Whether you’re thinking about having fun with your family in the wintertime or planning outings for when the weather warms up, there’s no shortage of family-friendly attractions in the Northeast Ohio area.
Below are some of the best Cleveland, Ohio attractions for families. Before you go, be sure to check out when each of these is open and operational as many of them have seasonal hours.
#1: African Safari Wildlife Park
The African Safari Wildlife Park has both drive-through and walk-through safari options to allow your family to get close to fascinating animals. This includes alpaca, bison, giraffes, deer, zebras, kangaroos, pigs, wallabies, and more. You can feed some of them, ride camels, and even train pigs!
#2: Children’s Museum of Cleveland
Young children can shop for groceries, go to work, and build structures in the Adventure City portion of the Children’s Museum of Cleveland. They can also put their creativity to work in the Arts & Parts exhibit and conduct science experiments in the Wonder Lab. The museum holds in-person classes, online story time, and other engaging events for children of various ages.
#3: Cleveland Zoo
You can spend the entire day at the Cleveland Zoo — observing mammals, birds, aquatic life, and more — and still have plenty to do when you return. Kid favorites include feeding the giraffes, observing the African Elephant Crossing, riding the train through the Australian Adventure, going on the Wilderness Trek, and enjoying the Circle of Wildlife Carousel.
#4: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides year-round train excursions through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park with three boarding stations and a variety of seasonal trips. Plus, you can enjoy scenic beauty and wildlife on trips with multiple price points.
#5: Edgewater Park
Edgewater Park is part of the Cleveland Metroparks, with these 147 acres serving as the westernmost part of their Lakefront Reservation. While there, you can enjoy 9,000 feet of shoreline and, when the weather is right, swimming (dogs, too!), boating, fishing, and picnicking.
#6: Great Lakes Science Center
Activities at the Great Lakes Science Center are plentiful, year-round, with interactive fun for children of all ages. Plus, you can mark the Total Eclipse Fest 2024 on your calendar (April 6-8). The science center will collaborate with NASA’s Glenn Research Center and the Cleveland Orchestra for a celestial celebration.
#7: Memphis Kiddie Park
Promoted as America’s oldest kiddieland, Memphis Kiddie Park opened in 1952 with rides, mini golf, and concessions. Each ride requires one ticket per rider, with parents riding the Merry Go Round for free when standing to support a child. An added bonus: Tickets never expire!
Horizon Education Centers offers fun learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Learn more about our locations — and when you're ready, schedule a tour!