1. The Cleveland Metropark Zoo. The Zoo is open every day of the year (Closed on Christmas and New Year's Day) and has many exhibits your family is sure to enjoy. There is an Aqaurium for exotic salt water fish. Including sharks, the ultimate predator! You will also find a monkey house, the Australian Outback that features animals of Australia, (think kangaroos!) and the Rainforest. If you are planning a visit, be aware that Monday the Zoo offers free admission to the residents of Cuyahoga County, so there might be crowds, and you may want to plan your visit for another day.



2. The Great Lake Science Center. Located in Downtown Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center is a "hands-on" science experience. You will also find an OmniMax Theatre here. This is a great way to view films, it is larger than life!

3. The Cleveland Museum of Art. Although it is closed at the time of this writing, it is undergoing a $258 million dollar renovation , so will be a must see once

it reopens. They are keeping their website updated throughout this time, so you can check for off site displays and offerings.

4. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Located in Downtown and on the shores of Lake Erie. This museum honors those remembered for "Rockin' Out". You will find memorobilia from Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, U2, and Jimi Hendrix.. just to name a few. The Hall of Fame Museum is open daily and offers a large gift shop, and dining options. Keep in mind that no photos are allowed while visiting the Rock Hall. Memberships are available and save you on admission and other special events.

5. Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Located in University Circle. This is your chance to experience Madagascar and the Cloud Forest of Costa Rica without taking a long plane ride. These are both inside the Glasshouse. Seasonally, you can enjoy the 10 acre outdoor gardens. You will find a Japanese Garden, a Rose Garden, a Herb Garden, and the Hershey's Foundation (think Chocolate) Children's Garden. Be sure to bring your camera, especially if you are planning a visit in the spring or summer months. Memberships are available, and save you on your admission fees and special events.

6. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Located in the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation (Valley View) you will find an authentic Steam Engine Train runs to Akron,

Peninsula, Hale Farm and Village, Stan Hywett Gardens and Hall. Sometimes they offer special tours in the evening, or seasonally for Christmas. They open for the 2006 season on February 10. Thsi is a great way to take a trip through Cuyahoga Counties long past of shipping, as it runs next to the Cuyahoga River.

7. Sporting Events. Come see LeBron shine on the home court, "The Q" or catch the Cleveland Indians at the Jake. Or wait till the cold months and catch the Browns.

8. Cleveland Metropark System. Cleveland has an extensive Metropark system that covers more than 20,000 acres of land in Cuyahoga County. There are 12 metroparks (including the Metropark Zoo) that offer swimming, hiking, fishing, nature centers with programs for birdlovers, nature lovers, and those that just want to get a bit of fresh air. There is no fee for visitors, and you could literally spend days exploring the beautiful metroparks here in Cleveland and the surrounding areas.

9. Boat Tours. Located in Downtown Cleveland, next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You can find the Goodtime III and the Nautica Queen for entertainment

on the water. The Goodtime III runs several times a day and offers lunch cruises, dinner cruises, river tours, dance excursions, private charters and even weddings! The Nautica Queen offers upscale buffet dining on it's evening and sunset cruises. See the downtown in a whole new light.. see it from the water. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the spectacular sites you won't see on land alone.

10. William J. Mathers Steamship Museum. Also located on the shores of Lake Erie, the William J. Mathers steamship offers citizens the chance to tour a once functional barge that carried steel for the Cleveland Cliffs Company. It was de-commisioned and donated to the Great Lakes Historical Society in December 1985 and took permanent residence on the 9th Street Pier in October 1990. This is a great place for the entire family to learn about the history of shipping. Open seasonally, expect to spend at least 2 hours for the guided tour. Be sure to bring your camera!

So if you are looking for reasons to visit Cleveland, Ohio.. here are ten of them!