Top Kids Activities and Fun Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio

Kid-Friendly Activities in Cleveland

If you’re planning a family vacation to Cleveland, this Northeast Ohio city has plenty of entertainment options for your kids. From the Zoo and Children’s Museum to a Cleveland Indians game, you’re sure to find something to do.

Moreover, although travel in the summer will yield more activities, there’s plenty to do year-round in Cleveland, including winter sports in Lake Farmpark and Christmas cheer at the Christmas House; blooming flowers in the Cleveland Greenhouses in spring; summer swimming at Lake Erie beaches and splashing at the Wildwater Kingdom; and plenty of beautiful foliage and apple-picking opportunities in the fall.

Explore the following list and plan your itinerary for you and your family on your next vacation to Cleveland. Just make sure to check the linked website for each attraction for hours of operation, admission fees, and holiday closures.

Top Family Attractions in Cleveland

William G. Mather Museum

William G. Mather Museum. Laszlo Ilyes / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Address: 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Phone: +1 216-694-2000

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A part of the Great Lakes Science Center, the William G. Mather Museum is an authentic 1925 Great Lakes bulk freighter, permanently moored at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland. This 618-foot, 14,000-ton vessel is a museum where visitors can climb aboard and see what life on Lake Erie was like in the early 20th century. The William G. Mather is open from May through October on Saturdays and Sundays.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Tim Evanson / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

Address: 1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: +1 216-231-4600

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, located in Cleveland’s University Circle area, is a treasure trove of over four million specimens. Exhibits include dinosaur bones, natural gemstones, fossils, and a planetarium teaching visitors about the moon, stars, and galaxy.

Cleveland Children’s Museum

Cleveland Children's Museum, Cleveland Ohio
Cleveland Children’s Museum, Cleveland Ohio

Address: 3813 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115-2503, USA

Phone: +1 216-791-7114

This museum provides kids the opportunity to learn through interactive exhibits. Permanent exhibits such as “Splish! Splash!” focus on water transportation, while others like “The Big Red Barn” provide entertaining experiences for younger children.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland Art Museum, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Douglas Sacha / Getty Images

Address: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: +1 216-421-7350

Admission to the permanent collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art is free, making it a fantastic destination for families. Notably, the armor court filled with medieval artifacts fascinates young visitors.

Outdoor Fun in Cleveland

The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum

Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
Andrew DeFratis/Wikimedia Commons/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 files

Address: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Phone: +1 216-421-7350

The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum is a fascinating place for vehicle enthusiasts, featuring an extensive collection of antique cars, trucks, and airplanes.

International Women’s Air and Space Museum

International Women’s Air & Space Museum
International Women’s Air & Space Museum

Address: 1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Phone: +1 216-623-1111

Located inside the lobby of Burke Lakefront Airport, this free museum celebrates the contributions of women in aerospace history.

NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Glenn Research Center
Courtesy of NASA

Address: 21000 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44135, USA

Phone: +1 216-433-4000

This research center offers monthly tours from April through October, ideal for young aspiring scientists.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Pei-designed glass triangular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio
Pei-designed glass triangular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio

Address: 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Phone: +1 216-781-7625

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a massive attraction filled with memorabilia, perfect for music aficionados of all ages. Be sure to check out temporary exhibits that regularly change.

Sports Activities for Families

Cedar Point Amusement Park

Cedar Point Amusement Park
Cedar Point Amusement Park

Located about 90 minutes from downtown Cleveland, Cedar Point is known for its thrilling roller coasters, perfect for a family day out.

Cleveland Browns Football at FirstEnergy Stadium

Cleveland Browns Football at FirstEnergy Stadium
Cleveland Browns Football

Address: 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

Phone: +1 440-891-5001

Cheering on the Cleveland Browns is a cherished tradition. The stadium features areas dedicated to kids, making it a family-friendly venue.

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