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40+ Fascinating Museums in Northeast Ohio Your Family Will Love

Last Updated: 8/31/2022

There are many unique, educational and fun science centers and museums in Northeast Ohio. From planes, trains and automobiles to money, art and history, several offer hands-on interactive exhibits that make learning fun! 

Photo provided courtesy of Tim Evanson

Use the information below and check the museum website, or call ahead to confirm hours and pricing before planning your trip.

Map of Museums in Northeast Ohio


Find Museums Near Me

Museums & Science Centers Across Northeast Ohio

Akron Art Museum
1 S. High St., Akron, OH 44308
Children under age 17 are always FREE!  Kids' art programs are offered throughout the year.
(330) 376-9185
Website

Akron Childrens Museum Playing with Huge Lite Brite

Akron Children's Museum
216 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
Hands-on exhibits designed for children 10 and under. Exhibits include pretend-play areas, sensory play, and building/creating studios. They also offer several classes throughout the year. Check out their calendar here. Located next to Lock 3 Park.
NOTE: ACM is currently open for special programs, private parties, and private field trips.
(330) 396-6103
Website

Akron Fossils & Science Center
2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321
This museum provides educational, hands-on science programs for all ages. Included with admission is access to the Creation Education Museum, which allows children to explore ideas about the origin of the universe and the relationship between science and the Bible.
(330) 665-3466
Website

Allen Memorial Art Museum
87 N. Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074
This museum features many exhibits including ancient pieces and modern landscapes. It is free to the public every day. They also offer several public programs. Check their website for more information.
(440) 775-8665
Website

Ashtabula Maritime& Surface Transportation Museum
1071 Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula, OH 44004
This museum is housed in the former residence of lighthouse keepers and the Coast Guard chief. There are several outdoor displays, and inside the museum, more than 25,000 maritime, railroad, Hulett, Titanic, Naval and Coast Guard historic items are on display. Their season runs from Memorial Day weekend through September.
(440) 964-6847
Website

Biblewalk Wax Museum
500 Tingley Ave., Mansfield, OH 44905
This world-renowned, life-size wax museum features more than 78 scenes and 300 wax figures. Each scene is complemented by individual wall murals, authentic costuming, and is also underscored by original music and narration. Children age 5 and under are FREE!
(800) 222-0139
Website

Butler Institute of American Art
524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505
Founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr., the Butler Institute is the first museum of American art. The Institute’s holdings now exceed 20,000 individual works, and the Butler is known worldwide as “America’s Museum.” Admission is FREE.
(330) 743-1107
Website

Canton Classic Car Museum *TEMPORARILY CLOSED
123 6th St. SW, Canton, OH 44702

The museum currently exhibits forty rare and unusual classic and special interest automobiles. They also have collections of vintage toys, advertising, political memorabilia, and more!
(330) 455-3603
Website

Canton Museum of Art
1001 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702
Check out temporary and permanent art exhibits focused on American watercolors, works on paper, and contemporary ceramics. They also offer workshops and classes for children and adults. FREE admission every Thursday and on the first Friday of every month.
(330) 453-7666
Website

Castle Noel
260 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
America’s Largest Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction open year-round. Original Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes from The Grinch, Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, and more – 40,000 square feet all indoors.
(330) 721-6635
Website

Century Village Museum
14653 E. Park St., Burton, OH 44021
Take a step back in time and explore the historic buildings of Century Village. The grounds are open daily to the public. There are also several events throughout the year including war reenactments, craft shows, and the Apple Butter Festival.
(440) 834-1492
Website

Cleveland Childrens Museum Ohio

Children’s Museum of Cleveland
3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
Features lots of hands-on exhibits for children to explore. Climb and pretend in adventure city, enjoy some water play, explore the science lab, and much more! There's also a miniatures museum upstairs and an area for children 3 and up can build their own miniatures. Children 11-months-old and younger are FREE.
NOTE: CMC is Currently Reservation-Only.
(216) 791-7114
Website

Find Out More -> Cleveland Children's Museum with Video Tour

Christmas Story House and Museum
3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
Take a tour or stay overnight at the famous A Christmas Story house or head across the street to the museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. They also have the option to spend the night sleeping in Ralphie and Randy's bed.
(216) 298-4919
Website

Cleveland Grays Armory Museum * TEMPORARILY CLOSED
1234 Bolivar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44115
The Cleveland Grays strive to preserve their historic Armory Museum, advance the military heritage of Greater Cleveland through public awareness and education programs, and support the men and women of our armed forces.
(216) 621-5938
Website

Cleveland History Center
10825 E. Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Experience Cleveland like never before at the Cleveland History Center, headquarters for the Western Reserve Historical Society(WRHS). Permanent exhibits include the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, Cleveland Starts Here®, Bingham-Hanna Mansion, Hay-McKinney Mansion, Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, and Kidzibits Playzone.
(216) 721-5722
Website

Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 E. Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Visiting the museum’s collections is always FREE to the public.
(216) 421-7350
Website

Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106
Explore engaging and hands-on STEM programs that are unparalleled in academic excellence. Their programs serve all students, of all grade levels and abilities. They also have several planetarium shows including one perfect for young children. Children age 2 and younger are FREE!
(216) 231-4600
Website

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621
Children will love using their binoculars and watching the trains in the Model Train Room. The History of the Railroad Yards and Dennison’s Golden Era are highlighted in various exhibits. Be sure to take the kids on “Bing’s Scavenger Hunt” throughout the building to find Bing.
(740) 922-6776
Website

Dunham Tavern Museum
6709 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
Once a stagecoach stop on Buffalo-Cleveland-Detroit post road, today Dunham Tavern Museum is the oldest building still standing on its original site in the city of Cleveland. Guided tours of the grounds are available and last approximately 45 minutes. Children age 12 and younger are FREE!
NOTE: Currently open for tours by appointment only.
(216) 431-1060
Website

Ernie Hall Aviation Museum
4033 N. River Rd., Warren, OH 44484
Check out planes and other aviation memorabilia at this museum that recognizes contributions made by US aviators in advancing aeronautics. Children age 4 and younger are FREE.
(888) 891-2962
Website

Fairport Harbor Marine Museum
129 Second St., Fairport Harbor, OH 44077
This museum has several historic nautical artifacts including several pieces from the USCG and items used in the Great Lakes. Customizable tours are available from May 1st until October 31st by appointment only.
(440) 354-4825
Website

Feline Historical Museum
260 E. Main St., Alliance, OH 44601
For cat lovers of all ages, enjoy several cat-themed art pieces including a bronzed Persian. Recently, they have also acquired several books, magazines, and cat show memorabilia. Occasionally, they also have live cats in the museum to play with! There is no admission price to visit but they do rely solely on donations.
(330) 680-4444
Website

Hands on Science Great Lakes Science Center Cleveland Ohio

Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114
Explore numerous hands-on exhibits covering different aspects of the scientific community including biomedicine, robotics, magnetism, and electricity. They also have an exhibit for children under age 7 that allows kids to climb, build and play with polymers. Ohio teachers get FREE admission every day!
(216) 694-2000
Website

Find Out More -> Hands on Fun and Learning at the Great Lakes Science Center

Hale Farm and Village Ohio

Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, OH 44210 (Use Peninsula, OH 44264 for GPS directions)
Open from June until October, this living history museum has 32 historic structures, farm animals, heritage gardens, farming, and early American craft and trade demonstrations including glassblowing, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, candle making, pottery, broom-making, and more! Children age 2 and younger get FREE admission.
(330) 666-3711
Website

Find Out More -> Our Top Tips for Visiting Hale Farm

Hoover Historical Center
1875 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
The Hoover Historical Center is the Victorian boyhood home of Hoover Company founder, William H. Hoover. Explore the history of the famous vacuums and enjoy several exhibits including antique manual vacuums, the first 1908 Hoover, vintage ads, products produced by Hoover for World War II, and Hoover family furnishings. FREE admission and FREE parking!
(330) 490-7435
Website

Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum
1603 Walnut Blvd., Ashtabula, OH 44004
This home, built by William and Katharine Hubbard about 1841, served as the endpoint of the Underground Railroad. The house is furnished with period pieces and some unique Ashtabula County pieces. Volunteer-guided tours are available during regular museum hours. Children age 5 and younger get FREE admission.
NOTE: Currently open on Saturdays and Sundays by reservation only.
(440) 964-8168
Website

Hungarian Heritage Museum
1301 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
Discover the history of Hungarian culture and immigration to the United States. This museum has rotating exhibits, which have included “Hungarian Songwriters” and “Hungarian Cultural Gardens”.
(216) 523-3900
Website

Indian Museum of Lake County
7519 Mentor Ave., Ste. A112, Mentor, OH  44060
This museum's purpose is to discover, collect, and preserve archaeological sites and material related to the history and antiquities of Native Americans of Lake County, the State of Ohio, and the North American Continent. The museum has thousands of artifacts that rotate on display. Preschool children get FREE admission.
(440) 951-3813
Website

International Women’s Air & Space Museum
Burke Lakefront Airport, Rm. 165, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, OH 44114
Located in the terminal of Burke Lakefront Airport, the museum exhibits are in the lobby at Burke, as well as the west concourse, and are accessible seven days a week. FREE Admission.
(216) 623-1111
Website

James A. Garfield National Historic Site
8095 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060
Explore the home of our 20th US president and take a cell phone tour of the historic grounds. Guided tours are also available. Operating hours change throughout the year so check the website before heading out. Children age 15 and under are FREE.
(440) 255-8722
Website

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
Learn about wildlife rehabilitation with indoor and outdoor exhibits with free admission. Also, explore the stars with one of the center's great planetarium shows for a small extra charge.
(440) 871-2900
Website

Liberty Park Nature Center
9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, OH 44087
This small center features live native animals and seasonal exhibits. Check their website for fun, free events like storytime and guided hikes.
(330) 487-0493
Website

Little Buckeye Children’s Museum
44 W. 4th St., Mansfield, OH 44902
Let your children explore this hands-on, play-based children’s museum. With nearly 30 different interactive exhibits, Little Buckeye is an ideal destination for group and family visits by children ages 2-10 years.
(419) 522-2332
Website

Log House Museum of Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Township
10 E. Park Ave., Columbiana, OH 44408
Housed in an original log house on the site of an 1807 post office, this museum has collections of Civil War and World War I artifacts, dolls, coverlets, quilts, newspapers, a dinosaur bones display, antique furniture, and more. The Log House Museum and Annex is maintained and operated by the Historical Society of Columbiana and Fairfield Township.
(330) 482-0946
Website

Mahoning Valley Historical Society
648 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502
The Tyler History Center within the historical society features community history through several permanent and rotating exhibits from local artists and community partners. Children age 2 and younger are FREE.
(330) 743-2589
Website

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122
Explore the history of Jewish Heritage with a tour of the museum. Children age 4 and younger are FREE.
(216) 593-0575
Website

Mansfield Fire Museum and Education Center
1265 W. 4th St., Mansfield, OH 44906
Learn about the history of the Mansfield fire department and see how fire fighting has evolved over the years. Also, stroll down part of Mansfield's historic North Main Street where you see the original City News, Coney Island Diner, and also visit an old-time drugstore with an authentic marble soda fountain.
NOTE: Museum is currently open by appointment only.
(419) 529-2573
Website

MAPS Air Museum

MAPS Air Museum
2260 International Pkwy., North Canton, OH 44720
Enjoy planes outside and inside the hanger including helicopters and blimps. There are also several you can sit in and explore. The museum also has several other exhibits including the Gallery of Heroes and Medic's Corner. Children age 5 and younger are FREE.
(330) 896-6332
Website

Find Out More -> Explore Historical Planes and more at MAPS Air Museum

Massillon Museum
121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646
This local art and history museum has major collections of photography, costumes and textiles, china, glass, pottery, domestic appliances, and circus memorabilia. Admission to the museum is FREE but donations are appreciated.
(330) 833-4061
Website

McDonough Museum of Art
525 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502
Enjoy three floors of beautiful art in this museum located in Youngstown State University.
(330) 941-1400
Website

McKinley Museum & Discover World
800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
This hands-on interactive science center, Presidential museum, and historical library takes visitors on a scientific journey through the past, present and future. Planetarium shows are included with admission and are held on weekends year-round and during the week in the summer. Children age 2 and under are FREE.
(330) 455-7043
Website

Medina Toy & Train Museum
7 Public Sq., Medina, OH 44256
Enjoy exhibits of toy trains, cars, dolls and more. The museum is on the second floor and is only accessible by a staircase.
(330) 764-4455
Website

MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106
This Museum has no collection — allowing for more opportunity to show more artists’ work. Three times a year, the galleries are reinstalled with the art of now and next. Come back each season to discover a new array of ideas, materials and aesthetics. Children's programs are also offered. FREE Admission.
(216) 421-8671
Website

National Packard Museum
1899 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH 44483
Open year-round, except Mondays. View a wide variety of historic memorabilia and vehicles or read Packard family genealogy archives. Children age 6 and younger are FREE.
(330) 394-1899
Website

Northern Ohio Railway Museum
5515 Buffham Rd., Seville, OH 44273
More than 40 streetcars, interurbans, rapid transit cars, and other rolling stock have been collected. Most of this equipment is either operable or will be restored for operation on our 3-mile demonstration railroad. The Museum is open to the public for walking tours from 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays, mid-May through October. Admission is FREE but donations are appreciated.
(330) 769-5501 
Website

Oberlin Heritage Center
73 1/2 S. Professor St., Oberlin, OH 44074
Take a tour to learn about Oberlin’s rich history, including its important role in the Underground Railroad, educational integration, women's education, temperance and missionary movements, and scientific invention.
(440) 774-1700
Website

OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology
15 Central Square, Youngstown, OH 44503
Explore eleven galleries and more than sixty hands-on, interactive opportunities linked to the educational content standards of Ohio & Pennsylvania. Children 23 months and under are FREE.
(330) 744-5914
Website

Pro Football Hall of Fame Canton Ohio

Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Discover the history of your favorite NFL teams and all of the current Hall of Famers in this museum all about football. They also offer insiders tours with an experienced docent for an additional charge. Children age 5 and younger are FREE.
(330) 456-8207
Website

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44114
Enjoy seven levels of rotating exhibits featuring some of music's most iconic artists. Artifacts include clothing, instruments, pinball machines, and much more! NEO residents pay a reduced rate which is even further discounted if purchase in advance online. Children age 5 and younger are FREE.
(216) 781-7625
Website

The Arms Family Museum
648 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502
Tour the first floor filled with original period rooms, medieval architecture and design, and the natural environment. The lower level and second floor feature dynamic exhibits that explore the history of all the people who have lived in the Mahoning Valley. Children age 2 and younger, active military and veterans are FREE.
(330) 743-2589
Website

FREE Money Museum in Cleveland

The Learning Center and Money Museum (in the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland) *CLOSED
1455 E. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
Stand beneath a 23-foot money tree, trade on the Barter Islands, try to identify counterfeit bills, and make your own currency. Experience hands-on, interactive exhibits to learn about personal finance, economics and the history of money. Admission is FREE!
NOTE: The museum is temporarily CLOSED but offers engaging virtual programs. To find out more, visit them on Facebook.
(216) 579-3188
Website

Find Out More -> FREE Money Museum in Cleveland is both Educational and Fun

The Museum of Ceramics
400 E. Fifth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
Explore the history of the pottery industry including life-size dioramas, a 170-year-old potters wheel, and temporary exhibits. The museum is closed from January to March.
(330) 386-6001
Website

The Salem Historical Society
239 S. Lundy Ave., Salem, OH 44460
The foyer, parlor, dining room, kitchen, doctor's office and waiting room, general store, settlers room, and music/entertainment room welcome you back to a gentler time. Tours are available from May to October. Children age 4 and younger are FREE,
(330) 337-8514
Website

The Shaker Historical Society and Museum
16740 S. Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120
Explore the history of Shaker Heights and the American Shakers through several exhibits throughout the museum. Children age 5 and younger are FREE.
(216) 921-1201
Website

Transformer Station
1460 W. 29th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
This is a free space for contemporary art in Cleveland. The building is owned by the Bidwell Foundation, which acquires art from artists in the beginning or middle of their careers. Check out their website for their hours before visiting as space closes while installing new exhibits.
(216) 938-5429
Website

Troll Hole Art Emporium
228 E. Main St., Alliance, OH 44601
With more than 20,000 troll items, including our Guinness World Record troll doll collection, you will learn everything about trolls – from ancient mythology to modern toy.
(330) 596-1157
Website

Wayne County Historical Society
546 E. Bowman St., Wooster, OH 44691
Tour the grounds and enjoy the fascinating history of Wayne County, Ohio. The large campus offers an exciting glance back in time with tours of historic buildings containing local artifacts. Tours are available year-round but only by appointment from December through February.
(330) 264-8856
Website

Youngstown Historical Center of Industry & Labor
151 W. Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44501
Learn about the steel industry that dominated Youngstown in the 20th century and check out the “last heats,” the final batches of steel produced at each of the mills before they closed. The museum features hundreds of photographs representing labor, immigration and urban history. Objects on display range from workers’ tools and clothing to hundreds of photographs, some more than 30 feet long. Children age 5 and younger are FREE.
(330) 941-1314
Website

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