If you’re looking for things to do in Cleveland with kids that are both fun and educational, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our recommendations for museums and art galleries, plus restaurants, fun activities, and ice cream. There’s something for everyone in this fun-filled city. From the Great Lakes Science Center to the Shafran Planetarium, you’ll find things to do in Cleveland with kids to make any day more exciting.
Great Lakes Science Center
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity for kids in Cleveland, consider visiting the Great Lakes Science Center. This educational facility and museum is located in downtown Cleveland. Kids will love learning about all kinds of natural and manmade phenomena. The center’s interactive exhibits teach visitors about different types of weather, animals, and climates. Families can visit this fun indoor activity during winter, spring, and summer to educate themselves about various subjects and learn about various scientific phenomena.
Children of all ages will enjoy the hands-on exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center. Even young kids will enjoy the Grossology exhibit, which teaches kids about embarrassing body parts. There are also many other exhibits for older kids and families to enjoy. One of the most popular exhibits is the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater, which features a giant dome screen and engulfs the audience in the sights and sounds of nature. In addition to these interactive exhibits, the center also has daily science demos for visitors to see and learn about the wonders of science.
The Great Lakes Science Center has over 250,000 square feet of exhibit space. Highlights include biomedical technology, recycling, and the Great Lakes environment. The center has three dining facilities for visitors. Wheelchairs can be borrowed, but strollers are not provided. There is an information desk in the main lobby. Parking is available at the attached parking garage. Parking fees are validated at the info desk. If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity in Cleveland, you won’t want to miss the Great Lakes Science Center.
For younger children, the Touch Pool in the Coastal Boardwalk gallery is a great way to get up close to sting rays. Older children will appreciate the underwater Sea Tube with sharks and other sea creatures. While the entire family can explore these incredible creatures, it’s sure to be a memorable experience. And while the kids are there, they can learn about conservation and environmental concerns.
Shafran Planetarium
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in Cleveland with kids that don’t involve a lot of time spent outside, head to the Shafran Planetarium in the city’s downtown area. It features a planetarium show that lasts approximately 35 minutes and focuses on current astronomy topics. You can even get up close and personal by bouncing your child off the walls while watching the show. The planetarium is also home to the museum’s Wade Oval Wednesdays program, where kids can experience a live presentation of the night sky.
A visit to the Shafran Planetarium will be a fascinating experience for your child. The planetarium displays in 3D are textured and detailed. You can also explore the gems and minerals of the world in the Mineralogy exhibit. Cleveland Public Square has a grassy lawn, splash pad, and scenic views of the city. Food trucks are often present during lunch, and there’s also a tranquil fountain and beautiful landscaping.
If you’re not sure what to do with the kids in Cleveland, consider taking them to a museum or science center instead. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has a large dinosaur collection and Ohio’s first planetarium. There’s also a Smead Discovery Center and Perkins Wildlife Center. Finally, make sure you check out the Shafran Planetarium & Mueller Observatory.
Another great place to spend a rainy day with the kids is the Shafran Planetarium. This cult movie was made in Cleveland and has a wonderful history. You and your child can enjoy the movie and the exhibition together. It’s a fun and educational activity for all ages. The museum is a great place for families to visit with kids of all ages.
Museum of Contemporary Art
When visiting Cleveland, be sure to bring your kids to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)! This non-collecting museum is one of the country’s largest concentrations of cultural institutions. The building itself does not contain collection galleries, which helps it maintain its flexibility. Moreover, it is located in a vibrant neighborhood, with lots of restaurants and shopping centers nearby. If you’re planning to bring the kids, don’t forget to pack snacks and beverages – you’ll be glad you did!
The design of the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland makes it an ideal place to take the kids. Its four floors are connected by the Kohl Family Monumental Staircase, which guides visitors throughout the museum. A designated space is also found for the exhibition of media work. A lounge area provides a picturesque view of Uptown. With so many activities to choose from, even the kids will have fun! You can also visit the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field in June.
If you’ve never been to the MOCA before, now is the perfect time to check it out. The building is a shimmering polyhedron of mirrored black steel, rising four storeys. It has one face covered in translucent glass, which makes it possible to enjoy the atrium while letting your children see the art inside. The inaugural exhibition includes “Three Men Dig Through Her Pockets,” a huge spray-paint effect wall installation that spans three floors.
This museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits. You can also see trolls at the Troll Museum. The museum is closed from January through March. However, children under the age of seven can visit for FREE. The admission is only $18 for adults. Ohio teachers can get in for free every day. If you’re a teacher, be sure to mention your educational background to get free admission.
Mitchell’s Ice Cream
As one of the things to do with kids indoor in Cleveland, visiting Mitchell’s Ice Cream is a great option. The ice cream shop has been delighting locals for over 20 years. You can tour the shop, sample the ice cream, and receive a free scoop certificate. Other options include malts, shakes, and organic fruit smoothies.
If you’re planning a trip with kids, you can go ice cream shopping at Mitchell’s Ice Cream. This iconic Cleveland landmark has a huge selection of ice cream flavors, which your kids will love. If you’re looking for something sweeter, try Buckeye ice cream at Mitchell’s. This ice cream parlor serves both traditional and unique flavors.
You can also visit the Romp Family Ice Cream Stand. This ice cream stand is operated by the third generation of the Romp family. The shop offers ice cream, soft-serve, and even 1950s-themed desserts. The store is famous for its “Construction Barrel” – a large, ice cream cone made from layers of orange slush, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate. In addition to delicious treats, the shop donates a portion of profits from its sales to the Safetyville organization, which helps children who are hurt.
There are several other great ice cream options in the city. One of them is Mitchell’s Ice Cream, which has 5 locations in the Greater Cleveland Area. They offer 13 regular flavors, as well as seasonal flavors. Some favorites include Honey Pecan and Orange Blossom. Another great option is Chill ice cream, which is located in Medina Square. Its unique flavors will surprise even the most discerning palate.
Mitchell’s
If you’re looking for activities to keep your little ones entertained, head to the Children’s Museum of Cleveland. Located in a restored mansion in the east side of Cleveland, the museum has kid-focused exhibits like the water activity lab and craft area. There’s even an indoor play structure that’s huge and open to the public. Parents with special needs should also take note of the special accommodations.
Whether you’re looking for an indoor adventure, or something a little more cultural, there are many places to keep your little ones entertained while you’re in the city. While many attractions in Cleveland are for adults, children will appreciate the Museum of Contemporary Art. The museum is home to the work of over 2,000 artists and is a mix of permanent fixtures, traveling exhibits, and fresh newcomer pieces.
One unique thing to do in Cleveland with kids is to check out the Christmas Story House and Museum. The house was the setting of the classic animated movie and is now open for tours. During the holidays, you and your children can enjoy the movie’s famous sets, and buy some memorabilia. There’s also an interactive museum, where kids can explore the house, try on costumes and even play the characters from the film.
Another fun way to keep your kids busy in the city is to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame was opened in 1986, and it’s now America’s second-largest performing arts center. It has touring Broadway shows as well as Cleveland productions. You can even see the world’s largest outdoor chandelier! It’s not raining in Cleveland, so you can still enjoy the outdoors in this city.
