Downtown
If checking out the host city of the 1983 classic film A Christmas Story isn't enough of a draw for the young set, downtown Cleveland's recent (and continuing) revitalization should do the trick. The waterfront offers the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center (where kids can simulate a Mars rescue with robots). Occupying a few blocks of the downtown area, the historic Warehouse District crackles with trendy eateries and night spots. When it comes to eating, how can you get much better than a hot dog from Jacobs Field, the landmark home of the Cleveland Indians? Seeing the panoramic views of the city's tallest buildings from the stands, one begins to truly understand the words of one of Cleveland's more well-known natives, Drew Carey: Cleveland really does rock.
Eat
Tea at the Ritz
Every little princess with a plastic tea set will turn cartwheels for the Ritz's just-for-children finger-sandwich spread and spot of tea.
1515 W. Third St., (216) 623-1300
Sanctuary Diner
This downtown diner in the Warehouse District has a loftlike appearance and a cocktail menu, but serves breakfast all day long. (And isn't breakfast for dinner always a big score with the kids?)
1225 W. Sixth St.
Shop
Ten Thousand Villages
Sure, it's a national chain, but it's worth a trip if you haven't been. They sell fair-trade crafts from the world over—including fun, interesting toys and musical instruments.
2254 Euclid Ave., (216) 575-1058
Shop the city center, which occupies the main floor of the Terminal Tower—Cleveland's original 52-story skyscraper. Head down to the lower level, where you're bound to catch a concert, a magic show, or another activity taking place by the central fountain.
230 W. Huron Rd., (216) 771-0033
Cool chemistry kits, science labs, and space projects galore—from "Sci-Fi Slime" to "How to Create Your Own Remote Control."
601 Erieside Ave., (216) 696-5575
Do
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
The I. M. Pei–designed museum appeals to older kids who share their parents' taste in music. Kids will love seeing outrageous costumes from concerts and music videos—like a shimmery gold stage outfit worn by Destiny's Child.
One Key Plaza, (216) 781-7625
Where else can you find an indoor tornado? Weather, sound, and motion phenomena appeal to all ages, but the under-7 set can climb aboard a paddle-wheel steamship, playing with hands-on exhibits like the bubble maze and a water wheel.
601 Erieside Ave., (216) 694-2000
Introduce your kids to out-of-print books from your childhood and beyond. The Youth Services Department has a really cool collection of fiction and folk and fairy tales dating back to the early 1900s.
325 Superior Ave., (216) 623-2834
Next Page: Cleveland Guide: University Circle/Coventry Village
