Cleveland Parents, This One’s for You: Free & Cheap Ways to Entertain Your Kids

Listen, parenting is expensive. Between the endless snack demands, the birthday party circuit, and the 47 pairs of socks that somehow vanish weekly, your wallet is probably crying. But good news! Cleveland is packed with ways to keep your kids entertained that don’t involve selling a kidney.

Parks & Playgrounds That Go Beyond a Swing Set

Cleveland Metroparks are basically our city’s backyard, and they’re FREE. Some of the best spots to let the kids run wild:

• Lakewood Park – Giant playground, scenic lake views, and a 3,600-square-foot Solstice Steps situation where you can pretend you're on vacation.

• Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground Park – One of the biggest and most inclusive playgrounds in Ohio. Your kids will never want to leave (but you’ll eventually bribe them out with snacks).

• Squire’s Castle – It’s an actual castle. In the woods. Enough said.

Library Programs That Are Low-Key Amazing

Cleveland’s library system isn’t just about books. They’ve got free events, craft days, and even play spaces for kids who need to burn energy somewhere that’s NOT your living room. Check out:

• Cuyahoga County Public Library – Free storytimes, STEM activities, and events where your kids can touch weird science-y things.

• Cleveland Public Library’s Main Branch – There’s a whole children’s section designed to keep them entertained while you sip coffee and pretend you have your life together.

• Peninsula Library – From regular story times to Family Movie Night, there’s always something fun going on there!

Weird Little Spots That Kids Love (For Some Reason)

• A Christmas Story House & Museum – Your kids may not fully appreciate the movie, but they WILL love climbing under the “fragile” leg lamp and touching everything they’re technically not supposed to.

• Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s Touch Pool – Let your child befriend a stingray. It's the kind of experience they'll talk about for weeks.

• B.A. Sweetie Candy Company – It's a literal warehouse of candy. Prepare accordingly.

Free & Cheap Events That Don’t Suck

• Edgewater Live (Summer) – Live music, food trucks, and enough space for your kids to run around like tiny lunatics.

• Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios – Not necessarily for kids, but if your child enjoys chaotic energy and bright colors, this artsy event is a winner.

• Wade Oval Wednesdays – Outdoor concerts, food, and room for kids to roll around in the grass.

Parents, We Need Your Hacks!

Where do you take your kids when you don’t want to spend a fortune? Drop your favorite free & cheap Cleveland kid spots in the comments and let’s all help each other survive parenthood—without going broke. 🤣

(And if you found this helpful, subscribe to Clevelandish so you never have to Google "fun cheap things to do with kids in Cleveland" again.)

Talk Soon,

-Amy & the Clevelandish Crew 😍

P.S. The opinions in this email are 100% ours (for better or worse) and don’t necessarily reflect the official stance of Wilson Companies. Our team, partners, and contributors speak for themselves—so if you disagree, take it up with them over a pierogi. Also, some of the things we hype may be sponsored, but we only share stuff we genuinely love (no sellout energy here).