Splash pads offer a fun interactive way for children to beat the heat during the summer. And what makes them even better is that they are often FREE or low cost. 

Calling all City of Cleveland residents! Enjoy these FREE Swimming Pools in Cleveland. Be prepared to show your ID upon arrival.

Pack a picnic lunch, grab your towel and sunscreen and enjoy these fun Outdoor Water Parks.

Stay safe while at the pool this summer. Sign your kids up for swimming lessons and follow water safety tips.

Plan a day trip to visit one of the many beaches in Ohio

Beat the heat, by enjoying a movie in the comfort of an air conditioned theater. Many local theaters offer Special Dollar Movies during the summer months.

Of course you can also enjoy a movie under the stars at one of the FREE Outdoor Movies. Remember your lawn chairs and blankets!

Take the family to enjoy a Drive In Movie.

Stroll through a blooming lavender field and pick lavender bundles to take home to enjoy.

Go see a live theatrical or musical performance at a local theater.

Let your kids burn off some energy at one of these amazing local playgrounds.

Whether you have a little engineer or you’re the train junkie, you'll want to check out the best train rides in Ohio.

Take your dog to one of the area Dog Parks

Get out your bikes and take a Family Bike Ride On the Towpath Trail. Don't have a bike or a way to get your bikes to the trail? Consider renting bicycles instead.

Or, let your kids ride around one of these mini cities: Kiddy City in Wooster | Safety Village in Stow

Go down the HUGE slide at Secrest Arboretum, tour Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens or visit one of the many other Botanical Gardens in Northeast Ohio

Grab your smart phone, download the free geocaching app and head out on a Geocaching scavenger hunt

Go for an adventure to the Canopy Walk and Tower at the Holden Arboretum

Sign your kids up for one of the area outdoor adventure or sports themed clubs for kids.

Did you know there are Castles in Ohio? Plan a trip to check out one of more this summer!

Hike to the Waterfall in Akron at the Gorge part of Summit County Metroparks or visit one (or more) of the best Waterfalls in Ohio

Relax at the park on a warm summer evening and enjoy the music at one of the free summer outdoor concerts 

Watch the Goodyear Blimp take off from the hanger across the lake at Wingfoot Lake Park

Support local farmers and get some delicious food at a local Farmers Market

Head out to go strawberry picking

Take a trip to a petting zoo and get up close with farm animals, meet the farmers and learn about what it takes to be a farmer.

Go on a Safari at African Safari Park, The Farm at Walnut Creek or Wagon Trails Animal Park

See the Animals at either the Cleveland Zoo or Akron Zoo

Ride on a Canal Boat pulled by a Horse

Or go on a horseback riding adventure with trails rides or lessons. There are many places to go horseback riding.

Find a treasure at one of the top Flea Markets in Ohio

Eat a funnel cake at one of the Summer Festivals or county fairs in Ohio 

Make a stop at one (or two, or three) of the area Homemade Ice Cream Shops.

Ride coasters, bumper cars, go karts or vintage kiddie rides at one of the amusement parks in Ohio.

Think laser tag, inflatables, trampoline parks and more at one of the local Indoor Play Centers. Bonus: You can play in the comfort of air conditioning!

Take the kids skating at these local Roller Rinks.

Sign the kids up for the Kids Bowl FREE Program and let them bowl free all summer long and many local bowling alleys. Note: Shoe Rental Fees may apply

Or you can register for the Kids Skate FREE program offered at local roller rinks.  Note: Skate Rental Fees may apply

Pack a frisbee and play a game of Frisbee / Disc Golf. There are lots of local courses to choose from.

Play miniature golf or put-put indoors at one of the glow in the dark indoor mini golf courses.

Learn how to fish, enjoy a friendly competition and compete for prizes in one of the local Youth Fishing Derbies. Be sure to check out our 5 Tips to teach your kids how to fish first.

Watch a FREE Water Ski Show at Emerald Lake in Norton 

Lace up some skates and go Ice Skating….it's not just for the winter months!

Rent a Canoe or Kayak and enjoy a ride down the river.

Book an overnight stay in one of these unique treehouse rentals in Ohio or enjoy a stay at one of these cabin rentals in Ohio (family and date night options!)

Sign the kids up to attend an area Summer Camp (day camps and overnight camp options included)

Keep the kids learning this summer! Try hands on science fun at Great Lakes Science Center, or visit one of the many other local Museums & Science Centers

Do Science Experiments at Home

See the Historic Planes at MAPS Air Museum

Encourage your kids to read by singing them up for one of the FREE Summer Reading Programs

Sign your Kids up for Art Classes let them express their creativity this summer

Take Music Lessons and learn to play an instrument or sing

Learn to build at a Home Depot Kids Workshop or Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinics

Star gaze and learn about Astronomy

Sit in the driver seat of trucks and tractors at a local Touch a Truck Events Bonus: Most are FREE

Find an area Playgroup to Join

Get some great deals on gently used children's clothing at an area Kid's Spring/Summer Consignment Sale

Take the kids to a parade or fireworks show being held to celebrate Memorial Day or the 4th of July

Treat dad to a special Father's Day Activity

Plan a staycation and take a day (or more) to explore the fun cities in Northeast Ohio. We've got you covered with the top things to do in Cleveland, things to do in Canton, things to do in Akron and things to do in Youngstown 

Or maybe you are looking for a road trip to explore other Ohio destinations. Head to the Warren County “Ohio's Largest Playground”, check out the best things to do in Columbus or head a little further south for fun things to do in Cincinnati or things to do in Dayton.

You could go a little further and check out the fun things to do in Lousiville, KY head to the Smoky Mountains and experience the amazing things to do in Gatlinburg, TN or take family trip and enjoy the things to do in Indianapolis

Of course, Paradise Ohio is also just outside your front door!

Does your child have a birthday party during the summer months? Use the Birthday Party Planning Guide to help make planning a breeze.

Enjoy a free kid's meal at one of the restaurants that offer Kid's Eat Free

Get a sitter for the kids and enjoy time away at one of these amazing romantic getaways in Ohio

Or go on a Factory Tour of Harry London's Chocolates. FREE Samples included. Yum!  Check out these other local Factory Tours too

Only interested in the free events? Check out the list of FREE Things to do in Northeast Ohio for ideas and inspiration

You may also be interested in:

• Weekend Fun – Weekly picks for the upcoming weekend
• Ultimate List of Things to Do with Kids in Northeast Ohio