Tremont/Ohio City
The two most kid-pleasing neighborhoods of the East Side—Tremont and Ohio City—are also the most enjoyable for adults, with trendy galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that line the stroller-friendly, tree-lined streets. Instead of children's menus with dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets, many of the restaurants feature fresh produce from the local West Side Market—a must-stop-and-see in its own right. Once you've toured and explored the insider spots, make your way over to Tremont's Lincoln Park, where kids can run around on the soft-ground playground.
Eat
Johnny Mango World Café & Bar
Tasty burritos on wheat tortillas are served with Yucatan slaw and grilled bananas on an outdoor patio during warmer months. Kids will love tofu dogs and soy-milk shakes.
3120 Bridge Ave., (216) 575-1919
Cozy and hip, with outdoor seating and a creative menu, the Flying Fig is a favorite among locals. It'll tailor dishes for tiny taste buds.
2523 Market Ave., (216) 241-4243
A charming local ice cream parlor that packs its 20-plus flavors on by the ounce, not the scoop.
2362 Professor Ave., (216) 781-0352
Shop
Banyan Tree
Moms can buy clothes as well as novelties for their homes while kids hang at a chalkboard table in the corner, where you can also find a unique mix of baby gifts.
2242 Professor Ave., (216) 241-1209
Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op
The Co-Op hosts social, kid-friendly rides touring downtown Cleveland every Saturday morning, and also has a nice selection of discounted kids' bikes for purchase.
1823 Columbus Rd., (216) 830-2667
Find baby blankets, bibs, and pillows handmade by local designers at this jewelry boutique, tucked into an old Victorian home.
2403 Professor Ave., (216) 357-4085
Do
Lolly the Trolley
These spirited trolley tours take you all over Cleveland. Opt for their kid-oriented tours.
Powerhouse at the Nautica Entertainment Complex, 1790 Columbus Rd., (216) 771-4484
Beautiful organic produce and glass counters selling meat, poultry, and seafood make this market a boon for foodie families. Fruit samples delight, and the bustle is a feast for young eyes.
Corner of W. 25th and Lorain Sts.
There are all the conventional attractions of a zoo, such as the Rain Forest Exhibit and a free tram, but little animal lovers jump at the chance to don a lab coat and stethoscope and see what it's like to be a real veterinarian at the Center for Zoological Medicine.
3900 Wildlife Way, (216) 661-6500
