9 Unique Things to Do in Cleveland, OH

Oh, Cleveland. Situated right on the great lakes, this city has no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re a local or you’ve just been around the block in Sixth City a couple of times, you may have already checked some of the biggest attractions in Cleveland off of your list. 

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Check ✔️

Metroparks Zoo? Check ✔️

CMOA, West Side Market, Christmas Story House? Check, check, and check ✔️✔️✔️

Today we’re here to talk about some of Cleveland’s lesser known attractions – the ones you won’t find in every single guide to the city and coffee table book. Despite their hidden gem status, these popular attractions will have your time in Cleveland flying by. Whether you’re looking for something to do this weekend, need the perfect spot for a first date, or just want to plan a little family fun, there’s sure to be something on this list for you.

Plus, we’ve even indicated all of the attractions on this list that are currently accepting GiftYa.

Hang on, what’s a GiftYa?

Glad you asked, dear reader. GiftYa is a convenient digital gift card option. When you send a GiftYa, you can select from thousands of local and national brands. Then just customize your gift with an image, message, or video, and zip, off it goes. Send it immediately or schedule it in advance so that you never forget an important birthday or anniversary again. 

The best part? Convenience. No more trying to keep track of pesky physical gift cards. No more forgetting your balance because the marker smudged off the back. It’s a win-win.

But enough about that. Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s get to what we came here for: things to do in Cleveland that you haven’t already done before!

1 - Maple Heights Lanes

Family-Owned and Operated Bowling Alley in Cleveland Since 1991

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15809 Libby Rd | Maple Heights | www.facebook.com/Maple-Heights-Lanes

Okay, so if you’re local to the Cleveland area you may have been to Maple Height Lanes – but in case you’re new in town or simply haven’t thought about this C-Town staple in a while, let us (re)introduce you. Maple Heights Lanes is a cozy twelve-lane bowling alley that’s been serving the Cleveland area since 1991. This spot has a classic feel with all of the modern amenities you’d expect from a bowling alley in the 2020s, like automatic scoring.

Maple Heights Lanes is more than just bowling though – it’s everything you need for a fun afternoon or evening out. Try your hand at karaoke, or hang around for the best cosmic bowling show in town. Plus with a fully stocked bar, Maple Heights Lanes is perfect for family fun or a night out on the town – the choice is up to you.

“Went out last night and had a very good time with the family, party of four the service was on point very friendly people it was a Saturday night and it wasn't crowded the drinks and food is mad adorable full bar we had a blast I would definitely recommend anyone to go there and I'll be returning soon thank you for having us.” - Yelp Review 

Text a Maple Heights Lanes gift card

2 - Escape Room Cleveland

Spend Some Time Solving the Biggest, Most Interactive Game Room in Cleveland

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23525 Lorain Rd | North Olmsted | escaperoomclev.com

Escape rooms have popped up all over the place recently, but let’s take it back to 2016 for a minute – a time when escape rooms were just making their first appearance. Escape Room Cleveland opened its doors that year as one of Cleveland’s original escape room attractions, making it a veteran in the biz. 

Escape Room Cleveland has several options to choose from. As of this writing, visitors can try their luck at these puzzles:

• Sherlock Holmes Room
• Mad Scientist Room
• Cabin in the Woods Room
• Red Alert Room
• Bank Heist Room

Located right next to Malley’s Chocolates, you can swing by after your Escape Room Cleveland adventure for a sweet victory treat… or a tasty consolation prize!

“We had such a good time. The team work involved and the problem solving was just up my groups ally. We will 100% go back!” - Yelp Review 

Send an Escape Room Cleveland gift card

3 - Color Me Mine

Flex Those Creative Muscles with Pottery Painting 

Get creative with a Color Me Mine gift card

300 Park Ave | Beachwood | orangevillage.colormemine.com

This one is for all our creatives out there – if you’re looking for a little inspiration or simply want to express yourself with a fun project, booking a table at Color Me Mine is the way to go. Here’s how it works: staff will help you select a ceramic piece and several glaze colors, and then it’s time for you to unleash your creativity. You’ll leave your piece behind day-of so that staff can fire it in the kiln to finish your colorful creation, so you’ll have to plan to pick it up a few days later.

Color Me Mine is fun for all ages, but check the calendar for events. From workshops and classes to paint and sip nights to toddler Tuesdays, you’re sure to find something fun to do.

“This place is a lot of fun, especially if you like art. I already took my daughter there several times and she loves it, she always wanted me to take her there. The people who work there are so very friendly & helpful. I strongly suggest this place to everyone.” - Yelp Review 

Get creative with a Color Me Mine gift card

4 - Go Ape

Live Life Adventurously at This Zipline and Adventure Park

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16200 Valley Pkwy | Strongsville | www.goape.com

Calling my thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies – this Cleveland attraction is not for the faint of heart. Go Ape offers adventures for all ages and ability levels, but one of the more popular options is their Treetop Adventure. With 40+ obstacles, a 560 ft. zipline, and heart-stopping Tarzan swings from tree to tree, this unique activity will keep you busy for 2-3 unforgettable hours.

If you’re not feeling the heights, don’t worry – you can have a unique day out in Cleveland without your feet leaving the ground. Go Ape also offers ax throwing and a forest escape experience, so there’s an adventure waiting for everyone at Go Ape.

“It was a light rain, about 72 degrees. My wife is afraid of heights and had the time of her life. My 10 year old daughter loved it. Good family fun. Gloves were a good idea. Always stay attached.” - Yelp Review 

Send a gift card to Go Ape

5 - Fun’n’Stuff

North East Ohio’s Favorite Family Fun Center

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661 Highland Rd E | Macedonia | fun-n-stuff.com

Calling Fun’n’Stuff a “family fun center” is kind of like calling a T. Rex a “big lizard” – technically correct, but it leaves out a bunch of important details! Fun’n’Stuff is jam-packed with activities, indoor and outdoor, which means you can stop by for thrills any time of the year. Here are just a few of their many attractions:

• Laser tag 
• Indoor roller coaster
• Bumper cars
• Bowling
• Arcade
• Ball pit
• Mini golf
• And more!

There’s more fun stuff at Fun’n’Stuff than we can fit into an article here, so definitely head to their website for a full overview of their attractions.

“This place has really stepped it up since Covid. They have a lot more activities indoors. They've utilized their space  so much better than they had been.  This is a wonderful place for young people to hang out and have a good time in a safe environment.” - Yelp Review 

Text a Fun’n’Stuff gift card

6 - Phunkenship

An Ohio-City Original That’s Slowly Taking Over the TriState Brewery Scene

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3135 Sackett Ave | Clark-Fulton | platformbeer.co

Platform Beer Co. is a hometown original. Created by co-founders Paul Brenner and Justin Carson in 2014 in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, Platform Beer has quickly spread throughout the state of Ohio and is making its way into neighboring states as well.

Phunkenship is Platform’s dedicated sours facility, where you can sample your favorite Platform Beers as well as some special, site-specific sips. While the taproom isn’t serving up bites quite yet, the bar is fully stocked to accommodate cocktails, beer, and wine. 

“Saw this funky place pop up as an option for breweries. I had no idea that it was Platform owned. Sadly didn't get to drink from the cool glasses or have sampler on the cool skateboard sampler. But we loved the huge outdoor layout. Including the across the street location. The wife and I got to enjoy bocce. And we got to enjoy Platform beer. We will return. I love the funky interior and exterior.” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Phunkenship gift card

7 - Revelations Salon & Spa

Treat Yourself to Some R&R at This Salon & Spa

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15620 Detroit Ave | Lakewood | www.revelationshairsalon.com

Long week? We feel you. Everybody needs a little bit of self care now and then, and when a $1 sheet mask from the pharmacy won’t quite cut it, there’s Revelations Salon & Spa. This full-service salon has been serving the Cleveland area since 1994, and their clients love how the salon and stylists have remained innovative for decades while still delivering dependable results.

Shake up your style with a new ‘do, new nails, or a makeover. For a more intensive treatment, you can choose from a variety of facials tailored to specific skin concerns, such as the moisture infuser or wrinkle reducer. Revelations also offers massage, ranging from Chakra massage to couples massage to spa day packages that include a massage in combination with their other services. We can almost feel the stress melting away already.

“I love this spa! It is close to my house. They always have good deals going on and they are clean!! If you are looking for an awesome facial, get one with Pam!! She is AMAZING!!!” - Yelp Review 

Send a Revelations Salon & Spa gift card

8 - Great Lakes Watersports

Get Unique Urban Experience with Boat and Kayak Rentals

Grab a Great Lakes Watersports gift card by following the link!

1148 Main Ave | West Bank | glwatersports.com

See Cleveland like you’ve never seen it before – looking up at the city skyline from the water! Great Lakes Watersports is open May - October every day, weather permitting, and is one of the most unique ways to experience Cle. Make waves when you opt for a jet ski rental, or take it easy as you captain your own boat. Urban adventurers can even take advantage of the walk-up kayak rentals for a more vigorous activity that will get your heart pumping.

“We had a great experience! It was easy to rent a boat and they even came out to check on us to make sure everything was going ok. Everyone working was super kind a friendly!” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Great Lakes Watersports gift card by following the link!

9 - Green Rooster Farms

Fresh, fresh, fresh – did we mention fresh?

Grab a Green Rooserter Farms gift card by following the link!

2033 E 13th St | Cleveland | thedriftwoodgroup.com

If you spend a few minutes skimming the reviews for Green Rooster Farms, one word will show up again and again – you guessed it, fresh. The team here aims to serve up healthy, organic meals quickly, so this is a great place to stop if you’re in between other activities and need a bite to eat. Their menu is full of mouthwatering hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, and salads – like The Gobbler, which is piled hight with sliced turkey, white cheddar, and tasty toppings like bacon, tomato, and herb aioli.

“We were very pleasantly surprised by this place. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very quiet and the decoration really stands out. Dishes were good and fresh, and the pies just perfect.” - Yelp Review 

Grab a Green Rooserter Farms gift card by following the link!

There you have it, some of the most unique things to do in Cleveland, OH.

We hope something on this list caught your eye, but if it didn’t, don’t worry! We’re always adding new items to the GiftYa catalog… and we’re always publishing new guides on the GiftYa blog. Be sure to stop back and visit us soon to get the latest on things to do and places to eat in Cleveland and all around the country