I know I’m not alone when I say “winter is for hibernation.” Once I’m home, good luck getting me out of the house again. Then again, there’s only so much solitaire I can play before I’m looking for fun things to do.
So, when a friend asked me for suggestions of what him and his family can do in Cleveland on an upcoming winter weekend, I decided to jump at the challenge of thinking outside the box. Naturally, “eat and drink” came to mind first. But the more I thought about it, the more ideas I had.
Here’s a brief (but expanding) list of what to do in Cleveland in the winter!
Eat & Drink
Cleveland has been getting tons of recognition for its dining scene, and for good reason. There are options for every palate, craving and price point. Some favorites I’ve been craving this winter: Il Rione Pizzeria (my favorite pizza in CLE), Momocho (modern Mexican and hellooo margarita flights) and Luxe Kitchen & Lounge (a favorite brunch spot). As for keeping your “spirits” bright, Porco Lounge & Tiki Room is a dive-bar-meets-tropical-vacation that’s perfect for the doldrums of winter.
Collision Bend is a smart choice, because it has a four-season room that, during Cleveland winters, is just about as close as you can get to a patio. The view of the Cuyahoga River is lovely year-round, and it’s close to the East Bank so you can take a walk along the boardwalk on nice days.
What’s a Cleveland “must-do” list without the West Side Market? Browse the fun selection of meats, prepared foods, desserts, cheeses and beyond. Eat a snack there, and take one (or 10) to go! Plus, the architecture is awesome. (Hint: a staircase near the corner of W. 25th and Lorain takes you to the balcony for even better views.)
Museums & Indoor Attractions
The Cleveland Museum of Art immediately comes to mind. This world-class institution has a spectacular permanent collection — and admission is free! (Some special exhibitions have ticket costs.)
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is right next door to CMA, and that’s especially great for kids. (Who else remembers climbing that dino out front back in the day?!) There are even special family events as well as adults-only events such as Think & Drink with the Extinct. (The upcoming Jan. 16 Think & Drink event features the new “Ultimate Dinosaurs” exhibit.)
Also located at University Circle is the beautiful Cleveland Botanical Garden. Year-round, you can meander through the Glasshouse, which replicates the spiny desert of Madagascar and a lush, butterfly-filled rainforest of Costa Rica. The popular “Orchid Mania” exhibit begins Jan. 18.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is iconic. One new thing that’s really cool is The Garage, where you can actually pick up the guitar or drum sticks and rock out just like the legends immortalized there. (It’s one of Ohio Magazine’s Best of Ohio picks!)
Cleveland has tons of great additional museums and institutions, including moCa, Great Lakes Science Center and Western Reserve Historical Society. Then there’s also cool arts spots like the 78th Street Studios, the region’s largest fine arts complex with more than 60 galleries and studios.
Outdoor Fun
Lace up! The Rink at Wade Oval is a great excuse to stay outdoors. Downtown’s Public Square also offers outdoor ice-skating.
You don’t need snow for an icy thrill on the toboggan chutes in Strongsville. The Chalet at Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation offers refrigerated, 700-foot chutes — and that’s a hill steep enough to get your adrenaline pumping!
Wintertime hikes can be beautiful, whether it’s an unseasonably warm day with blue skies or a snow-dusted wonderland. Some great places to hike or walk include Cuyahoga Valley National Park, North Chagrin Reservation, Rocky River Reservation and the new All People’s Trail at the Shaker Lakes nature center. For more hiking ideas, I strongly suggest giving @wanderlustinohio a follow!
Fun & Games
Darts and bowling are always fun, but how about ax throwing at Cleveland Axe Throwing to raise the stakes? Then there’s stuff like Forest City Shuffleboard, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, indoor bocce courts at Stone Mad Pub, and the brand new Top Golf just south of downtown.
Play: CLE is also a great winter option, with more than 25,000-square-feet of an indoor adventure park featuring a climbing wall, zip line and even a ninja warrior course.
Festivals
Winter and festivals don’t always go hand-in-hand. But here, we embrace it. Two to look out for are Brite Winter music and arts festival (Feb. 22) and Cleveland Kurentovanje Slovenian festival and parade (Feb. 22).
There’s so much more to do, but just this list alone has me counting down to the weekend! For more ideas, Destination Cleveland is an amazing source. Happy Wintering!