Cleveland Staycation Ideas

1. SPEND THE DAY IN THE RAINFOREST FOR UNDER $7
If you can’t take a trip to the really thing, you can at least pretend you have. The Rainforest at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of my favorite places–especially in the cold winter months! Since it’s all inside, it’s perfect even on a cold or rainy day. Walk around listening to the sounds of the jungle as birds fly free and a rainstorm occurs every 12 minutes complete with lightning, wind, and thunder. Porcupines, anteaters, monkeys, alligators and more! Adults, $6.25. Children (2-11), $4.25. Under 2, free.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland OH 44109. clevelandmetroparks.com

2. The Great Lakes Science Center
Explore interactive exhibits. Watch entertaining and educational live science demonstrations performed right before your eyes. Discover the magical world of bubbles, learn about space and aeronautics, uncover the “shocking truth” behind electricity and more.

3. TAKE A GASTRO-FIELDTRIP
If you have never been to the West Side Market, you are missing out on culinary delights beyond your wildest thoughts. And if it’s been awhile since your last visit, this week is the perfect time to go. Here you’ll find the highest quality and largest selection of food in town from seafood, meats and cheeses, olive oil and tea to baked goods. Grab a canolli or pick the perfect steak for dinner. Mon & Wed: 7am – 4pm. Fri & Sat: 7am – 6pm.
West Side Market, 1979 West 25th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44113.

4. 20 Acres of Fun All Under One Roof
Spring break starts here at the I-X Indoor Amusement Park. Zuzu Acrobats, sea lions, acrobats, magicians and more. Mountain Dew Thrill City brings on the speed with rides that flip, rotate, drop, spin, and fly. Freakout swings riders up to 70 feet high and guarantees to churn out the screams. Vertigo may look like just another swing ride, but don’t be fooled – this one takes you a good 75 feet in the air! Want to get a good scream out of your friends? Climb up into the classic Zipper and flip around as you rotate through the air! Comedian Bill Robison charms audiences young and old with his unique and masterful style of physical comedy. Kidzville is a dedicated children’s area that features over 25 rides and a petting zoo perfect for kids. Adults: $22.99. Children less than 48” tall are $19.99. Seniors $10 Saturdays and Sundays and free weekdays. Children 3 and under are free. I-X Indoor Amusement Park www.ixamusementpark.com

5. TAKE A TRAIN RIDE
Take a scenic train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Or enjoy a 4 course brunch catered by Creekside Restaurant while you travel the rails. For a little extra, you can enjoy a Premium First Class ticket includes coffee, tea, and a snack as you enjoy the view through the large windows in your spacious, reclining seat. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for children. www.cvsr.com

6. EXPLORE 120 FEET UP IN THE TREES
Immerse yourself in the trees and explore the forest from a canopy walk. The Murch Canopy Walk, a 500’ long elevated walkway built 65’ above the forest floor, will give you a unique perspective on forests and the animals that inhabit them. The Kalberer Emergent Tower will take guests above the trees to a height of 120 feet where on a clear day you can see all the way to Lake Erie. Members can check it out for free. Nonmembers $14 adults; $6 children 6 – 18; 5 and younger, free. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, OH. www.holdenarb.org

7. EXPLORE MAGICAL LAND OF OVERSIZED FLOWERS & BUGS
Cleveland Botanical Garden awakens your senses with Big Spring, a supersized indoor and outdoor celebration full of vibrant colors, fresh scents and the familiar sound of spring showers. Enjoy the Toadstool Theatre, the Ladybug Labyrinth, and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Explore a wonderland of imagination and fun filled with towering flowers and larger-than-life ladybugs. Runs through April 23. $12/non-member adult. $8/non-member child (3 – 12). Free for children under 3. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH. 44106