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Things to do in Cleveland Ohio

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byCindy

Cleveland Ohio is the second largest city in Ohio and it has something for everyone. It is a great city to visit at any time of the year. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Cleveland Ohio.

vertical image for Pinterest with 3 photos, one of a Script Cleveland sign at sunset, one of Playhouse Square, and one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

About Cleveland

Cleveland is the largest city on Lake Erie and the second most populated city in Ohio. The architecture in downtown Cleveland is diverse, with examples of neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, and postmodern designs.

Cleveland is a hub for theater and performing arts, as well as music with the Cleveland Orchestra being one of the world’s finest. The city is host to the Cleveland National Air Show, a large Saint Patrick’s Day parade, and a festive WinterLand holiday display each year.

In sport, Cleveland teams include Major League Cleveland Browns (National Football League), Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association), and Cleveland Guardians (Major League Baseball).

Map of Things to Do in Cleveland

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips

Cleveland is a really awesome city, with so many things to do, whether you are out with the family or just as a couple or alone. I love visiting the museums and I always like to call into West Side Market for a look around. My boys and my husband really enjoy the Escape Rooms. If you are in Cleveland for a longer stay, be sure to check out the Metroparks for some great hikes!

Cleveland Script Signs

horizontal photo of a Cleveland Script Sign at sunset
Photo credit: ©Wil Lindsey

Even if you’ve never been to Cleveland, you will almost certainly have seen the Cleveland script sign. They pop up on social media, on TV, and in publications.

There are 6 of these signs dotted around Cleveland with backdrops for perfect photo opportunities. They are listed in the dropdown box below.

  • Tremont: 1502 Abbey Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
    A backdrop of the Innerbelt and Shoreway bridges as well as a view of the tallest buildings in the city.
  • Edgewater Park: 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, Ohio 44102
    This sign is in front of the shores of Lake Erie, with the city of Cleveland in the far background.
  • North Coast Harbor: East 9th Street Pier, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
    Behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, near the Great Lakes Science Center, the buildings make a colorful backdrop at night.
  • Euclid Beach: 16301 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio 44110
    A backdrop of the shores of Lake Erie with the city of Cleveland in the far distance.
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: 5300 Riverside Dr, Cleveland, Ohio 44135
    This sign is in front of a window at the airport. The window has ‘Greetings from’ in large white letters for a perfect photo op for arriving visitors.
  • The Foundry: 1831 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, Ohio 44113
    This sign is on the Flats West Bank. In the background is the city skyline across the Cuyahoga River. You may be fortunate enough to capture a freighter on the river.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

horizontal photo of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with a sign in big red letters 'Long Live Rock'
Photo credit: ©Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation was established in 1983. After a long search for the right city, Cleveland was chosen in 1986 as the Hall of Fame’s permanent home. Here you will see one of the largest collections of memorabilia from stars past and present.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame holds special concert events regularly, as well as an outdoor summertime concert series. Every other year some of the biggest legends of rock history get enshrined into the Hall of Fame in an induction ceremony.

West Side Market

horizontal photo of an overhead shot of West Side Market, Cleveland at night
Photo credit: Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

West Side Market is an indoor European-style market that began in 1840 and has been refurbished several times over the years.

More than 100 vendors sell food and other fresh products as well as ready-to-eat selections such as hotdogs, local bratwurst, crepes, falafel, and Cambodian sticky rice. The market is surrounded by restaurants and breweries, making the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue into Cleveland’s most happening blocks.

The building resembles an old train station both inside and out, complete with a 137-foot clock tower.

Tower City Center

horizontal photo of Tower City Center, Cleveland

Terminal Tower is the second tallest building in Cleveland. Tower City is based inside the tower, and this is Cleveland’s premium shopping center, full of different stores and restaurants. If you would like to go to the 42-floor observation deck, make sure that a ticket is booked in advance.

The views from this observation deck are quite spectacular. Guests can see all over downtown Cleveland and over to Lake Erie. The tower is lit up at night for special occasions and is an amazing sight.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a highlight of any visit to Cleveland. There are over 3,000 animals resident in this great zoo. Over 600 species of animals are represented here. The zoo also has rides for the kids and there are opportunities to feed some animals.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo also has one of the largest communities of primates in the United States. The habitats are large and well thought out, so the animals are never bored and are always stimulated. There is also a 4D theater.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Horizontal photo of 6 children watching the sharks in the Shark Tunnel at Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Photo credit: Dale McDonald for ThisIsCleveland.com

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium has been restored to a very high standard and it sits right next to the Cuyahoga River. The aquarium teaches guests about things like coral reefs, lakes, rivers, and streams.

There is a touch pool where visitors can get up close and personal with stingrays and seahorses. There is also a shark tunnel to walk through where visitors will have a variety of sharks swimming over and beside them. Other animals live in this huge area as well as the sharks.

Cleveland History Center / Crawford Auto Aviation Museum

horizontal photo of the inside of the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum at the Cleveland History Center
Photo credit: Cody York for ThisIsCleveland.com

The Cleveland History Center is home to some spectacular exhibits, and it is also part of the Western Reserve Historical Society. If you want to know more about Cleveland and Ohio in general, then this center is a must-visit. 

The exhibits show the history of the entire state of Ohio. There is also a very well-stocked library where visitors can research the area and have hours of fun.

The Cleveland History Center also includes a car museum, known as the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum. Car enthusiasts will be right at home here, thanks to over 170 unique antique automobiles.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

horizontal photo of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Photo courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Delve into the past in the Dinosaur Hall, learn about the universe through astronomy programs, and experience natural wonders in the outdoor galleries. All of this and more is offered by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, with ever-changing traveling exhibits.

International Women’s Air & Space Museum

The International Women’s Air & Space Museum is at the Burke Lakefront Airport and it is free to visit! This museum is devoted to all the key contributions that women have made to the industry.

This museum also has many artifacts including the old-style dress worn by air stewardesses when air travel started to become popular after WWII.

Some of the artifacts here are on permanent display and some will come in for a visit from other museums. A treat for the kids is the numerous model planes that are dotted around the museum.

Cleveland Museum of Art

horizontal photo of the Cleveland Museum of Art with banners on the walls with the text For the Benefit of all the people forever
Photo ©Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art boasts over 61,000 works of art in a beautiful Gregorian marble building that is unique to the area. The exhibits have been carefully planned and designed as the art is arranged in date order so visitors can see how art has developed over thousands of years.

There are some outstanding artifacts from Egypt and Asia. Some original works from Picasso are located here. The ArtLens studio has some interactive displays which are very popular. Exhibits and events take place throughout the year and more information with regard to these activities is available on the website.

Gordon Square Arts District

The Gordon Square Arts District has an array of different shows, artwork, and exhibits. Some murals are painted around this area, some of which have a local theme to them. There are also two great theaters in this area, the Near West Theater and Talespinner Children’s Theater.

The 79th Street Studios is a large art and design area with free activities. At certain times of the month, there is an exhibit from studios that display their works. There are also food vendors that offer various types of food and drinks.

Great Lakes Science Center

horizontal photo of the Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
Image courtesy of Great Lakes Science Center

The Great Lakes Science Center has the byline ‘We have fun down to a science!’, which really says it all about this place. They make science, technology, engineering, and math come alive. Hundreds of interactive science exhibits, engineering ideas with play bricks, and science phenomena that you can see, touch, and explore. Great Lakes Science Center is also home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, one of only 11 visitor centers in the country.

The Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater produces movie magic under a giant domed screen that is six stories high and surrounds you with multi-story images and ultra-real digital sound.

There are winter break camps and summer day camps for children, as well as events and programs year-round, such as Energy Month and a Robotics Challenge.

Sculpture Center

The Sculpture Center gives artists resources to help them along their journey. Visitors can see year-round contemporary sculpture exhibitions.

There are regular events and programs, including traveling exhibitions, challenges, workshops, tours, performances, and more.

Admission is free and the center is open from Wednesday to Saturday each week, and by appointment.

Progressive Field

horizontal image of Progressive Field, home to the Cleveland Guardians Baseball team
Photo credit: Gabe Wasylko

Progressive Field is home to the Cleveland Guardians, who play in the America League Central division in Major League Baseball (MLB). This is arguably one of the best major league ballparks in the country. One of the reasons for this is due to the sight lines being spot on and it also has the ‘old school‘ charm of the older ballparks. Cleveland is known worldwide for its industrial past and the ballpark design fits right in.

Tours of the ballpark take place throughout the year and if you are in Cleveland in the Baseball season, you may be able to catch a game. Tours give guests the opportunity to see the batting cages, lounge dugouts, and the bullpen.

Severance Hall

Horizontal image of Severance Hall Cleveland, home to the Cleveland Orchestra
Photo credit: Larry E. Highbaugh Jr. for ThisIsCleveland.com

Severance Hall is home to The Cleveland Orchestra. This hall has impressive acoustics and the sounds spectacularly travel around the hall. If the songs of Mozart and Beethoven are not your thing, then the orchestra does performances of theme tunes of shows and films.

The Cleveland Orchestra also does performances for kids to try to help instill an interest in music and even encourage children to take up an instrument. When the orchestra is on a break, tours of the building take place and it is a wonder. Guests who are a fan of art will enjoy the tour, as they’re able to see the different styles of architecture.

Playhouse Square

horizontal photo of the entrance to Playhouse Square Cleveland at night
Photo credit: Destination Cleveland

Playhouse Square is not only one of the best things to do in Cleveland, but it is also the second-largest performing arts center in the United States. There are over 1,000 events here every year and of course, there is something for everyone. While here, be sure to take note of the world’s largest outdoor chandelier!

Some of the shows that come to Cleveland are touring shows straight from Broadway. Hosting over 1,000 events a year cannot take place in one theater. Playhouse Square has 10 theaters and the offerings are all different. You can see everything here from a ballet performance to film festivals.

House From A Christmas Story

horizontal photo of A Christmas Story House in Cleveland
Photo credit: ©Kayla Lupean for ThisIsCleveland.com

The very popular A Christmas Story movie was set in Cleveland and filmed here in 1983. The reason this house was chosen for the film is because it is pretty normal and does not have any unusual areas.

The house is iconic because not only has the exterior of the house not been changed since the film, but neither has the interior. For this reason fans of the film come from far and wide to visit the house.

Some of the exhibits at the house are interactive, a fun way to remember parts of the film. The Christmas decorations stay up all year round and there is also a gift shop that sells souvenirs and replicas from the film.

Crocker Park Escape Room Adventures

Escape rooms are very popular these days, and at Crocker Park there are 5 escape rooms for all skill levels. Book tickets online or by phone.

For more information about the escape rooms, see the information in the dropdown box below.

Timeliner: Train Through Time

Up to 8 players | 7/10 difficulty | 60 minutes

It’s up to you to restore the past to save the future. Hop between centuries from Jurassic to Medieval and everything in between.

Prison Break

Up to 8 players | 9/10 difficulty | 60 minutes

Players are split into 2 1950s style prison cells and have to work together to get out. This is probably the toughest escape room here.

The Depths

Up to 8 players | 7/10 difficulty | 60 minutes

You have to find Dr. Humphreys in an underwater abandoned laboratory. You will navigate a submarine through the depths to discover what the researcher has been hiding.

The Heist

Up to 8 players | 8/10 difficulty | 60 minutes

Your mission is to pull off the ultimate museum heist. A priceless Monet painting has gone missing and the museum’s curator is thought to have taken it. It’s your job to break into his office and recover the painting without being caught.

Special Ops: Mysterious Market

Up to 8 players | 8/10 difficulty | 60 minutes

Your routine search of a spice market turns into something far more dangerous. You have to find and disarm a nuclear missile in a bunker.

Superelectric Pinball Parlor

The Superelectric Pinball Parlor is a great place to visit for people of all ages. Some of the machines in here are from the 1950s and some are a lot more modern.

There is also a bar that serves craft beers and cocktails. Whilst food is not offered at this establishment, guests are allowed to order food from outside.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

horizontal photo of the inside of Cleveland Botanical Garden, showing some tropical plants and a part of the glass domed roof
Photo credit: Destination Cleveland

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is over 10 acres. The plants in this garden are truly spectacular, some are from the Northern American continent and some are tropical. These plants are cared for in glasshouses. There are also some lizards and other animals like tortoises that live in the gardens.

There is a butterfly garden and a green that has been designed for the kids. An art gallery is located at the top of the garden area. This is an ideal place to visit and relax within the city.

Edgewater Park

Horizontal photo of the shoreline along Lake Erie at Edgewater Park, Cleveland
Photo credit: ©Gabe Wasylko for ThisIsCleveland.com

Edgewater Park is the westernmost park in Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation. It covers an area of 147 acres and features 9,000 feet of shoreline along Lake Erie. There are dog and swim beaches, boat ramps, a fishing pier, picnic areas with grills, and a rentable pavilion.

Many walks are marked out here, and there is also an opportunity to do some kayaking when the weather allows. Edgewater Beach House is a great place to visit for a drink.

  • Address: 7600 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, Ohio 44102
  • Phone: 216-635-3200 | Website

Breweries in Cleveland

There are many local craft breweries in Cleveland, and these are always great places to relax and enjoy tasting beer or taking tours to see how the beer is brewed.

Great Lakes Brewing Company

Founded in 1988, Great Lakes Brewing Company is an original craft brewery in Ohio. Serving at least 14 US states with their vast collection of innovative craft beers. There are year-round beers, seasonal classics, and limited releases.

The Brewpub offers a range of on-tap beers, including year-round beers, seasonal beers, and pub-exclusive selections. There is an extensive menu, including some gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

You can build your own 5-beer flight, or choose from their Fall Favorites Flight of 12 beers, or Hop-A-Flight of 12 IPAs (set flights are seasonal, so may be different when you visit). Cocktails, wine, and boilermakers (beer and shot combo) are also available.

Some of the available beers:

Year Round

  • Juicy Vibacious Double IPA
  • Tropicoastal
  • Hazecraft
  • Great Lakes IPA
  • Dortmunder Gold Lager
  • Eliot Ness Amber Lager

Seasonal

  • Conway’s Irish Ale (January)
  • Rally Drum Premium Lager (March)
  • Mexican Lager with Lime (May)
  • Rocket Pop Hard Seltzer (July)
  • 73 Kolsch (August)
  • Christmas Ale (October)

There is a gift shop, and online shopping is available.

Market Garden Brewery

Market Garden Brewery has been brewing beer since 2011 in their 35,000 square-foot production brewery which houses their brewhouse, tasting room, and brewery tours. There are 2 locations, the store and tours building that is hard to miss as it has a giant ‘Beer’ sign on the roof, and the brewpub and restaurant next door to the West Side Market.

Beers include:

Year Round

  • Progress Pilsner
  • Citramax IPA
  • The OG Lager
  • Frosty Lime Wit
  • Cosmic Haze IPA
  • Heart Cider Semi-Dry

Seasonal

  • Snow Garden (Winter)
  • Old Zahm Oktoberfest (Autumn)
  • Franklin Castle Pumpkin Ale (Autumn)
  • Haze Bro IPA (Spring)

The Brewpub has a large range of on-tap beers, both year-round and seasonal varieties, as well as pub exclusives, house ciders, and seltzers.

There is a selection of flights available or you can choose your own 4-beer selection.

There is a good menu selection with some gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

Collision Bend Brewing Company

Collision Bend Brewing Company got its name from the narrow passages along the Cuyahoga River navigated by large ships. The building that houses Collision Bend Brewing is the renovated Hausheer Building, which started life as a chandlery in 1863, serving merchant ships with supplies.

Beers include:

  • Sixth City Altbier
  • C-Town IPA
  • Crazy Nights Ale
  • Lake Erie Sunset Wheat Beer
  • Benny’s Cream Ale
  • Lakeshore Lager

A 4-beer flight ‘Collision Bend Flight’ is available. You choose the beers.

The food menu is quite extensive with some gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.

There is an expansive waterfront patio here where diners can watch captains carefully inch their freighters around Collision Bend, a U-shaped turn in the Cuyahoga River.

There are live music events, and the venue can be booked for private events.

More Breweries in Cleveland

Cleveland Metroparks

There are 18 reservations that make up Cleveland Metroparks, not all of which are in Cleveland. In this article we are not going into them in depth, but they are all listed below with links to the website page.

Let’s Go to Cleveland Ohio!

Have you been to Cleveland? We would love to know about your visit. Leave a comment below telling us about your experience!

Have you ever been to Lima? There are lots of Things To Do In Lima Ohio. There are also lots of Things To Do In Berlin Ohio. If you are a fan of Covered Bridges In Ohio, then we have a great article about them.

If you are looking for some other fantastic places in Ohio, we suggest: Lake Alma State Park, Rock House Hocking Hills, and Ash Cave.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at [email protected], and we can get it updated.

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Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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