Meagan lives in Reminderville, OH with her husband and twin boys. We asked her to share some of her favorite things to do in and around Cleveland. 

 

Whether you’re in town to catch LeBron on the court or pay homage to local legends Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger and Madonna at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame there’s plenty to do in Cleveland. You can also get some reminders of home at the West Side Market and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Pro-tip: Drive cautiously, especially if you have a block M on your license plate.

 

Winking Lizard Tavern
Winking Lizard Tavern has multiple locations and I have not visited all of them, but most have a small kids game room, a popcorn machine with free popcorn that the kids love to snack on while waiting for their meals, and an iguana.  For the adults, they have a great draft beer selection.

 

Preston’s H.O.P.E.
Preston’s H.O.P.E. is probably the best playground we have ever been to.  It is free and open during spring, summer and fall (closed during the winter).  It is located at the Mandel JCC in Beachwood Ohio (Off of the 271 Highway).  It is huge and you can spend several hours there.  It was designed so that children with physical disabilities could play with their peers.  There are many wheelchair ramps, and it is fun for everyone.

 

If you visit in the winter months, check out: Play Day Cafe in Solon (this is our favorite), Amazone Fun Center (has laser tag among other things), and Fun n Stuff (has roller skating).  They are all fun but vary a bit in what they offer so check the website to see which meets your families needs.

 

Cleveland Zoo
We love the Cleveland Zoo.  It is very big.  Young kids will not make it walking through the entire zoo so bring a wagon or stroller (or I believe you can rent one there).   There is also a tram that will take you to a few locations in the zoo.  There are lots of options for kids within the zoo, although, a lot of them require you to pay extra.  Example:  train ride around the Australian Outback, Feeding the Giraffes, and a merry-go-round. On days with bad weather, there is the Rainforest that is all indoors.  We usually go there a few times throughout the winter for something to do.

 

Baseball + Apple Orchards
In the summer, Indians games are very fun, but can be expensive for the whole family.  We have minor league baseball teams in the Cleveland area that are cheaper options for families.  The Lake County Captains play in Eastlake, which is on the east side of Cleveland.  And the Akron Rubber Ducks play in Akron, which is about an hour South of Cleveland.

 

In the fall, there are 2 very nice places for apple picking.  Both are located in Chesterland, OH:  Eddy Fruit Farm and Patterson Fruit Farm.  We like to pick apples at Eddy’s, then go to Patterson’s afterwards.  Patterson’s has a store with delicious homemade donuts, kettle corn, and a nice playground for kids.

 

More Attractions:

 

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