Visiting Cleveland with Kids

First opened in 1870 right along Lake Erie, Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. Cedar Point is known as the roller coaster capital but there is so much more to do here. There are shows, lake and beach activities, great food and Cedar Point Shores water park. In addition, there are many other family destinations and activities in the surrounding Sandusky, Ohio area.

Katie G.:  It's hard to find a kid that doesn't love grilled cheese. Be sure to swing by one of the many Melt Bar & Grilled locations throughout the Cleveland area for a tasty sandwich and maybe a cold brew (for Mom and Dad). Founded in Cleveland, Melt offers several varieties of grilled cheese sandwiches, including simple varieties like the Kindergarten with cheese and bread to more gourmet choices like the chicken and waffles. For those who may not like a cheesy sandwich, there are soups, salads and plenty of appetizers to choose from.

Tim Ponisciak:  Football fans young and old will love visiting Canton to check out the Hall of Fame. It is located right next to I77. The Hall of Fame features busts of all of the players who enshrined and there are also many interactive exhibits that youngsters will enjoy!

Cost: adults $25, kids 6-12 $18, under 6 free

Katie G.:  All aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad where you and the family can enjoy a scenic view of the greater Cleveland area. Traveling North to South through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there are several different excursions to choose from throughout the year, including the ever popular Polar Express. The basic excursion lets you hop on and off at one of the three stops in the National Park on this 3-1/2 hour round trip journey. Restrooms and snacks are available on board. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view!

Cost: Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online

Katie G.:  The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to many animal exhibits, a Rainforest, interactive kids section, attractions, a gift shop and restaurants. The zoo strives to protect and improve the future of wildlife around the world. Visit with animals such as gorillas, elephants, lions, tigers, bears, birds, rodents and more. Explore the Rainforest with plants and animals from the Asian, African and American jungles. Enjoy one of the many attractions such as the carousel, train ride, 4D theater or giraffe feedings.

Cost: $14.95/Adults, $10.95/Child (2-11), Free/Child (Under 2)

Katie G.:  Happy Dog is a hot dog restaurant like you've never seen. Order your basic beef or vegan sausage and top it with as many toppings as you can fit on the bun. Kids will love the crazy, unique toppings such as Froot Loops, mac and cheese and spaghetti o's. With 50 toppings to choose from there's something for everyone. Pile on as much as you want for the same low price. Tater tots and fries are available to accompany your dog along with over 75 beers to choose from.

Katie G.:  The famous holiday movie, A Christmas Story, was filmed in Cleveland and visitors are welcome to tour the house year round. Older kids will appreciate the humor of the holiday classic and will love seeing artifacts, photos and learning about the actors from the movie at the official A Christmas Story House Museum. Be sure to stop by the gift shop after your tour to pick up your own "major award" replica to take home.

*Insider Note: The tours sell out fast during the very crowded Christmas holiday season.

Cost: $11/Adults, $8/Child (3 - 12), Free/Child (2 and under)

Katie G.:  Looking for a good lunch option while in town? Head on over to the West Side Market which is the oldest public market in Cleveland. The market has over 100 vendors offering traditional and unique items such as meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, spices and nuts. The beauty about the market is that each person can choose what they want to eat whether that be Asian or Italian or Greek. Save room for dessert at Grandma Campbell's Cupcakes or Oooo...Fudge.

Katie G.:  Visit with fascinating sea creatures at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. See fish and turtles that are native to Ohio, specifically Lake Erie at the Ohio Lakes + Rivers gallery. Learn about sea life around the world, including an interactive tortoise exhibit at the Lakes + Rivers of the World gallery. Don't miss out on the Tropical Reef gallery which showcases tropical fish around the world or the Shark Sea Tube where four different species of sharks will be swimming over your head in this underwater tunnel. Enjoy touch pools, a gift shop and cafe while visiting.

Cost: $19.95/Adult, $13.95/Child

Katie G.:  Catch a ballgame at Progressive Field to watch the Cleveland Indians take on one of their MLB rivals. This beautiful ballpark is also family-friendly with a section dedicated just to families. The Family Deck offers a Kids Clubhouse designed to keep kids entertained before (or during) the game. There is a parents lounge, nursing stations, family-friendly concessions and interactive activities. Smaller kids will also love the smaller-scale baseball field, slide and ride on toys. Take advantage of the KeyBank Kids Ticket for an economical way to enjoy the game.

Tickets: Start at $15

Katie G.:  Kids can have fun running around, building and exploring STEM activities at the Great Lakes Science Center. Interact with hands-on exhibits, visit traveling exhibits, catch a planetarium show at the Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, learn about space at the NASA Glenn Visitor Center or tour the giant William G. Mather Steamship (open seasonally May-Oct). There is even an indoor and outdoor youth area for kids under 7 to jump, play, explore.

Cost: $13.95 - $16.95/person

Katie G.:  Introduce your kids to the history of the music you grew up listening to at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Throughout the museum you will explore various exhibits learning about where rock and roll came from and view artifacts from famous rock legends such as Elvis, The Beatles, Tom Petty, Aretha Franklin and more. There are interactive exhibits, movies about legendary rock icons and an outdoor stage featuring live music during the summer months.

Cost: $23-$26/Adults, $14-$16/Kids (6-12), Free/Kids (5 and under)

Katie G.:  Playhouse Square is Cleveland's go-to destination for theater and the performing arts. There are eight theaters playing many different varieties of shows ranging from traveling Broadway shows to concerts and comedy acts. Families will enjoy walking around the square admiring the picturesque facades of the historic theaters. Be sure to check out the events page utilizing the "family" category search feature for upcoming performances and shows.

Katie G.:  The Children's Museum of Cleveland lets kids of all ages imagine, create and play. Kids can get wet at the Wonder Lab exploring whirlpools and water tables or they can build, work and climb at Adventure City. If you have a little artist on hand, they will love the Arts & Parts Studio where kids work with various materials and supplies to create what they want. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food, as there are only vending machines available. During the Spring and Summer months, enjoy one of the traveling food truck vendors.

Ages: Recommended 8 and under

Cost: $12/Adults & Children

Katie G.:  The Cleveland Museum of Art offers free admission to the public year-round, making this a great choice for the family looking to save a dime on vacation. There are plenty of activities for families to see and experience at the museum, including interactive and hands-on exhibits as well as daily events including Open Studio, Art Stories and Art Together.

Cost: Free