Wildlife Way, 44109 Cleveland, OH
Website: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
5. Go on a tour of Cleveland Museum of Art
#ALLinCLE! Photo: David Brichford/The Cleveland Museum of Art
Posted by The Cleveland Museum of Art on Tuesday, 9 June 2015
The Cleveland Museum of Art is located in the University Circle neighborhood. It houses more than 45,000 works of art. The museum is internationally renowned for its collections of Asian and Egyptian art.
The museum officially opened in 1916, and to this day, it continues to keep general admission free to this day. However, some special exhibits require a ticket. The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s closed Mondays.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Address: 11150 East Blvd, 44106 Cleveland, OH
Website: Cleveland Museum of Art
6. Take your kids to A Christmas Story House
A Christmas Story is an American classic Christmas movie. A Christmas Story House is a museum in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. The home was originally built in 1895 and was filmed for the exterior scenes of the movie character Ralphie Parker’s house.
Now the house is open year-round for tours and overnight stays. Across the street from the house is A Christmas Story museum where guests can see original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the film. The museum is open 7 days a week, except for major holidays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices can be found on the website.
A Christmas Story House
Address: 3159 W 11th St, 44109 Cleveland, OH
Website: A Christmas Story House
7. Explore Cleveland Botanical Garden
Posted by Cleveland Botanical Garden on Sunday, 5 March 2017
One of the top tourist attractions in Cleveland, Cleveland Botanical Garden was founded in 1930 and is located in the University Circle neighborhood. The garden includes an 18,000-square-foot (1,800-square-meter) atrium that is home to many diverse plants and animals. There are an additional 10 acres (4 hectares) that include a rose garden, children’s garden, Japanese garden, and other areas. The garden is closed on Mondays and open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices can be found online.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Address: 11030 East Blvd, 44106 Cleveland, OH
Website: Cleveland Botanical Garden
8. Snap a photo of USS Cod
Sightseeing in Cleveland? Check out USS Cod, a Gato Class Submarine that served the United States during World War II. Currently, the USS Cod is a national historic landmark. Take a tour and learn about what life was like aboard a World War II submarine. The USS Cod is open for tours from May 1 to September 30, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tour admission prices can be found on the USS Cod website.
USS Cod
Address: 1201 N Marginal Rd, 44114 Cleveland, OH
Website: USS Cod
9. Shop at West Side Market
West Side Market is the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market space in Cleveland. The market began in 1840 and is still going strong today. The market is popular among Cleveland residents and tourists.
The market features many ethnic stalls and diverse foods. The market has gained national attention since it was in shows produced by the Travel Channel. The market is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
West Side Market
Address: 1979 W 25th St, 44113 Cleveland, OH
Website: West Side Market
10. Enjoy a family trip to Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Meet SCUBA Claus and share your holiday wish! Visit SCUBA Claus at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium for the most magical...
Posted by Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Friday, 19 December 2014
Posted by Greater Cleveland Aquarium on Thursday, 25 May 2017
Explore under the sea at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Visitors to the Aquarium can see an octopus, touch stingrays, see African tortoises, and so much more. The Aquarium has a sea tube where visitors are surrounded by sharks, eels, fish, and eels. The aquarium is open Sunday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission prices can be seen on the aquarium’s website.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Address: 2000 Sycamore St, 44113 Cleveland, OH
Website: Greater Cleveland Aquarium
11. Take your kids to Great Lakes Science Center
Posted by Great Lakes Science Center on Saturday, 1 October 2016
Summer will be here before we know it! Have you registered your little scientists for Summer Camp yet? #StayCuriousCLE https://goo.gl/ax6qih
Posted by Great Lakes Science Center on Saturday, 6 May 2017
The Great Lakes Science Center is a museum in downtown Cleveland. The Science Center has hands-on exhibits about biomedical engineering, a plasma ball, elliptical pool table, and many other exhibits created to educate and entertain visitors. Visitors are encouraged to touch, interact with, and learn from the exhibits. The Science Center has summer and winter open hours. Open hours and admission prices can be viewed online.
Great Lakes Science Center
Address: 601 Erieside Ave, 44114 Cleveland, OH
Website: Great Lakes Science Center
12. Tour and sample beer at Great Lakes Brewing Company
Great Lakes Brewing Company was started in 1986 by Daniel and Patrick Conway. A tour is offered to guests that depicts the history of Cleveland and the company, all while you have a fresh beer in your hand. The tour is an adult-only activity.
Tours take about 60 minutes and are offered Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. Tours cost 5 USD and include four beer samples. After the tour, check out the yummy food at the restaurant.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Address: 2516 Market Ave, 44113 Cleveland, OH
Website: Great Lakes Brewing Company
13. Stroll around Cleveland Public Square
Once you see the giant splash pad, you’ll know you’re in Cleveland Public Square in the city’s bustling downtown area. Since the central plaza is just a few steps away from Tower City station, you won’t have a hard time getting here. If you’re expecting to be on your feet all day, this is a great place to sneak in a quick break. There are areas where you can sit down and people-watch while you catch your breath. The square also hosts events, so be sure to check their website for the schedule.
Cleveland Public Square
Address: 50 Public Square Suite 1700, Cleveland, OH 44113, United States
Website: Cleveland Public Square
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
14. Admire the historic Arcade in Downtown Cleveland
A Victorian-era structure in the midst of Downtown Cleveland, the Arcade’s most notable feature is the skylight that stretches out over 300 feet (91 meters). The building is a designated National Historic Landmark, so take some time to admire its unique features, such as the intricate design on the balconies and the arches over each shop entrance. Inside, you’ll find a luxury spa, a barbershop, an art gallery, and a few cafes and restaurants, among others.
The Arcade
Address: 401 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, United States
Website: The Arcade
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
15. Spend a day at Whiskey Island
Whiskey Island opened to the public back in 2005 and has come a long way from what it used to be. Visitors can spend time at Wendy Park, which covers 22 acres (8.9 hectares). This is where activities such as kayaking, picnicking, and playing beach volleyball can be enjoyed. The island is also a great place to watch the sunset. If you’re planning to head here around noon, be sure to check out Whiskey Island Still & Eatery, a restaurant and bar by the waterside.
Enjoy Cleveland!
This place has so many great things to do that this is only a small sampling of what there is to do there. Do yourself a favor and check out some of these things to do in Cleveland, Ohio. You won’t be disappointed.
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