Ohio: Cleveland – Great Lakes Science Center

January 22, 2019
Ohio
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Our plan for today was to visit the Great Lakes Science Center, squashed between the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Browns football stadium on Lake Eire. We walked the short distance from our hotel to the Science Center as it was a bright but chilly morning. This science centre is one of the best we have been to and is full of great hands-on exhibits covering the broad aspects of science. As usual, Jack and Emily were drawn to things like hang gliding and flight simulator, whilst the parents tried to drag them towards what they believed to be more educational demonstrations (how boring).

There are a number of exhibit halls including:

NASA Glenn Visitor Center: Here you’ll find galleries exploring the history and science of space travel and the challenges that astronauts face in living in space.
Cleveland Creates Zone: This exhibit focuses on bringing out the creative elements that lie within us. It provides materials to bring your own creations to life using design and engineering processes.
William G Mather Steamship (additional fee): This restored 618-foot long vessel used to ply its trade on the Great Lakes, playing its part in making Northern Ohio a major centre for industry.
Biomedtech: Exploring the world of genomics, stem cells, prosthetics, functional electrical stimulation (FES) and medical imaging through interactive exhibits, videos and displays.
Science Phenomena: A chance to play with some interactive exhibits exploring magnetism, lights, optics, motion, mechanics, sound and resonance.

In addition to the mainstay exhibits the Science Center offers camps, events and special programs. During our visit, there was a lot going on and we were able to sit in on some of the fun shows that the Center’s staff put on several times throughout the day. There is a lab room where they demonstrate, with the help of willing volunteers, different aspects of science. In the main auditorium, they also run shows, focusing on electrical power. Here they have a huge Van der Graaf generator which will really make your hair stand on end.

To finish our day we went to the impressive dome theatre where they project iMax movies onto the wall of the dome. This is one of those truly immersive experiences. The list of movies shown changes so it is worth checking out the website to find out what is currently showing.

Planning your visit to the Great Lakes Science Center

Address:	601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland
Website:	https://greatscience.com/
Telephone:	T:(216) 694-2000
Hours:	Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday : noon – 5 p.m. Check the website for the most up to date information on opening hours
Admission Fees	Adult $16.95 Youth (2-12) $13.95

Best time to visit Cleveland

The best time to visit Cleveland is from September through October or from April to May when the temperatures aren’t freezing cold like in the winter or hot and humid as in the summer. During these months, you’re likely to see pleasant weather with temps between the 60s and 70s that taper off in the evenings.

Other things to do whilst in Cleveland

1. ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, museum and hall of fame in Cleveland that celebrates the history and cultural significance of rock music and honours the contributions of those who have played an important role in the music’s creation and dissemination

2. CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

The Cleveland Museum of Art was first built in 1913 and officially opened in 1916.

Today, it is an extremely famous place to visit in Ohio, receiving more than half a million tourists from all across the world.

Within its classic and elegant Gregorian marble structure, a collection of near to 45,000 works of art sit, some dating back to 6,000 years prior.

Stunning exhibits are arranged neatly in a chronological fashion, allowing you to witness the true majesty of famed and brilliant artists in all their glory as you watch art evolve over the centuries.

Children can have a great time, too, in a special play studio full of great things to do.

3. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

The Museum of Contemporary Art houses some of the world’s best selection of modern art from a variety of artists, both local and international.

This includes over 2,000 artists’ work, a mix of permanent fixtures and traveling showcases, and plenty of enchanting and fresh pieces by newcomers to the scene.

Its architecture is equally astonishing, with its current building just been completed in 2012 in an imposing and fascinating new-age hexagonal shape.

Where to stay in Cleveland

1. METROPOLITAN AT THE 9 (5-STAR)

In Central Cleveland, just a 4-minute walk from Progressive Field and Quicken Loans Arena, this hotel features an on-site restaurants and a fitness center. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Flat-screen cable TV and an iPod dock are included in all guest rooms at Metropolitan at the 9, Autograph Collection. There’s a coffee machine, hairdryer, and free toiletries as well.

The Metropolitan at the 9 has many on-site restaurants. Guests can choose between modern Mediterranean at Adega, American cuisine and entertainment at Alex Theatre, or rooftop cocktails at Azure.

2. DRURY PLAZA HOTEL

Featuring a 24-hour business centre and complimentary daily appetizers and beverages, this Drury Plaza Hotel is located in downtown Cleveland, just 2 blocks away from the Cleveland Convention Center. Free WiFi access is available.

Each room at Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown provides an LCD TV, microwave and refrigerator. An iron and ironing board are also available.

Guests can enjoy the indoor pool, hot tub and 24-hour fitness centre at the hotel. Complimentary hot breakfast and afternoon popcorn and soda are offered daily. On-site guest laundry and a guest pantry are also available for convenience.

3. EMERALD NECKLACE INN BED & BREAKFAST

This Fairview Park bed and breakfast offers free WiFi and individually decorated rooms equipped with a fireplace and a television. Little Met Golf Course and Big Met Golf Course are 1 miles away.

A sofa bed or private deck is featured in each uniquely decorated guest room at Emerald Necklace Inn Bed and Breakfast. An private bathroom is also included.

A full country breakfast is served each morning in the Tea Room and it features hot coffee or tea along with fresh fruit and pastries.

Guests have access to laundry facilities. A gift shop and a hiking trail are also available along with tea tasting.