Summer Break

The Great Outdoors

Cleveland Botanical Garden
Birds always sing, butterflies bring smiles to children’s faces and flowers always bloom at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, a tropical oasis in Cleveland’s University Circle. Even in the dead of winter, the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse — a soaring 18,000-square-foot conservatory that recreates two of the earth’s most fragile ecosystems — is warm and thriving. In warmer weather, there are 10 acres of stunning gardens to explore, including the award-winning Hershey Children’s Garden, the David and Paula Swetland Topiary Garden, the Western Reserve Herb Society Garden and the Japanese Garden. Suffering from midweek slump? The Botanical Garden is open late and offers reduced admission on Wednesday nights.11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/721-1600. www.cbgarden.org

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Situated on 168 rolling, wooded acres, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is northeast Ohio’s most-visited year-round attraction — with good reason. The zoo is home to 3,000 animals representing more than 600 species, from Bornean orangutans to kangaroos, from lions and tigers to grizzly bears, elephants and tortoises. This year is the “Year of the Frog” at the zoo — amphibians are threatened with extinction, and the zoo is doing its part to address the global amphibian crisis by showcasing and helping with the breeding of several species, including the Panamanian golden frog.3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216/661-6500. www.clemetzoo.com

 

Farmpark
It’s everything you know — and a whole lot that you don’t know — about farming, all in one spot. You’ll see pigs and chickens — and alpacas and llamas. Farmpark, operated by Lake Metroparks, grows corn and wheat in the fields — and hydroponic tomatoes in the lab. Between the petting zoo, dairy parlor, maple syrup making and other opportunities to reconnect with your food at its source, you might need to make it a two-day visit.8800 Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440/256-2122. www.lakemetroparks.com/parks/facilities/farmpark.shtml

Holden Arboretum
Surround yourself with the sounds of nature and the colors of the property’s 19,000-plus plants. Holden Arboretum focuses on research and conservation, which visitors can enjoy while strolling through 3,500 acres of display gardens and plant collections. The best-kept secret: by-appointment-only guided tours of natural areas.9500 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, 440/946-4400. www.holdenarb.org

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
This estate built by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company founder F.A. Seiberling combines a rare example of Tudor Revival architecture with what’s considered to be one of the finest remaining examples of renowned American landscape architect Warren Manning’s work. The allure of the always-stunning 10 individual gardens is enhanced this year by the Great Garden Adventure, an interactive tour of the property that lets visitors explore some of the lesser-seen areas of the estate via tree houses, tunnels and imagination stations. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330/836-5533. www.stanhywet.org

A Christmas Story House
In 1983, America fell in love with a little boy named Ralphie Parker, who wore big glasses, had a penchant for getting into mischief, and, more than anything, longed for Santa Claus to bring him a BB gun for Christmas. The movie was called “A Christmas Story,” and, though it was set in 1940s Indiana, scenes were actually shot at a modest house in Cleveland. Now the house — which has been restored to its original movie appearance — is open to the public for tours. And directly across the street from the house is the official A Christmas Story House Museum, which features original props, costumes and movie memorabilia, as well as a gift shop, which sells the famed leg lamps seen in the movie. 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, 216/298-4919. www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

The Cleveland Museum of Art
While the main building is closed for various phases of the museum’s ambitious six-year construction plan, special exhibit galleries are showing “Arms and Armor from Imperial Austria,” nearly 300 examples of the armorer’s craft from the only surviving Renaissance armory in Europe, through June 1. On June 29, the museum is slated to re-open 16 galleries to the public, including ones that hold prestigious collections of European and American paintings from the 16th through 20th centuries. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. www.clevelandart.org

Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Dinosaurs, fossils, gems, jewels, a planetarium, and the famous 3-million-year-old human ancestorAustralopithecus afarensis, known as “Lucy” — these are just a few of the captivating sights you’ll see year-round at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, which is located in the heart of University Circle. While you’re there, browse around the Museum Store for gift ideas and grab a bite to eat at Blue Planet Café.1 Wade Oval Dr., University Circle, Cleveland, 800/317-9155. www.cmnh.org

Don Drumm Studios and Gallery
It’s funny. The best advice for visiting Don Drumm Studios and Gallery in Akron is the same thing you’d tell someone who’s headed to the grocery store: Make a list. With work from more than 500 North American artisans ranging from sculpture to jewelry, this is a remarkable source for objects that will provide just the right finishing touch for you and your living space.437 Crouse St., Akron, 330/253-6268. www.dondrummstudios.com

 

Great Lakes Science Center

Pro Football Hall of Fame
Teamless Canton might not seem like the natural choice for this amazing homage to all things football, unless you recall that the city was home to the first two-time NFL champion, the Canton Bulldogs, who won the title in 1922 and 1923. If you love the game, you’ll love it here, and if you are a true devotee, make travel plans now for the annual enshrinement ceremony and Hall of Fame Game weekend (August 2–3).2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, 330/456-8207. www.profootballhof.com

 

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Tap your toes or bang your head, and get fired up for the world’s coolest tour of the annals of rock and roll. See relics of rock such as Bruce Springsteen’s outfit from the cover of “Born in the U.S.A.,” John and Ringo’s Sgt. Pepper costumes and Hendrix’s handwritten “Purple Haze” lyrics, plus videos, exhibits and lots of guitars. The I.M. Pei-designed building on the lake alone is worth the trip.751 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216/781-7625. www.rockhall.com

That’s Entertainment

Cain Park
Imagine having a huge back yard with a stage and inviting your entire neighborhood for a picnic under the stars. It would probably feel like Cain Park. Did we mention the eclectic music, dance and theater presentations? People flock to the annual Arts Festival, this year taking place July 11–13, to see and buy works by more than 150 artists from across the U.S. and to enjoy free musical entertainment.1485 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216/371-3000. www.cainpark.com

Cleveland Indians
Last year, the Tribe made it to the American League Championship Series. Watch Cleveland’s ever-popular major league baseball team — with star players Travis Hafner, C.C. Sabathia, Grady Sizemore, Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta — this season in the newly renamed Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field). 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com

West Side Market
If your idea of entertainment is people-watching and gathering ingredients for a sumptuous meal, head to the West Side Market, an indoor/outdoor public food venue that has been the place to experience the city’s cultural melting pot for nearly a century. You’ll find row upon row of booths selling everything from bananas to rare spices, plus some of the best kielbasa, pierogi, falafel and other ethnic mainstays around. 1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216/664-3387. www.westsidemarket.com