At times, it can feel like grown-ups lose touch with their inner child. The magic that comes with exploring a new place may fade, and a sense of adventure may become overshadowed by caution. There are most definitely some perks to adulthood, but there are also benefits to keeping in touch with your inner child. Whether you have kids or grandchildren of your own or are babysitting for a friend, you'll feel like a kid again when you bring your crew to these incredible playgrounds in Cleveland.
Preston's H.O.P.E. serves an incredible mission; it provides smiles and memory-making fun to children of all ages and all abilities. This accessible playground is like a miniature Cleveland, and its ginormous campus is comparable in size to a small Walmart. At 60,000 square feet, there's a lot of adventure waiting to be discovered here.
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Address: 26001 South Woodland Road, Beachwood, OH, 44122
Lakewood Park is cherished by locals, and it has grown notably in recent years. While its Solstice Steps are a fan favorite today, children of all ages continue to be obsessed with the park's old-school playground. Also new to the scene is a skate park that puts athletes to the test!
Make a splash at the Broadview Heights Splash Park, a waterpark playground that's truly a summertime wonderland. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, this free attraction features approximately 3,000 square feet of watery adventure. Can you imagine a better way to beat the heat with the kids?
Address: 9543 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, OH, 44147
The Playground of Possibilities is an incredible place to dream big. This South Euclid family fun site is tucked away in Bexley Park, a charming local park that's complete with a pool and abundant greenery.
Address: 1630 Wrenford Road, South Euclid, OH, 44121
Cleveland boasts many incredible playgrounds, but one of the most adult-friendly destinations is a giant indoor attraction. Play: CLE boasts the largest ninja course anywhere in Ohio, and it also features a high-speed zip line, rock walls, and delicious dining. You can find the full story here.
Inclusivity is the new norm, and we're fortunate to live in a community that embraces this concept. Miracle League Playground is oodles of fun, and it's built atop rubber turf that ensures falls won't result in serious injuries. Plus, the park is located next to an accessible baseball field that offers children with special needs a chance to play in the Miracle League of Lake County in the warmer months.
Just over the county line is a park district with a collection of landscapes that's downright enchanting. This park district, Lake Metroparks, boasts one unique farm that allows locals to explore the area's agricultural roots. You'll get to interact with farm animals, and kids will fall in love with the farm-themed jungle gym in this unique park.
Have you ever been to the Children's Museum of Cleveland? This enchanting collection of educational exhibits has relocated to the historic Stager-Beckwith Mansion, and it's bigger and better than ever. Here, imagination comes to love via hands-on activities and displays geared toward learning.
Near the Lake Erie coast is one unique community with land in Erie, Huron and Sandusky counties. Bellevue is perhaps most famous for its Blue Hole (which, by the way, features some of the bluest water in the state), but this community also boasts the Jungle Junction - one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the state. Children 12 and under love this destination's slides, air cannons, and other obstacles, which you can read more about here.
There's a lot to love about Cleveland, but kids (and your own inner child) will fall in love with these adventurous attractions and hidden gems. Where was your favorite childhood playground?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
For visitors of all ages, there's something undeniably nostalgic about a trip to the Cleveland zoo. In addition to boasting a rich history, it also just has a tendency to bring out the kid in us. Now, there's a brand new attraction in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo that'll have you rediscovering the magic of childhood wonder. This spot lets you get close to some of the cutest residents in the zoo, and you'll be pleased to see that they're living their best bear lives.
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In late August of 2023, the Cleveland Metroparks unveiled a newly reimagined Susie's Bear Hollow.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a super cool destination. At 183 acres in size, there's no shortage of things to see here, and Susie's Bear Hollow is another exciting spot to add to your bucket list... so lace up your walking shoes and let's explore!
This spot is home to absolutely adorable sloth bears...
Sloth bears, if you've never seen them in person, don't look like your average bears. These Indian animals have long hair and manes, and they're rather lanky. Nonetheless, they're super cute to see in person.
...And the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's male Andean bear, too.
Like the sloth bear, the Andean bear (or spectacled bear, as these guys kind of look like they're wearing glasses) is mostly herbivorous. These fruit-loving animals are the only bears native to South America.
Before this cool new habitat was unveiled, a 60-year-old habitat entertained visitors and housed the bears.
The new structure expands the bears' habitat, nearly tripling the size of the old space. The bears seem super happy with the new digs, too... just wait until you see how they play and explore!
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The newly redesigned space, however, is so much cooler.
And it's not just cooler for us as nature lovers! Climbing structures, dig pits, and more encourage the bears' natural behaviors, ensuring they're wholly comfortable and living a bear-y good life.
The new space also has glass viewing opportunities to get you closer to these animals than ever before.
These glass exhibits are my favorite at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, as they really make it seem like you're standing in the exhibit. Some animals are rather interactive, so it's a fun experience for everyone involved.
Plus, the immersive treehouse is a hit with visitors... especially younger ones!
The unique climbing structure allows kids to unleash a bit of energy and get a different view of the bear habitat. Some little visitors report feeling a bit like the bears, as they also have neat climbing platforms in their new space.
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo isn't just making these bears' lives better, though. They're also supporting conservation efforts!
The Cleveland Metroparks supports the Andean Bear Conservation Alliance (ABCA), which helps develop conservation plans. They focus on research and the strategic implementation of monitoring programs, striving to conserve habitat and educate along the way. In the past decade, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has provided over $700,000 to Andean bear conservation.
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During your visit, you'll love identifying the animals and studying their quirky habits.
The zoo makes it easy to tell which animals are which, so you'll likely learn something new during the visit. And if you're wondering about the welfare of these critters, you'll be pleased to know that the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which requires the highest standards of animal care.
And the vibe of this new destination in the Zoo’s Wilderness Trek is irresistible.
The newly unveiled space is stunning, and the bears really seem to love it. Connect with the zoo on Facebook to keep this neat Cleveland attraction on your radar!
You'll love getting to know these adorable residents in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's newest exhibit!
This is one spot you'll want to add to your local adventure bucket list.
This new attraction in the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is too cool for words... you'll just have to visit it for yourself to experience the wonder of coming face-to-face with these majestic animals. When you do visit, share your photos with us on Instagram! Be sure to use #onlyincleveland for a chance to be featured.
If you're feeling adventurous during your visit to the zoo, budget time to check out the zipline. It's your one chance to soar through the zoo like an eagle!
