Posted in Cleveland
August 19, 2022
by Nikki Rhoades
Who doesn’t love a great freebie? They are saying the very best issues in life are free, and we couldn’t agree extra! Right here in Cleveland, a number of the most interesting native points of interest received’t value you a dime. Whether or not you’re within the metropolis limits or exploring the higher metropolitan space, there are such a lot of methods to spend the day with out breaking the financial institution. The one factor you’ll must do is fuel up the automobile! Pack some street journey snacks, as a result of we’re about to embark on the very best budget-friendly street journey in Northeast Ohio.
Greatest Free Sights in Cleveland
If you end up searching for free issues to do in Cleveland, you’ll be happy to know that there are oodles of social actions to attend. From distinctive locations to suave performances, there are lots of unimaginable free points of interest in Cleveland.
1. Attend an occasion at Crocker Park
Open-air malls aren’t essentially one thing you may count on in a spot with such numerous climate, however Crocker Park is beloved by locals. Considered one of its coolest options is definitely its vibe… you see, its streets are excellent for every thing from free out of doors films in the summertime to superior ornament shows within the winter. It appears as if there’s virtually at all times one thing happening right here! Store ‘til you drop, seize a chunk to eat, and indulge within the festivities of no matter enjoyable occasion is going on throughout your go to. You’ll be able to’t go incorrect with a visit to Crocker Park.
5 Minutes Away: Preserve the walk-worthy enjoyable going at Bradley Nature Park.
2. Catch a Chippewa Lake Water Ski Present
Suppose you already know all of Northeast Ohio’s best groups? Suppose once more. The Chippewa Ski Crew is a component athletics, half theatrics, but it surely’s all native. This superior group is the one aggressive water ski present group within the state! They incessantly carry out at Emerald Lake (whose handle is linked above in your ease), however they’ve been recognized to look everywhere in the area. Hour-long exhibits are free to look at in the summertime months, and winter gives the right alternative to affix them throughout indoor observe season. You don’t want any water snowboarding expertise to affix… simply carry some floatation units and plenty of enthusiasm!
10 Minutes Away: Play with goats and sip wines at The Vineyard at Wolf Creek.
3. Hike the Towpath Path
The unimaginable Towpath Path is in contrast to every other hike in the whole state. At over 100 miles in size, it’s virtually inconceivable to hike the entire thing… and but many athletic locals have achieved simply that! Nonetheless, as soon as upon a time, this path was utilized by mules to drag barges alongside the Ohio & Erie Canal. Whereas the canal largely ceased operation in 1913 (and dried up in lots of stretches as a result of halted upkeep and the forces of nature), many stretches of it may be hiked to this present day. In Cleveland, most of it’s paved, and every part of the path virtually has its personal vibe. Go to the stretch in Scranton Flats, Downtown, or Tremont… every stretch is gorgeous and historic.
5 Minutes Away: Refuel after your stroll with a visit to the West Aspect Market and Ohio Metropolis.
Honorable Mentions
There are virtually too many freebies in Cleveland to incorporate on one listing! Listed below are a number of honorable mentions which might be additionally value testing:
4. Attend a free Cleveland Public Theater present
The Cleveland Public Theater is a neighborhood gem. Since 1981, this collective of native artists has been placing on unimaginable exhibits that Clevelanders can’t get sufficient of. Whereas most of their performances are ticketed occasions, there are additionally a handful of annual free exhibits that belong in your bucket listing. Their Scholar Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) is behind lots of the free performances, however their roster of gifted actors placed on quite a lot of epic exhibits. Verify their calendar of occasions to see what’s developing subsequent! (And hold your eye out for his or her annual Día de Muertos occasion!)
5. Try the structure of the Terminal Tower
You may know Tower Metropolis as a shopping center, however as soon as upon a time, it was a legendary construction. You see, the Terminal Tower was as soon as the second-tallest constructing on this planet, dwarfed solely by the Woolworth Constructing in New York Metropolis. After all, this title didn’t final lengthy as skyscrapers started to outline native skylines the world over. Nonetheless, the Terminal Tower continues to be one of many tallest buildings in Cleveland.
Free Museums to Discover in Cleveland
Who doesn’t love a great museum?! These institutes of information home unimaginable collections and artifacts and, right here in Cleveland, many are free to go to. Able to expertise pure awesomeness? Try these epic native landmarks!
6. Cleveland Museum of Artwork
The Cleveland Museum of Artwork and its Effective Arts Backyard is at all times free to go to, and it’s properly value it. That is no dinky native museum… this goliath establishment is dwelling to a number of the most historic and most storied artistic endeavors in all of Cleveland. From gorgeous historic Egyptian artwork to well-known works by Claude Monet, this museum has a surprising array of issues to see. Whereas they do cost for particular and touring occasions, basic admission received’t value you a dime.
10 Minutes Away: Go to the Haserot Angel (or Angel of Loss of life Victorious) in Lake View Cemetery for a dose of out of doors artwork.
7. Worldwide Ladies’s Air & House Museum
Tucked away in Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport is a museum you virtually must see to imagine. The Worldwide Ladies’s Air & House Museum is likely one of the finest free museums within the space, and it’s virtually like a neighborhood secret. This little-known museum is free to tour solo, or you may take pleasure in a guided tour for a small price. Its collections protect the contributions of woman leaders within the realms of aviation and aerospace. Some names and faces shall be acquainted to you, however you’ll stroll away with a brand new data of many aviation mavericks.
5 Minutes Away: Admire the Fountain of Everlasting Life in Veterans’ Memorial Plaza.
8. Cleveland Police Museum
Many have but to expertise the unimaginable collections hiding within the Cleveland Police Museum, but it surely belongs in your bucket listing, with out a single doubt. This free museum in Cleveland traces the historical past of native regulation enforcement from its humble beginnings, and it dives into a number of the most well-known instances within the space. Probably the most well-known native instances is the Cleveland Torso Murders, which was investigated by Eliot Ness and stays unsolved to this present day… however a number of the proof (and even sufferer loss of life masks) are on show on the museum so, hey, perhaps you may crack the case!
5 Minutes Away: Discover Erie Avenue Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Cleveland. It’s hiding proper throughout the road from Progressive Area!
Honorable Point out
Preserve the enjoyable going! There are much more free museums in Cleveland value seeing, however we had so as to add yet another to the listing.
9. Cash Museum
Virtually satirically, the Cash Museum on the Federal Reserve Financial institution of Cleveland is completely free to go to. Whereas it does near the general public when COVID infections in Cuyahoga County peak, it’s a cool place to go to or add to your bucket listing. Stroll below the cash tree, interact with interactive reveals, and take a look at your hand at figuring out a counterfeit invoice.
Free Issues to Do at Evening in Cleveland
After hours, Cleveland’s panorama adjustments fairly a bit. Moonlight, streetlights, and neon indicators add a completely totally different vibe to the town… however there are nonetheless freebies you may take pleasure in.
10. Watch the sundown at Edgewater Park
Clevelanders love Edgewater Park. Because the westernmost park within the Cleveland Metroparks, it’s a bit faraway from the center of the park district, but it surely has a completely distinctive panorama. Admire the Cleveland skyline, wiggle your toes within the sand, and snap an image with our iconic Cleveland script signal. Because the solar stretches to kiss the Lake Erie horizon, it is going to paint the sky in gorgeous hues of pink and orange. With the lake fueling native climate, you may count on some fascinating clouds within the sky!
10 Minutes Away: Head over to Pier W in Lakewood for extra unimaginable views of the Cleveland skyline… solely paired with meals!
11. See the lights dance on Lake Erie from Voinovich Bicentennial Park
Cleveland is filled with inexperienced park areas, however Voinovich Bicentennial Park is one-of-a-kind. This terraced house is a mix of concrete and greenery, and it’s full of pleasure within the hotter months. Like Edgewater Park, this beautiful public park is dwelling to one among a number of Cleveland script indicators, plus unimaginable views. With such shut proximity to Downtown Cleveland, this website is an unimaginable place to admire nighttime views. The park closes at 9 p.m., however you may swing by at or after nightfall to soak up the beautiful lights of the downtown district as they dance over Lake Erie’s energetic waters.
10 Minutes Away: Deal with your self to some basic Cleveland consolation meals at Slyman’s Restaurant and Deli.
Honorable Mentions
On the lookout for much more enjoyable after dinnertime? These further spots are all kinds of enjoyable!
12. Catch a present at Broadview Heights Neighborhood Amphitheater
Every summer season via September, you may take pleasure in free concert events in Broadview Heights! Carry a garden chair or blanket and get comfortable, as a result of every present is exclusive and price catching. You’ll additionally benefit from the Nights within the Heights Live performance & Cruise In occasions, which add a enjoyable spin to this cool free occasion.
13. Hearken to the sounds of summer season within the Cleveland Metroparks
Who doesn’t love a great night live performance surrounded by the fantastic thing about nature? The epic Sounds of Summer season live performance sequence within the Cleveland Metroparks is superior and distinctive in that you just’ll end up at locations like Squire’s Citadel, surrounded by birdsong and candy tunes. Carry a picnic and get comfortable!
Free Household-Pleasant Actions in Larger Cleveland
While you’ve bought youngsters in your family, you understand how costly it may be to discover a family-friendly occasion or place. Nonetheless, there’s a lot to do with youngsters in Cleveland… and lots of native points of interest received’t value you a dime!
14. Attend a free occasion at Pinecrest
In terms of the native purchasing scene, Clevelanders have come to essentially love Pinecrest in Orange, Ohio. This neat little business district has shops, eating, housing, and leisure… however their free public occasions are additionally an enormous draw for a lot of locals. Yoga classes, markets, music, and extra add a level of curiosity to the native panorama. It virtually looks like there’s at all times one thing occurring right here!
10 Minutes Away: In case you’ve bought a bit of cash to spend (after saving up some money from testing these freebies), swing by Thistledown Racino for a singular and fortunate night after the youngsters are in mattress.
15. Discover the Nature Middle at Shaker Lakes
The Nature Middle at Shaker Lakes is a deal with for guests of all ages! Inside the character heart, you’ll discover all kinds of reveals and academic shows to show you all concerning the native panorama. Exterior, you may discover it by way of two stunning trails. Stroll amidst wildflowers, boardwalks, and extra… this stunning spot is a favourite of many locals, and it’s completely child pleasant.
5 Minutes Away: Take pleasure in some scrumptious and nutritious meals at Anatolia Cafe.
16. Go to the Northern Ohio Railway Museum
Trains are enjoyable for teenagers and adults alike, and the Northern Ohio Railway Museum is likely one of the finest locations to discover their native legacy. Right here, a group of volunteers and practice fans preserves a chunk of transportation historical past by way of varied fantastically restored practice vehicles. Take a free tour, then unwind with a trolley journey. The museum is just open on Saturdays, but it surely’s properly value a trek… Seville itself is an enthralling little neighborhood with a singular story.
5 Minutes Away: Hike alongside Chippewa Lake for stunning views accompanied by birdsong.
Honorable Mentions
Are the youngsters craving extra journey? Relaxation assured, there’s nonetheless a lot to do within the space!
17. Discover the Cultural Gardens
In case you’re able to step into one other world, it’s a must to take a look at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens! Full with beautiful landscaping, stunning statues and stonework, and a extremely walkable park surroundings, you’ll fall in love with this beautiful stretch of gardens in Cleveland’s Rockefeller Park.
18. Uncover magic in Schoepfle Backyard
Over within the Lorain County Metro Parks system, you’ll discover a fairly park that’s nothing wanting magical. Schoepfle Backyard is an 80-acre getaway with quite a lot of themed sections. The Youngsters’s Backyard is particularly well-liked, and its carousel is a must-visit attraction.
Low-cost Issues to Do in Cleveland
With all these freebies, you’ll end up saving a fairly penny as you journey via Larger Cleveland. In case you’re searching for enjoyable issues to do along with your saved money, these low cost points of interest and eating spots may strike your fancy.
19. Dine at Two Bucks
Even choosy eaters can discover a deal with for the style buds at Two Bucks. There are a number of areas within the space, however the Lakewood location is central to all kinds of inexpensive points of interest. The idea right here is constructed off of glad hour offers, however each hour is glad hour! Dig into mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, salads, burgers, and award-winning mac and cheese. Attempt cocktails at a value that received’t break the financial institution!
5 Minutes Away: Admire restored magnificence and artwork at The Sanctuary Museum proper on the town.
20. Go to the markets in AsiaTown
In terms of cool Cleveland neighborhoods, AsiaTown tops the listing for a lot of locals. This neat neighborhood is stuffed to the brim with distinctive companies and eating spots, starting from genuine Vietnamese to regional specialties. After all, the native markets can’t be beat. Asian City Middle and Park to Store each have all kinds of substances you received’t discover wherever else, plus candy treats like handmade bakery items. Top off on goodies and snacks, then swing by a neighborhood restaurant to spherical out your expertise!
10 Minutes Away: Benefit from the sundown or a picnic lunch at East fifty fifth Avenue Marina.
Honorable Mentions
Want extra inexpensive enjoyable close to you? There’s a lot to find… you simply must know the place to look! These further spots may strike your fancy.
21. Play at The Nook Alley
We love a great sport day! Get aggressive with family and friends at The Nook Alley! In case you declare a lane earlier than 5 p.m., you may play for simply $25 an hour. Divide that by eight folks (the best quantity allowed per lane) and, increase. You may have a enjoyable group outing for only a few bucks per individual. Plus, there are on-site cocktails right here!
22. Swing by Stearns Homestead Farm
These days, there’s one native farm that also alludes to Cleveland’s rural roots. Stearns Homestead is an superior vacation spot within the late summer season and early fall, and it’s dwelling to plenty of historical past and critters alike. Choose up some meals to feed the animals and make some new mates!
Free Issues to Do in Cleveland Every Season
The seasons in Cleveland are gorgeous. Some cities have little or no variation between the seasons however, right here in Cleveland, you may expertise all 4 seasons in in the future. (Possibly that’s not one thing to brag about…) The next free actions needs to be on the high of every season’s bucket listing!
23. Go to Daffodil Hill in Lake View Cemetery within the spring
Cease and scent the flowers in one of many liveliest cemeteries you’ll ever see! Daffodil Hill options circa 100,000 blooming flowers every spring, and so they create a seemingly infinite sea of yellow. Surrounding the hill is an unlimited and historic garden-style cemetery that’s stuffed to the brim with artwork, together with a presidential resting place and one Tiffany glass cathedral.
5 Minutes Away: Buy groceries and dine in Coventry Village.
24. Swim at Huntington Seashore in the summertime
Prepared for a day of enjoyable? Deal with your self to a street journey via the very best seashores in Cleveland, beginning with Huntington. This gorgeous Bay Village seaside has sand, picnic spots, and climbing trails all alongside Lake Erie’s shore. Close by however nonetheless on campus, the Lake Erie Nature & Science Middle and BAYarts are ready to entertain you. Pack a lunch, work in your tan, and hearken to the sounds of nature at this good spot.
10 Minutes Away: Sit back with one thing candy on the Westlake Mitchell’s Ice Cream storefront.
25. Take within the autumnal splendor of Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park
You seem like you can use a fall foliage street journey. Cuyahoga Valley Nationwide Park is tucked away in neighboring Summit County, and it’s nothing wanting a deal with. This beautiful park is crammed with waterfalls, cliffs, picnic spots, and hikes which might be picture-perfect. Plus, many parts of the park are open late, so you may go star-gazing in a spot that’s properly away from the town gentle air pollution.
10 Minutes Away: Get to know extra of the native panorama at Richfield Heritage Protect.
26. Admire ice sculptures crafted by Lake Erie’s winter waves
When winter comes, Lake Erie’s shore turns into reworked by the presence of ice gardens. In truth,
any native park goes to be a deal with within the winter, however we’ll level you within the course of Lakefront Reservation to start your journey. As Lake Erie’s waves crash upon the shore within the early months of winter, you’ll discover that vegetation are reworked into unusual and virtually alien statues. These ice gardens are surreal and exquisite, however don’t neglect to bundle up!
5 Minutes Away: Heat up with some consolation meals at V’s Rooster.
Honorable Mentions
There’s a lot seasonal enjoyable in Larger Cleveland that it’s exhausting to slender in on solely a handful! These honorable mentions are additionally bucket listing worthy:
27. Go to Medina Sq. within the fall
In terms of fall enjoyable, nowhere fairly beats the vibe at Medina Sq.. This city appears to be like like a real-life practice set, and it’s overflowing with attraction. With frequent free occasions and all kinds of lovable native outlets, you’ll love attending to know the realm like a neighborhood.
28. See the vacation lights in Strongsville
Every winter, Strongsville turns into a vacation wonderland of lights. Town heart involves life with city-sponsored shows, however the surrounding neighborhoods additionally go all out. The entire city is value exploring, and the native mall proper off Route 82 is an superior place to heat up and probably meet Santa Claus himself.
Cleveland is an superior place to discover, and native adventures can typically be loved with out breaking the financial institution. Which of those free issues to do in Cleveland is your favourite? Share your ideas with us within the feedback!
On the lookout for even extra native enjoyable? Discover a number of the absolute best issues to do in Cleveland for added journey.