When planning a family vacation, a destination that should not be overlooked is Cleveland, Ohio. We’ve partnered with Tesa Nicolanti of 2 Wired 2 Tired, as she shares how much Cleveland has to offer families including activities, attractions, and everything in between.
During my 20 years living in Cleveland, I was one of its biggest unofficial ambassadors. From the time I arrived, I was blown away by what an amazing city it was and it’s grown so much in that time that it has become an even more incredible place with so much to do, see, and experience — especially for families.
While it’s a fairly big city, it is still small on some levels, which makes it a great place to visit for a weekend trip or getaway. It’s easy to navigate, you can drive, take an Uber, taxi, ride the bus, or even the Rapid (Cleveland’s version of an above-ground subway.) There are plenty of wonderful hotels to choose from, many in walking distance to world renowned dining and wonderful attractions.
That’s why I’m excited to share with you this list of family-friendly fun in Cleveland, Ohio. There is so much to do and see, that these are just some of my favorite experiences.
See The City From A Kayak Or Jet Ski
A fantastic and fun way to see the city in a unique and memorable way is by kayaking or on a jet ski. Great Lakes Watersports is located at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, which winds its way through Cleveland’s Flats and out to Lake Erie. You can rent by the hour and even rent a boat as well. This is a wonderful way to see the football stadium, Burke Lakefront Airport, the E. 55th Street Marina, and more, all from lakeside. If you are interested in a guided kayak tour, be sure to check out Kayak 41 North. They have a Cleveland Rocks Sunset tour where you paddle from Whiskey Island to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and then out to Lake Erie for a close-up view of Cleveland’s historic harbor lights. Other intriguing tours include a Burning River Sunset Tour with promises of views of the Cleveland skyline, city lights, and illuminated bridges; and there are Day Trips for those endurance and adventure- filled families.
Narrated Sightseeing Tours On The Goodtimes III
A memorable way to learn about Cleveland while gliding along the Cuyahoga River and into Lake Erie is on the Goodtimes III. This ship is the largest sightseeing vessel in Cleveland and is also the largest quadruple deck 1,000 passenger luxury ship on the Great Lakes. The top deck is a spacious sun deck, the second deck is semi-opened and the main deck is glass- enclosed and is air-conditioned as well as heated (the Cleveland weather does love to throw curve balls!). You can take a narrated sightseeing tour that lasts approximately two hours, and while riding you are not confined to your seat. You can move about for the best view and best angle for photographs. Along the way you’ll enjoy the panoramic Cleveland skyline, while learning about the many sights in the city as well as little known historical facts.
Great Lakes Science Center
One of our favorite places to visit when in Cleveland is the Great Lakes Science Center. This family-friendly hands-on museum captures children’s attention and gets them involved in interactive science exhibits throughout the building. With a mixture of both permanent and rotating exhibits, there’s something new to see here every time you come. For the little ones, a visit to the Polymer Funhouse is a must – it’s a land full of thousands of colorful balls that travel up and down and around while kids can climb, slide, build, and play. Just outdoors is Port Polymer, which features a variety of hands-on water themed exhibits. Kids can climb aboard a paddle wheel boat, play with the water wheel, balance buckets, play with water fountains and water turbines, go fishing for polymers and more. Other exhibits are impressive as well and include: the NASA Glenn Visitors Center, Steamship William G. Mather, Science Phenomena, BioMed Tech, and Advanced Energy. A visit to the Ominmax Theater is also not to be missed – watch movie magic under a domed screen six stories high!
A Christmas Story House
Do you have fans of the movie A Christmas Story in your family? Then a stop to the A Christmas Story House is a must, where you can tour Ralphie’s house. The tour guides are full of fun facts and trivia, and walking through the house is a great way to get into the holiday spirit year round! Across the street from the house is A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the movie, as well as gift shop filled with creative and unique gift ideas.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Just a bit outside of downtown, but well worth the trip, is the Cleveland Botanical Garden. While the 10 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens are captivating, it is the Elenor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse that always captures our attention. In the Glasshouse, you walk through a Costa Rican rainforest filled with native plants, birds, and butterflies. If you are lucky and very still, on occasion a butterfly will land on your hand or even the top of your head! The Hershey Children’s Garden is also a must visit for those with kids. With hidden paths winding through tall grasses, a spellbinding treehouse, working water pumps, child-size houses to peek out of, and bright orange goldfish in a lovely pond you can traverse with stepping stones, this is one stop that will live in your children’s hearts for years to come.
These are just a few of my favorite family attractions in Cleveland, Ohio. To learn more about these and other ideas, check out Travelocity’s list of activities in Cleveland. If you are planning an upcoming trip, be sure to add Cleveland to your list and be prepared to be amazed.
Tesa Nicolanti, Gnational Gnomad
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This is all you can come up with in Cleveland? There is SO much more to do!
The places you mentioned are great, but you need to add to this list!