CLEVELAND (July 3, 2019) – While Cleveland will be teeming with Major League Baseball’s best players for five action-packed days in July, professional athlete status isn’t required to experience the region’s wide range of recreational activities. From All-Star festivities to watersports to indoor agility and strength courses, Destination Cleveland recommends that locals challenge their family and friends to some friendly competition as they explore all that Northeast Ohio offers this summer.
SPECIAL EVENTS
PLAY BALL PARK
Residents and their visitors can take part in the All-Star festivities at
MLB’s PLAY BALL PARK. Located at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, there will be a free outdoor component on the Malls with concerts, baseball and softball games, and drills with rising stars and former All-Stars. Locals can also buy tickets for special activities inside the convention center that include photos with All-Stars and a Home-Run Derby Virtual Reality experience. Clevelanders can also fly above and over PLAY BALL PARK on the T-Mobile All-Star Zipline (please note, access to the T-Mobile All-Star Zipline require a separate purchased ticket).
- Friday, July 5 - Monday, July 8, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Tuesday, July 9, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The Color Run All-Star 5K
Often referred to as “The Happiest 5K on the Planet,” participants in
The Color Run 5K are doused from head to toe in colored powder as they jog along the race course. Even better, this year’s Color Run in CLE is happening amidst the excitement of MLB All-Star Week. Locals will start the race at Voinovich Park (pre-party included!) and run through Downtown Cleveland before arriving at Public Square for the Finish Festival filled with tons of color.
- Race begins at Voinovich Park, Cleveland
- Sunday, July 7, 8 - 9:30 a.m.
Run the Bases
For a sugar-coated all-star experience, residents can head over to
B.A. Sweeties, the largest candy store in America, for the
“Run the Bases” event. This family-friendly event will include a bubblegum blowing contest, courtesy of Big League Chew Bubble Gum, picture taking with Big League Chew’s new girl baseball mascot, baseball-themed face painting, a speed pitch game and favorite baseball fare. Guests can also take a swing at putt-putt at Sweeties Golfland Park or enjoy other treats at Sweeties Soda Shoppe.
- 6770 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
- Monday, July 8, 3 - 7 p.m.
EMBRACE YOUR HERITAGE
Baseball Heritage Museum
Housed in the former ticket office at the historic League Park, the
Baseball Heritage Museum gives locals a glimpse at exhibits that focus on the history and diversity of American’s national pastime. Residents are sure to have a grand slam afternoon at this free museum as they peruse rare memorabilia like programs, uniforms and signed baseballs. Clevelanders can also mark their calendars for special author discussions throughout the summer.
- 6601 Lexington Ave., Cleveland
- All-Star Game special hours: Friday, July 5 - Monday, July 8, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Tuesday, July 9, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Summer hours: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The start of football season is right around the corner, and locals can learn about the game and its biggest stars at the
Pro Football Hall of Fame. Just an hour south of Downtown Cleveland in the birthplace of football, residents can peruse exhibits, including the bronze busts of Hall of Famers and the Super Bowl Gallery. Clevelanders can also check out the annual
Enshrinement Festival this August, which will include the Hall of Fame Game, the Concert for Legends featuring Imagine Dragons and the Enshrinement Ceremony for the Class of 2019.
- 2121 George Halas Road NW, Canton
- Daily, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
COOL OFF WITH WATERSPORTS
The Foundry Rowing and Sailing Center
If rowing and sailing float locals’ boats, then they can head over to
The Foundry to learn the ropes. This summer, The Foundry is offering rowing classes at its headquarters on the Cuyahoga River and sailing classes at the Historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island. Classes are available for students, while adults can participate in rowing clinics and other fitness classes.
Great Lakes Watersports
Getting out on the water is guaranteed to make a splash with residents this summer. Locals can navigate the waters of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River with options from
Great Lakes Watersports. From jet skiing for thrill seekers to kayaking for those wanting a relaxing experience to boat rentals with family and friends, Clevelanders can take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water.
- 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
- Memorial Day through Labor Day, Wednesday - Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Eyes Ready Fishing Charters
Residents can get hooked on fishing during an outing with
Eyes Ready Fishing Charters. The charter boat takes groups onto Lake Erie where they can reel in walleye, steelhead or perch. Bait and equipment are supplied, but participants will need a fishing license before climbing aboard one of these charters.
- 1325 High St., Fairport Harbor
- To book a fishing charter, please visit eyesready.com
PASTIMES AT THE PARK
Cleveland Metroparks
The
Cleveland Metroparks boasts a bounty of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. With 18 reservations, locals can choose from hiking and biking trails, archery, watersports and footgolf. Hitting the links is also an option with tee times available at eight golf courses. Offering unique access to the Lake Erie waterfront, Edgewater and Euclid Beaches each provide weekly concert events where visitors can enjoy live music, craft beer, stand-up paddle boarding and local food trucks.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
For a variety of outdoor activities like canoeing, questing and horseback riding, Clevelanders can head to
Cuyahoga Valley National Park – Ohio’s only national park. The 33,000-acre park is full of hiking and biking trails, including the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail, and residents can ooh and ahh at sites like Brandywine Falls and The Ledges. If locals are looking to explore the park without all the walking, they can hop aboard the
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for the National Park Scenic trip.
ACTION-PACKED ACTIVITIES
BOSS PRO-Karting
Whether residents are racing enthusiasts or novice drivers,
BOSS PRO-Karting is great for any adrenaline junky. Locals can suit up like the pros before hitting the track with 10 of their closest peeps. After zipping through the course and crossing the finish line, locals can boast with a picture on the championship podium, then relax and enjoy drinks and snacks in the lounge area.
- 18301 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
- Monday, 4 - 10 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday, noon - 10 p.m.;
Friday and Saturday, noon - midnight
Play: CLE
With activities like ziplining, a ropes course and wall climbing, residents can send boredom packing this summer at the largest indoor adventure park in the nation,
Play: CLE. Locals can also engage in friendly competition by participating in the ninja warrior course. And if guests start running low on energy, have no fear! They can refuel in the dining and bar area.
- 38525 Chester Road, Avon
- Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sky Zone
Sky Zone has everything locals need for a jumpin’ summer! Residents can dunk like the pros at SkySlam, fly without fear into the FoamZone or try conquering the curved incline of the Warped Wall. Or they can show off their best acrobatic skills at the new trapeze and swing activity. The littlest Clevelanders can get in on the fun with Toddler Time sessions.
- 750 Alpha Dr., Highland Heights
- 31500 Viking Parkway, Westlake
- Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
DON’T FORGET: Destination Cleveland’s Concierge Team is also available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact the team through email at
[email protected], or live chat at
thisiscleveland.com, or stop in the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your adventure.
Please note: The Cleveland Visitors Center will operate with special hours on Thursday, July 4 and Sunday, July 7, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland’s destination marketing and management organization. This private, non-profit organization’s mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes 18.5 million visitors annually. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.