Cleveland Rocks!
For E’s 2nd Birthday his year, my husband & I decided to do a road trip to Cleveland! Yes most people would say why Cleveland? Well why not? It was an easy little road trip, 5 hours with 2 stops. We wanted to get there as fast as we could with a toddler. We left during nap time, so he slept the first 2 hours. Crossing the border was easier than expected, but always expect a delay! We stopped for gas and a rest after the border…and decided to take the toll-free drive along Lake Erie. It was very neat to see the icy lake and beautiful “cottages” along the shoreline. We arrived in Cleveland at 7 pm. E got really whiny at the end so we were relieved to get to our hotel and settle in for the night.
I hope this blog will help with planning a fun filled family road-trip to Cleveland.
Entertainment for Toddler
Restaurants
Cleveland Scripts
Shopping
Some really cool Cleveland Facts
1. Cleveland is the birthplace of Superman
Before there was Metropolis, there was Cleveland. When comic writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster first came up with their iconic superhero creation in 1933, they were high school students at Cleveland’s Glenville High School.
2. Inventions
Modern medicine and science has been heavily influenced by some of Cleveland’s best minds. From Charles F. Brush’s 1879 invention of the electric streetlight to full-body scanners and X-ray machines in the 20th century, Which is super neat for a nerd like me!
3. Cleveland is a spelling mistake.
Cleveland was founded by General Moses Cleaveland. A local newspaper didn’t have enough space on its masthead to fit it, so the letter was dropped.
We had so much fun at the museum. Each room had its own theme and activities for all ages.
Entertainment for Toddlers
When planning a trip to a different city, I usually do pre research to find activities that adults and toddler would enjoy! We decide to try the Children’s Museum Cleveland located downtown Cleveland. We arrived around 10:00 am which was opening time. The parking lot was already filling up!
We brought snacks, our coffees and E’s water bottle. The line up for buying tickets was short and the customer service was on par.
Our Favourite Room in the Museum was the Wonder Lab. We had a blast playing in the water! E wanted to go back twice. They gave you a smock to cover clothing. He looked so adorable in the yellow smock!
The Adventure City was also a score for E. He loved the garage and the build a car. Two little kids played with him in the car. It was pretty cute. If I was a parent in Cleveland, the $80 annual membership would be totally worth it!
More Fun Facts about Cleveland
Potato chips were first mass produced in Cleveland
Ian Hunter’s song, “Cleveland Rocks,” is often seen as the city’s anthem.
Euclid Avenue used to be called Millionaires Row and was home to nothing but elaborate mansions and wealthy residents. (The Children’s museum is in one of these mansions)
Famous oil businessman John D. Rockefeller lived in Cleveland and is still buried there today.
Bill Watterson, the artist and author of the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” grew up in Cleveland.
Our stay in Independence Ohio was perfect!! Directly off the hwy and close enough to downtown; about 10 minutes away. Without being too expensive and busy, the staff was super friendly and the breakfast was delicious. E was entertained by the staff and he loved seeing them every morning while he ate. The hotel was quiet and well kept. The room had a separate living area, with a desk and mini kitchen. Loved having a separate sink from the bathroom. No microwave.
Hotel Stay
Wyatt Place Independence Ohio
Shopping
When I am in US, we can never forget shopping KOHLS. There is always a sale and a coupon to use. This time we had 30% off our purchase. E was getting tired, so it was a rushed shopping session. I love the brands they sells.
Restaurant
We had so much fun at the museum, we went back to the hotel for a 2 hour nap.We decided to go for a late dinner afterwards to celebrate E’s Birthday and the Chinese New Year! It was very busy at a couple popular restaurants by the hotel, so we drove into Parma (5 minute drive). We settled on Chinese/Japanese restaurant called Kumo Japanese Buffet. This was perfect for my husband because he loves Chinese food and there was so much variety!!
