[ amusement parks ]
Cedar Point
GateKeeper, a wing coaster, debuts this summer. Other coasters include the 310-foot-tall Millennium Force; the 205-foot Magnum XL-200; the Raptor inverted coaster; the 215-foot, 72-mph Wicked Twister; and Top Thrill Dragster, a 420-foot, 120-mph strata-coaster. The park also features Planet Snoopy, a Peanuts-themed kids' area with rides and games. Challenge Park and Soak City are next door, and year-round water park Castaway Bay is nearby.May 11-Oct. 27 (times vary). $24.99-$54.99, kids age 2 and under are free. 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, 419-627-2350. cedarpoint.com
Great Wolf Lodge
Featuring 271 suites, an outdoor pool and a 42,000-square-foot indoor entertainment area that includes a large water park.44600 Milan Road, Sandusky, 888-779-2327, 419-609-6000. greatwolflodge.com
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center
America's largest indoor water park, this African-themed resort features the Zip Coaster, a zip line, climbing wall, zoo with giraffes and stingray, and the stand-up-and-surf FlowRider. Nine hundred guest rooms and suites, Spa Kalahari, 11 restaurants & bars, shopping and more.7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, 419-433-7200. kalahariresorts.com
[ the arts ]
Actors' Summit Theater
This critically acclaimed professional theater features about seven shows each year.103 S High St, Akron, 330-374-7568. actorssummit.org
Beck Center for the Arts
See musicals, comedies and dramas here. Beck Center houses art galleries featuring local and regional artists, including the Cleveland Artists' Foundation Gallery. Offers comprehensive arts education programming such as dance, music, theater and visual arts.Call for show times. $8-$28 (plus $3 service fee per ticket). 17801 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-521-2540. beckcenter.org
Blossom Music Center
The summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra and a tour stop for many national acts ranging from rock to jazz. 1145 W Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111 or 800-686-1141 for Cleveland Orchestra tickets, Ticketmaster 800-745-3000. livenation.com
Cain Park
Built in 1938 as a project of the WPA, Cain Park is a municipally owned and operated summer arts park. Summer productions include Smokey Joe's Cafe.14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000 (park) or 216-291-5796 (office). cainpark.com
Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque
Foreign, classic and indie movies that you can't see anywhere else in the city.Unless otherwise noted, admission is $9; members and CIA students, faculty & staff $7; a second film on the same day costs $6. Anyone under 25 pays $6. 11141 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216-421-7450.
cia.edu/cinematheque
Cleveland Institute of Music
Conservatory and venue offering a variety of free performances.11021 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216-791-5000.
cim.edu.
The Cleveland Orchestra
Critically acclaimed worldwide. Summer weekend concerts at Blossom Music Center. Ticket prices vary.11001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-231-1111. clevelandorchestra.com
Cleveland Play House
Presents comedies, dramas and musicals.$15-$69, check for discounts and promotions. 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-241-6000. clevelandplayhouse.com
Cleveland Pops Orchestra
Innovative blend of popular music, standards, Broadway, patriotic, movie scores, swing and jazz performances. Annual holiday concert at PlayhouseSquare and a special New Year's Eve show.24000 Mercantile Road, Suite 8, Beachwood, 216-765-7677. clevelandpops.com
Cleveland Public Theatre
One of the nation's leading experimental and political performance venues. Presents a full season of theater along with dance, music and performance art. CPT functions as an artistic home for dozens of local and self-producing artists.$10-$25, $3 discounts for students & seniors. 6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-631-2727. cptonline.org
DANCECleveland
The third oldest dance presenter in the country and one of eight stand-alone, dance-only presenters.$10-$55, student rates available. 13110 Shaker Square, Suite 106, Cleveland, 216-991-9000. dancecleveland.org
Great Lakes Theater
Presents five main-stage productions each season at
PlayhouseSquare (Sept-April).$15-$70, students $13. Check website for schedule. 1501 Euclid Ave, Suite 300, Cleveland, 216-241-5490. greatlakestheater.org
Karamu House
The nation's oldest multicultural arts institution presents dramas, musicals, comedies, new works and summer camps.2355 E 89th St, Cleveland, 216-795-7077. karamu.com
PlayhouseSquare
PlayhouseSquare's Ohio, State, Palace, Allen, Hanna, Second Stage, Lab and 14th Street theaters spotlight a variety of performances, including Great Lakes Theater, Cleveland Play House, DanceCleveland, PlayhouseSquare's Broadway Series and more.1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-771-4444 or box office 216-771-8403. playhousesquare.com
Verb Ballets
Contemporary dance ensemble of established dancers promoting the art form as well as the development of up-and-coming dancers and choreographers.3445 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, 216-397-3757. verbballets.org
[ museums ]
A Christmas Story House
See the home used in the film A Christmas Story restored to its former glory with movie props on display.Thu-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm. Adults $10, seniors $8, kids 7-12 are $6, kids 6 and under are free. 3159 W 11th St, Cleveland, 216-255-6651. achristmasstoryhouse.com
Akron Art Museum
Modern art from 1850 to the present with particular strengths in American impressionist painting, sculpture since 1960 and 20th-century photography.Wed & Fri-Sun 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-9pm. 1 S High St, Akron, 330-376-9185. akronartmuseum.org
Children's Museum of Cleveland
Hands-on discovery and learning center teaches children about the world and themselves.Daily 10am-4:45pm. $7, under 11 months free. 10730 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-791-7114. clevelandchildrensmuseum.org
Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Museum
Showcases the beauty and diversity of Hungarian and Hungarian-American culture through educational exhibits and special programs.Tue-Fri 11am-3pm. Free, donations encouraged. Galleria at Erieview, 1309 E Ninth St, Second Floor, Cleveland, 216-523-3900.
jcu.edu/language/hunghemu
Cleveland Museum of Art
The newly renovated museum is home to one of the most distinguished and comprehensive collections in the world. See website for information on concerts, films and educational programs.Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm, Wed & Fri 10am-9pm. Most exhibits free. 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216-421-7340 or 216-421-7350. clevelandart.org
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Includes Kirtland Hall of Prehistoric Life, Wade Gallery of Gems and Jewels, the Reinberger Hall of Earth and Planetary Exploration, Smead Discovery Center for families and children, Shafran Planetarium ($4 with museum admission, members free), Smith Environmental Courtyard and the Perkins Wildlife Center & Woods Garden. Ohio's largest and oldest museum dedicated to natural history.Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Wed 10am-10pm, Sun noon-5pm. Tickets $10-$12, kids 2 and under are free, Wed evenings $6. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, 216-231-4600. cmnh.org
Dunham Tavern Museum
The oldest Cleveland building on its original site. This 1824 home offers a glimpse into settlers' lives.Wed & Sun 1-4pm, other days by reservation. $3, children $2. 6709 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-431-1060. dunhamtavern.org
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Learning Center & Money Museum
Explore the history of money, how it's shaped societies and how it plays a central role in our everyday lives at this free museum. Check website for special exhibitions.Mon-Thu 10am-2pm. 1455 E Sixth St, Cleveland, 216-579-3188. clevelandfed.org/learning_center
Great Lakes Science Center
The center features hundreds of interactive exhibits and the Cleveland Clinic OMNIMAX Theater.Daily 10am-5pm. Visit website for pricing; children under 2 & members are free. 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, 216-694-2000.
greatscience.com
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Pays tribute to the Jewish-American story with state-of-the-art exhibitions, interactive exhibits, films, oral histories, photos and artifacts.Tue, Thu, Fri & Sun 11am-5pm, Wed 11am-9pm, Sat noon-5pm. Tickets $5-$12, kids under 5 & members free. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575. maltzmuseum.org
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
International, national and regional contemporary artists complemented by lectures, special events and more. Tue-Sun 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-9pm. $5-$8, kids under 6 and members free; free to all the first Sat of the month. 11400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-421-8671. mocacleveland.org
Old Stone Church
Public Square's oldest building is home to a world-class chorale. The church's gallery exhibits local, regional and national artists whose art speaks to the downtown core and its vitality.91 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-241-6145. oldstonechurch.org
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Commemorates the great heroes and moments of a century of professional football.Daily 9am-5pm (until 8pm during summer). $16-$22, children 5 & under free. 2121 George Halas Drive NW, Canton, 330-456-8207.
profootballhof.com
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum
The world's first museum dedicated to the living heritage of rock 'n' roll. A multimedia hall of fame honors inductees.$13-$22, members and kids 8 and under are free. Daily 1am-5:30pm, Wed until 9pm (Sat until 9pm Memorial Day through Labor Day). 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland, 216-781-7625. rockhall.com
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Tudor Revival mansion on 70 acres of landscaped gardens.Opens April 2. Hall open Tue-Sun 10am-4:30pm (last admission time), grounds open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. 714 N Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533. stanhywet.org
Steamship William G. Mather Museum
A floating museum created from a 618-foot-long steamship that hauled iron ore and coal to Cleveland's steel plants for more than 60 years. The museum has merged with Great Lakes Science Center.May, Sept & Oct open Sat & Sun 11am-5pm, June-Aug open Tues-Sun 11am-5pm, Labor Day weekend Air Show Deck Party, July 4 Rock & Boom (call for details). $6-$8, kids under 5 are free. North Coast Harbor Park, 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, 216-694-2000.
greatscience.com/mather_museum
Western Reserve Historical Society
Exhibits examine Northeast Ohio's history through a variety of collections. The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum contains antique and classic automobiles, motorcycles and aircrafts.Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm, library open 10am-5pm Thu-Sat. $5-$10, ages 2 and under and members free, parking $5. 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216-721-5722. wrhs.org
[ sports & gaming ]
Akron Aeros (Class AA baseball)
Canal Park, 300 S Main St, Akron, 330-253-5151 or 800-972-3767. akronaeros.com
Cleveland Browns (NFL football)
FirstEnergy Stadium, 1085 W Third St, Cleveland, 888-891-1999. clevelandbrowns.com
Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA basketball)
Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2287. clevelandcavaliers.com
Cleveland Fusion (WFA football)
Case Field, 1747 E 118th St, Cleveland, 216-337-9101. Regular season starts April 13. clevelandfusion.com
Cleveland Gladiators (AFL footbal)
Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2222. clevelandgladiators.com
Cleveland Indians (Major League Baseball)
Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St, Cleveland, 216-420-4487, 866-488-7423 or Ticketmaster 216-241-8888.
indians.com
Horseshoe Cleveland
Cleveland's first casino. Choose from slots, video poker, table games, three local restaurants, an all-you-can-eat buffet and gift shop — all in the heart of downtown's Public Square.100 Public Square, Cleveland, 216-297-4777. horseshoecleveland.com
Lake County Captains (Class A baseball)
Classic Park, 35300 Vine St, Eastlake, 440-954-9467. captainsbaseball.com
Lake Erie Monsters (AHL hockey)
Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, 888-894-9424 or 216-420-0000. lakeeriemonsters.com
Lake Erie Crushers (Frontier League baseball)
2009 Baseball Blvd, Avon, 440-934-3636.
lakeeriecrushers.com
Thistledown Racetrack
Open daily for simulcasting.May 4-Nov 17 (check website for dates and times); doors open at 11:30am. 21501 Emery Road, North Randall, 216-662-8600. thistledown.com
[ zoos & nature centers ]
African Safari Wildlife Park
The Midwest's only drive-through safari, home to more than 300 beautiful and exotic animals.Daily 10am-5pm. March 1-May 24 and Sept 2-Dec 1; 10am-7pm May 25-Sept 1. $12.95-$19.95 (rates vary with season), kids 3 and under free, discounts available on website. 267 Lightner Road, Port Clinton, 419-732-3606 or 800-521-2660.
africansafariwildlifepark.com
Akron Zoo
Home to more than 700 animals, including Sumatran tigers, African lions, red pandas and a Komodo dragon.Daily 10am-5pm May-Oct, 11am-4pm Nov-April. Summer admission $7-$10, winter admission $6, kids under 2 free. 500 Edgewood Ave, Akron, 330-375-2550. akronzoo.org
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Ten acres of gorgeous gardens and an 18,000-square-foot conservatory with authentic re-creations of the spiny desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica.Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm, Wed and Fri 10am-9pm (Memorial Day through Labor Day only). $9.50, children (3-12) $4, members and children under 3 free, senior groups of 15 or more (60+) $6 (Tue only), group discounts available. 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216-721-1600. cbgarden.org
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & the RainForest
One of the country's oldest zoos, featuring 3,000 animals on 168 wooded acres. The RainForest is home to 600 animals and 10,000 jungle plants. Wolf Wilderness features Mexican wolves, beavers, bald eagles and wetland species. The 8-acre Australian Adventure children's area takes visitors Down Under.Daily 10am-5pm (until 7pm Sat & Sun in summer). Summer tickets $8.25-$12.25; winter tickets $5.25 for kids 2-11, $8.82 for adults; kids under 2 always free, Cuyahoga County & Hinckley Township residents admitted free (zoo only) Mon, except holidays. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500. clemetzoo.com
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Explore 33,000 acres of parkland stretching 22 miles between Cleveland and Akron. Includes the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.216-524-1497 or 800-445-9667. nps.gov/cuva
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
The 1 million gallons of water pumped into the only freestanding aquarium in Ohio hold everything from giant sea horses to tiger sharks.Daily 10am-5pm, Wed 10am-8pm. $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 2-12. 2000 Sycamore St, Cleveland, 216-862-8803.
greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Holden Arboretum
A 3,600-acre preserve of woodlands, display gardens, horticultural collections, ponds and walking trails. One of the largest arboretums in the country.Daily 9am-5pm. $3-$6, kids 5 and under free. 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400. holdenarb.org
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Scenic outdoor gardens, live animal exhibits and a planetarium show. Wildlife rehabilitation available.Open daily 10am-5pm. Free. 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, 440-871-2900. lensc.org
Lake Metroparks, Concord Woods
Headquarters
Two golf courses, multiple lakefront locations, nature center, wildlife center and farm park.Check website or call for hours. 11211 Spear Road, Concord Twp., 440-639-7275. lakemetroparks.com
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
More than 50 breeds of farm animals, the Great Tomato Works and hydroponics exhibits.Tue-Sun 9am-5pm. $4-$6, kids under 2 & members are free. Lake County residents free first Sun and third Tue each month. 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-2122. lakemetroparks.com
Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen
Reservation
More than 7 miles of hiking trails, nature center with hands-on exhibits, Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.Daily 6am-11pm, nature and wildlife centers, 9am-5pm. 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-1404. lakemetroparks.com
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Founded in 1966 as the result of a grassroots community effort to preserve the Shaker Parklands. Take regular classes for children, plus naturalist-led tours of the trails.Mon-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-5 pm, trails open dawn to dusk. 2600 South Park Blvd, Cleveland, 216-321-5935. shakerlakes.org
