November 9, 2022

Free things to do in Cleveland Ohio

Fun doesn't need to cost you a dime. (Photo: Cleveland Surfers image by Andrew Hutchinson from Fotolia.com )

Cleveland has a large number of free and low-cost activities for children. Many include free parking and admission for seniors or the general public. Kids can keep active on walking trails, swimming at the beach or exploring the playgrounds. As an added bonus, some organizations - such as The Holden Arboretum - offer special programs tailored to educate and bring young people in touch with nature and the environment.

The Holden Arboretum

Admission is free for children age 5 and under, for seniors on Tuesdays and for members. Visitors may participate in free tours of the butterfly garden. Several weekend programs are also provided at no cost and focus on a particular habitat, plant, bird or animal. Explore the 13 trails featuring a variety of plants and wildlife, or investigate the plants by collection. The park has nature games, feeding stations for observation, an obstacle course and art center for kids. The arboretum operates a free recycling service and is a resource for materials and information on plants and birds. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash. The Holden Arboretum 9500 Sperry Road Kirtland, OH 44094 440-946-4400 holdenarb.org

Rocky River Reservation

Rocky River Reservation, as at all Cleveland reservations, has no admission fee. The Rocky River Nature Center is also free to the public. The reservation trails bring guests close to wildflowers and birds of the area, and guests can spot deer on occasion. The trail runs from the Berea Falls scenic overlook in the south to Emerald Necklace Marina to the north. Along the way, visitors can picnic at multiple locations. Picnic areas have restroom facilities, outdoor grills and parking, in case you would prefer to drive to a specific site. Additional features of the reservation include ball fields, ice skating and sledding areas, a fitness trail and boat ramp access. Rocky River Reservation Valley Parkway North Olmsted, OH 440-734-6660 clemetparks.com

Edgewater Park

Edgewater Park is part of Cleveland Lakefront Park, and no admission fee applies. The park offers opportunities for activities on land and on the water. Edgewater includes a paved bike path, fitness course and playground equipment. Picnic areas and restrooms are provided. The park contains a sought-after scenic view of the downtown Cleveland area. The sandy swimming beach runs along the shore of Lake Erie. A boat launch ramp, docks and pier all give access to the lake. Pets are not allowed on the beach, but can visit the park area if on a leash. Edgewater Park Cleveland Memorial Shoreway Cleveland, OH

NASA Glenn Visitor Center/Great Lakes Science Center

Each Tuesday, kids age 18 and under may attend the Great Lakes Science Center (part of the Glenn Research Center) and the NASA Glenn Visitor Center for no charge, with an accompanying adult. Great Lakes Science Center members receive free general admission and access to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, the steamship William G. Mather and some special exhibitions. Children can learn about science from hands-on exhibits that allow them to get directly involved. The Polymer Funhouse is tailored to develop the skills of younger visitors and tempt them into educational play. The new Glenn Visitor Center (2011) will feature space exploration and aeronautics exhibits. Twice a month, free tours of the NASA Glenn Research Center testing facility are given. Reservations and identification are required. NASA Glenn Visitor Center 21000 Brookpark Road Cleveland, OH 44135 216-433-4000 nasa.gov Great Lakes Science Center 601 Erieside Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114 216-694-2000 greatscience.com