Winter may be a good time to stay in and cuddle, but now is the best time to head to Cleveland if you’re a fan of Disney’s Frozen (and let’s be real, who isn’t?). Taking the stage at Playhouse Square’s Keybank State Theatre from August 11 through September 11, 2022, Frozen will bring even more magic and wonder to an already-cool city.
And if you’re looking to score points with the kids, (or your date, or your friends, or just show yourself a good time — we don’t judge), we’ve got some recommendations that’ll make your weekend a total blast.
Day One
Breakfast
Yours Truly is the go-to breakfast spot for families, particularly if you want to soak in the beautiful scenery around Playhouse Square. Kids can get into the Disney spirit by ordering the Mouse Pancakes, while you can choose your favorite morning munchies from the vast menu. Pro tip: You’re steps away from the famous GE Chandelier, the world’s largest outdoor chandelier, so make sure to stop for a quick pic.
Morning
Mingle with the cold-blooded at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, where you can pet stingrays, walk through a shark tube, and maybe even catch an animal encounter or feeding. Do. Not. Miss. the coldwater arch exhibit, where the Giant Pacific Octopus propels around frigid waters with his friends.
Lunch
Wanna stuff some chocolate in your face? Of course you do. Make your way to Chocolate Bar for a delicious lunch and a frozen treat (fudgy ice cream sundae, anyone?). This is the stuff dreams are made of.
Afternoon
The Great Lakes Science Center is packed with hands-on, interactive exhibits that can satisfy anyone’s curiosity. Become one with the wind and sky at the giant turbine, where the Windworks art installation educates on the power of wind. Cool your heels at the Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater as you take in the seriously cool “Dinosaurs of Antarctica.” Afterward, take a short walk behind the Science Center to Voinovich Park, where you can take pictures by one of the iconic Cleveland Script Signs.
Dinner
It’s fun to get all dolled up and fancy for a night at the theater, but where can you go with kids that fits the bill without feeling overly grown-up and stuffy? Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, that’s where. We know, we know — kids in a beer hall? Hear us out. The place is huge, has a menu large enough for the pickiest of eaters, boasts plenty of outdoor space fit for running around, and is steps from the Keybank State Theatre. There’s also a dedicated kids menu and the pre-show crowd is decidedly family-friendly. We promise, you won’t get the side-eye for bringing kids here.
Evening
It’s showtime! Critics are calling Disney’s Frozen “a can’t miss Broadway event” (NBC), featuring the songs you know and love from the original film plus an expanded score with a dozen new musical numbers. Settle into your seats, take a good look around the elegant, opulent theater, and enjoy!
Day Two
Morning
The sun’s awake. So you’re awake. So you have to play. Head over to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for an adventure that takes you from the arid Australian outback to the freezing mountains of Nepal. If you’re already feeling nostalgic after a night at Frozen, keep the cool vibes flowing: Wave to the polar bears, marvel at the snow leopards, then say hi to the reindeer as you pass by on your way to the arctic wolves exhibit (no cliff-jumping, sled-breaking escape necessary). Grab lunch from many of the onsite options.
Afternoon
On your way back to Cleveland, swing through Mitchell’s Ice Cream for one of the best cones in Cleveland. The flagship location in Ohio City offers tasting tours, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the handcrafted ice cream is made — and more importantly, get to sample the flavors. Afterward, walk across the street to Tabletop Board Game Cafe for some friendly competition.
Dinner
Hi! We’re Cleveland and we like warm hugs. Especially in the form of comfort food. Wrap yourself in the cozy pleasure of Iron Chef Michael Symon’s Mabel’s BBQ. Get a true taste of Cleveland while you fill your belly with the goodness of excellently prepared meats and fixings.
Evening
If the fam’s still standing, let the storm rage on with a game of bowling at The Corner Alley before turning in for the night.
Where to Stay
Cuddle close, scooch in at one of the many fantastic hotels conveniently located near Playhouse Square. Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square gives the best view of the theater district and is steps away from Keybank State Theatre. Other nearby hotels include Comfort Inn Downtown, Holiday Inn Express, Metropolitan Hotel at the 9, and Hotel Indigo.