Thrifty Travel Fun: Cleveland, OH

Traveling through Ohio with the kids? Make a stop in beautiful Cleveland! Below, three ways to pack a day full of fun (without blowing your budget). 

photo by Erik Daniel Drost / Flickr

1. With an entire acre under glass and four more outside, the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is a Cleveland must-visit. Seasonal floral displays, theme gardens (kids will love the cacti room!), and an emphasis on education make it a great place to spend an afternoon (nothing beats a greenhouse if you run into some blustery, cold weather!). Admission is free for the whole crew!

2. Parents of wiggly young travelers know the value of a good open space, and it seems that Cleveland does, too. Take some time to run around on the Mall, a long public park that stretches through downtown Cleveland. The park is lined with the city's civic and government buildings, giving you a chance to enjoy the local architecture, and Cleveland Public Art sponsors changing public art series on the Mall. Make sure to take a picture with Abe!
Bonus:
Why not pick up some local specialties at one of Cleveland's farmers markets and have a picnic? Don't forget to bring some bubbles!

3. All aboard! Take a short trip out of Cleveland to visit the Medina Toy and Train Museum. The small museum features interactive children's exhibits, running model trains, and toys, dolls, and model cars dating back to 1900. Admission is free, and the museum is located right on Medina's historic downtown square.