Visiting Cleveland Ohio is a great time
Ohio is a great place to visit in the springtime. Especially
Cleveland! There are so many great things that and your family
can do in Northeastern Ohio. Here are 10 things the entire
family will enjoy for your spingtime visit to Cleveland Ohio: 1.
The Cleveland Metropark Zoo. The Zoo is open every day of the
year (Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day) and has many
exhibits your family is sure to enjoy. There is an Aqaurium for
exotic salt water fish. Including sharks, the ultimate predator!
You will also find a monkey house, the Australian Outback that
features animals of Australia, (think kangaroos!) and the
Rainforest. If you are planning a visit, be aware that Monday
the Zoo offers free admission to the residents of Cuyahoga
County, so there might be crowds, and you may want to plan your
visit for another day. 2. The Great Lake Science Center. Located
in Downtown Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center is a
"hands-on" science experience. You will also find an OmniMax
Theatre here. This is a great way to view films, it is larger
than life! 3. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Although it is closed
at the time of this writing, it is undergoing a $258 million
dollar renovation , so will be a must see once it reopens. They
are keeping their website updated throughout this time, so you
can check for off site displays and offerings. 4. The Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame. Located in Downtown and on the shores of Lake
Erie. This museum honors those remembered for "Rockin' Out". You
will find memorobilia from Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, U2, and
Jimi Hendrix.. just to name a few. The Hall of Fame Museum is
open daily and offers a large gift shop, and dining options.
Keep in mind that no photos are allowed while visiting the Rock
Hall. Memberships are available and save you on admission and
other special events. 5. Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Located in
University Circle. This is your chance to experience Madagascar
and the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica without taking a long plane
ride. These are both inside the Glasshouse. Seasonally, you can
enjoy the 10 acre outdoor gardens. You will find a Japanese
Garden, a Rose Garden, a Herb Garden, and the Hershey's
Foundation (think Chocolate) Children's Garden. Be sure to bring
your camera, especially if you are planning a visit in the
spring or summer months. Memberships are available, and save you
on your admission fees and special events. 6. The Cuyahoga
Valley Scenic Railroad. Located in the Ohio & Erie Canal
Reservation (Valley View) you will find an authentic Steam
Engine Train runs to Akron, Peninsula, Hale Farm and Village,
Stan Hywett Gardens and Hall. Sometimes they offer special tours
in the evening, or seasonally for Christmas. They open for the
2006 season on February 10. Thsi is a great way to take a trip
through Cuyahoga Counties long past of shipping, as it runs next
to the Cuyahoga River. 7. Sporting Events. Come see LeBron shine
on the home court, "The Q" or catch the Cleveland Indians at the
Jake. Or wait till the cold months and catch the Browns. 8.
Cleveland Metropark System. Cleveland has an extensive Metropark
system that covers more than 20,000 acres of land in Cuyahoga
County. There are 12 metroparks (including the Metropark Zoo)
that offer swimming, hiking, fishing, nature centers with
programs for birdlovers, nature lovers, and those that just want
to get a bit of fresh air. There is no fee for visitors, and you
could literally spend days exploring the beautiful metroparks
here in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. 9. Boat Tours.
Located in Downtown Cleveland, next to the Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame. You can find the Goodtime III and the Nautica Queen for
entertainment on the water. The Goodtime III runs several times
a day and offers lunch cruises, dinner cruises, river tours,
dance excursions, private charters and even weddings! The
Nautica Queen offers upscale buffet dining on it's evening and
sunset cruises. See the downtown in a whole new light.. see it
from the water. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the
spectacular sites you won't see on land alone. 10. William J.
Mathers Steamship Museum. Also located on the shores of Lake
Erie, the William J. Mathers steamship offers citizens the
chance to tour a once functional barge that carried steel for
the Cleveland Cliffs Company. It was de-commisioned and donated
to the Great Lakes Historical Society in December 1985 and took
permanent residence on the 9th Street Pier in October 1990. This
is a great place for the entire family to learn about the
history of shipping. Open seasonally, expect to spend at least 2
hours for the guided tour. Be sure to bring your camera! So if
you are looking for reasons to visit Cleveland, Ohio.. here are
ten of them!