Top 20 Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Cleveland

Something that always surprises people about visiting Cleveland for the first time is how much amazing stuff there is to do here! There are a ton of great breweries, spacious parks, really cool museums, and delicious restaurants. 

However, if you’re traveling as a family, you may be more interested in finding things to do in Cleveland with kids. While some of those breweries and fancier restaurants may be off the table, there are SO many incredible kid-friendly activities in Cleveland. 

Whether you want to explore the outdoors or enjoy some quality time spent at a museum, you’ll definitely want to try out these fun things to do in Cleveland with kids! 

Top Things to do in Cleveland with Kids

Note: All info updated and correct as of March 10, 2024. But it’s always recommended that you visit each location’s website before planning a visit, as some spots still require advanced tickets!

1. The Children’s Museum of Cleveland

3813 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

Kids can let their imaginations go wild at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland – but it’s a fun place for both children and those young at heart!

You can explore exhibits like Adventure City where kids can pretend to shop for groceries at the farmer’s market, go to the auto shop, and use materials to build whatever they’d like. The Wonder Lab exhibit is great for little scientists, and future artists will enjoy the Arts & Parts exhibit. This museum has plenty to keep your child entertained while also learning something new. 

If you live in the area, you can also come to classes and workshops that they offer. For those who want to learn at home, the museum also offers virtual programs and story times online.

This museum is especially suited for younger kids, and its exhibits are designed for 0-8 years of age. Note that adults must be accompanied by a child to enter.

Hours: Monday-Wednesday, and Friday-Sunday from 9 am-1:30 pm. Closed on Thursday. 

Admission: $15 per person, children under 11 months old are free. 

Parking: The museum has a free, private lot that can accommodate up to 100 cars.

Food: The museum does have a dedicated eating area, and you’re encouraged to bring your own food/snacks (only vending machines are available).

Accessibility note: The museum has autism resources available online, and has a Sensory Friendly Room on-site. Strollers are allowed, but stroller parking is limited; they recommend a small umbrella-style stroller if you have one.

2. Great Lakes Science Center 

601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland

Located downtown along Lake Erie near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this museum is here to spark curiosity and learning for your child. 

The Great Lakes Science Center offers something for kids of all ages, including places to learn about scientific phenomena, outer space, and the science of recycling, and also has exhibits featuring biomedical technology and engineering, and plenty of fun interactive exhibits for little ones. 

The museum also has the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater to immerse yourselves in featured films, as well as the Steamship William G. Mather outside, which is a 1925 Great Lakes freighter ship. For those looking for kid-friendly activities in Cleveland during school breaks, they also offer camps and other special events. 

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Sunday 12-5 pm. Closed Monday.

Admission: Adult tickets are $19.95, children tickets are $14.95, and children under 2 are free. Visiting the Steamship William G. Mather is an additional cost (an extra $5 when paired with a museum admission ticket), as are shows in the DOME theater. It’s recommended that you purchase tickets online in advance, though it’s not required.

Parking: Parking is available in the Science Center’s attached 500-car parking facility. You can pay for parking when purchasing your ticket, or pay when you leave. Parking is $9 when validated with museum entry.

Food: Spark Kitchen is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and from noon-3 p.m. on Sundays. There are also outdoor picnic areas if you want to bring your own food.

Accessibility note: Elevators are available and offer access to every floor. Limited wheelchair rentals are available each day, and you can bring your stroller inside.

3. Cleveland Museum of Natural History

1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland

Note: This museum is currently undergoing an expansion and redesign! It’s still open as work is being completed, but please note that not all exhibits are available. Visit the museum’s Know Before You Go page to see which exhibits are currently close.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History never disappoints. This museum is packed with fun things for kids including the dinosaurs exhibit, the earthquake simulator, and the Perkins Wildlife Center where you can see live animals native to the area including coyotes, raccoons, otters, bobcats, and more!

There is also the interactive Smead Discovery Center, where children 10 and under can dig for fossils, check out specimens under a microscope, and inspect bones close up. (Note that the Discovery Center is closed during renovations.)

The CMNH also features summer camps, family nature hikes, and learning events for people of all ages.

PS- This museum also has hidden “Easter eggs” to find! From the Volkswagen bug in the bug collection to the hidden hamburgers around the museum, you could spend a lot of time here just trying to find all of them! 

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Closed on Monday. 

Admission: Adults are $10; youth ages 3-18 and seniors aged 60+ are $7; and children 2 and under are free (but they still need a ticket). The museum is also offering free entry on Sundays for City of Cleveland and East Cleveland residents with proof of residency. Tickets must be reserved online in advance.

Parking: CMNH has its own 300-space parking garage attached to the museum (entrance is located on Wade Oval Drive near the corner of East Boulevard). General parking is $10 for the first two and a half hours, then +$1 for each additional half hour (up to $16). There are also other garages nearby around Wade Oval.

Food: There’s a restaurant at the museum called Origins Cafe; light snacks are also available at the Museum Store.

Accessibility note: All exhibit galleries and public spaces are fully wheelchair accessible, and the museum does have some wheelchairs visitors can use for free. For kiddos, strollers and wagons are welcome throughout CMNH, unless a special exhibit says otherwise.

4. Cleveland History Center Merry-Go-Round

10825 East Blvd, Cleveland

Discover the history of the city at this family-friendly museum in Cleveland. Check out vintage cars, textiles, and fine arts at the Cleveland History Center, which is managed by the Western Reserve Historical Society. 

While some kids will enjoy the old cars in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum Exhibit and learning about Cleveland’s history, the real kid-friendly draw here is to take a spin on the carousel from 1910! The historic merry-go-round used to be located at Euclid Beach Park on Cleveland’s lakefront, but has been restored and is now a major fixture at the History Center.

Hours: Thursdays 12-8 pm. Friday-Sunday 10 am-4 pm. 

Admission: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors aged 62+, $12 for veterans, $10 for college students with ID, $8 children ages 3-12, and children 2 and under as well as active military are free. Carousel rides are included with museum admission. Advanced tickets are recommended, but not required.

Parking: Parking is available in the museum’s adjacent parking lot located off Magnolia Drive. There is a fee to park ($8 for the first 2 hours, and then +$1 for each additional 30 minutes), which can be paid upon exit using a credit card.

Food: The museum does not currently offer any food options.

Accessibility note: The museum is accessible, has elevators, and has wheelchairs available for guest use. Strollers are also allowed inside.

5. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland

The Cleveland Zoo is always a great place for family fun in Cleveland! 

With ample amounts of birds, mammals, marine life, and more, you could spend a full day just exploring the zoo. Kids always enjoy exploring the many areas of the zoo including Australian Adventure, African Elephant Crossing, and the Wilderness Trek. 

Feed the giraffes at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter, enjoy the 4-D theater, ride the train through the Australian Adventure part of the park, and definitely go for a ride on the Circle of Wildlife Carousel. Daredevils can also ride the Eagle Zip Adventure, a zip line over part of the Zoo.

For animal lovers of all ages, there are plenty of educational opportunities and great programs for kids like summer camps. The zoo also offers behind the scenes and golf cart tours. 

While the zoo is a ton of fun year-round, visiting for the Asian Lantern Festival in late summer is extra fun for the whole family.

Hours: 10 am-5 pm daily from April through October, 10 am-5 pm daily from November through March.

Admission: $19 for adults, $17 for seniors aged 62+, $15 for children 2-12, and children under 2 are free. They also offer offer a “Total Experience Pass” from April-Ocotober for $25, which includes admission to the Zoo & RainForest, unlimited Train, Carousel, and 4-D theater, $1 off Giraffe Feed, and $1 off Eagle Zip Adventure. Find ticket info here.

Tip: Residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township can visit the zoo for free on Mondays! Price is free for admission and $7 for the RainForest. Just bring proof of residency to enter. This does not apply on Mondays that fall on a holiday. 

Parking: The Zoo has its own (very large) parking lot, and parking is free.

Food: There are several dining options available at the Cleveland Zoo, including a small food court. But you can bring your own food, too – coolers and picnic baskets are allowed.

Accessibility note: All areas of the Cleveland Zoo and The RainForest are wheelchair accessible. Strollers and wagons are welcomed and encouraged. Strollers and wheelchairs are available to rent from Guest Services for a fee. To be inclusive to visitors with sensory needs, the Zoo has six designated “quiet zones,” as well as an accessibility map that shows where particularly loud noises are present. Guest Services also has sensory bags available.

6. Akron Zoo

500 Edgewood Ave, Akron

For a smaller and less crowded zoo, the Akron Zoo is also a lot of fun to visit! Kids can see lions and gazelles at the Pride of Africa part of the zoo, ride the Conservation Carousel, and learn about wildlife at the Wild World Animal Show. 

During the summer, kids can also enjoy ZooCamp, and there are also events throughout the year held at the zoo including Boo at the Zoo, Summer Safari, Wild Lights, and even adult adventures like Wild for Wine and Brew at the Akron Zoo. 

Hours: May 1-September 2, 10 am-5 pm daily. September 3-April 30, 11 am-4 pm daily.

Admission: Off-season admission is $9-$13.50 per person. Summer admission is $14-$19 per person. Discounts are available children and seniors, and children under 2 are free. More info on tickets here.

Parking: The zoo has its own lot, and parking is free.

Food: The Akron Zoo has a couple of concession areas, as well as several dedicated picnic areas. You can also bring your own food.

Accessibility note: All the pathways at the Akron Zoo are ADA accessible. Strollers are encouraged, or can be rented (for a fee) from the Barnhardt Family Welcome Center. The Akron Zoo also has electric scooters (for a fee), and wheelchairs (for free). Like at the Cleveland Zoo, the Akron Zoo has dedicated “quiet areas,” and “headphone zones” to help those with sensory needs. There’s also a Guest Comfort Station that can be used as a quiet room, and the Welcome Center can provide sensory bags and weighted lap pads for use by visitors.

Zoo fun fact: Both the Cleveland and Akron zoos participate in a zoo reciprocity program. If you are a member at one zoo, you can visit the other (along with many other zoos throughout the United States) and get 50% off admission. Learn more here.

7. Greater Cleveland Aquarium

2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland

Be immersed in the ocean and local waterways at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Walk through a glass seatube where you can spot sharks swimming overhead, learn what lives in Ohio lakes and rivers, and gently touch a “smiling” stingray in the 11,000-gallon touch pool at the Coastal Boardwalk exhibit. 

The aquarium also puts on several events throughout the year for future aquatic scientists to enjoy, and for the adventurous family with teens 15+, you can even go on a shark dive (if you’re SCUBA certified). 

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is especially great on a rainy day, and is perfect if you’re looking for a shorter outing since you can see everything in about an hour. 

Hours: 10 am-5 pm daily

Admission: $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for children, and children under 2 are free. Advanced timed tickets are currently encouraged but not required; book them here.

Parking: Visitors can park right outside the aquarium in an open surface lot. This lot is card-only, and you pay upon exit.

Food: The aquarium does not have a cafe or any food options.

Accessibility note: The aquarium is fully accessible with the help of two elevators and a relatively flat floor plan. Strollers and wagons are encouraged.

8. Cleveland Botanical Garden

11030 East Blvd, Cleveland

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is such a fun place to visit for the whole family. There are several gardens to explore, beautiful butterflies to watch, and glasshouses to learn more about rainforest plants. 

Specifically designed for kids is the Hershey Children’s Garden, where kids can run around, search for turtles in the pond, learn about how veggies and herbs grow, learn how to take care of plants and water them, and even watch honey bees around their hive. 

There are also family-friendly Cleveland activities and events here throughout the year, including scavenger hunts, summer camps, and live virtual classes.

Hours: Thursday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm. Sunday 12-5 pm. Closed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Open until 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays in the summer.

Admission: $20 for adults, $14 for children 3-10, and children 2 and under are free. You can save $1 per ticket by purchasing online in advance.

Parking: The Botanical Garden has its own indoor parking garage, with elevator and stair access to the main entrance of the garden (though note that the parking garage is on Wade Oval). Parking is free for 30 minutes, $12 for up to 2 hours, then +$1 for each additional half hour (up to $16).

Food: There is a Garden Cafe, and an outdoor dining area on Geis Terrace.

Accessibility note: Most of the garden’s indoor and outdoor spaces are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of a few raised garden areas. Strollers are welcome.

10. Hiking with Kids in Cleveland

Did you know that Cleveland Metroparks alone has 18 reservations (parks) and over 100 miles of hiking trails? That doesn’t even include Cuyahoga Valley National Park or other MetroParks nearby! 

Cleveland is spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring the outdoors, so you better believe there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes.

Some we can recommend include:

• Chagrin Overlook Loop Trail in South Chagrin Reservation
• Worden’s Ledges and Whipp’s Ledges in Hinckley Reservation
• Viaduct Park Trail in Bedford Reservation
• Trails like the Woodland Loop Trail and W Channel Pond Loop Trail behind the Rocky River Reservation Nature Center
• Kendall Lake Loop Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

We also always recommend the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This trail starts in Cleveland and winds its way through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s pretty flat, easy to navigate, and has a lot of attractions to see along the way. This is perfect for both hiking and taking a bike ride! 

READ MORE: 17 of the Best Kid-Friendly Hikes Near Cleveland

10. Cleveland Metroparks for Kids

Various

We love the Cleveland Metroparks, and many parks offer up kid-friendly trails and activities.

We especially love Hinckley Reservation in Hinckley, Ohio. Aside from exploring Worden’s Ledges and Whipp’s Ledges together, you can also go boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, etc. on Hinckley Lake, go horseback riding, try your hand at fishing, go cycling, and enjoy the beautiful nature in the area.

There is also the Buzzard Roost where you can celebrate the return of spring and buzzards on March 15 each year, a sledding hill for the winter, plenty of areas to bring a picnic lunch, and a pool to go swimming in during the summer. 

Several Metroparks also have Nature Centers that offer up educational displays and programs. Some of our favorites include:

• Rocky River Nature Center – Learn about Ohio wildlife both past and present. Kids can also play in HideAway Hollow, which is shaped like a giant oak tree.
• North Chagrin Nature Center – Here you can enjoy live animal exhibits, naturalist-led programs, a children’s play area, and more.
• Brecksville Nature Center – This nature center is a dedicated trailside museum, and offers many popular programs, including its Hand Feed a Chickadee program in the winter.

11. Lake Metroparks Farmpark

8800 Euclid Chardon Rd, Kirtland

This working farm and education center is such a fun place to take the kids near Cleveland! Children can see dairy cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, horses, alpaca, goats, and more! The Farmpark also offers horse or tractor-drawn wagon rides, as well as various demonstrations and educational programs. 

Enjoy fun things like watching a border collie keep the sheep together throughout the warmer months, discover the art of sugaring and making maple syrup in the spring, and see cool farm equipment year-round.

They also have events throughout the year for the family including Maple Sugaring Weekends, Sheep Sheering Weekend, Fall Harvest Weekends, and more!

Hours: Tuesday-Sundays 9 am- 5 pm (closed Mondays)

Admission: $9 for adults, $8 for seniors aged 60+, $7 for children ages 2-11, and free for children under 2 as well as active military and their families. 

Tip: Lake County residents get free admission on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of the month. You just have to show proof of residency. 

Accessibility note: All facilities are accessible – even the horse- and tractor-drawn wagons are wheelchair accessible. Strollers and wagons are encouraged.

12. Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary

5623 New Milford Rd, Ravenna

Enjoy a day at the farm where kids can rub pot bellied pig tummies, pet mini horses, and learn about these animals getting a second chance in life. 

Tours of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary last about 1.5 hours and are so much fun. Kids get to pet and hang out with goats, pigs, roosters, horses, and more! 

Hours: Open May 1-October 31. Friday and Saturday tours start at 11 am, 1:15 pm, and 3:30 pm. Sunday tours start at 12:45 pm and 3 pm. More info (including how to register for tours) here.

Admission: $20 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. 

13. Memphis Kiddie Park

10340 Memphis Ave, Cleveland (Brooklyn)

The Memphis Kiddie Park is a hidden gem when it comes to family activities in Cleveland! This place is a fun fair where kids can enjoy various rides like the Ferris wheel, Merry-Go-Round, mini roller coaster, Electric Roadway, and more.

Plus, there is miniature golf, an arcade, and concessions serving your favorite amusement park treats. 

This kid-centric mini amusement park is historic, having first opened in Cleveland’s Brooklyn neighborhood in 1952. It’s geared toward younger kids; some of the rides can only be ridden by kids under 50 inches tall.

Hours: The hours vary based on time of year; it’s usually open daily from late May through August, and then open on weekends into September. Current hours can be found here, and you can also follow their Facebook page for real-time updates.

Admission: There is no admission fee. You pay ticket prices per ride, and each ride costs 1 ticket; single tickets are $3, a pack of 10 tickets is $28, and a pack of 25 tickets is $48 – and the ride tickets don’t expire, ever. Putt-putt golf is $7 per person, with children 5 and under costing $2 for every full-price ticket you purchase. 

Parking: The park has its own parking lot, and parking is free.

Food: The park has all the kid-friendly amusement park treats you’d expect to find. You are NOT allowed to bring in your own food.

14. Sweeties Golfland Park 

6770 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland

Associated with the b.a. Sweeties candy company, Sweeties Golfland Park is fun for any family with older kids. They have two 18-hole mini golf courses here, along with a candy store and soda/ice cream shoppe.

(There’s a second Sweeties Golfland in North Ridgeville, too.)

Hours: Closed in the winter, the park usually opens Memorial Day weekend. Visit their site for updated opening hours.

Admission: $9 per person for 18 holes on the golf course, and $16 for 36 holes.

Tip: They have early bird prices on Monday-Friday between 10 am-2 pm. $7.50 per person for 18 holes. 

15. Play at Various Parks with Playgrounds

There are several parks throughout the city of Cleveland and the surrounding area that have great playgrounds. And we all know that sometimes all kids need is to run around on a playground for a while. 

Some parks with good playgrounds in/around Cleveland include:

• Lindsey Family Play Space – Located near the Upper Edgewater Picnic Shelter, this play space was recently built by the Cleveland Metroparks. The play area features nature-inspired play opportunities, as well as climbing structures. It’s also close to Edgewater Beach!
• Fairview Park – This park in Ohio City has a baseball field, playground, and a mini water park. It’s also right next to Kentucky Gardens, which is a beautiful community garden space.
• Lakewood Park – It has a playground with play structures, as well as a skatepark, tennis and volleyball courts, and even a pool.
• Liberty Playground – Located in Independence, this large playground has many play structures, climbing walls, slides, and a new area designed specifically for kids aged 2-5.
• Broadview Heights Playground & Splash Pad – The fully enclosed playground has fun play structures, and the splash pad operates during the summer months.
• Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground Park – This park in Beachwood is unique in that it’s a fully accessible playground for kids of all ages and abilities.
• Every Child’s Playground – Located in Avon, this park has all sorts of fun things to play on, including a zip line, a rock wall, and some nature trails. 

These are only a few of the several parks around the city that include a play area for children. If they just need to run around and wear themselves out, any park is always a good idea!

16. Cuyahoga Valley National Scenic Railroad

One of the more unique things to do in Cleveland with kids has to be exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. It’s one of just a few railroads operating within a national park!

Spot wildlife, enjoy the surrounding nature, and relax as you take in the scenery together on a ride with the CVSR. Scenic rides are available all season, and they also offer themed rides and events.

While there are some events that cater to adults such as Ales on Rails and Trivia on the Train, they offer kid-friendly rides, too, with the most popular being the North Pole Adventure during the holidays. 

Hours: The National Park Scenic train is running Friday-Sunday in May, and Wednesday-Sunday from June through July. Exact times vary; you can check the schedule here. Note that the National Park Scenic ride generally takes about 3.5 hours. You can also ride the train for a shorter length if you do the Explorer program, and in 2023 the CVSR is starting up shorter “Family Fun Loops“ that are better suited to younger kids.

Pricing: Ticket prices range from $13-38, with some special events costing more.

Parking: Boarding for CVSR ticketed rides happens at Rockside Station, Peninsula Station, or Akron Northside Station. All stations have parking lots, and parking is free.

Accessibility note: The CVSR does have one handicap accessible car with a lift, but you’ll need to call to make sure it’s available/being used on your desired trip. Strollers need to be folded up to board.

17. Explore Cleveland’s Beaches

There are several amazing beaches around Cleveland to explore! 

Edgewater is the closest to downtown, and has plenty of space for kids to enjoy. They also have a lifeguard on duty during the summer months, which is great if you plan to swim in Lake Erie. Edgewater Park also has walking paths, a dog beach, a large concession stand, and a nice playground.

Other great Cleveland beaches to splash around in with kids include Huntington Beach in Bay Village, Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park in Mentor, and Euclid Beach Park.

18. Hunt for the Best Ice Cream

Going out for ice cream is always one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland! Try a few different places and decide which is the best. Is it Mitchell’s? Mason’s Creamery? Honey Hut? All of the above?

Cleveland has some amazing ice cream, so whether they want an old-fashioned ice cream sundae at Malley’s, or to create their own concoction at Remixx, this summertime activity is always a family favorite. 

19. Head to an Indoor Park

If you’re looking for an indoor place where the kiddos can work off some energy, there are a few indoor play parks to consider in the Greater Cleveland area. Like:

• The Kiddie Jungle (locations in Lyndhurst, Mentor, and Parma)
• Make Believe Family Fun Center in Parma
• Get Air Trampoline Park in Middleburg Heights
• Skyzone (locations in Highland Heights, Westlake, and Boston Heights)
• The Jump Yard in Eastlake
• Play Day Cafe in Solon

The above listed play parks charge an admission fee, but don’t forget that several area libraries also have smaller FREE indoor play areas. Visit your local library’s website to see what their children’s area offers.

20. African Safari Wildlife Park

267 S Lightner Rd, Port Clinton

Did you know you can feel like you’re on safari right here in Ohio? The African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton has both a drive-thru and walk-thru safari where you can see all sorts of interesting animals up close.

Slowly drive in your own vehicle past wildlife including alpaca, American bison, giraffes, zebra, deer, and more! Then you can walk around and spot wallabies, pigs, kangaroo, scarlet macaws, birds, etc.

They also have animal encounters like the chance to feed animals both in the drive thru and walk thru experiences, go on camel rides, and learn how to train a pig. There are also education programs for children.

Hours: 10 am-5 pm in the spring and fall and 9 am-7 pm in the summer. Some weekends are 9 am-6 pm. Closed from December through February.

Admission: Prices vary based on the time of year from $17.95-$32.95 for adults and $12.95-$23.95 for children. Children 2 and under are always free. More info on tickets here.

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This is not a completely exhaustive list, but hopefully it will give you some new ideas of kid-friendly things you can do in Cleveland!

Which of the top things to do in Cleveland with kids would you most like to do with your family?

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