10 Fun Things to do with Kids in Cleveland

With its charming neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and countless outdoor activities, Cleveland offers endless opportunities for families with kids to explore. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience, a day of adventure, or just a break from the mundane, Cleveland has it all. Here are 10 of the most fun things to do with kids in Cleveland.

1. Visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History

From dinosaurs to gems and minerals, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is a great place for kids to learn about the natural world. The museum features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and hands-on activities that will keep kids engaged and entertained. There’s also a café and gift shop to explore after your visit.

The museum also hosts various family-friendly events throughout the year, including a family-friendly film series, a nature-themed lecture series, and an outdoor discovery program. The museum even offers a program called “Time Travelers” for kids in grades 1-5 that includes a scavenger hunt and a simulated archaeological dig.

The museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10am-5pm, and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Admission is free for kids under 6, and discounted for kids 6-17.

2. Take a Trip to the Cleveland Zoo

The Cleveland Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and it’s easy to see why. With over 3,000 animals from all over the world, the zoo offers visitors an up-close and personal look at some of the planet’s most incredible creatures. The zoo also features a variety of educational programs, including a wildlife conservation program, and a petting zoo.

The zoo also offers special events throughout the year, including a variety of animal shows, a carousel, and a train ride. And don’t forget to explore the zoo’s numerous interactive exhibits. For an additional fee, you can even take a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo.

The zoo is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 2, and discounted for kids 2-11.

3. Explore the Cleveland Aquarium

The Cleveland Aquarium is home to over 5,000 fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates from all over the world. Kids can explore the aquarium’s many interactive, educational exhibits, and learn about the fascinating creatures that inhabit the world’s oceans and waterways. The aquarium also features a variety of live shows and presentations, and a petting zoo.

The aquarium also offers a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a stingray touch pool, an animal show, and a trick-or-treat event. And don’t forget to explore the aquarium’s outdoor and indoor playgrounds.

The aquarium is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 3, and discounted for kids 3-11.

4. Visit the Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center is an interactive science museum located on the shores of Lake Erie. Kids can explore the many interactive exhibits, which include a space exploration center, a robotics lab, and a 3D theater. The science center also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a STEM-focused lecture series, a live animal show, and a Lego robotics competition.

The science center also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a planetarium show, a wind tunnel, and a virtual reality experience. And don’t forget to explore the science center’s outdoor exhibits, which include a lakefront boardwalk and an aeronautics area.

The science center is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 3, and discounted for kids 3-11.

5. Check Out the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit for any music fan. The museum features interactive exhibits, a video archive of classic performances, and a vast collection of memorabilia from some of the biggest names in music. The Hall of Fame also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a “Rock and Roll Kids” program, and a “Rock and Roll Storytellers” program.

The Hall of Fame also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a “Name That Tune” game, a music trivia game, and a “Meet the Band” program. And don’t forget to explore the Hall of Fame’s outdoor exhibits, which include a guitar-shaped maze and a giant jukebox.

The Hall of Fame is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 5, and discounted for kids 5-17.

6. Enjoy the Cleveland Botanical Garden

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is a 10-acre oasis in the heart of the city. Kids can explore the gardens’ many interactive exhibits, which include a butterfly garden, a children’s garden, and a bonsai garden. The Botanical Garden also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a plant sale, a nature-themed lecture series, and an outdoor discovery program.

The Botanical Garden also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a scavenger hunt, a bird-watching program, and a “Garden to Go” program. And don’t forget to explore the gardens’ outdoor exhibits, which include a Zen garden and a Japanese garden.

The Botanical Garden is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 3, and discounted for kids 3-11.

7. Spend the Day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals from all over the world. Kids can explore the zoo’s many interactive exhibits, which include a rainforest, an African safari, and a reptile house. The zoo also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a baby animal petting zoo, a “Wild Encounters” program, and a “Zoo to You” program.

The zoo also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a petting zoo, a “Zoolympics” competition, and a “Zoolympics” scavenger hunt. And don’t forget to explore the zoo’s outdoor exhibits, which include a carousel and a train ride.

The zoo is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 2, and discounted for kids 2-11.

8. Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Kids can explore the museum’s many interactive exhibits, which include a variety of art from around the world. The museum also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a “Family Fun Days” program, a “Museum Adventures” program, and a “Family Workshop” program.

The museum also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a “Kid-Friendly Art Tour”, a “Museum Detectives” game, and an art-making activity. And don’t forget to explore the museum’s outdoor exhibits, which include a sculpture garden and a Japanese garden.

The museum is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 6, and discounted for kids 6-17.

9. Visit the Cleveland Playhouse Square

The Cleveland Playhouse Square is a vibrant entertainment district in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Kids can explore the district’s many attractions, which include a variety of theaters, restaurants, and shops. The district also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a children’s theater series, a “Kids in the Square” program, and a “Family Fun Day” program.

The district also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a scavenger hunt, a “Design the Playhouse” game, and a “Show Us Your Moves” dance competition. And don’t forget to explore the district’s outdoor exhibits, which include a giant chess set and a mini golf course.

The district is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 5, and discounted for kids 5-17.

10. Take a Trip to the Cleveland Museum of History

The Cleveland Museum of History is a great place for kids to learn about the city’s rich and varied history. The museum features interactive exhibits, a variety of artifacts, and a hands-on education center. The museum also hosts a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, including a “History Detectives” program, a “History by the Hour” program, and a “Hands-On History” program.

The museum also offers a variety of hands-on activities, including a “History Quest” scavenger hunt, a “Time Travelers” game, and a “History Detectives” program. And don’t forget to explore the museum’s outdoor exhibits, which include a “Heritage Garden” and a “Cleveland in the Movies” exhibit.

The museum is open year-round, and admission is free for kids under 3, and discounted for kids 3-11.

Cleveland offers countless opportunities for families with kids to explore and experience the city in a unique and exciting way. From the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the city has something to offer for everyone. So pack up the kids and explore all that Cleveland has to offer!