Last updated on September 28th, 2025
From rocking out at the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to exploring haunted history on Prospect Avenue, Cleveland offers endless fun things to do for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a foodie craving Ohio City’s culinary delights, an art lover seeking world-class museums, or a sports fan cheering at Progressive Field, this vibrant city on Lake Erie delivers unforgettable experiences. Here are 20 must-try fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio that showcase the city’s unique character.
Here are the best activities in Cleveland for an unforgettable visit to The Forest City.
Why Visit Cleveland for Fun Activities?
Cleveland’s top attractions offer:
🎸 Legendary music and cultural institutions
🍽️ Award-winning food tours through diverse neighborhoods
🎤 Unique experiences like outdoor escape rooms
🎠 World-class museums and gardens
🏈 Exciting professional sports venues
🎭 Thriving theater and performing arts scene
Best Fun Things to Do in Cleveland Ohio
1. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Admission in Cleveland
The iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is one of the most fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio, housing legendary memorabilia from Elvis Presley to The Beatles. My favorite exhibit was the handwritten lyrics to “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix – seeing the creative process up close gave me chills. The museum’s pyramid design by I.M. Pei makes it a waterfront landmark.
- Location: North Coast Harbor
- Highlights: Interactive exhibits, rare instruments, induction hall
- Perfect for: Music lovers and pop culture enthusiasts
2. Phantom’s Parade on Prospect: Cleveland Ghost Tours
Discover Cleveland’s spooky side with Phantom’s Parade on Prospect, one of the most unexpectedly fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. Our costumed guide shared chilling tales of historic murders and paranormal activity in the Gateway District. The story of the haunted Schofield Building had our entire group looking over our shoulders!
- Location: Prospect Avenue
- Highlights: Theatrical storytelling, historic locations, evening ambiance
- Perfect for: Thrill-seekers and history buffs
3. Ohio City Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland
The Ohio City Food Tour is one of the most delicious fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio, sampling everything from pierogies to craft beer. Our guide introduced us to hidden gems and shared fascinating stories about this revitalized neighborhood. The melt-in-your-mouth corned beef at Slyman’s Tavern was worth the trip alone!
- Location: Ohio City
- Highlights: West Side Market, local specialties, cultural insights
- Perfect for: Foodies and neighborhood explorers
4. Cleveland Comedy City Tour
Laugh your way through the city on the Cleveland Comedy City Tour, one of the most entertaining fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. Local comedians roast the city’s quirks while showing off landmarks – their take on the “Free Stamp” sculpture had us in stitches. The tour includes stops at historic theaters and insider jokes about each neighborhood’s personality.
- Location: Downtown Cleveland
- Highlights: Stand-up performances, local humor, landmark visits
- Perfect for: Groups and anyone who loves to laugh
5. Outdoor Escape Room in Cleveland – the Entertainment District
Solve puzzles across downtown with the Outdoor Escape Room, one of the most innovative fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. Our team raced against the clock to decipher clues hidden in plain sight near Playhouse Square. The mix of physical challenges and mental puzzles kept us engaged while showing us parts of the city we’d never noticed before.
- Location: Entertainment District
- Highlights: Team-building challenges, city exploration, creative puzzles
- Perfect for: Groups and puzzle enthusiasts
6. Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland
Indulge in authentic Italian flavors on the Little Italy Food Tour, one of the most delicious fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. From homemade cannoli at Corbo’s Bakery to wood-fired pizza at Etna, each stop revealed family recipes passed down through generations. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the neighborhood’s immigrant history between bites.
- Location: Little Italy
- Highlights: Authentic Italian cuisine, family-run businesses, cultural insights
- Perfect for: Food lovers and culture seekers
7. Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket
Dive into Cleveland’s past with Cleveland History Center admission, one of the most educational fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum wowed us with vintage cars, while the restored Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel brought back memories for older visitors. The skip-the-line access lets you maximize your time exploring.
- Location: University Circle
- Highlights: Auto-aviation collection, rotating exhibits, carousel rides
- Perfect for: History buffs and families
8. 4 Hours E-Bike Rental in Cleveland
Explore on two wheels with E-Bike Rentals, one of the most active fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The electric assist made climbing hills effortless as we zipped from the Rock Hall to the West Side Market. The provided route map highlighted scenic lakefront paths and hidden murals we’d have missed otherwise.
- Location: Downtown pickup
- Highlights: Lakefront trails, urban exploration, easy riding
- Perfect for: Active travelers and sightseers
9. The Cleveland Museum of Art
Admire masterpieces for free at The Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the most cultured fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The Armor Court’s medieval collection impressed us, while the contemporary galleries sparked lively discussions. Don’t miss the interactive ARTLENS Gallery – it made the collections come alive in unexpected ways.
- Location: University Circle
- Highlights: Free admission, diverse collections, ARTLENS technology
- Perfect for: Art lovers and budget-conscious travelers
10. West Side Market
Sample global flavors at West Side Market, one of the most delicious fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The 1912 landmark dazzles with its vaulted ceilings and endless food stalls. We loaded up on pierogies, Middle Eastern pastries, and the famous crepes from Crepes de Luxe – come hungry!
- Location: Ohio City
- Highlights: Historic architecture, diverse food vendors, local products
- Perfect for: Foodies and photographers
11. Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Discover prehistoric wonders at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, one of the most educational fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The dinosaur skeletons amazed us, especially the Haplocanthosaurus found in Colorado by a Cleveland scientist. The newly renovated galleries make complex scientific concepts accessible for all ages.
- Location: University Circle
- Highlights: Dinosaur fossils, planetarium shows, wildlife exhibits
- Perfect for: Families and science enthusiasts
12. Cleveland Botanical Garden
Find serenity at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, one of the most peaceful fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The glasshouse’s Madagascar spiny forest and Costa Rican cloud forest transported us to exotic locales, while the outdoor gardens changed beautifully with the seasons. The Hershey Children’s Garden is magical for young visitors.
- Location: University Circle
- Highlights: Biomes glasshouse, seasonal displays, children’s garden
- Perfect for: Nature lovers and romantic outings
13. Progressive Field
Cheer on the Guardians at Progressive Field, one of the most spirited fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The ballpark’s downtown skyline views compete with the on-field action for your attention. The $4.50 hot dogs and craft beer selection make this a budget-friendly way to experience Major League Baseball.
- Location: Gateway District
- Highlights: Skyline views, affordable concessions, ballpark tours
- Perfect for: Sports fans and families
14. Museum of Illusions – Cleveland
Play with perception at the Museum of Illusions, one of the most mind-bending fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The Ames Room made our group appear to shrink and grow, while the Infinity Room created endless reflections. It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise with dozens of photo ops that defy reality.
- Location: Downtown Cleveland
- Highlights: Optical illusions, interactive exhibits, photo opportunities
- Perfect for: Families and social media enthusiasts
15. Playhouse Square
Experience Broadway in Cleveland at Playhouse Square, one of the most glamorous fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The world’s largest outdoor chandelier dazzles visitors before they even enter the historic theaters. We caught a touring production of Hamilton that rivaled the Broadway original.
- Location: Theater District
- Highlights: Broadway shows, historic theaters, chandelier photo ops
- Perfect for: Theater lovers and date nights
16. Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
Engage with cutting-edge art at MOCA Cleveland, one of the most thought-provoking fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The striking stainless steel building houses rotating exhibitions that challenge perspectives. During our visit, an interactive sound installation let us “play” the museum like a musical instrument.
- Location: Uptown
- Highlights: Contemporary exhibitions, architectural design, artist talks
- Perfect for: Art enthusiasts and creative thinkers
17. The Franklin Castle (Hannes Tiedemann House)
Explore Cleveland’s most haunted site at The Franklin Castle, one of the spookiest fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The 19th-century stone mansion’s turrets and gables hide a dark history of alleged murders and ghost sightings. While currently a private residence, exterior tours reveal its Gothic grandeur and chilling backstory.
- Location: Ohio City
- Highlights: Gothic architecture, haunted history, photo opportunities
- Perfect for: Paranormal enthusiasts and architecture lovers
18. Severance Music Center
Experience world-class acoustics at Severance Music Center, one of the most refined fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The Art Deco masterpiece hosts the renowned Cleveland Orchestra, where we heard Mahler’s Fifth Symphony that left us breathless. Even if you’re not a classical fan, the building’s grandeur is worth admiring.
- Location: University Circle
- Highlights: Acclaimed orchestra, architectural beauty, summer concerts
- Perfect for: Music lovers and architecture enthusiasts
19. Hilarities 4th Street Theatre
Laugh the night away at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, one of the most entertaining fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The intimate venue attracts top national comedians – we saw a surprise drop-in by Dave Chappelle during our visit. The two-drink minimum ensures a lively crowd ready to enjoy the show.
- Location: Downtown Cleveland
- Highlights: National headliners, intimate setting, full bar
- Perfect for: Date nights and groups of friends
20. Huntington Bank Field
Cheer on the Browns at Huntington Bank Field, one of the most spirited fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio. The Dawg Pound’s energy is contagious, even during preseason games. The stadium’s lakefront location makes for stunning sunset views over Lake Erie during evening games.
- Location: North Coast Harbor
- Highlights: NFL football, tailgating culture, lakefront views
- Perfect for: Sports fans and social gatherings
FAQs About Fun Things to Do in Cleveland Ohio
Final Tips for Visiting Cleveland
– University Circle packs multiple world-class museums within walking distance
– RTA passes provide affordable transportation between neighborhoods
– Check for city passes that bundle multiple attractions
– Many museums offer free admission days
From rocking out at the Hall of Fame to solving puzzles across downtown, these fun things to do in Cleveland Ohio showcase the city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and Midwestern charm. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, Cleveland will surprise you with its diverse offerings and welcoming spirit.
