University Circle/Coventry Village
This East Side area packs in more kids' attractions than anywhere else in the city. Stroll the sidewalks along the cobblestone streets of Little Italy, where the old-time bakeries and trattorias provide a culture-rich experience. The cluster of museums in University Circle includes a gem of a children's museum and Coventry Village—the self-described "Greenwich Village of Cleveland"—which is a walkable neighborhood that spreads from Mayfield Road to Euclid Heights Boulevard. Students, eccentrics, and young, local parents frequent the shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Eat
Tommy's
A sunny spot that captures the eclectic spirit of the neighborhood. On the menu is healthy fare: falafel, veggie hot dogs, smoothies, and rice milk shakes. There's a clown Thursday nights, and pancakes come in Mickey Mouse shapes by request.
1824 Coventry Rd., (216) 321-7757
Sit at carved wooden tables and watch the mariachi band play on weekends. Mini quesadillas, tacos, and tostadas make the kids' menu as authentic as the adults'.
11611 Euclid Ave., (216) 791-8226
This Little Italy bakery has been around for more than 100 years—and so have the old-school recipes for fresh breads, cannoli, éclairs, stromboli, and ricotta pie.
12101 Mayfield Rd., (216) 421-3060
Shop
Sunbeam Shop
Buy little slickers, pretty dresses, and educational toys at this cute boutique and support a local nonprofit organization at the same time: All proceeds are donated to Vocational Guidance Services, which helps train and place disabled adults.
3469 Fairmount Blvd., (216) 397-3929
Tour the floor-to-ceiling selection of toy kitsch. Even kids who don't recognize Strawberry Shortcake or Smurfs will be mesmerized by the sheer volume of plastic playthings.
1814 Coventry Rd., (216) 371-4386
Favoring Cleveland history, this spartan shop proffers a surprisingly playful selection of children's books in the back (as well as a little wooden bench for reading).
12419 Cedar Rd., (216) 791-2665
Do
The Children's Museum
Creative play is all the buzz at this imaginative museum for young ones. Kids can role-play at the replica Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, give an on-camera weather forecast from an anchor's desk, and participate in sing-alongs.
10730 Euclid Ave., (216) 791-7114
Amid 10 acres of magnificent gardens, find the children's garden, where kids can learn about composting, take classes on how to make their own water gardens, run through a waterfall, and play in a tree house. In the winter months, visit the lush greenhouses.
11030 East Blvd., (216) 721-1600
Kid-appropriate lessons on archaeology, ecology, and astronomy. Inspect butterfly wings and iguana scales under a microscope in the Discovery Center.
1 Wade Oval Dr., (216) 231-4600
Next Page: Cleveland Guide: Tremont/Ohio City
