Things To Do In The Flats Cleveland

Admire Art From Around The World

Rediscovering Ohio: ‘What’s New’ on the Flats East Bank

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Home to a vast collection of American art as well as a variety of medieval, European and Asian art, The Cleveland Museum of Art has a taste of cultural pieces from around the globe. Expansions in recent times have seen the introduction of Japanese, Chinese and Indian artwork and extra galleries covering a range of Asian countries. Host to changing Exhibitions and events as well as a fantastic permanent collection, the Cleveland Museum of Art is no one hit wonder.

Enjoying Themuseum Of Contemporary Artis One Of The Best Things To Do In Cleveland

If you want to dedicate a whole day to art, then you can head to the Museum of Contemporary Art next. This museum in Ohio is easy to spot because of its unique, geometric, and glass design.

This museum has more modern works of art from both local and international artists. There are rotating exhibits, so even if you visit Cleveland again, you can return to find something new.

Admission is free here as well, so the art is accessible to all, and you can stay within your budget.

See The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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Just outside of the city center of Cleveland, is the much loved Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The zoo is one of the oldest in the United States. The animals range from great apes such as the Western Lowland Gorilla to aquatic species and fishing cats. There is even an insectarium for those of you who dont get squeamish easily. The zoo boasts the largest collection of primates in North America and a year round botanical garden.

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a 32,000-acre national park that preserves the natural landscape of the Cuyahoga River, spanning between the cities of Cleveland and Akron. The park was originally preserved in 1974 as a National Recreation Area before being converted into a national park in 2000 and is Ohio’s only national park. The park’s centerpiece is the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which spans more than 80 miles throughout the park’s length along a restored area of the canal’s original towpath, open to hikers and cyclists. Other stunning landmarks include the 65-foot Brandywine Falls and the 2.2-mile Ledges Trail, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the Cuyahoga Valley at its rocky apex. For an additional fee, visitors can ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which offers scenic tours and specialty excursions traveling between Akron and Independence.

15610 Vaughn Road, Brecksville, OH 44141, Phone: 330-657-2752

“25 Best Free & Affordable Attractions in Cleveland, Ohio Year Round for Locals & Tourists – Restaurants, Hotels” Back to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach

Fun Things To Do In Cleveland

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Born, raised and having lived most of my adult life in Cleveland enables me to give you truly a list of the best things to do in Cleveland. While I have done or seen most of these myself, there are still a handful of items I need to enjoy.

Whatever you are looking for whether thats family fun in Cleveland, solo things to do in Cleveland or romantic date ideas in Cleveland, you are sure to find something on this list.

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Be A Pinball Wizard At Superelectric Pinball Parlor

The Superelectric Pinball Parlor definitely constitutes one of the more unique things to do in Cleveland, simply because, well, when do you ever see actual pinball parlors in the world anymore? Pretty much nowhere.

This homage to the old school pre-cursor to the videogame arcade features a collection of pinball machines ranging from the 1950s all the way to the modern-day. And theres even a restaurant on site so you can make a night of it. Tip: check out their website before you go so you know whats on because theyve got a load of themed nights on their schedule .

Jet Ski Rental In Cleveland

If you prefer getting out on the water near Cleveland but want to get speedy, then a jet ski rental is so much fun!

Ricos Rental, mentioned above for the SUP rentals, is also the place to rent a jet ski! For $300 per ski for 2 hours and $100 per additional hour you can zip around Lake Erie and explore Cuyahoga River!

For couples riding together, it is $500 for 2 hours and $150 per additional hour.

You can book in advance here.

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The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse

The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is a greenhouse and botanical garden facility that is operated by the City of Cleveland, located near the University Circle neighborhood on East 88th Street. The garden was originally constructed in 1905 on land owned by famed industrialist John D. Rockefeller, planned to care for plants intended for use in the city’s parks. Throughout the 20th century, the greenhouse added public displays of native and exotic plant collections, along with a number of themed gardens and seasonal floral displays. Today, the greenhouse and gardens showcase a formal Japanese garden, a Latin American garden, and an outdoor Peace Garden. Special seasonal displays and events include a holiday festive plant display in December and a spring bulb exhibition.

750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108, Phone: 216-664-2512

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Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Museum

20 things to do in Cleveland during summer

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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is among the most interesting places to visit, whether youre there for sightseeing purposes, as a music-lover, or simply to appreciate history.

It opened in 1995 and has welcomed over 9 million tourists, ranging from the average visitor to celebrities of all kinds.

Theres plenty to see inside the museum, ranging from temporary exhibits and permanent ones, all relating to some of the most incredible and iconic musicians of the rock and roll genre.

If you like, you can also watch films, listen to lectures, check out panel discussions, and be an audience member of live performances all right here in Cleveland!

Almost everyone would consider this Cleveland, Ohio location to be among the most famous and most worth visiting!

Thats why its among the top things to do in Cleveland.

Address: 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

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Unleash Your Creativity At The Children’s Museum Of Cleveland

  • Website:
  • What to Do: Visitors have 2 hours to explore the entire space but the favorites are definitely the water room where kids can splash around as well as the stage area where they can dress up in costumes and put on a mini performance.

5 Minutes Away:

Watch Something At The Playhouse Square Center

Source: westincleveland

Right at the very heart of Clevelands well known and much loved performing arts scene, the Playhouse Square Center is home to an impressive nine theaters including The State and The Palace theaters. Most of the theaters were built at some point in the 1920s and, after becoming run down, had to be saved from destruction by locals who were willing to work on restoring the buildings. The restorations took place in the 1990s and were a great success, restoring the buildings to their former glory and saving them from demolition.

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Historic Tremont Food Tour

Any foodie would absolutely love the Historic Tremont Food Tour of downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

Those who are patrons of true gastronomy will know all about the fame of Tremont for its food.

In this tour, a guide will take you on a journey through the riveting streets of Tremont, teeming with history and varying cultures.

You will get to stop by 4 different restaurants that will give you a true taste of famous cuisine tinged with remnants of yesteryears.

From soul food to authentic Thai meals, to pizzas fired over wood in an old-fashioned way, you will move from warm and inexpensive local Cleveland delights to fancy, upscale dining establishments, some of which have won awards.

While in Tremont, you can also view Lincoln Park and its surrounding buildings churches preserved over time, and homes still built in the old Victorian fashion.

If youre looking for activities to partake in near the bigger hubs of the region, this food tour is definitely among the activities in the top things to do in Cleveland today.

Go Hiking In Cuyahoga Valley National Park

  • Website:
  • What To Do: Home to world-renowned museums and galleries, learn about all unique eras of art and history in University Circle. The Cleveland Museum of Art is stunning, and the Dittrick Medical History Center is absolutely fascinating.

Nothing10 Minutes Away:

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Shop At Thecleveland Arcade

The Cleveland Arcade is an absolutely gorgeous and historic shopping mall. It opened in 1890 and was originally known as Clevelands Crystal Palace.

It was also the citys first addition to the National Register of Historic Places.

The arcade portion is five stories and the towers are nine stories. This is one of the best places to visit in Cleveland on a rainy day.

You can wander the floors and pretend you are in Milan, Italy, which inspired the construction.

The arcade holds many shops, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and spas. If you love pretty places to photograph, you will definitely want to get here early before the crowds so you can get some amazing shots.

Walk Around The Cultural Sights Of The City

Cleveland, like many US cities, is packed full of cultural sights. So the first thing you should do to get a feel for the place is just to stroll around its centre, lapping up the monuments and taking in the history of it all.

Simply walking around is a good way to get to grips with the city is a great thing to do in Cleveland. Theres the University Circle area and all its grand buildings and the Wade Oval with its various museums. Then there is the Uptown area complete with Cleveland Institute of Art and the Severance Hall . The city centre is very walkable and there are a few great walking tours you can join led by locals who can tell you about the cities past, present and place in the world.

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Terminal Tower Observation Deck

Rising 771 feet above downtown Clevelands Public square, Terminal Tower is one of the most iconic and recognizable features of the city. The building serves as luxury private apartments with a 24/7 fitness center, community lounge, and rooftop deck all within walking distance of popular Cleveland activities and restaurants.

The Terminal Tower Lights are changed frequently to support a variety of local and national charities, events, and special causes. The one-of-a-kind location offers public visitors a 15 minute, self-guided tour of the 42nd floor to experience the building’s historic architecture and Clevelands beautiful views from a birds eye perspective.

Observation Deck tickets are available only online and must be purchased in advance through there Event Brite link HERE.

Terminal Tower Observation Deck 50 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113608-6607

Jacobs Pavilion At Nautica

Cleveland Flats a Great Place to Play and Live

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Reviewed By Barry905 – Welland, Canada

At the pavilion last weekend – great place for a concert – smaller venue so every seat is a great seat!! Beautiful location on the river front overlooking some of the downtown skyline of Cleveland!! Hopefully one of our favorite musicians will be booked here in the future so we can come back to the pavilion and Cleveland again very soon!!

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Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve

Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is an 88-acre nature preserve located along the city’s Lake Erie shoreline that was formed as a result of landfill dumping throughout the 1970s at the city’s walled-off Dike 14, located near Gordon Park. After a United States Army Corps of Engineers dredge at the site was filled in 1999, the area’s sand, soil, and clay sediments in Dike 14 began to sprout with diverse flora and fauna. Since 2012, the site has been protected as a natural reserve, showcasing grassland, forest, meadow, wetland, and shrubland ecosystems that are home to more than 280 species of birds and a number of native Ohio mammals, reptiles, and plants. Three visitor trails span 2.5 miles throughout the preserve, which is open to the public seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

8701 Lakeshore Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44108, Phone: 216-377-1348

Best Things To Do In Clevelands Near West

Cleveland Zoo

Part of the Cleveland Metroparks System, the Cleveland zoo occupies 183 acres and is home to one of the largest collections of primates.

The Zoo is comprised of 7 different areas:

  • Australian Adventure
  • The RainForest
  • Asian Highlands

Cleveland Zoo is open 365 days a year and is a great adventure for all ages. Two trams operate around the park in case you need a break from walking.

Plus, there are carousel rides, lorikeet feedings and an Australian outback train ride.

Pack a picnic lunch or grab something here. You will easily see why its one of Clevelands most visited attractions.

Cleveland Metroparks ZooCleveland, OH 44109

Westside Market

My great grandfather rented a stall here for many years selling meats from Hildebrants. Dating back to 1840, the Westside Market is Clevelands oldest indoor/outdoor marketplace.

Today, 100 vendors sell meats, fresh vegetables, and fresh seafood as well as baked goods, dairy and cheese products. There are also booths that sell ready-to-eat foods, herbs, candy and nuts.

Many visitors come here looking for the experiences portrayed by The Travel Channel or The Food Network.

A true ethnic-cultural gem, this is definitely a place to visit if you are in the mood for authentic Cleveland food.

Westside Market

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Taste The History Of Little Italy

Like many other US cities, Cleveland has its own Little Italy. What was once the enclave of Italian immigrants who came to work in the mills is now packed full with pizza joints, old school cafes, brilliant bakeries and traditional trattorias. The whole district is daubed with murals telling the stories of various Italian immigrants to the area.

Established in the late 19th century by immigrants from the Abruzzi region of southern Italy, exploring Little Italy on a food tour is definitely a top thing to do in Cleveland at night. For example, Guarinos is a great nightspot for classic Italian pasta. Fun fact: there used to be a Big Italy established by Sicilian immigrants, but it fell into decline following WWII. Today, the only Big Italy is Italy.

Have A Blast At Cedar Point

Cedar Point is easily one of the most popular Ohio attractions. This awesome amusement park is found about an hour west of Cleveland right on Lake Erie. Spend the day in this scenic location experiencing a rush of adrenaline.

There are seventeen crazy rollercoasters, including one that goes 120 miles an hour! If you love heart-stopping thrills, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Cleveland.

Even if you like things calmer, you will have fun here. There are plenty of family-friendly rides for all ages. Younger kids will love the Snoopy-themed rides.

In the heat of summer, check out the Cedar Point Shores Waterpark for some wet and wild rides and pools. There are private cabanas you can relax in to get out of the sun. Both parks have shops and yummy restaurants too.

Cedar Point is home to one of the really cool lighthouses in Ohio, so be sure to check into that!

If you are looking for accommodations during your visit to Cedar Point, these Ohio VRBOs are a great place to start looking!

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Sample The Citys Beer

So we know that Cleveland is the home of rock n roll and we also know that it was once a city of steel mills which is seriously thirsty work. So you bet that its got good beer!

The beauty of a city filled with disused warehouses is that they are great for converting into micro-breweries. So for those of you who like a taste or more of the hoppy stuff, you can hit up some of the citys best breweries for tasting sessions and lessons in how the beer is made .

For one of the more non-touristy things to do in Cleveland, we think you should go to Great Lakes Brewing, Brick and Barrel, and/or Platform Beer any of which would be a great choice. For those who are hungry as well as thirsty, Collision Beer Brewing Co serves up food alongside their beer. A good way to spend your time.

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Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags.

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