Top 10: Ways to Get Active in Cleveland

Discover the Towpath Trail

Regardless of your preferred method of mobility, head to the Towpath Trail and you’ll have 90+ miles of unencumbered paths that weave through the heart of the Ohio and Erie Canalway. Run, walk, bike or skateboard your way around Cleveland neighborhoods. Or head south to New Philadelphia if you have the endurance. ohioanderiecanalway.com/explore/the-towpath-trail/

Swim in Lake Erie

The greatest perk of living in a waterfront community is swimming — obviously. It’s one thing to see the water; it’s another to jump right in. Make waves at Euclid Beach Park in Collinwood on the East Side or splash around at Edgewater Park on the West Side. These two popular locations managed by Cleveland Metroparks are loved and appreciated by residents and visitors alike. 
clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/lakefront-reservation/edgewater-beach, clevelandmetroparks.com/parks/visit/parks/euclid-creek-reservation/villa-angela-beach

Cycle the City

Biking is picking up speed in popularity. And Cleveland offers hundreds of miles of bike lanes throughout the city so hardcore and amateur cyclists alike can traverse the city on two wheels. Anyone looking for a fast-track cycling environment can head to Slavic Village to visit the Cleveland Velodrome, which is open May through September. clevelandvelodrome.org

DIY Triathalon

When a city like Cleveland offers a beautiful lake, hundreds of miles of multipurpose trails, and bike and pedestrian-friendly roadways, a do-it-yourself triathlon is always in play. You can map out a swim/bike/run route or just wing it and create your own course on the fly. While “Ironman” status is impressive, shorter distances are still respected here in the city. 

Play in the Water

For those who prefer a buffer between themselves and the waters of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River, activities such as rowing, kayaking and even windsurfing are great options. There are two rowing facilities Downtown (The Foundry and Cleveland Rowing Foundation) and other companies catering to the outdoor recreation-loving crowd. If you’re an interested spectator, consider attending the Head of the Cuyahoga, Cleveland’s popular annual regatta and one of the largest in the nation. clevelandfoundry.org/, clevelandrows.org/

Go for a Leisurely Hike

The Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, Whiskey Island, the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail and the Cultural Gardens along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive provide perfect settings for casual and leisurely hikes. Each location offers unique and awe-inspiring scenery in the best location in the nation.

Life's a Beach

Just because you’re at the beach doesn’t mean you have to go swimming. Build a sandcastle, fly a kite, toss a frisbee or join a pick-up volleyball game. Truly committed individuals might even sign up for a beach volleyball league. All of this — and so much more — happens at our beaches.

Visit a Recreation Center

The City of Cleveland manages 19 recreation centers that are free for all guests to use. A variety of activities are offered, including swimming, basketball, tennis, weightlifting, soccer, yoga, table tennis, pickleball and much more. Check here to see which one is closest to you: 
clevelandohio.gov/CityofCleveland/Home/Government/CityAgencies/ParksRecreationandProperties/DivisionofRecreation/RecreationCentersandPools 

Ride Indoors

Ray’s Indoor Mountain Biking is a unique West Side adventure palace offering multiple tracks and activities for riders of all ages and skill sets. Open year-round with bike storage options available, Ray’s is worth your visit. raysmtb.com/

Climb Some Walls

While there aren’t mountains in the CLE you can try indoor climbing at Cleveland Rocks in Ohio City or Climb Cleveland in Tremont. clevelandrocksclimbing.com/, climb-cleveland.com/