Cleveland, Ohio, is situated on the shores of Lake Erie on the northeast side. The city has a long history of sports, recreation, cultural experiences, recreation, and lots more. There is much to enjoy for every family, and lots of memories to be made.
Fun Things to Do in Cleveland
Everybody’s version of fun is so different, but we know that in Cleveland there are plenty of fun things to go around and everyone can find something that they like.
For those of you who appreciate the best performing arts centers then you might want to check out the Playhouse Square Center. It is located in the center of the Cleveland arts area. In fact, there are 9 performing art centers to choose from in Cleveland.
If you would like something a little more outdoorsy, you can try out the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo. This particular zoo is the oldest in the U.S.! There is a wide spectrum of species to enjoy. There is a year botanical garden.
Things to Do in Cleveland with Kids and Families
Most people may not know this, but Cleveland became the home of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame way back in 1986. It recognizes the many achievements, influence, and development of rock and roll over the decades.
That is a fun and memorable place to take children and teens because of the fun way to learn about that part of American history. There are also other attractions and exhibits nearby.
In fact, the building itself is located in a building with seven stories that include other exhibits. So, you could literally stay there the whole day and have a wonderful time.
If your hunger starts to be a nag, there is also a café located on-site for drinks and snacks.
When you want an outdoorsy kind of day with your kids, the Cleveland Zoo is a wonderful option. The Cleveland Zoo is not just for kids, but adults tend to love it just as much. For convenience’s sake, there are various dining options throughout the whole zoo. There are over 3,000 animals and over 600 species! You might even be able to make this a two-day affair because this zoo is hosted on 183 acres of land. There is much to see.
Depending on the time of year that you go there are educational programs and special events that can be fun for the kiddos.
For Grown-Ups Only: Adult Things to Do in Cleveland
Cleveland offers a lot of annual events that are great for adult fun! One of them is Brite Winter. It is an outdoor music extravaganza with food, beer, and art of all forms.
So if you are in Cleveland during the winter months you can experience a very robust winter! The Summer Solstice is another one that happens during the month of June at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
It is another amazing music festival, that includes many acts from all across the globe. You can even experience upscale cuisine featured by award-winning chefs. It is quite a memorable experience as it is held at a world-renowned art museum. So, in addition to the entertainment and the food, you can also be wowed by the venue that is in. While enjoying art pieces as you enjoy good music and food.
Free and Cheap Things to Do: Inexpensive Activities
Traditionally, most art museums are free or extremely cheap to go and see the general as well as special exhibits. One recommended museum is the Cleveland Museum of Art which every year over 700,000 people come to visit. It is located near the Cleveland University Circle area. They offer free admission every day. From time to time there are special, inexpensive exhibitions but do require a ticket.
You’ll be able to enjoy over 45,000 pieces of artwork from all around the world. In addition, there is also the Cleveland learning center in the Money Museum where one can learn about the Federal Reserve Bank.
There are research centers that offer tours around parts of research centers located near the Louis Field and Hopkins Airport.
There are some remarkable independent art galleries that have been around for years. They are just as special, and unique as the state implemented options.
If you are up for a nice stroll through the garden, there are the Cleveland Cultural Gardens that showcase MANY botanical gardens! There’s a lot to see as the gardens take up a 50-acre lot at Rockefeller Park.
Things to Do in Downtown Cleveland
The top attractions in downtown Cleveland include the Cleveland Metroparks, the Christmas Story House, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the West Side Market, and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
There is so much to do in Downtown Cleveland! You can bet there are all types of delicious cuisine like barbecue, Japanese food, gyros, American food, Indian cuisine, and pretty much everything you can think of, is there to help ease your hunger pains.
Things to Do in Cleveland at Night
Well, we definitely can’t leave Cleveland’s nightlife out of the picture can we? We have focused a lot on the day! Cleveland is not just about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, the Browns, and all the traditional things typically tied to the stereotype of Cleveland. You can find plenty of places for a great cocktail like the Spotted Owl and many others.
If you are looking for some locally made beers and nano breweries are great places to check out.
Of course, there’s always tons of live music that you can take advantage of for a nice day, or just because!
If you are looking for bigger stages of live acts there are seven different concert halls to choose from, one being the house of blues
Are you looking for a dive bar? Where you just want the whole pint of beer to yourself, eat all of the greasy food you can, and watch a stressful game? There are seven no-frills, nothing fancy dive bars in Cleveland one including the Treehouse.
In downtown and other parts of Cleveland, you might want to get your groove on by going dancing. The best options include the Vault, Big Bang Bar, The Velvet Dog, Nauti Mermaid, and the Dive Bar.
Things to Do with Romance in Mind
Yes, romance for couples can be found in Cleveland and it can be expressed in quite a number of ways. You can get lost in the woods.
If you head on over to Garfield Park reservation or Bonnie park picnic area these are hidden but beautiful scenic areas to have a romantic time out. Who now I think that contemporary art and architecture could be a start to a romantic outing. The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland is a wonderful place with very sleek new buildings and contemporary art. The first Saturday of every month is free to the public in the downtown area, He said experts have partnered together to bring the Cleveland culinary launch and kitchen. They host all types of culinary classes, depending on what type of culinary cuisine they are cooking it could be a romantic experience.
Over in the Ohio city area, you can be a part of the monthly readings called Brews+Prose. These are probably events that have been the first Tuesday of every month at the market garden brewery.
Do you still have to social dance? Oh, there’s nothing like various forms of ballroom dancing. If you would like to join a swing dance party that can be done every second Friday of the month in the Lakewood area.
Cool Things to Do
Planning a trip to Whiskey Island? It’s not exactly an island, but it is a marina where you can stroll along Lake Erie.
Or if you decide to rent a boat you can take it out on the waters and watch the sunset. There is a grand patio on whiskey Island where you can enjoy great food, music, and excellent scenery. There are also tours you can take like the Asian town tour which covers various neighborhoods and ethnicities like Chinese, Thai, Korean, and various pan Asian nationalities.
If you enjoy a unique, psychedelic experience then indoor golfing could be a great idea out in the Medina area. It’s kind of like an alien experience while playing golf. You will wear 3-D glasses and enjoy your putt, putt experience.
You can also have a stargazing experience over in the University Circle. The local Observatory opens up every Wednesday night for an experience of stargazing that is quite memorable.
Indoor or Outside Things to Do
One irresistible and beautiful thing to experience at University Circle is the botanical garden with amazing butterflies. You can take a guided tour of the Woodland Gardens and other botanical gardens. While taking note of the beautiful waterfalls and the butterflies that are newly hatched on a regular basis.
An indoor option could be listening to live music at the Cleveland Public Library. Trust me, this is not your average library, it is stunning. On select Saturday afternoons, you can experience one of their amazing and entertaining jazz bands.
This particular event option I guess it’s both indoor and outdoor in a way. In Ohio City, you can experience a craft beer tasting tour—get this—on a school bus! Generally speaking, the tours will be based on a theme or a particular location. It offers a few stops where you can taste craft beer at each stop.
Concert halls in performing arts centers are great indoor activities where you can see plays, live music, ballets, and musicals! There are lots of indoor-outdoor activities that are right up most people’s alleys.
Cleveland, Ohio, is a hidden gem! Why? Because it’s typically known for very particular things, but outside of those stereotypes a whole other world of fun that there is to discover!