8 Things to Do in Cleveland… Today! [Last-Minute Plans Survival Guide]

Finding something to-do last minute isn’t always easy, unless of course you’re lucky enough to be in a city like Cleveland. With a thriving restaurant scene, dozens of museums, and countless parks and attractions to choose from, you can find something fun to do with no advance notice at all.

Whether you have relatives stopping by for a quick visit or you have simply arrived at the weekend with no idea how you want to unwind from the stress of your 9-to-5, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a peek at what we’ve got in store for you today:

• Some of Cleveland’s most iconic museums
• Activities that let you unleash your creativity
• Old school cool arcade games

And so much more. Plus, we’ve also pointed out all of the spots on this list that accept GiftYa.

What’s GiftYa?

GiftYa is a convenient digital gift card option for people in Cleveland and all over the country. Just choose from thousands of local and national brands to get started. In just a couple of clicks, you can customize, schedule, and send your gift to anyone you choose. The recipient can use the GiftYa app, link their gift to a physical credit card they carry with them every day anyway to rack up those rewards points, or exchange/regift their card in just a few taps.

Head over to GiftYa to learn more and check out the entire catalog.

Now that we’re on the same page, let’s get to the good stuff and find you some fun things to do in Cleveland today!

1 - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Take a Trip Through Music History at One of the Most Well-Known Museums in Cleveland

1100 Rock and Roll Blvd | Northeast District | rockhall.com

What do Green Day, Bon Jovi, and Aretha Franklin have in common? They’re among the 365 musical artists who currently hold the title of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is perhaps one of the most iconic buildings in the city of Cleveland, housed inside a great glass pyramid on the chilly south shore of Lake Erie. Most Clevelanders have visited, and most visitors place the museum at the top of their list, but it’s worth pointing out that even if you’ve stopped by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before, it might be time for another visit.

With new exhibits every few months and new performers inducted during a huge concert/ceremony every spring, there’s always something new to see. Enjoy interactive exhibits, iconic photo ops, tons of music memorabilia, and the coolest gift shop in town. Open daily, a trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame requires minimal planning – and it’s an easy way to make sure your day totally rocks.

“The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is the crowning achievement of Cleveland, Ohio. It is a necessary - MUST DO for all visitors to come here! I'm not even a knowledgeable music person but still had a wonderful time. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised with how I connected and recognized all the artists. You'd have to be living under a rock not to appreciate being here.” - Yelp Review

2 - Museum of Contemporary Art

Broaden Your Horizons Today and Experience a New Era of Art

Text a MOCA gift card

11400 Euclid Ave | University | mocacleveland.org

There are many museums in Cleveland, from small displays set up by historic societies to expansive buildings. Cleveland’s Museum of Art is a popular stop, but if you’re looking to shake up your plans with something a little different, consider a trip to the Museum of Contemporary Art instead.

With free admission for all, you don’t have to worry about dropping lots of money on tickets for an experience you’re not too sure about. Whether you consider yourself an art aficionado or you don’t think you’ll “get” what contemporary artists are trying to convey, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland is a great way to experience some of the newest trends and ideas in the art world.

“Fantastic museum! The quality of the exhibit is almost overshadowed by the incredible architecture of the building. From the top overlook you can truly appreciate the intricate geometric shapes that make up the giant trapezoidal building. The modern exhibits were provoking, funny and very trendy.” - Yelp Review

Text a MOCA gift card

3 - Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Dozens of Gardens Dedicated to Distinct Cultural and Nationality Groups

690 E 88th St | Rockefeller Park | culturalgardens.org

If you’re looking for something to do in Cleveland today, why not take some time to stop and smell the flowers? Located in Rockefeller Park along Martin Luther King Boulevard and East Boulevard, the 33+ gardens are an oasis of greenery and art in Cleveland.

Dedicated to different cultural and nationality groups – like the Carpatho-Rusyn garden and the French cultural garden – the gardens contain babbling streams, thriving plants, and monuments to poets, philosophers, peacemakers, composers, scientists, and more. With the motto “peace through mutual understanding,” the Cleveland Cultural Gardens are the perfect place to pass some time decompressing and reflecting.

“The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are gorgeous! This is a must see if you are a Clevelander or visiting from out of town. This is one of my favorite places to ride my bike to from downtown, as it connects to the bike path through the lakefront airport and goes past East 55th marina. You can also go all the way to Case / Cleveland Heights following this route.” - Yelp Review

4 - Escape Room Cleveland

Ultimate Choose Your Adventure Activity

Send an Escape Room Cleveland gift card

23525 Lorain Rd | North Olmsted | escaperoomclev.com

Escape Rooms are like a game of Clue come to life. They put you directly into the action, asking participants to work together, solve puzzles, and ultimately find their way out of the room. Escape Room Cleveland has four convenient locations in North Olmsted, Strongsville, Mentor, and Coventry – each with their own unique challenges.

What kind of challenges, you might ask? The North Olmsted location feature here has several themes available as of this writing:

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

For visitors in the great city of Cleveland and anyone who can’t get enough of Ohio history, we recommend the Bank Heist option. Set in North Eastern Ohio, the story keeps your adventure in the Cleveland area.

“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

5 - House of Blues Cleveland

Live Music & Great Food from the Co-Founder of Hard Rock Cafe

308 Euclid Ave | Gateway District | houseofblues.com

Already home to the Rock & Roll Hall of fame, it makes sense that music-loving Cleveland also has its very own House of Blues location as well. Founded by co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe Isaac Tigget and Blues Brothers star Dan Akroyd, the first venue opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day in 1992. That first Cambridge location was backed by a star-studded list of supporters ranging from Aerosmith to Harvard University. Today, the music venue and restaurant has locations across the country… including right here in Cleveland.

Catch some live music to turn up the energy on an otherwise mundane day, or stop in for some tasty Southern-inspired cuisine and a creative cocktail from the restaurant’s full bar. Visitors love the generous food portions – especially when it comes to popular dishes like the jambalaya and voodoo shrimp. You can also find plenty of menu options that aren’t quite as fiery – the strip steak and fried chicken are favorites, too.

“never dreamed I'd have the opportunity to visit this iconic location, and it did not disappoint! It doesn't seem like too much from the exterior, but nestled in the heart of Cleveland. If you are in Cleveland & looking for not just a historic experience but also a good performance- you definitely want to put this on your list! I cannot wait to visit again.” - Yelp Review

6 - Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio

All Your Favorite Crafts, All in One Convenient Studio

Share a Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio gift card

7850 Mentor Ave | Mentor | mentor.busybeesart.com

Looking for a way to express yourself? Then I have great news for you! Busy Bees Pottery & Art studio is here to help you create memories through art in a variety of mediums, so you don’t have to put a cap on your creativity. Stop in during studio hours and choose from a number of different projects to get started.

The staff and art educators at Busy Bees can help you with:

• Painting your own pottery, canvas, or wine glass
• Creating colorful mosaics
• Building clay sculptures by hand
• Making everything from jewelry to tea lights with warm glass fusing
• Shaking up your decor when you create a custom piece of board art for your home

Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio is open for drop ins, so you can stop by today if you want. Or if you backburner this one, keep in mind that they are also available for birthday parties, fundraisers, BYOB parties, and even mobile artmaking with their studio on the go. The only limit to the memories you can create with Busy Bees is your own imagination.

“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

Share a Busy Bees Pottery & Art Studio gift card

7 - Superelectric Pinball Parlor

Hanging Out with Friends is Built into the Superelectric Story

6500 Detroit Ave | Detroit-Shoreway | superelectric.tv

Looking for something to do with friends? Whether your family’s in town or you’re an out-of-towner yourself, Superelectric Pinball Parlor is a great place to hang out because the collection literally sprang from some BGSU buddies getting together to play games in their art studio. After hosting plenty of popular parties and hangouts – and growing their collection of pinball machines – the group found the perfect permanent location in the heart of the Gordon Square Arts District.

Superelectric has provided machines for the Cleveland Comedy Festival, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and even Bonnaroo, so they know a thing or two about pinball. Just pay a flat admission fee of $6 to get in the door, and then all parlor games are all-you-can-play. Are you up for the challenge?

“Superelectric Pinball Parlor is definitely a must do in Cleveland!  Full of character and a fun filled atmosphere, this place boasts some really cool restored pinball machines for all ages!  It's a fabulous alternate to the bar scene.” - Yelp Review

8 - Sky Zone

Get Active at the Original Indoor Trampoline Park

Text a Sky Zone gift card

31500 Viking Pwky | Westlake | www.skyzone.com

Need to shake off some work stress, help the kiddos burn off some energy, or entertain a group for a while? Be sure to check out Sky Zone, Cleveland’s original indoor trampoline park. Spend time jumping, playing games like dodgeball, slam dunk a basketball, test your abilities on the ninja agility course, and more. This family-friendly activity is a great way to get moving today or any day.

“Definitely a slept on place, hidden gem in Westlake. It doesn't seem like much, but what a work-out it is jumping on trampolines and fun too! Kids loved it and so did I. Even after I was in and waiting, I did not expect much, but as soon as I started jumping, it was super fun.” - Yelp Review

Text a Sky Zone gift card

Have you found the perfect thing to do in Cleveland today?

Whether you’re a punk rocker or creative genius, we’ve covered a variety of activities in Cleveland that we’re sure you’ll be excited to add to your agenda today. Don’t forget, you can send a GiftYa to any of the locations indicated above in just seconds – and invite someone you care about along on your adventure today. Thanks for reading!