Summer has finally arrived in Cleveland, Ohio and that means lots of new and familiar places to go, things to do, and areas to explore. So if you’re looking for fun places for kids in the summer – on both the East and West sides – look no further!

Our master list of things to do in Cleveland during the summer includes a wide variety of options, ensuring that every family member will have fun. From outdoor attractions to rainy-day activities for kids in the summer, we’ve included something for everyone!

But first, let’s look at a few highlights at Play: CLE.

Group Events, Classes, and More at Play: CLE

Play: CLE is the perfect spot if you’re planning a summer birthday, group outing, or corporate event. You can find out detailed info on all that we can provide for you and your guests on our groups page.

Additionally, fitness classes are underway at Play: CLE, and we offer packages geared toward kids, teens, adults, and families. Private training and group training is also available, so head over to our classes page to find the program that works best for you!

Summer Hours at Play: CLE

Because kids are out of school and are likely to have more time to ninja with us, we’re now open for our extended summer hours:

• Monday – Closed for private events
• Tuesday – Open to public, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Ninja Night 7-9 p.m.
• Wednesday – Open to public, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Ladies Night 7-9 p.m.
• Thursday – Open to public, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Adults Only Night 7-9 p.m.
• Friday – Open to public, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; College Night (Drink Specials 7-10 p.m.)
• Saturday – Open 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Sunday – Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Community Night 4-7 p.m.

Outdoor Activities in Cleveland

As the temperature rises, so do your chances for fun in the sun, thanks to the following Cleveland, Ohio summer activities.

Parks & Playgrounds

• Cleveland Metroparks – Visit one (or all!) of the 18 reservations located throughout Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township, where you can walk the trails, rent kayaks, go fishing, and much more.
• Downtown Dog Park – Have a furry friend who wants to play? This dog park has a fenced in area of nearly 3,500 square feet so your pup can run around and have a blast!
• Holden Arboretum – Another great thing to do in Cleveland during the summer is to go to the arboretum, which features the Murch Canopy Walk, assorted gardens, insightful seminars and more.
• Brunswick Dog Park – Another dog park where you can take your furry friends is this 17-acre area in Brunswick where dogs can be let off their leashes.
• Preston’s H.O.P.E. – As the largest fully accessible playground in northeast Ohio, Preston’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Play & Enjoy) was designed for children with all types of abilities and disabilities.

Waterfalls, Parks and Pools

• Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park – Located in Chardon, this East side water park has slides, pools, a lazy river paddle boating area, and more. Don’t want to get wet? Check out their mini golf, go-karts, or batting cages!
• Splash Park – This Broadview Heights park has a number of features for children such as a playground, pavilion and skate park.
• Water Works Family Aquatic Center – East siders looking for fun Cleveland, Ohio summer activities can go to this water park, complete with slides, a lazy river and more.
• Paine Falls Park – View a scenic waterfall with two tiers and a 30-foot drop at Paine Falls Park located in Painesville.
• Uhrichsville Water Park – This outdoor water park has attractions for children of all age groups, such as two-story slides and a water playground.

Other Fun Activities

• Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre – Once the sun goes down, a great way to have fun outdoors is by going to a drive-in movie theatre. Come by during “Retro Tuesdays” for a variety of classic films during the summer months.
• Fitch’s Farm Market – Another location on our list of fun places for kids in the summer is this Avon, Ohio market where families can pick strawberries, corn, peaches and more.
• Timber Ridge Campground – Take your family camping in the great outdoors at this Amherst campground, complete with shuffleboard, an arcade, playgrounds and more!
• Airport Go-Karts – Enjoy go-karting at Airport Go-Karts, which has the largest oval concession kart track in northeastern Ohio.
• Sweeties Golfland – Choose between 18 or 36 holes at this miniature golf course located on Brookpark Road, complete with a 5,000-gallon pond with fish and lilies, a water wheel, and illuminating lights.

Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of tourist attractions in northeast Ohio that are worth checking out this summer! If you’ve found yourself taking in a beautiful sunny day or you’re looking for indoor, rainy-day activities for kids in the summer, Cleveland has it all.

Outdoor Sightseeing Options

• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Children and adults will both find plenty to love at the zoo, which features a host of species along with a variety of educational programs revolving around the wildlife.
• Cedar Point – Travel to Sandusky for a day at Cedar Point, one of the nation’s most popular amusement parks. With roller coasters, dining, campgrounds and more, there’s something for everybody.
• East 4^th Street in Downtown Cleveland – In the heart of Downtown Cleveland is East 4^th Street, an area of bars, shops and restaurants complete with a scenic string-light walkway.
• Cleveland Indians – One of the most popular things to do in Cleveland during the summer is to go to an Indians game. Located downtown, Progressive Field has indoor and outdoor seating as well as amenities for children, and food and drinks from numerous local restaurants and bars.
• Rocky River Reservation – Explore the wonders of nature at this West side park that features trails, a nature center, venues available for reservation, and more.
• Edgewater Beach – Dip your toes into the lake and enjoy a scenic view of Downtown Cleveland at Edgewater Beach, which has swimming access, concession stands and more.
• Wendy Park & Whiskey Island – Just outside of Edgewater Beach is Wendy Park & Whiskey Island Marina, an outdoor area featuring a marina, volleyball courts, and walking areas.

Indoor Sightseeing Options

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Learn about the past, present and future of rock and roll at the Rock Hall, located in Downtown Cleveland.
• West Side Market – Cleveland’s oldest public market has hundreds of vendors selling a wide range of foods such as fruits and veggies, desserts and the area’s beloved pierogis.
• Museum of Contemporary Art – Children and adults will find something they love in this museum located downtown. All visitors get free admission the first Saturday of every month!
• A Christmas Story House – The residence that served as the exterior of the house in the classic holiday movie A Christmas Story is located in the Tremont neighborhood and is open year-round! Guests can tour the house or even stay overnight.
• Great Lakes Science Center – This is another fun place for kids to go to in the summer because of its educational opportunities, variety of exhibits and range of special events.
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Learn about everything from dinosaurs to astronomy to sailing expeditions at this museum that’s been open since 1920.
• Greater Cleveland Aquarium – See thousands of freshwater and saltwater animals that represent more than 250 aquatic species. With 50 exhibits, you’ll get to learn all about sharks, turtles, jellyfish and more.

Cleveland’s Events and Festivals

In addition to the array of Cleveland, Ohio summer activities mentioned so far, there are also a variety of festivals, concerts and other events that families can attend.

• Movies in the Park – Every Thursday night from June 7 to August 30, Crocker Park plays a different family-friendly movie, with both new releases and classics on the schedule. The event is free and begins at 8 p.m.
• Edgewater Live – This reoccurring event features a variety of local musicians, an assortment of food trucks in the parking lot, and a happy hour for adults.
• Cleveland Flea – This monthly flea market from May to September brings more than 10,000 shoppers and 170 vendors to the Tyler Village area in Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood. Purchase home décor, vintage apparel and more.
• Chalk Festival – Children and adults can attend this festival at the Cleveland Museum of Art and join professional artists to draw on the walkways around their Fine Arts Garden.
• Touch a Truck – This event is hosted by the Willoughby Hills Fire Department and lets children touch and learn about firetrucks, police cars and other service vehicles.
• Ashland Balloonfest – 2018 marks the 28^th year of this hot air balloon festival, which includes 20-30 balloons in an array of shapes and designs.
• Headlands Beachfest – You can expect fun and entertainment at this festival which offers sand art sculptors, a variety of food trucks, and games for children.
• Taste of Tremont – This annual event is a fun place for kids in the summer, and their parents, as it features live music, food trucks, shopping vendors and more – all in the heart of Tremont on Professor Avenue.
• Burning River Fest – Hosted by Great Lakes Brewing Company, this family-friendly festival features their latest beers, as well as live music and food trucks.
• Fairview Summerfest – Come to this festival for a parade, carnival rides, live entertainment and more.

Come See Us at Play: CLE!

Our list of things to do in Cleveland during the summer wouldn’t be complete without highlighting all Play: CLE can do for family fun! We have an array of attractions within our indoor, air-conditioned adventure park, which include our:

• Zip line
• Ropes course
• Climbing wall
• Ninja warrior course
• Parkour course
• Bouldering wall
• Dining area/bar
• Kids’ area

We’ll be hosting a number of events throughout the summer and we’d love to see you and your family there! Be sure to ‘like’ our Facebook page for more updates on these events.

If you have any questions about our facility or are interested in hosting your own event at Play: CLE, such as a birthday party or corporate event, reach out to us today!