Now that it’s finally hot in Cleveland, there’s bound to be a few days when you just have to cool down. Go swimming, visit a museum, get a drink or take on any of these other options from your new summer to-do list.
Go For a Swim in a Local Quarry
Nothing like jumping into a beautiful quarry for a swim on a hot summer day. There are at least eight quarries located within a couple hours drive and it makes for a really fun time.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesGet Lost at the Cleveland Museum of Art
One of the best art museums around sits on East Boulevard just waiting for you. The world-renowned collection spans continents and eras, from Italian Renaissance to modern, from ancient Greece to African, and more. Obviously, always more. Spend a day getting lost.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesClay’s Park Resort
13190 Patterson Rd. NW, North Lawrence,330-854-6691
Clay’s Park Resort features a waterpark in its man-made lake, which offers water slides, zip lines, inflatables and more.
Photo via jerry6below/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesDundee Falls
96 Dundee Wilmot Rd. N.W., Beach City
Embrace a natural way of getting drenched with this beautiful waterfall that’s part of the Beach City Wildlife Area, located in Tuscarawas County about 70 miles directly south of Cleveland. The falls is surrounded by rocks just begging to be climbed (just be careful not to slip).
Photo via landon_troyer_photography/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesPlay: CLE
38525 Chester Rd, Avon, 440-695-3565
Play: CLE is the perfect place to stay active while also staying cool. There’s ziplining, rock climbing, a ropes course, a ninja warrior course and more.
Photo via playcle/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesSpend a Day at the Rock Hall
Bitch about who’s inducted and who’s not if you want — that’s half the fun! — but you can’t take anything away from the stunning, unparalleled collection of rock history sitting in the glass pyramid by Lake Erie.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesPraxis Fiber Workshop
15301 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland
Embrace your creative side with a trip to the Praxis Fiber Workshop. Beginners can take classes, and current artists can enjoy open studio time. Your work can even end up on display in the gallery.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesTabletop Board Game Cafe
1810 W 25th St., Cleveland
Grab a bite, play a board game and stay inside. Here, the collection of board games seems endless, and you can choose a classic or something you’ve never heard of before.
Photo via oksanalegky/Instagram Credit:@oksanalegky/InstagramSurfing
Catching waves on Lake Erie seems like an urban legend, but trust us, it does happen! While winter is the best (and most insane) time of year to get some big surf action, there’s still plenty of water to ride around on in warmer months. Since all of our local waves are caused by wind, you’ll have to wait for the proverbial perfect storm to get some serious action. Edgewater is the best place to go.
Photo via @OhioLakeSurf/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesStand Up Paddling
It’s just like surfing. Kind of. If you want the feeling of catching a wave without worrying too much about swallowing mouthfuls of Lake Erie water or coming into contact with whatever creatures lurk beneath its surface, stand up paddling may be more up your alley. Stand on something that closely resembles a surfboard and glide calmly through the water as you push off with a paddle: a sort of surfing and kayaking hybrid. Huntington Beach and Edgewater both have this activity.
Photo via @AlohaSUPOhio/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesGet Some Ice Cream
What is there better to do on a hot summer day then cool down with some ice cream? With a plethora of local options, you’ll surely find something you love.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesGet Takeout From a New Restaurant
There are a ton of options in town that you surely haven’t tried. Pick something up, find a park or take it home and try some delicious new food.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesSee a Movie at Cedar Lee
There’s only one theater in Cleveland showing the best movies to come out each year, and not just from Hollywood, but Bulgaria or Australia or an indie filmmaker in Montana. The Cedar Lee wins Best Movie Theater every year for a reason.
Photo via @Eh_Liss_A/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesCity Brew Tours
In recent years, the brewery industry has exploded around Cleveland, just like it has through much of the country. City Brew offers a craft beer tour through seven of those breweries, including Brick and Barrel, Collision Bend, Goldhorn, Great Lakes, Market Garden, Nano Brew and Terrestrial Brewing.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesBuy Your Groceries at the West Side Market
After celebrating its centennial and enjoying one of its busiest years in recent history, there’s not much new to say about Cleveland’s public market. It’s the envy of folks around the country, stocked fully with the most delicious food in town no matter your taste and… well, come on: Just go buy your stuff there already.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesGo See a Drive-In Movie
Seeing a movie from the car sounds to us like a perfect activity for the hot weather. With five theaters around Northeast Ohio, you’re sure to find one close to you. Just make sure you crank the AC up.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesExplore the Cleveland Public Library
One of the hidden gems in town is the Cleveland Public Library. From the beautiful architecture to the wide array of books and other items, you could easily spend a day or two just browsing.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesGo Visit a Roadside Attraction
Within driving distance of town there are a ton of cool things to see. A giant basket of apples? Check. A stack of Volkswagen Beetles? Yep. A tribute to Dave Grohl in Youngstown. That too. From the weird and strange to the interesting and educational, you’ll find a drive that’s right for you.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesTake a Scenic Drive
Northeast Ohio has some of the most beautiful roads in the midwest. From the Cuyahoga Valley to the Chagrin Valley, to the lake to Amish country, there are plenty of beautiful drives to take on a hot summer day.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesEat One of Cleveland’s Iconic Foods
Pierogies, po’ boy’s, pizza bagels, paczki’s, cassata cake. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, if you haven’t tried one of these Cleveland iconic foods, what are you even doing? No time like the present.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesTry a Seasonal Ale
We all know by know Cleveland is home to the craft beer and plenty of local breweries have cooked up holiday drafts by the barrelful for beer-loving partners to sample. For starters, there’s Great Lakes’ classic Christmas Ale, as well as Fat Head’s Holly Jolly and the Butcher and the Brewer’s Spice Spice Baby. Don’t forget Market Garden’s Festivus, Platform’s Winter Wit, Brick and Barrel’s Autumn Ale and Masthead’s Sleigh All Day.
Photo via Scene Archives Credit: Scene ArchivesWatch a Classic Film at the Cinematheque
11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
The Cleveland Institute of Art’s Cinematheque is known for plenty. It shows dozens of foreign language and art films a season. If it’s Thursday through Sunday, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a wonderful movie that you might not normally see.
Photo via @CleFilmFest/Instagram Credit: Scene ArchivesVolunteer
Of the many lessons of the past year one should be front of mind going forward: We need each other, and we need each other badly. There’s still plenty of need in Northeast Ohio and, beyond donations, this summer should be spent lending a hand to those still struggling. Pick an organization, pick a pet project, and spend a few weekends making someone’s life just a bit easier. Credit: Scene ArchivesTour The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Stand beneath their 23-foot money tree, trade on the Barter Islands, try to identify counterfeit bills and make your own currency. Experience hands-on, interactive exhibits to learn about personal finance, economics and the history of money. Take a group tour of the Bank or schedule a guided tour of the Money Museum. Admission and tours are free. They are currently offering virtual tours. Credit: Scene ArchivesSuperelectric Pinball Parlor
6500 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
Superelectric is a pinball parlor where fun-loving folks can while away the days playing vintage arcade games like pinball and anything else from the strange, cool world of vintage gaming. In addition to pinball and other games, there’s a full service bar plus a kitchen. Credit: Scene ArchivesHit Up A Comedy Show
Whether it’s Hilarities on East Fourth, the Improv in the Flats, Something Dada at the Beck Center, Accidental Comedy or one of many bars and clubs around town that host local comedy nights, there’s almost always a comedy show happening around town. Who doesn’t love a night of drinks and laughter? Credit: Scene ArchivesPins Mechanical Co. and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade
1880 West 25th St., Cleveland
A project that was first announced in 2019 finally reached the finish line in March. Pins Mechanical Co. and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade, which opened in Ohio City, was previously home to Daniels Furniture. The sprawling entertainment complex spans 27,000 square feet spread across two floors. While the all-ages social destination is one cohesive attraction, it is comprised of two separate venues. Cleveland gamers likely will be familiar with 16-Bit, the classic arcade game emporium that for six years lured nerds to Lakewood. Joining that concept is Pins Mechanical, Rise’s duckpin bowling brand. It’s like a playground for high people. Credit: Doug TrattnerStart Planning Your Summer Garden With Seeds From A Local Gardening Shop
If you’ve had it in your head to start your own garden for a while, there’s really no time like the present. There’s a plethora of local gardening shops in town and surely one close to your house. No time like the present.
Photo via Puritas Nursery & Garden Center Credit: Scene ArchivesHit Up Local Art Galleries
While the Cleveland Museum of Art and the big hitters in University Circle get the most attention, Cleveland’s filthy with small art galleries catering to every taste that offer free exhibitions all year long. Whether you’re dipping into Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios or bopping around to one of the dozens of eclectic galleries scattered east to west, summer’s a great time to take in some local and regional art. Check Scene’s ongoing arts coverage, our events database, and CAN Journal for suggestions. Credit: Scene ArchivesGo To The Beach
Hit the beach and better than that, hit all of them. Edgewater is a gem, Euclid Beach is beckoning, Huntington Beach is pristine, and Mentor Headlands is just a short drive out east with gorgeous views and the added bonus of putting you close to Scooter’s Dog House and all the glorious footlong dogs and pounds of golden fries you could dream of and the best tacos in Northeast Ohio at La Casita in Painesville. Looking for something outside of the usual rotation? Refer to Scene’s handy guide to 19 low-key beaches within driving distance of Cleveland at clevescene.com/beaches. Credit: Scene ArchivesSwim at a Public Pool
For those of us not lucky enough to have a friend with a pool, the region’s public swimming offerings are the next best thing. There are, of course, Cleveland’s public pools, but with erratic openings based on temperatures and staffing, they are hardly worth counting on. Luckily, you can snag a guest day pass in many suburbs where the water is warm and the beach chairs bountiful: Dragga Pool in Mayfield Heights will run you $10 as a non-resident, Walter’s Grove in Parma will cost you just $6, Parma Heights’ primo pool awaits for $8, Foster and Becks Pools in Lakewood will let you in for $5.50, and Beachwood’s absolutely stunning outdoor aquatic center will refresh and entertain you for $10. Credit: Scene Archives
