102 Fun Things to Do in Cleveland With Kids This Summer (2025)
📍 Show Map of 102 Things to Do in Cleveland With Kids
Are you ready to plan your family's best summer yet? If you're anything like me, then you're already daydreaming about warmer weather and counting down the days to Cleveland's incredible summer season (summers here are the best!).
To help you make the most of it, we've put together the ultimate list of 102 things to do in and around Cleveland with kids this summer—all in one place.
From splash pads and hiking trails to kid-friendly restaurants, drive-ins, and local events—this guide features tons of kid-friendly things to do in Northeast Ohio this summer.
Whether you're a local parent or just visiting Northeast Ohio, you'll find ideas to fill every weekend (and weeknight!) with memory-making adventures.
Let the summer adventures begin!
You can use the Table of Contents below to quickly jump to a section.
We’ve also included a handy map with all 102 fun things to do. Just click the pink drop-down menu at the top of this page.
Jump to a Section
▼ Indoor Activities
▼ Outdoor Fun
▼ Eat & Treats
▼ Special Experiences
🧗♀️ INDOOR PLAYSPACES
(admission required)
1. Adrenaline Monkey Adventure Park
Indoor climbing + obstacle courses
📍26800 Renaissance Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44128
2. GetAir
Trampoline Park with two indoor playgrounds (one for older kids and one for toddlers).
📍 7204 Pearl Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
3. D&R Playland Brooklyn
Huge indoor playground
📍6700 Biddulph Rd, Brooklyn, OH
🔗 Admission Prices + Info
4. Mainstreet Play Cafe
Adorable boutique cafe + indoor play space for kids 7 and under
📍 1 Eagle Valley Ct, Broadview Heights, OH 44147
5. Kids Empire
Indoor mega play center with multiple locations. It totally gives off Discovery Zone vibes (if you’re a 90s kid like me).
📍Strongsville, Solon, & North Olmsted
🔗 Read our review of the Strongsville location
6. Little diggers Sandbox
Gigantic indoor sandbox for kids under 7 years old
📍 3020 Westgate Mall Dr, Fairview Park, OH 44126
7. B&B Theatres
Catch a flick at B&B Theatres special screen play theater. Kids can play on the playground for 30 minutes before the start of the movie.
📍 8161 Macedonia Commons Blvd, Macedonia, OH 44056
8. Rollhouse
Bowling, arcades, and escape rooms. Makes for a great rainy day activity. There are several Northeast Ohio locations, and each location’s offerings vary slightly.
📍Multiple locations. We love North Olmsted.
9. We Rock the Spectrum
Inclusive gym and play equipment that is safe for all children
📍 700 Beta Dr, Suite 300, Mayfield, OH 44143
10. Scene 75
Arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, mini golf + more
📍 3688 Center Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212
11. Regal Family Movie Days
$1 movie days on select mornings
12. PINS MECHANICAL
Arcade games, Jumbo Jenga, Hookie, Jumbo Connect Four, and their huge Lite board are all FREE with the purchase of at least one adult beverage.
You can also pay for extra games like duckpin bowling, pinball machines, and bocce ball. Prices are listed on their website.
BONUS: Kids bowl FREE on Sundays with the purchase of a bowling game for an adult.
Pins is a great spot for kids and adults. It’s one of our family’s favorite places to visit.
Essential Things To Know:
Pins is only kid-friendly until 8p. Check their website for times and more info.
They have fun kids slushies ($5.50)
They don’t serve food, so you can bring in food from outside.
We ordered a pizza from Pizza Whirl, which is only a block away. It’s a stone oven pizza shop, and the pizza was fantastic. $10 for an eight-slice pizza. 🍕
📍1880 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
🏠 FREE INDOOR SPACES
13. DiscoveryWorks at the avon lake library
Hands-on learning for all ages.
📍32649 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake, OH
14. Fairview Park Library
Airport-themed indoor play space. ✈️ There's a small food court, an air control tower, three planes, an airplane hangar (with a large map), and a ticket and luggage pick-up window. They also have toys, a train table, and a few puzzles.
📍 21255 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126
15. Brooklyn Branch Library
The new children’s space at the Brooklyn Branch of the Cuyahoga Public Library is the first of its kind in the 27-branch CCPL system. Although it’s not a very large playground, my daughter still had fun. They also have some toys available.
📍 7619 Memphis Ave, Brooklyn, OH 44144
Looking for even more awesome libraries with kids areas? Check out our list of the 16 best libraries in the Cleveland area here.
16. North Olmsted Library
Farm-themed play area
📍 27403 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH
17. Community Arts Center
Free, fun, and educational hands-on experience open to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You get to walk around and see all the amazing art displays that have been used in past Parade The Circle events, and when you’re ready, you make your way to the workshop rooms to do some hands-on crafts. No reservation needed! Parking is also free. 💜
📍2937 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
18. Rockefeller Greenhouse
The greenhouse isn’t huge, but it's certainly beautiful. When we visit, we usually drive down the street and visit the Cleveland Museum of Art (also free) to make the trip worthwhile.
Open every day 10 am-4 pm
Parking and Admission are Free.
📍 750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108
19. Maple Heights Library
The kids' space encompasses the entire upstairs area. They even have a special room called the "tinker space," which is a hands-on and interactive space designed to encourage creativity.
📍 5225 Library Ln, Maple Heights, OH 44137
🍃 NATURE CENTERS
Nature Centers can be great in the summer if you’re looking for somewhere to cool off after a hike, or if it’s a rainy day and you still want to get out of the house. Here are a few of our favorite nature centers. If you want a more in depth look at each nature center, or you’re looking for more nature centers, check out our list of Nature Centers in the Cleveland area.
20. Watershed Stewardship Center
The Watershed Stewardship Center is dedicated to scientific research and promoting sustainable action. You can enjoy stream exhibits and learn about stormwater management and how to restore impacted areas.
They have a fun interactive screen that helps kids learn about the importance of recycling, a large tank with fish, a big open room with some kids' toys, puzzles, and some great trails to explore.
📍West Creek Reservation, 2277 West Ridgewood Drive, Parma, OH 44134
21. North Chagrin Nature Center
The North Chagrin Nature Center features a small children's play area with a small tree for kids to climb through. There's also a bird-watching window that my kids love looking out of (the Nature Center has binoculars available for use), and they have tanks filled with various reptiles 🐍 and fish 🐠. The trails here are really nice, featuring an area that overlooks the water, an owl exhibit, and a giant fake snake (that my kids love climbing all over).
📍 401 Buttermilk Falls Pkwy, Willoughby, OH 44094
🔗 Hours + info
22. Rocky River Nature Center
This Nature Center is large compared to some of the others. It features a fun indoor treehouse for littles to climb and explore and burn off energy. It also has fun reptiles to see. The trails around the center are great, and they recently refurbished the amazing Fort Hill steps (155 steps 😯), added a story walk, and a nature playground around the corner from the nature center (near the bridge).
📍24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070
🔗 Hours + info
23. Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center
The visitor center has an indoor dinosaur-themed playground. Next to the playground is a reptile room with a few toys and a kids’ tent. There is also a great children's nature trail outside, featuring little cabins to play in, a story walk, and a free train ride on select summer days. PLUS, they have a raptor center. 🦉
📍12882 Diagonal Rd, Lagrange, OH 44050
24. Canalway Center
The CanalWay Center has an incredible boat that my kids could play make-believe in for hours. They also have several tanks with turtles, a children's nature nook room that has puzzles and books, and some more reptile tanks to check out 🐍 🐸 Plus, the trails that surround this Nature Center are my absolute favorite Cleveland Metroparks trails and there’s a Pump Track next door to the center
📍 4524 East 49th Street Cuyahoga Heights, OH 44125
🔗 Hours + info
🛝 Playgrounds
Cleveland has lots and lots of amazing playgrounds with everything your kids could want in a playground—from ziplines to nature play to rock walls and rope climbs there’s plenty to love about these playgrounds. And if none of the ones on this list catch your fancy, then check out our list of 80+ playgrounds in Northeast Ohio.
25. Lindsey Family PlaySpace
Lindsey Family Playspace is one of the most unique and thoughtfully designed playgrounds in Cleveland—and a must-visit for families this summer. Located in the heart of Edgewater Park, this natural-style play space is packed with interactive features that encourage creativity, movement, and sensory exploration.
A few details that make this playground standout:
🧗♀️ Rock walls and climbing nets give kids plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves and build confidence through active play.
💙 A mesmerizing bubble wall offers a calming visual and sensory experience—perfect for winding down between adventures.
🚇 Tunnels and nature-built hideouts invite imaginative play, while the natural tunnel and balancing logs help little ones test their coordination and balance in a safe, open space.
🏖 There’s even a sand play area, with a sand table and pit, making this feel like a beach-side adventure zone.
🌳 Surrounded by greenery, Lindsey Playspace blends into its natural environment beautifully and offers plenty of shade, picnic tables, and benches for relaxing while the kids play.
🚻 Bonus for parents: there are public restrooms nearby, and Edgewater Beach is just a short walk away—making it easy to turn your visit into a full-day outing.
📍1 Upper Edgewater Dr, Cleveland, OH 44102
Located inside Edgewater Park (near the Upper Edgewater lot)
26. Beachwood Playground
East side families—you hit the playground jackpot with this one! The brand-new Beachwood Playground is one of the largest and most inclusive playgrounds in the Cleveland area, and it’s packed with features that will thrill toddlers, big kids, and even grown-ups who secretly want to try the zip line. 😄
While it’s technically fenced in, keep in mind that one side has an open entrance, so it’s not 100% secure, but it still feels very parent-friendly.
Here’s why this East Side Cleveland playground is quickly becoming a local favorite:
🛝 25-foot tower that’s as thrilling as it looks (yes, your brave climbers will love it)
🛝 A huge sandbox perfect for digging and building
🛝 Rubberized ground surface for soft landings and safe play
🛝 The Trekfit Summit Climber – the first of its kind in Ohio!
🛝 An accessible wheelchair swing, accessible zip line, and other inclusive play features
🛝 Musical instruments, a two-person swing, and a classic rope swing (your kids will race for it)
🛝 A large climbing structure for high-energy fun
🛝 Shade umbrellas, a pavilion with tables, and bathrooms nearby
🛝 And the ultimate favorite: an actual elevator kids can ride up the tower (yes—really!)
This playground is a huge win for all ages and abilities, and the variety of activities make it easy to spend hours here. Whether you’re planning a playdate, a weekend family outing, or a “burn off energy before bedtime” mission, Beachwood’s new playground delivers.
📍25125 Fairmount Blvd in Beachwood, OH
27. Prestons HOPE PLAYGROUND
📍26001 S Woodland Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122
28. Coventry PEACE playground - BRAND NEW IN 2025
📍2843 Washington Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
29. Penitentiary Glen Outdoor Nature Playground
Looking for something beyond slides and swings? Penitentiary Glen’s Nature Play area is one of the most imaginative and expansive natural playgrounds in Northeast Ohio, and it's way too good not to include in this list.
Technically a nature play space, not a traditional playground, this spot encourages kids to build, dig, pump water, and play freely in nature. It’s hands-on, sensory-rich, and full of opportunities for creative, open-ended play.
Beyond the play area, the park includes:
A beautiful indoor nature center
A raptor center with owls and hawks
Easy, family-friendly hiking trails
Shaded green space, bathrooms, and spots to picnic
It’s the perfect mix of free play and nature-based learning, and one of our favorite ways to slow down and let kids be kids.
📍 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
30. Impett Park - BRAND NEW in 2025
📍3207 W 153rd St, Cleveland, OH 44111
31. Lakewood Park
📍14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
32. Liberty Park
📍6363 Selig Blvd, Independence, OH 44131
33. Clague Park
📍 Clague park, Westlake, OH 44145
34. Coe Lake
📍85 South Rocky River Drive Berea, OH
35. Andrews Nature Play
📍 9000 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
36. Every Childs Playground
📍 36265 Detroit Rd, Avon, Ohio ( east of the Aquatic Center)
37. Marquardt Park
📍4768 Brookhigh Dr, Brooklyn, OH 44144
38. Lyndhurst Park
📍1341 Parkview Dr, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
39. Ninja Course at James Day Park
📍11828 W Pleasant Valley Rd, Parma, OH 44130 (next to the community pool)
40. Strongsville Town Center Playground
This new playground opened at the end of 2024, and it’s one of the largest playgrounds in the area, and it's loads of fun. Here are some of the features you’ll find at this playground. There’s also a lot of seating options, tables, really nice bathrooms, and there will be a water feature this summer (2025). If you love exploring new playgrounds, this is a must-visit! From what I read, this is an ADA-compliant playground.
💚 Two play structures—one for kids 2-5 and the other for kids 6-12.
💙 Climbing elements
🩷 HUGE slides
🧡 Multiple swing options, including saucer swing, baby swings, two-person swing, accessible swing
💛 Accessible carousel spinner
❤️ Accessible Innova Bridge (this is a bridge that you can rock back and forth on. Wheelchairs can be used on it)
🩵 Rubber ground
💜 Several spinning options
📍18300 Zverina Lane, Strongsville, ohio
The playground is far back from the road and is next to the Strongsville Rec Center
41. Sebastian’s Playground
📍 6679 Som Center Road, Solon, Ohio
42. Adventure Play at Jordan creek
📍7250 Alexander Rd Painesville, OH
43. Nelson Russ PLAYGROUND
📍 22323 MacBeth Ave, Fairview Park, OH 44126
HIKES
44. Lake to Lake trail
📍 Lake to Lake Trail, Middleburg Heights, Ohio
45. Worden’s Ledges
Worden’s Ledges is one of our family’s favorite hikes. Located in the Hinckley Reservation, the stone carvings along this 0.7-mile trail are truly marvelous and make for a great scavenger hunt for young and old alike!
Worden’s Ledges is named after the old landowner, Hiram Worden. However, it was later discovered that his son-in-law, Noble Stuart, was the artist who created the stone carvings in the 1940s. Some of the carvings include a Sphinx, George Washington, Ty Cobb, a Bible with a Cross, and names, among other portraits. See how many you can find!
See one of our latest visits below.
📍 Worden’s Ledges Loop Trail, Hinckley, OH 44233
46. Rocky River Reservation
📍24000 Valley Parkway North Olmsted, OH 44070 (park near the nature center. Plenty of trails around there to choose from)
47. Tow Path at Sokolowski’s Overlook
I’m a sucker for our beautiful Cleveland skyline, and you can see it perfectly throughout this trail.
If you park in the lot across the street from Sokolowski’s Overlook, there is a cute little nature play area there, and my kids always love playing on it.
📍 Sokolowski's Overlook, 1203 University Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113
48. Hike Viaduct Park and Find the Beautiful Waterfall.
At Viaduct Park, you can climb through a stone tunnel (if you’re 6 ft+, be prepared to crouch down) and see the beautiful waterfall on the other side! This is one of the prettiest falls in the Cleveland area, and we love that it’s a quick and easy hike for the kids. The tunnel can be a little creepy, but the beautiful falls on the other side are totally worth it.
📍Viaduct Park, Willis St, Bedford, OH 44146
DESSERT SPOTS
49. Mitchell’s Ice Cream
Is it even summer in Cleveland if you don’t grab ice cream from one of Cleveland’s best ice cream shops?
Mitchell’s has several locations around the Cleveland area. One of our favorite locations is the Ohio City Kitchen, where you can watch the ice cream being made.
📍 1867 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 (Ohio City Location)
🔗 Hours, Locations + Info
50. Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes
It’s impossible to go wrong with sweets from Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes! They offer a vast selection of treats, including macaroons, cupcakes, cookies, and many more. And the decor is so cute!
📍3 locations across the West Side of Cleveland
51. Zuzu Chocolates
Zuzu Chocolate has recently moved to its new, larger location, which features a fun kids' area, allowing you to grab a treat and stay and play for a bit. Our go-to at Zuzu’s is the strawberry cup with warm chocolate poured over top of it.
📍26910 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake Ohio, 44145
52. Malley’s Ice Cream Parlor
Malley’s is another Cleveland staple that is a must-visit, especially if you’re from out of town and looking for a bit of Cleveland nostalgia. You can either enjoy ice cream on the moving (veryyyyyy slowlyyy) carousel at the NORTH OLMSTED location or in the beautiful Alice and Wonderland themed ice cream parlor at their Lakewood location.
📍 Carousel Location | 23473 Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070
📍 Alice in Wonderland Location | 14822 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
53. Crepescape
Indulge your sweet tooth at Crepescape, where bubble waffle ice cream steals the show. Crepescape is my son’s favorite ice cream shop. He loves the bubble waffle ice cream. My personal favorite at Crepescape is the waffle sticks (they’re sooo good!). Crepescape is an excellent option when not everyone in your family feels like ice cream because they also have a variety of desserts like crepes, boba tea, and mini donuts.
📍 26731 Brookpark Ext, North Olmsted, OH 44070
54. Dairy Grove
Ice cream shop with an outdoor playground?
📍 35455 Center Ridge Rd, North Ridgeville, OH 44039
55. Sweeties Soda ShopPE
What’s not to love about an old-fashioned ice cream shop with rope swings? A bonus for Sweetie’s is that it’s also attached to one of the world’s largest candy stores, and there’s a candy-themed seasonal putt-putt course right next to the store. My kids love to get the self-serve options with the unlimited toppings bar.
📍 6770 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44129
56. Rosso Gelato
For an authentic taste of Italy right here in Cleveland, head over to Rosso Gelato in Little Italy. Their gelato is so smooth and refreshing, it'll transport you to the streets of Rome, and it’s all made on location. (Plus, you get to smell all of the delicious italian food as you walk down the street 😍)
📍 12407 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
57. Spudnut Donuts
We love Spudnut donuts, especially when we can pair it with a visit to Coe Lake Park (it’s down the street). My go-to donut is the sour cream donut. It’s delicious!
📍 650 Prospect Rd, Berea, OH 44017
58. Goldies
We love a good donut, and Goldies is next level. They also have a glazed croissant that is simply amazing! But, if you’re going for the croissant, get there early because they sell out fast.
📍4010 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
📍5211 Mayfield Rd, Lyndhurst, OH 44124
59. Corradi’s Scoops
Ice cream churned in-house, freshly made waffle cones, and serving options for various dietary needs.
📍 7059 Mill Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141
60. Pinecone Ice Cream
Pinecone Ice Cream has a super cute cabin vibe, delicious ice cream, and beautiful outdoor seating area.
📍 10301 W 130th St, North Royalton, OH 44133
61. Mason’s Creamery
Small batch ice cream made with the best of ingredients (and in the offseason they have the best ramen in Cleveland!)
📍4401 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
🔗 Hours + info
Kid-Friendly RESTAURANTS
62. Dewey’s Pizza
Dewey’s Pizza is our go-to option if we’re looking to dine-in with our pizza. They have delicious pizza (including dairy-free options), and my kids love watching the pizza being made while we wait for our order to arrive. Dewey’s has 3 locations in the Northeast Ohio area (Cleveland Hts, Fairlawn, and Lakewood) but we’ve only ever been to the Lakewood location.
📍 18516 Detroit Ave, Cleveland OH | Lakewood Location
63. Winking Lizard
A sports bar on a kid-friendly restaurant list? Absolutely—and here’s why!
The food is delicious!
Most of the kids' meals are only $6 (as of Jan 23, 2025).
Louder atmosphere. This was particularly nice when our kids were younger because I didn't feel like we were disturbing other patrons with our fussy baby.
FREE popcorn. This is my kids' favorite part! We always get the popcorn once we place our food order. It's nice for the kids to get up and stretch their legs and have something to snack on while they wait for their food.
Winking Lizard has 15 locations in Northeast Ohio.
64. Cozumels Mexican Restaurant
Here are just a few things our family loves about Cozumel.
-Complimentary chips and salsa come out right away. They keep my kids from complaining they’re hungry until the food comes. And their salsa is soooo good.
-Each Cozumel location is a decent size, and we’re normally seated right away.
-The food is fresh and fast! We all know kids don’t last too long at a restaurant (just mine? 🤣), so speediness is a double plus in my book lol.
-Kids menu with crayons 🖍️
-High chairs
-Louder atmosphere. I don’t have to worry about my kids disturbing others.
-Affordable kids meals
65. Bourbon Street Barrel
I love the New Orleans–inspired decor & cuisine. If you’re looking for something unique check this place out! They have a crazy awesome happy hour that includes two of my favorite menu items: jambalaya and hush puppies. My kids really enjoy the kids meals which include an entree, a side, a drink, AND BEIGNETS!!!
📍 2393 Professor Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
66. Hibachi at Wasabi
Hibachi is a more expensive dining experience, but it’s a really fun family outing, especially for special occasions. Kids' meals range from $13 to $18 . Wasabi has locations in Independence, Akron, Canton, and Beachwood
67. Foundry Social
Foundry Social is not just a restaurant, but it also offers a variety of activities, including go-karts, arcade games, duck pin bowling, shuffleboard, and a small selection of free games such as cornhole, Jenga, Connect Four, and PlayStation games. It’s definitely worth checking out if you want to have some fun after some good eats.
Fridays and Saturdays, Foundry Social is only kid-friendly until 8:30 pm
📍 Foundry Social, 333 Foundry St, Medina, OH 44256
CREEK WALKING
Some of my favorite memories as a kid were creek walking in the Cleveland Metroparks. Stepping barefoot in the water, flipping over rocks to find crayfish, and splashing my siblings were the main activities. 🤣 If you're looking for a simple, screen-free summer adventure with your kids, you should try creek walking. Just be sure to bring a towel (and maybe a change of clothes!).
These are some of our favorite spots around Cleveland to cool off, explore, and make muddy memories:
68. Rocky River Reservation
Park at the Nature Center parking lot and then walk directly across the street (Valley Pkwy) instead of heading back toward the nature center. There’s a small trail that leads to a small stone beach area.
📍 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070
69. Creek Walk at Tuxedo Park
📍5199 W 4th St, Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131
70. Hemlock Creek Picnic
📍 Hemlock Creek Picnic Area, 14800 Button Rd, Walton Hills, OH
MUSEUMS & gardens
71. Cleveland Children’s Museum
📍 3813 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH
72. Cleveland Botanical Garden
📍 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
73. Great Lakes Science Center
📍 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
74. Cleveland Museum of Art (FREE GENERAL admission)
📍11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
75. Cleveland Museum of Natural History (newly remodeled)
📍1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106
76. Akron Children’s Museum
We love that the Akron Children’s Museum offers such affordable admission at just $7 a person. It’s not huge (7,000 sq ft) but it’s fun!
📍 51 W. State Street, Akron, OH 44308
77. Cleveland Metropark ZOO
Did you know that on Mondays, the Zoo is FREE for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township?
📍 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109
78. Soldiers & Sailors Monument ( Free admission)
📍3 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44114
79. Holden Arboretum
📍9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
Splash Pads
Splash pads are a great way to cool off in the summer in Cleveland. Especially if your kiddo isn’t a strong swimmer yet, or water makes you nervous. Here are a few of our favorite splash pads in Northeast Ohio. If you’re looking for even more splash pads, check out our best splash pads list.
80. MCKELVEY Splash Pad
Located in the heart of downtown Berea, this splash pad is more of the old-school concrete fountain style splash pad.
📍 MCELVEY PARK 30 E BRIDGE ST, BEREA, OH 44017
81. Memorial Park Splash pad
Newer splash pad that is mostly fenced and its’s located near a great playground.
📍14600 STATE RD, NORTH ROYALTON, OH 44133
82. Crocker Park Splash Pad
No playground nearby but plenty of food options and lots of fun shopping (two of our favorites are Barnes and Noble and the Learning Express),
📍 224 CROCKER PARK BLVD, WESTLAKE, OH 44145
83. Broadview Heights Splash Pad
Fully fenced and located next to a nice playground.
📍 9543 BROADVIEW RD, BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH 44147
84. Lakewood Park Splash Pad
Fully fenced in (entrance is separate from the public pool) and located next to a very fun and large playground.
📍14532 LAKE AVE, LAKEWOOD, OH 44107
85. Strongsville Splash Pad
BRAND NEW for the 2025 season and next to a brand new, HUGE playground. You can pack a lunch and spend hours playing here. There’s also a Mitchell’s Ice Cream right around the corner.
📍18300 Zverina Lane, Strongsville, OH 44136
86. Clark Field Splash Pad
Newer splash pad and park. There’s also a trail that connects to the towpath trail, so you can bring bikes or scooters. There’s also a nice playground nearby.
📍 Cleveland, OH 44113
87. Village Green Splash Pad
Older splash pad on a cement slab, but next to a newer, small playground.
📍 COLUMBIA RD & WATER ST, OLMSTED FALLS, OH 44138
88. Calvin Park Splash Pad
New splash pad. It is a smaller splash pad, but it has a fun baseball theme.
📍2241 Mapleview Drive Seven Hills, OH
89. Cleveland Public Square Splash Pad
Pair this one with a trip to the downtown branch of the Cleveland Public Library and you can make a day of it.
📍116 ROCKWELL AVE, CLEVELAND, OH 44114
Beaches and Piers
90. Bradstreet’s Landing Pier
Beautiful new pier with a small beach area. Free and open to the public from dawn to dusk.
📍 2400 Lake Rd, Rocky River, OH 44116
🔗 Info
91. Huntington Beach
One of the more classic lake beaches in the Cleveland area. Also has a playground at the top.
📍28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
🔗 Info
92. Edgewater Beach
Edgewater Beach is the place to be in the summer. Lots of people and activities going on throughout the season. Plus, Lindsey’s Family Place Space is within walking distance.
📍 Edgewater Beach Cleveland, OH 44102
93. Euclid Beach and Pier
📍 Euclid Beach Blvd Cleveland, OH 44110
CLEWITHKIDS TOP PICKS
Short on time? Just visiting for the weekend? This section is for you. We've rounded up our must-do family-friendly activities in Cleveland for summer—the places we go back to again and again because they're just that good.
Whether you're local or planning a visit, these top picks highlight the best things to do in Cleveland with kids when the weather’s warm and the days are long.
94. Butterfly House
The Butterfly House is free and is open seasonally from mid-June through Labor Day. Be sure to check their website below for the official opening date.
Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; weather dependent
📍 Miller Nature Preserve 2739 Center Road Avon, OH, 44011
🔗 Info
95. Guardians Game
We’re a big baseball family, so we love going to as many games as we can during baseball season. We love that Progressive Field is so family-friendly. Be sure to check out the Kids Clubhouse and Family Deck, which is included with your ballpark tickets. Kids can run around, play, and burn off energy in this space. They also have fun challenges like the Guardians Dash, where kids can try to beat their favorite player’s runtimes and a wiffle ball zone.
There is also an area to watch the game from the Family Deck & Kids Clubhouse, so you can stay up there as long as you need to without missing any of the game.
📍 2401 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44115
96. The Cleveland-Cliffs Bike Park
The Cleveland-Cliffs Bike Park is free for all visitors.
📍4524 E. 49th St, Cuyahoga Heights, OH
97. Drive-in theater at the Aut-O-Rama DRIVE-IN TWIN THEATER
What’s better than a summertime drive-in movie?
📍33395 Lorain Road North Ridgeville, Ohio 44039
98. world’s largest candy store + putt putt at ba sweeties
is it even summer if you don’t go putt-putting at least once? Our favorite local putt-putt is BA Sweeties Golfland because we love the Candy Land theme and the fun purple turf. Plus you can sneak inside after to get some sweet treats from the candy store or old-fashioned soda shoppe.
📍 6770 Brookpark Rd, Cleveland, OH 44129
99. Squire’s Castle
Is there anything cooler than exploring a real-life castle? Squire’s Castle, built in the 1890s and inspired by German and English baronial castles, is an absolute gem. The kids love wandering through the historic halls and running around the huge open field. It’s the perfect spot for flying kites, enjoying a picnic, and hiking the trails behind the castle.
While the castle itself is on the smaller side, it won’t take long to explore, so make sure to take advantage of the trails and bring along a kite for some extra fun!
📍Squire's Castle, 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
EVENTS/MARKETS
100. Westside Flea
We’ve attended the Westside Flea for years now, but this year’s event will look slightly different as they relocate to a new site while their regular location undergoes a remodel.
June 28th 3pm-8pm
July 26th 10am-4pm
August 30th 10am-4pm
September 27th 10am-4pm
📍The location for this season will be at the south parking lot of Great Northern Mall.
101. The Cleveland Market
2025 Dates:
May 31st + June 1st
August 9th + 10th
October 4th + 5th
📍Tyler Village 3615 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
102. Movie in the park at Crocker Park
Dates & Hours
Thursdays at Sundown (9ish)
May 29th – Aug 28th
📍Union Square Lawn, Next to Regal Cinema. 186 Union Street, Westlake, OH 44145
However you choose to spend your summer, I hope this list helps you fill your days with sunshine, laughter, and unforgettable family memories!
Whether you're creek walking, exploring a new playground, or catching sun at a splash pad, there’s no shortage of fun to be had right here in Cleveland with kids.
That’s our summer bucket list for 2025! We hope you have a blast exploring all of the wonderful things to do in Cleveland with kids this summer.
FAQs About Summer in Cleveland With Kids
What are the best free things to do in Cleveland with kids?
Some of our favorite free family activities include splash pads like Lakewood Park, nature centers like Penitentiary Glen and Rocky River, and creek walking spots like Tuxedo Park and Hemlock Creek. You can also visit the Cleveland Museum of Art or take advantage of free admission days at the zoo.
Are there toddler-friendly playgrounds in Cleveland?
Yes! Beachwood Playground is perfect for all ages and includes an elevator, two-person swing, and a massive sandbox. Mainstreet Play Cafe is also great for little ones and offers indoor play just for ages 0–7.
Where can we go creek walking near Cleveland?
Top creek walking spots include Tuxedo Park in Brooklyn Heights, Hemlock Creek Picnic Area in Walton Hills, and a hidden creek beach near the Rocky River Nature Center in North Olmsted.
Are there any splash pads near playgrounds?
Yes! Lakewood Park, Strongsville's new splash pad, and Memorial Park in North Royalton all have splash pads right next to playgrounds—making them perfect for a full day of fun.
