Things to Do in Cleveland

There’s a lot to like in this Ohio city and a lot to see here. So get ready to explore "The Rock and Roll Capital of the World."

Sounds and Science

Celebrate some of the world’s best musicians at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The museum showcases thousands of photographs, stage costumes, rock and roll memorabilia and hand-written lyrics. Or take advantage of hands-on exhibits, a NASA Visitor’s Center featuring space exhibits and an IMAX theater at the Great Lakes Science Center.

The Arts

Cleveland’s art galleries range from specialty museums to traditional facilities such as the Cleveland Museum of Art. Established in 1913, the CMOA is one of the country’s leading museums and has more than 45,000 works covering 6,000 years. Marvel at Andy Warhol’s iconic prints, Edgar Degas’ haunting drawings and Edward Hopper’s realistic masterpieces in an intimate space. Bask in the bright lights of Playhouse Square, downtown Cleveland’s lively Theater District. Nearly 10 theaters reside in the region, with each showcasing a variety of live performances, including concerts, plays, musicals and live comedy shows.

Animal Attractions

Your kids will learn a lot about underwater creatures through the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s eight galleries and 50 exhibits. Discover Lake Erie's resident turtles, watch California sea cucumbers explore their surroundings and walk all 175 feet of a clear tube while sharks swim overhead. Continue your adventures in the wild with a trip to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Journey through the rain forest atrium filled with South American primates, and don't miss the Australian walkabout dotted with kangaroos and wallabies. Kids will love the miniature train ride, animal stage shows and the 55-foot tree playground equipped with a suspension bridge and slides.

Cleveland Eats

Explore a host of food options at the West Side Market (1979 West 25th St., Cleveland), a massive indoor hall lined with more than 100 food stalls. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from regional farmers and sample a variety of foods from vendors, including the famed German chocolate brownies from Vera's Bakery, quality syrups from Maple Valley Sugarbush and falafel sandwiches from Maha's. No trip is complete, however, without trying a pierogi, the potato or meat-filled dumpling that’s known as a Cleveland favorite. Fill up on Polish food at Sokolowski's University Inn (1201 University Rd., Cleveland), a classic Cleveland eatery. Hearty cuisine includes stuffed cabbage, potato dill soup, chicken paprikash and, of course, sautéed pierogis.

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