Looking for a rockin’ good time for your next family destination? Look no further than Cleveland! Located on the Southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is Ohio’s second largest city. Once known primarily for its manufacturing and industry, Cleveland has reinvented itself as a great family destination. From sports lovers to music lovers, this city has something to offer everyone. One of our producers recently visited Cleveland and is willing to share some highlights that may be helpful in planning your next family trip.
Where to Stay:
When planning your visit to Cleveland, be sure to book a hotel near the heart of downtown Cleveland. Considered the “jewel of Cleveland’s entertainment district,” East 4th St. is home to some of Cleveland’s best dining and shopping options, so it’s a good idea to find a hotel nearby. Our recommendation is the Holiday Inn Express Cleveland Downtown. Located in the historic Guardian Bank Building, this hotel offers large guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, and evening refreshers Monday through Thursdays all just a few blocks away from Playhouse Square, Quicken Loans Arena, and East 4th St.
Related: If you are interested in taking a roadtrip to Ohio, check out our other post!
Dining for the Whole Family:
When visiting a city like Cleveland, it’s not always easy to decide where to eat when there are so many good options. Luckily, we have a few recommendations to hopefully help make your decision a little easier. If you are looking for a fun family activity while you eat, visit Corner Alley. Here your family can enjoy delicious food and a great atmosphere while also enjoying a couple games of bowling. For some other great options for dinner and entertainment visit Punch Bowl Social, which features entertainment such as bowling, billiards, and karaoke.
Looking for a great atmosphere that will keep you rockin’? Enjoy some good food and live music at the Prosperity Social Club or swing by Dante’s Inferno & Backyard Bocce where you can enjoy some dinner and games while surrounded by music-themed decor.
If you or a family member loves chicken wings, be sure to stop by the Winking Lizard. With 13 convenient locations across the Cleveland area, the Winking Lizard is a great spot to catch a game while the kids say hello to the pet lizard at each location!
If you are in the mood for some Italian food, head on down to Little Italy! First settled in the late 19th century by Italian artisans, Little Italy is home to a variety of shops, galleries and restaurants. If you are in the mood for pizza, look no further than Mama Santa’s. Or swing by Guarino’s Restaurant for some delicious pasta. And don’t forget to save room for dessert at Presti’s Bakery for one of their popular treats, like their chocolate-dipped macaroons!
And what kid doesn’t love grilled cheese? At Melt Bar and Grilled, you can choose from over 20 unique varieties of grilled cheese including their famous “Parmageddon” which includes onions, kraut, and potato and cheese pierogies. You’ll get hungry just thinking about all the delicious possibilities!
Attractions Galore & More:
When it comes to entertainment and attractions, Cleveland offers an endless amount of fun activities that will appeal to each family member. For all you music lovers, be sure to stop by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Since opening its doors in 1975, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame has paid homage to rock icons through artifacts, videos, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia. One of our producers’ favorite exhibits was the Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball exhibit where kids can play this classic game featuring music from some of rock ‘n’ roll’s best artists.
If music isn’t your thing, be sure to visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Located an hour outside of Cleveland in Canton, Ohio, the Pro Football Hall of Fame showcases 254 bronze busts of football’s best players and memorabilia from the greatest moments in sports history. Think you have what it takes to be the next head coach of your favorite NFL team? Then be sure to check out the “Call-the-Play” theater, one of the many interactive exhibits at the Hall of Fame.
Perhaps science is more your thing. If so, then be sure to stop by the Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland. Here your family can experience over 400 hands-on exhibits that feature virtual hang-gliding, pitch speed trackers, and reaction speed tests. You can also climb into a model of a space capsule and check out artifacts from John Glenn’s Friendship 7 Mission at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center. And don’t forget to stop by the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater, where you and your family can watch movies on a screen six stories high!
With more than 20 cultural and artistic venues, University Circle is the perfect place for the artist in your family. These venues include the Cleveland History Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Be sure to take advantage of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s free admission, one of the only major museums in the U.S. to offer free admission to its permanent collections.
These handful of activities are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the great attractions Cleveland has to offer. Our producer also partook in a glass blowing demonstration at the Glass Bubble Project, visited the beloved, “A Christmas Story” Home, hiked in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and did a little shopping at the West Side Market, one of the largest indoor/outdoor markets in the country.
With so much to do it is easy to see why our producer had such a great time visiting this city. From music lovers to science lovers, Cleveland has it all for your next great family destination!
