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The Best Parks & Outdoor Activities in Cleveland, Ohio
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items Cleveland’s park system is one of the best in the country! These are my favorite parks, gardens, hiking spots, and outdoor venues in the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area of Northeast Ohio.
Map
I grew up just five minutes down the road from the Cleveland zoo, so close I could walk to it! I never get tired of going back, and I’m married in my 30s with a baby now. The zoo has gone through so many phases of improvement to their animal care and...
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Yes, Ohio is home to a national park! It’s beautiful and fun to hike. There are trails for every skill type. I highly recommend you “ride the rails” by cycling through the park and taking the train back.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This park winds around the Rocky River. It’s especially beautiful during spring blooms and autumn. Hike up the tall staircase for the best view! The trails range from beginner to moderate skill levels. You might see a beaver swimming along the river!...
Rocky River Reservation
This is our favorite park for birding! We’ve seen orioles, cormorants, tanagers, and more. You might also see otters and beavers! It’s a popular cycling and fishing spot. There’s even a skate park next to the nature center!
Ohio & Erie Canal (OEC) Reservation
Huntington has a lovely picnic area, Honey Hut ice cream stand (a must-try!), and pretty beach down below. There’s also a newly renovated playground for kids. The trails are perfect for hiking and birding!
Huntington Reservation
Home to Squire’s Castle, the North Chagrin Reservation is full of stunning scenery! The nature center has a sensory garden for kids and an owl rescue exhibit. The lake is also gorgeous and a great birding spot.
North Chagrin Reservation
If you’re in for more advanced trails and vigorous hiking, this park is for you! The hills are killer, but the views are totally worth it! Lots of wildlife, too.
South Chagrin Reservation
West Creek is an easy-going park with beautiful scenery and simple trails for beginner hikers. It’s actually where I had my high school graduation photos taken! You often see people walking their dogs here.
West Creek Reservation
This park features steep hills, winding trails, and rocky cliffs—not for the faint of heart! It’s a popular rock climbing spot. Definitely a workout but totally worth it for the gorgeous views. I recommend wearing sturdy, grippy hiking shoes or boots...
Whipps Ledges
Every Clevelander knows that this is the place to be to see the sunset. It’s a local event every evening. People always clap when the sun falls beneath the horizon, like a celebration of nature’s beauty. It feels a little magical. I highly recommend ...
Solstice Steps
Old and young alike will love the Cleveland Botanical Garden! There’s an indoor tropical butterfly exhibit and other walk-through exhibits with plenty of beautiful birds and exotic reptiles. They have a seasonal orchid show, plant sales, and floral V...
Cleveland Botanical Garden
I can’t think of a more gorgeous, serene place to be in Ohio during autumn than the Holden Aboretum! If you’re not afraid of heights, climb the tower for the best view. It’s also fun to walk across the suspended wooden bridges. We love the scenery by...
The Holden Arboretum
I grew up going to the Chalet to toboggan with groups of friends. It’s a blast! The little cafe inside serves hot beverages like tea and hot chocolate and some food items like hot dogs. It’s a great outdoor winter activity for families!
The Chalet
Edgewater Beach is delightful in the summer! There’s a Honey Hut ice cream stand, food, and even a restaurant above. You can enjoy different music performances on the beach throughout the summer, too. I suggest avoiding peak times if possible and go ...
Edgewater Beach
You can rent or bring your own kayaks to go up the river or into Lake Erie. We have our own kayaks and have had fun doing that in the past. There are bathrooms and a little restaurant with Honey Hut in the visitor center.
Emerald Necklace Marina