Hot Vacation Ideas for Cool Cleveland Families

Don't feel like an 8-hour road trip with two wonderful, but sometimes "challenging" kids? Deciding to vacation closer to home due to current economic conditions? Whatever the reason, a vacation in Cleveland is cool. Not only can you save a few dollars, but you can choose to map out a week of summer fun or spread outings throughout the summer, creating a comprehensive season of fun. Ah, but where to start? Where to go? What to do? Should you do overnight trips or simple day outings? The choice is yours, but we've got some ideas.

Where to Stay

Stay east or west, or simply reside in the comforts of your own home (or in your backyard – camping with the kids will make you “cool”). From the “cheapest” (but still amazing) Ritz-Carlton in the world that is located in the heart of downtown (here), to the multitude of hotels right off of Chagrin Blvd. (Beachwood), discover plenty of family-friendly accommodations. Indoor pools? Check. Waterslides? Absolutely. Free breakfast. Got it. Starbuck’s in view? Sure thing.

A Few Ideas of What to Do

Captain’s Baseball: Just a few minutes up the road, you’ll find good, old-fashioned baseball fun. Great rates, quintessential baseball fare, playground for the kids and terrific fireworks. http://www.CaptainsBaseball.com.

Chagrin Falls: Quintessential small town America. Stroll through town; don’t miss a stop by the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop Factory (http://www.ChagrinFallsPopcorn.com) for ice cream and, duh, popcorn. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants while exploring downtown shops or grab something to go and picnic by the river.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Another great outing, whatever the weather (don’t forget about the Rainforest – unlike Cleveland’s weather, it is guaranteed to be dry and warm!). http://www.CleMetZoo.com. And, don’t forget about all the other Cleveland Metroparks. http://www.CleMetParks.com.

Eton: Shopping plus the bonus of a cool, giant, outdoor chess area for the kiddos. Pick-up munchies for an evening movie at home at Trader’s Joes. If you are not up for having the munchkins come along shopping, check out CHABAM (http://www.CHABAM.com) where young children can play and learn in a supervised, safe and fun facility whose signature is an interactive tree house and activities based in the arts. Try something new as a family: take in a yoga class for you and/or your children at Evolution Yoga Studio (http://www.EvolutionYogaStudio.com).

Great Lakes Science Center: If the weather isn’t cooperating (or even if it is – and you’re looking for hands-on science and fun), head to http://www.GreatScience.com.

Nautica Queen: Lunch cruises; sunset sails and even a pirate cruise for the kiddos! http://www.NauticaQueen.com.

Preston’s Hope: The best playground in Cleveland. Pick up lunch from a kosher Subway located in the lobby of the Mandel JCC, just a few steps away from the playground. www.prestonshope.com. Great place to spend the morning before naptime or wear off the evening wiggles before crashing (in other words, wear the kids out so you can get some R&R yourself!).

Progressive Field: It’s not officially summer, until you’ve taken in a baseball game. Great promos + kids days = gotta get there! http://www.Indians.MLB.com.

University Circle: Bugs and lots of cool flowers. Be sure to check out the Children’s Garden. All at the Cleveland Botanical Garden: www.cbgarden.org. Then, take time to climb on the dino in front and check out all the other cool bones inside @ the Cleveland Museum of Natural History: www.cmnh.org. There are plenty of other way cool places to explore in University Circle. http://www.UniversityCircle.org.

Happy vacationing… there’s so much to do in Cleveland, it may take more than a one-week vacation to explore. It’s a good thing you live here!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A. fleminggifford@yahoo.com
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