The four seasons, a refreshing lake and a fun outlook are all you need in Cleveland, Ohio, to fill a day with high-energy activities with the kids. Cleveland's eclectic landscape accommodates a range of venues, from beaches to winter wonderlands to fascinating downtown streets and festivals, all of which are accessible when extra cash is not.
Neighborhood Parks
When pockets are empty, a trip to a municipal park can fill a day with active fun. Cleveland has plenty of viable destinations. This North Coast city boasts no less than 90 public playgrounds. Facilities include playgrounds, swimming pools and basketball courts. The 41st and Archmere location features a rock climbing structure, or let the kids splash away at spray basins in Regent, Port or Miles Height Park.
Beaches
Whether it's running in the hot sand or cooling off in the refreshing lake water, Cleveland's lakefront parks can accommodate. At Edgewater Park, the panoramic views of Lake Erie and Cleveland's skyline are free, or choose historic Euclid Beach. Open green spaces at Edgewater will also accommodate all your freestyle activities from Frisbee flinging to kite flying. Both parks have picnic areas.
Go Sledding
Cleveland's Metroparks have nine locations with designated sledding areas where everyone can safely enjoy this old-fashioned activity. Pack extra mittens and a thermos full of cocoa and head to Euclid Creek, South Chagrin or Big Creek Reservation, which are all minutes from downtown. Allow enough time for an invigorating winter walk.
Downtown Walkabout
There are hidden jewels in plain site all around downtown Cleveland that kids and adults alike will enjoy. The Free Stamp is a massive colorful sculpture in Willard Park that looks like an office stamp that fell from the sky. About a mile up 9th Street is Erie Cemetery, which was constructed in the gothic style and houses headstones dating back to the early 1800s. Loop back around to Public Square for a free tour of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. On the way, don't miss the castle-like Cleveland Gray's Armory Museum, which was built in 1893.
Cleveland Street Festivals
Cleveland is home to an array of free street festivals that are ideal destinations for families with kids who are looking for original entertainment that goes beyond the Disney and Nickelodeon mentality. Parade the Circle is a dazzling celebration of culture and art that attracts thousands of spectators each year. The Coventry Street Arts Fair features fresh local food and impromptu performances in one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods. Hessler Street Fair is a confluence of music, crafts and top-notch people watching that's been a tradition since 1969. The event's Harmony Park is an interactive area exclusively for kids.
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