Summers in Northeast Ohio can be unforgiving. Not only does the temperature rise, but the influence of Lake Erie’s water supply causes the humidity to rise, too. On days with such incredible heat, there’s nothing like a water-powered retreat to cool you down. Get ready for the most incredible road trip you can imagine, because you’re really going to want to make a splash this summer.
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium (2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland)
management/TripAdvisor When this charming destination opened its doors in 2012, it ended a nearly three-decade period in which Cleveland was without an aquarium. To appease the needs of Clevelanders, this watery wonderland is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From local to tropical, you’ll make many new finned friends at the aquarium. To purchase tickets and plan your trip, click here
- East Beach at Lakeview Park (1800 W Erie Ave., Lorain)
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr This lovely lakefront beach is a summertime dream come true. Complete with views of a lighthouse, a rose garden, and a sandy shore that will leave you captivated, this beach is a lovely way to kick off any summertime road trip.
- Maritime Museum of Sandusky (125 Meigs St., Sandusky)
Maritime Museum of Sandusky Website This is one museum where you can really dive into history. You’ll love learning about everything from pirates to Lake Erie, and you’ll make some unexpected discoveries along the way. During the summer months, this maritime museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on admission and exhibits, click here.
- Twinsburg Water Park (10084 Ravenna Rd., Twinsburg)
Twinsburg Water Park Website You’ll love making a splash at this charming pool. This petite park includes a huge waterslide and an atmosphere that simply can’t be beaten. For rates and hours, click here.
- Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center (32850 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake)
Avon Lake Parks & Recreation Department/Facebook With the overwhelmingly fun and friendly atmosphere of Avon Lake, it should come as no surprise that it’s home to such an incredible waterpark. This hidden gem is open to residents of Avon Lake in the summer months.
- Edgewater Park Beach (6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland)
Erik Drost / Flickr Just outside of Downtown Cleveland is a little stretch of sand that lovers of the Cleveland Metroparks simply can’t get enough of. This park is home to one of the iconic Cleveland script signs, making it a gorgeous place for summertime selfies.
- Water Works Family Aquatic Center (2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls)
Water Works Family Aquatic Center/Facebook You’ll love a float down the lazy river at this family-friendly waterpark. Complete with waterfalls and geysers, this manmade gem is a must-see destination. And the ticket rates simply can’t be beat!
- Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park (10661 Kile Rd., Chardon)
beachmom250/TripAdvisor This family fun spot is just 40 miles east of Cleveland and it is well worth the drive. The city surrounding the park is full of charm, and its Waterland park features activities that appeal to little kids, big kids, and grownups alike. And, if you’re just taking the kids to the pool for their enjoyment, you might enjoy some of the dry-land activities like mini golfing.
- Monsoon Lagoon Water Park (1530 S Danbury Rd., Port Clinton)
management/TripAdvisor Port Clinton is a watery wonderland on its own, with its heart firmly anchored in Lake Erie. However, man-made fun is held in just as much esteem. You will love going from go-karts to the waterslides at this awesome family fun center. For information on tickets and pricing, click here.
- Vermilion
Doug Kerr/Flickr This dreamy coastal getaway is one of Northern Ohio’s most cherished gems. This historic, quaint community is nestled against the lake, and its nautical personality can’t be beaten. You’ll love unwinding on Main Street Beach this summer. You can find the full story on this pretty place here.
Northern Ohio is a gorgeous place to visit in the summer, but the heat and humidity can truly be killer. You’ll love spending time in these cool places, and they’ll truly help you make a splash this summer.
management/TripAdvisor
When this charming destination opened its doors in 2012, it ended a nearly three-decade period in which Cleveland was without an aquarium. To appease the needs of Clevelanders, this watery wonderland is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From local to tropical, you’ll make many new finned friends at the aquarium. To purchase tickets and plan your trip, click here
Rona Proudfoot/Flickr
This lovely lakefront beach is a summertime dream come true. Complete with views of a lighthouse, a rose garden, and a sandy shore that will leave you captivated, this beach is a lovely way to kick off any summertime road trip.
Maritime Museum of Sandusky Website
This is one museum where you can really dive into history. You’ll love learning about everything from pirates to Lake Erie, and you’ll make some unexpected discoveries along the way. During the summer months, this maritime museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. For more information on admission and exhibits, click here.
Twinsburg Water Park Website
You’ll love making a splash at this charming pool. This petite park includes a huge waterslide and an atmosphere that simply can’t be beaten. For rates and hours, click here.
Avon Lake Parks & Recreation Department/Facebook
With the overwhelmingly fun and friendly atmosphere of Avon Lake, it should come as no surprise that it’s home to such an incredible waterpark. This hidden gem is open to residents of Avon Lake in the summer months.
Erik Drost / Flickr
Just outside of Downtown Cleveland is a little stretch of sand that lovers of the Cleveland Metroparks simply can’t get enough of. This park is home to one of the iconic Cleveland script signs, making it a gorgeous place for summertime selfies.
Water Works Family Aquatic Center/Facebook
You’ll love a float down the lazy river at this family-friendly waterpark. Complete with waterfalls and geysers, this manmade gem is a must-see destination. And the ticket rates simply can’t be beat!
beachmom250/TripAdvisor
This family fun spot is just 40 miles east of Cleveland and it is well worth the drive. The city surrounding the park is full of charm, and its Waterland park features activities that appeal to little kids, big kids, and grownups alike. And, if you’re just taking the kids to the pool for their enjoyment, you might enjoy some of the dry-land activities like mini golfing.
Port Clinton is a watery wonderland on its own, with its heart firmly anchored in Lake Erie. However, man-made fun is held in just as much esteem. You will love going from go-karts to the waterslides at this awesome family fun center. For information on tickets and pricing, click here.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This dreamy coastal getaway is one of Northern Ohio’s most cherished gems. This historic, quaint community is nestled against the lake, and its nautical personality can’t be beaten. You’ll love unwinding on Main Street Beach this summer. You can find the full story on this pretty place here.
For more summer fun, swing by this enchantingly beautiful destination near Cleveland.
Also, don’t forget to check out this compilation of the best things you can do in Cleveland.
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