9 Things Do in Cleveland This Weekend

It is the freakin’ weekend my friends – those 48 sweet hours of freedom we look forward to all week, daydreaming about how we’ll fill our free time when work and school are done for a few days. But now that it’s arrived… choosing what to do can be difficult, particularly in a city like Cleveland. With so many fun activities and things to do, how do you narrow it down to the best of the best for your finite weekend fun time?

Don’t worry, reader, we’ve got you covered. We’ve picked out some of the best things to do this weekend and every weekend in Cleveland, including:

• Catch a Browns game on the big screen
• Sip some of the best brews on the local beer scene
• Forget about the corporate grind at one of Cleveland’s independent coffee shops
• And so much more!

Plus, we’ve ID’d all the spots on this list that currently accept GiftYa digital gift cards.

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In case you’re new around here (hi, welcome!) or it’s just been a while,  GiftYa is a convenient digital gift card option that works with thousands of local and national brands. You can send a GiftYa in just a few clicks from your phone or computer, and bingo! It arrives at its destination in record time. 

The result? You recipient can start shopping immediately, unhindered by pesky physical gift cards that just pile up in the landfill once its spent. No more worrying about tracking your balance or forgetting your card at home. And no more forgetting to send gifts for important events either, thanks to GiftYa’s convenient scheduling feature. You can order your gift now and have it delivered whenever you want – whether that’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a weekend treat.

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On the same page? Awesome, let’s get to the good stuff – our list of the top things to do in Cleveland this weekend.

1 - Escape Room Cleveland

Test Your Problem Solving Skills with One of 5 Fun Escape Rooms

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23525 Lorain Rd | North Olmsted | escaperoomclev.com

Escape Rooms are a relatively recent phenomenon – just 10 years ago, the idea of getting locked into a puzzle room for fun would have seemed crazy. But today, it’s one of Cleveland’s most popular weekend attractions.

Escape Room Cleveland is one of the veterans in the escape room biz. Since 2016, they’ve been putting locals and visitors to the test with puzzles that demand you think outside of the box if you want to get out of the room.

As of this writing, Escape Room Cleveland has 5 exciting escape game options for guests to choose from:

• Sherlock Holmes Room. Lord Byron has gone missing! Can you solve the case?
• Mad Scientist Room. You’ve been kidnapped! Can you escape the lab?
• Cabin in the Woods Room. You find yourself broken down on the side of the road! Can you make it out of this classic scary movie setup?
• Red Alert Room. Your watership is going down! Can you survive until help arrives?
• Bank Heist Room. The bank has been robbed! Can you prove the new security system is foolproof… or perhaps that you’ve been the thief all along?

“It was awesome. At first I thought it would be boring and seemed cheap but once we started WOW. This was my first time in an escape room and I really enjoyed it. I will be back for another one for sure.” - Yelp Review 

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2 - Sky Zone

Jump Into Active Play

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31500 Viking Pwky | Westlake | www.skyzone.com

What’s active play, you may be wondering? It’s pretty much what it sounds like – play activities that get you moving and your heart pumping. If you need a weekend activity that will help little ones burn through some energy before bedtime, Sky Zone is a great option. The jump park is full of unique attractions, like Sky Tower and Warped Wall. Plus, you can bring some friends along for a Skyslam basketball game or a friendly game of Ultimate Dodgeball.

You don’t have to be a kid to jump into the fun at Sky Zone, though. Kids at heart will love flopping into the safely padded pits of the foam zone just as much as their pint sized counterparts. Try your hand at the ninja warrior course, or just shake out some workweek stress with freestyle jump access to the park’s many trampoline-lined rooms.

“If there is a rainy day or it's cold outside this is the place to go. They have everything. This is a trampoline park. They have dodgeball, free jump, a foam pit, 2 basketball hoops, and a newly added ninja corse with a zip line.” - Yelp Review 

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3 - Mahall Lanes

Pun a “Pin” in Your Weekend Plans with a Trip to Lakewood’s Historic Bowling Lanes

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13200 Madison Ave | Lakewood | www.mahalls20lanes.com

Since Mahall Lanes first opened its doors in 1924 – yes, you read that right, 1924 – it has seen a lot. Its original Prohibition-era layout included a barber shop, candy store, and a dance hall – and while the exact activities housed inside Mahall’s have changed over the years, the good times have kept right on rolling. Today, Mahall’s is home to an impressive 20 bowling lanes (compared to just 6 when it opened), as well as 2 bars and 2 live music stages.

The facade has remained the same since the 50s, so you start to get a sense for the history housed inside Mahall Lanes from before you even set foot through the door. During your visit, be sure to shop around – you can find cool records and merch for sale. And locals recommend stopping by for an unforgettable brunch on the weekends!

“Been coming to Mahall's for nearly 10 years! Attended numerous concerts, dance parties/Emo nights, and vintage/Halloween pop-up flea markets...Super fun atmosphere and AMAZING food. Family-friendly establishment, but also suitable for a date night. Pins and Needles is the new 70s-themed bar downstairs (obsessed).” - Yelp Review 

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4 - Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio

Brighten Up a Rainy Weekend with a Pottery-Painting Session

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7850 Mentor Ave | Mentor | mentor.busybeesart.com

Pottery might be in the name, but there’s much more to do at Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio than simply paint. Sure you can grab a brush and create your own custom dish or decoration, but you can also try your hand at: 

• Candlemaking
• Board art
• Mosaics
• Stamped jewelry 
• And more

It’s no wonder Busy Bees is getting so much buzz. If you’re craft-inclined, this is the ultimate weekend activity in Cleveland.

“Perfect for my needs. I was so thrilled to paint two 16x20" canvases (on two different days) during my stay. I loved that I could choose any painting from their large collection and work at my own pace. I wish there were a place like this near my home.” - Yelp Review 

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5 - Dave and Busters

Watch the Browns on the Big Screen, or Go For a W of Your Own

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25735 1st St | Westlake | www.daveandbusters.com

It’s hard to talk about weekend activities without shouting out the local Dave and Busters location. If you haven’t been, we definitely recommend stopping in – especially during football season. You can watch the Browns game on the biggest screen you can imagine this weekend, which sure beats kicking your feet up on the table in the living room yet again. 

Looking for something more than sports? Dave and Busters has all your favorite arcade games, too. Chow down on some tasty food, sip your favorite soda or margs, get lost in VR, rack up some serious tickets, and score major prizes. No matter which activity you choose, it’ll definitely be a win.

“I have to say that the employees at this location are amazing - Curt was extremely helpful and generous with helping me through a tech issue and my son and the front desk staff was amazing!” - Yelp Review 

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6 - Fat Head’s Brewery & Saloon

Bringing Together Craft Brews and Great Food Since 1992

Grab a Fat Head’s Brewery gift card by following the link!

24581 Lorain Rd | North Olmsted | fatheads.com

The OG Fat Head’s Saloon was opened just a hop (haha), skip, and a jump away from Cleveland in nearby Pittsburgh, PA. Glenn and buddy Matt opened their first brewpub in 1992, and the accolades just started pouring in. Today, the brewing company has locations in Middleburg Heights and Canton as well, and of course this one in North Olmsted.

If you’re looking for a 21+ activity to unwind this weekend, consider testing out a flight of Fat Head’s brews. The Headhunter IPA has a cult following, but Bumble Berry (Sunshine Blueberry Ale) and St. Fatty’s (Irish Red Ale) are also fan faves. Spend a few minutes perusing the reviews for Fat Head’s, and you’ll quickly discover that people come for the booze and stay for the food. Be sure to try out some of their burgers, fries, and appetizers during your visit for the full Fat Head’s experience.

“My family comes here almost on a weekly basis. Excellent beer, excellent staff, excellent sandwiches + burgers + apps. Can't say enough good things about this place!” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Fat Head’s Brewery gift card by following the link!

7 - Chuck E. Cheese

Serving Up Smiles and Delicious Cheesy Pizza Slices 

Grab a Chuck E. Cheese gift card by following the link!

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26104 Great Northern Shopping Cntr | North Olmsted | www.chuckecheese.com

Chuck E. Cheese is the mouse that needs no introduction. The first location opened in California in 1977, and since then the restaurant/arcade has skyrocketed to popularity across the nation. There are a few locations in the Cleveland area, but the one in North Olmsted brings in the best reviews.

Kids and kids at heart will have hours of fun playing arcade games and winning tickets before they hit the prize wall. If you want to see pure joy on your kid’s face, it’s as simple as turning them loose in the ball pit. Plus, with accommodations for visitors with sensory sensitivity, Chuck E. Cheese’s makes sure everyone can have a great time this weekend.

“This place is awesome for kids! And fun for parents too. I admit I can last about 2-3 hours and then I need my nice quiet place. We stopped yesterday and had their all-you-can-eat pizza buffet- great deal. While the kids played games, I had a beer and played Pokemon for a couple hours. ( It's a poke stop! )” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Chuck E. Cheese gift card by following the link!

8 - Cinemark @ Valley View and XD

Trade in Your Streaming Services for a Night At the Theater

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6001 Canal View Rd | Cleveland | www.cinemark.com

Going to the movies used to be a big event – whether it was date night, a birthday party, just a couple of quiet hours to yourself – in the pre pandemic world, they were the place to be. While direct to steaming releases have changed things a bit, it’s still hard to beat the experience of getting gussied up for a night out on the town to see the latest release.

Whether you catch the latest kids movie with its cute animation or go for a horror flick that will send your popcorn flying with every jumpscare, you’re in for a treat at Cinemark Valley View XD. 

There are a few Cinemark locations around Cleveland, but this one takes the cake – err, gummy worms? – thanks to the immersive experience of the XD screen. With a wall-to-wall screen, immersive sound, luxury seating, and 35 trillion colors thanks to Cinemark’s state-of-the-art Barco digital 4k projectors, you won’t get a movie-watching experience like this at home.

“Beautiful theater. Comfortable seating. The XD theater screens are mammoth and make a big difference in immersing your in the film! Same comfortable, reclining seats like at their other locations. This is the crown jewel location in the area and is my preferred location to watch a movie” - Yelp Review 

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9 - Nervous Dog Coffee Bar - Beachwood

Get Caffeinated for Your Weekend Adventure at This Locally-Owned Independent Coffee House

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2102 Richmond Rd | La Place Center | www.nervousdog.com

If your weekend is a chance to step back from the corporate grind and take a deep breath, you’ll find kindred spirits at Nervous Dog Coffee Bar in Beachwood. Founded by Michael Litt when he decided to take himself out of the rat race and find a way to connect with and contribute to the community he loves. A weekend trip to Nervous Dog Coffee Bar is welcome shelter from the storm for anyone caught up in the bustle of Cleveland Monday-Friday.

This independent coffee shop serves up premium, handcrafted coffee and plenty of tasty treats to pair your drink with. It’s perfect for a little treat yourself moment or a casual get together with some neighbors or close friends. Locals and visitors alike love that you can find the fresh-made version of the syrupy drinks major chains offer at Nervous Dog – PSL with actual pumpkin puree in it? Yes please.

“Probably the best coffee shop on the east side of Cleveland. So many quality options on the menu. You can tell they take their coffee seriously here, but in a totally non-pretentious way. Hard working, friendly staff. Will be back many times.” - Yelp Review 

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That’s our list of things to do in Cleveland this weekend.

Don’t forget to stop back by the GiftYa blog soon. We’re always adding new local and national restaurants, activities, and attractions to our catalog, and we’re always featuring new guides. See you soon!