Summer is here!  Are you ready to break out the pool and sprinkler, fire up the grill and enjoy all the fun that the sunshine and warm weather brings?

If you’re looking for family friendly places to go and things to do in Northeast Ohio this is the list for you!

100 Things to Do in Northeast Ohio this Summer

I’d love your input too!  Are there events on the list that you’ve been to before?  Any other recommendations?  Please leave a comment below or submit the details here. That way we all know about the best places to be and things to do this summer.

Spray parks 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.  Bonus: There are over 30 locations to choose from

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.

Plan a day trip to a check out the Inflatables at Atwood Lake Beach or visit one of the many other Beaches across Northeast Ohio

Pick up some balloons the next time you are at the store and cool off at home with these Fun Water Balloon Games

Beat the heat, by enjoying a movie in the comfort of an air conditioned theater. Many local theaters offer Special Family Movie Deals (think $1-$4 per movie)

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.

Let your kids burn off some energy at one of these local Parks & Playgrounds. Bonus for those near Hudson, complete the Playground Palooza, visit 7 parks and get a FREE string backpack.

Hike the trails at a State or Metropark. 

Participate in the Summit Metroparks Spree for All 

Get out your bikes and take a Family Bike Ride On the Towpath Trail

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 Outdoor Gardens & Arboretums across Northeast Ohio

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

Try your hand at Orienteering

Sign up for the Cleveland Metroparks Kids Club or participate in the Portage Park District’s Wild Hikes Challenge

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

See Bald Eagles (and baby eaglets) in the Wild at Walborn Reservoir

Relax at the park on a warm summer evening and enjoy the music at a FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts 

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

Feed the ducks at Price Park in North Canton

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

Take a Trip to the Farm 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.

Eat a funnel cake at one of the Summer Festivals or County Fairs

Enjoy a free public performance at the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival

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

Challenge your family to mini golf, batting cages or bumper cars at one of the area Outdoor Play Centers.

Think Laser Tag, Inflatables, Trampoline Parks, Roller Skating and more at one of the local Indoor Play Centers. Bonus: You can play in the comfort of air conditioning!

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 two roller rinks (Warren, Austintown).  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.

Put-Put indoors at one of the Glow in the Dark Indoor Miniature Golf

Learn how to fish, enjoy a friendly competition and compete for prizes in one of the local Youth Fishing Derbies.

Watch a FREE Water Ski Show at Emerald Lake in Norton

Lace up some skates and go Ice Skating

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

Head to an Indian’s Game and see the newly renovated Kid’s Clubhouse

Attend an area Summer Camp

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

Sign your kids up for a Vacation Bible School held at many local churches

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 road trip and visit Sandusky (i.e. Cedar Point, Lake Erie Shores & Islands, Castaway Bay and more)

Head to the Warren County “Ohio’s Largest Playground”

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

Or go on a Factory Tour of Harry London’s Chocolates. FREE Samples included. Yum!

Only interested in the free events? Check out the list of FREE Summer Fun in Northeast Ohio for ideas and inspiration

So how about you?  Are there any locations on the list that you’ve been to before?  Attractions you’re hearing about for the first time?  I’d love for you to leave a comment about the places on the list you’d recommend or if there are any places you know of that didn’t make the list.

You may also be interested in:

• FREE Summer Fun – 50 Activities that won’t cost you a thing
• Weekend Fun – Weekly picks for the upcoming weekend
• Ultimate List of Things to Do with Kids in Northeast Ohio