12 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Cleveland Summer Bucket List
Now that it’s summer, spirits seem to have lifted in Northeastern Ohio. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and an undeniable sense of adventure is stirring in area residents. To quench that thirst for adventure, consider creating a Cleveland-area bucket list. We’ll even help you get started! Gather a group and get ready for an unforgettable experience, because you will love these epic activities:
1. Visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which is located at 1664 Main Street, Peninsula.
The entirety of Peninsula offers a great day trip getaway, but the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is particularly worthy of visitation. What better way to see it than to travel through the park via train? Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for kids, so bring the family and embark on an excursion all ages can appreciate. Be sure to check the excursion calendar for the current excursion schedule.
2. Adventure through the forest canopy at Mill Stream Run, 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville.
Go Ape! helps locals live adventurously with this crazy treetop obstacle course that's tucked high above the forest floor in the Cleveland Metroparks. Complete with two Tarzan Swings, five zip lines, and many other adventurous obstacles, this course will fill your summer with excitement. Admission is $38 for kids 10 to 15 and $58 for adults, and you can expect to spend a few hours at this destination. Visit Go Ape! online for hours.
3. Take a trip back in time at Hale Farm and Village, tucked away in Bath at 2686 Oak Hill Road.
This plot of land was established as a farm in 1810 when Jonathan Hale migrated from Connecticut. Today, it functions as a living history museum that allows hands-on interaction with the past. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and there is something for everyone to love. Stop in Wednesday through Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to see history come to life.
4. Go on the fastest bike ride of your life at our local velodrome, hidden in Slavic Village at 5033 Broadway Avenue, Cleveland.
The Cleveland Velodrome hosts fans of Olympic-style high-speed bicycling. With weekly competitions, classes, and open riding sessions scheduled, it is an unusually exhilarating activity. The site features a large outdoor track with steep 50 degree corners and beginner classes are free, so you definitely need to check this out. Whether you're a rider or a spectator, visit Cleveland Velodrome online for pricing and open riding/race schedules.
5. Visit the Dunham Tavern Museum at 6709 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland.
Swing by the oldest structure in Cleveland and see what life was like for early Ohio settlers. Stop in Wednesday or Sunday between 1 and 4 p.m. The museum and its gardens enchant visitors, transporting them back in time, far from the bustling modern streets. Tours are $5 per person and is free for children 12 and under, so this museum is a great way to learn about local history without breaking the bank.
6. Fall in love with the Little Italy neighborhood around Mayfield Road, Cleveland.
This historic neighborhood offers delectably authentic Italian cuisine, art galleries, and awesome shopping opportunities. Walk the historic streets of this charming town and immerse yourself in the eclectic wonders of Cleveland.
7. Attend a concert at Severance Hall, which graces the Downtown cityscape at 11001 Euclid Avenue.
Think classical concerts are boring? Think again. The grandeur of this concert hall is spectacularly dazzling, and its acoustics amplify the power of the Cleveland Orchestra. View the concert calendar for upcoming dates and ticket pricing.
8. Enjoy dinner and a show at The Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland.
Immerse yourself in the culture of the West Bank of The Flats at this chic destination. Featuring two stages and delicious meals, you can expect to encounter entertainment nearly every night of the week, so swing by whenever you are in the mood for good music and great food.
9. Swing by the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse at 750 East 88th Street, Cleveland.
This century-old escape from reality is open year-round between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. It features plants for beautification projects as well as theme gardens and specialty plant collections. Plus, it's always free, so it makes for a great date destination. For bonus points, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful gardens of Rockefeller Park after your greenhouse getaway.
10. Check out the Greater Cleveland Aquarium at 2000 Sycamore Street.
Visit Ohio's only freestanding aquarium and get to know the local sea life. Stop in any day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and see the coolest fish in The CLE. Admission is $19.95 for adults and $13.95, with discounts available for seniors and military.
11. Play games at Tabletop Board Game Cafe, found at 1810 W 25th Street, Cleveland.
For $5, you have access to over 1,000 board games at this fun little cafe. Snack while you play, and swing in during special events for trivia nights or DIY crafts. Visit their website for a schedule of events.
12. Stroll through Medina Square, found at the intersection of Public Square and South Court Street in Medina.
This charming historic district exudes a sense of community, and you will instantly be enamored by its atmosphere. This small town is full of unique shopping experiences and delightful diners and cafes, and its central public park is often the site of local events and celebrations. Stop by every Saturday between late May and mid-October to shop at the Medina Farmers Market, or at least swing by during weekly business hours to enjoy the charming small-town atmosphere of this cozy Victorian downtown.
The Greater Cleveland area hides some true day trip gems, from outdoor adventures to unforgettable dining experiences. In fact, there are simply so many activities that it is easiest to create a bucket list of cool activities and conquer them bit by bit. What is your favorite summertime adventure in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments, and share some photos of your most unforgettable adventures!
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Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is - she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.