Main Content

Free Things to do with kids in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland and the rest of Northeast Ohio are never short of fun, free things to do for the whole family. Today, we’ll take a look at some of Cleveland’s best free attractions for kids and adults alike.

  1. 1. Cleveland Museum of Art
    11150 East Boulevard

    Art isn’t just for adults– it can be for kids as well! Cleveland Museum of Art has long been recognized as the best free attraction in the city. Opened in 1913, the museum is home to a large variety of exhibits, from highbrow and classic masterpieces to interesting historic artifacts.

    According to Tripsavvy.com, one exhibit, in particular, has been the subject of interest among the museum’s younger visitors. Head to the interior courtyard of the Cleveland Museum of Art and kids will find an amazing “armor court,” complete with a selection of armor, weapons, and tapestries from the medieval times.

  2. 2. Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
    2600 S Park Boulevard

    Instead of taking the kids to any of the playgrounds in Cleveland, why not take them to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes? Located in Shaker Heights, the Nature Center is only a short distance away from downtown Cleveland.

    The best part about the Nature Center isn’t its accessibility, however. What I love about this facility is its network of trails that weave in and out of six native habitats. All in all, the Nature Center has two marshes, a vernal pool, a floodplain forest, a stream corridor, and an upland forest. The kids will have fun walking around the facility and, at the same time, learn about these wonderful habitats. For more information, check out the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes’ official website.

  3. 3. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
    3900 Wildlife Way

    If you’re a resident of Cuyahoga County, you’re in for a treat. Every Monday (as long as it’s not a holiday), the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo opens its gates to Cuyahoga County residents for free. The free admission includes access to the zoo’s sprawling 83 acres, home to various animal exhibits and educational programs. The promo doesn’t include admission to the Rainforest, however, but it’s still a great deal.

    You can read more about the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and how you can avail the free admission promo by checking out their official website.

  4. 4. Lake Erie

    On a fine spring day, take the kids out fishing in Lake Erie. Every spring, usually in the early days of May, Ohio residents are allowed by the state to fish in the waters of Lake Erie, regardless of having a fishing license. You can also choose to fish with the kids in any of Ohio’s countless rivers and streams!

    Ohio’s free fishing days happen over a course of two days. You can learn more about this program here.

  5. 5. Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
    28728 Wolf Road

    Since you’re already in the area, why not complete the trip by paying the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center a visit? Located in Bay Village, the center was founded in 1945 and is home to animal exhibits as well as an animal rehabilitation clinic. It’s a free and great place to learn more about the wildlife that lives in and around Lake Erie.

All these kid-friendly attractions in and around Cleveland make Cleveland real estate even more desirable. To learn more about real estate in Cleveland, Ohio, contact me today at 440-823-2448 or michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com.

Skip to content