The Guardians’ season may have ended, but the Browns and Cavaliers games are just beginning. With three major league professional sports teams, it can seem like sports overwhelm the city of Cleveland. Games can be fun to attend, but Cleveland offers much more than sports alone. From the great outdoors to arts and entertainment to Gordon Square, Cleveland provides activities for a variety of interests.
FALL
Patterson Fruit Farm
Chesterland, OH, a 30-minute drive from campus
As the cool autumn air invades Cleveland, it is essential to enjoy traditional fall activities. Patterson Fruit Farm offers a family-friendly environment filled with a pumpkin patch, apple picking, Fun Fest, and hot food.
The apple orchards include fuji, melrose, empire, golden delicious, jonagold, macoun, cortland, and jonathan apples for the picking. Throughout the rest of the year, Patterson offers seasonal options such as cherries during early August and peaches from mid-July through Labor Day. During February and March, Patterson taps maple trees to produce pure maple syrup.
The Fun Fest offers activities the Patterson family did as they grew up, including slides, tire swings, a corn maze, wagon rides, face paintings, and pony rides on some weekends.
Known for pies, donuts, apple fritters, and apple cider, there are options for everyone to enjoy in the bakery and Farm Store.
Before you make the trip, be sure to check the website https://pattersonfarm.com/ to ensure hours and availability. Activities are subject to weather closures, and all varieties of apples may not be available every day.
Bloodview Haunted House
Broadview Heights, OH, a 20-minute drive from campus
In addition to being a festive fall activity, haunted houses can serve a more meaningful purpose. Organized by the Broadview Heights Lions Club, Bloodview is Cuyahoga County’s only charity haunted house. The haunted house has raised over $5 million in the forty years it has been open.
Open rain or shine, with a covered waiting area, Bloodview monsters interact and hunt participants. All actors and makeup artists are volunteers. Whether you scare easily or not, the haunted house supports over 38 charitable causes and scholarship programs throughout the community and nation.
The haunted house is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the end of October. Visit the Bloodview Haunted House website for ticket information https://www.bloodview.org/.
METROPARKS
Cleveland OH, varies
Although the Cleveland Metroparks are spread throughout Cleveland, some beautiful paths are located just 6 minutes from campus near The Flats, especially as the leaves change color this fall. Visiting the Metroparks is one of the only activities in Cleveland that does not require payment. From the Red Line Greenway to the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to Edgewater Parks (all just minutes from campus), the Metroparks showcase the natural beauty of Cleveland, Lake Erie, and the Cuyahoga River.
ARTS
Playhouse Square, Cleveland, OH, walkable from campus
The collection of theaters at Playhouse Square produces performances fitting for a variety of audiences. In addition to the theaters, Playhouse Square includes many restaurants, local businesses, and a chandelier over the street. Playhouse Square has no food or entertainment shortage, but be sure to plan to park before you arrive.
The theaters and surrounding areas are all within walking distance from the CSU campus, and CSU students are performing the musical Sweeney Todd in Playhouse Square from November 3-13. The musical is a dark, vengeful tale that is well-suited to be performed around Halloween. Sweeney Todd will be in the Allen Theatre Mainstage, and CSU students will receive discounted tickets.
Visit https://artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/theatredance/sweeney-todd for ticket information.
Cleveland Orchestra
Severance Hall, Cleveland OH, a 10-minute drive from campus
A group of over 100 musicians, the Cleveland Orchestra performs year-round at Severance and at Blossom Music Center during the summer. The Cleveland Orchestra is recognized as one of the best orchestras in the United States. The group travels around the United States and internationally, performing music.
For tickets, visit https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/.
MUSEUMS
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland OH, a 5-minute drive from campus
The Rock Hall aims to use the power of rock and roll to engage, teach, and inspire visitors. Music is a universal language that can speak to all. The exhibits allow visitors to walk through an artist’s history, impact, and connections with artifacts. From Prince to Pink Floyd to the Garage, the exhibits cover a variety of interests. The Rock Hall also offers live music and events, including the 37th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 5.
GORDON SQUARE
Super electric Pinball Parlor, Cleveland, OH, a 10-minute drive from campus
The eclectic collection of games at the Superelectric Pinball Parlor ranges from decades-old to modern pinball machines. The variety of games, walls that are full of vintage and new decorations, and bright colors throughout create an inviting environment with a small bar. In addition to the Super electric Pinball Parlor, there are many restaurants, bars, breweries, pubs, coffee shops, and a unique Arts District (including murals, Capitol Theater, and Cleveland Public Theater) within Gordon Square.
From festive fall activities to the Cleveland Metroparks, to performances and museums, to smaller neighborhoods and communities, there is no shortage of things to do in Cleveland. While this list does not include all of the fun activities to do in Cleveland, it is a great starting point for a variety of interests.
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