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Looking for fun things to do in Cleveland that won’t cost a dime? You’re in luck.
The Land is packed with free attractions, from stunning lakefront views to world-class museums and hidden local gems. Whether you’re a lifelong Clevelander or just visiting, there’s always something to explore without opening your wallet.
You can hike through the Cleveland Metroparks, snap photos at the iconic script signs, or catch a breathtaking sunset at Edgewater Beach.
Love history? Walk through historic neighborhoods, tour the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, or visit the final resting place of John D. Rockefeller.
If you’re into arts and culture, stop by the Cleveland Museum of Art or browse local galleries at 78th Street Studios.
No matter your interests, this list has something for everyone.
Here are 50 of the best free things to do in Cleveland year-round.
The following list is split into five categories:
- Outdoor Adventures 1-10
- Arts & Culture 11-20
- History & Nostalgia 21-30
- Events & Entertainment 31-40
- Unique & Quirky 41-50
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50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
1. Walk the Cleveland Script Signs
Snap a picture at all six iconic CLE script signs.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
2. Explore the Cleveland Metroparks
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
3. Visit Edgewater Beach
Relax on the sand, swim in the lake, or enjoy a stunning sunset.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
4. Check Out the Rocky River Reservation
Hike, fish, or watch for bald eagles.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
5. Climb to the Top of the Terminal Tower Observation Deck
This is free on select weekends.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
6. Bike the Towpath Trail
Ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
7. Walk the Flats East Bank Boardwalk
Stroll along the river and take in the city skyline.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
8. Visit Wendy Park
Great for birdwatching and views of downtown.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
9. Walk or Run Across the Hope Memorial Bridge
Features the famous Guardians of Traffic statues.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
10. Explore Lakewood Park’s Solstice Steps
Amazing lakefront views at sunset.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
11. Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art
One of the best art museums in the country, and it’s always free.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
12. Browse the Transformer Station Gallery
Contermporary art in Ohio City.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
13. Take a Free Tour of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
Learn about Cleveland’s Civil War history.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
14. Explore the Muserum of Contermporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland
Free admission on the first Saturday of the month.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
15. Check Out the Free Galleries in 78th Street Studios
Open every Third Friday.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
16. Watch the Outdoor Screenings at Wade Oval Wednesdays
This is a summer only event.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
17. Explore the Cleveland Cultural Gardens
35+ gardens representing different cultures.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
18. Tour the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Learning Center
Learn about money and banking.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
19. Visit the Morgan Conservatory
A hidden gem showcasing the art of papermaking.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
20. See the Inside of the Historic Allen Theatre
Tours are offered occasionally.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
21. Walk Through Little Italy
Experience the charm and history of this cultural district.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
22. Tour the Cleveland Police Museum
See Eliot Ness memorabilia and crime history.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
23. Explore the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
Beautiful plants and flowers, open year-round.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
24. Visit the historic West Side Market
Walking around is free (if you don’t buy anything!).
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
25. Check Out the Free Exhibits at the Cleveland History Center
They occasionally offer free admission days.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
26. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Playhouse Square
The largest performing arts district outside of NYC.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
27. Visit Lake View Cemetery
Final resting place of John D. Rockafeller and President James A. Garfield.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
28. See the Oldest Stone Building in Cleveland at Dunham Tavern Muserum
Free on select days.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
29. Walk Through Ohio City’s Historic District
Features beautifull preserved 19th century homes.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
30. Take a Self-Guided Tour of Tremont’s Churces
St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral is a must-see.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
31. Attend a Free Concert at Public Squre
Various events throughout the year.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
32. Watch the Cleveland Air Show for Free from a Nearby Park
Burke Lakefront Airport hosts it, but you can see the planes from outside.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
33. Go to a Free Friday Night Concert at Wade Oval
These events only occur during the summer.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
34. Check Out the Flats Festival of the Arts
Usually held in late summer.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
35. See Fireworks Over Downtown on July 4th
View from Edgewater Park or the Flats.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
36. Watch a Free Show at Severance Hall
Sometiems open rehearsals are free.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
37. See the Lighting of the Christmas Tree at Public Square.
Happens every November.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
38. Enjoy Free Yoga at dewater Beach
Offered seasonally.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
39. Attend the Cleveland International Film Festival’s Free Screenings
Select films are free each year.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
40. Go to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
One of the biggest in the country.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
41. Take a Photo with the Free Stamp Sculpture
One of Cleveland’s weirdest landmarks.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
42. See the LeBron James Mural
If they put one up again!
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
43. Visit the Christmas Story House (Outside Only)
You can take photos of the iconic leg lamp from the street.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
44. Find the Hidden Arcade in Tower City
A piece of old-school Cleveland.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
45. Walk the Euclid Beach Park Pier
Features remnants of the old amusement park.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
46. Visit the Heinen’s Rotunda
A grocery store inside a historic bank building.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
47. Take a Free Brewery Tour at Great Lakes Brewing Company
Free tours are offered at certain times.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
48. Explore the Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The festival tself isn’t fee, but you van see some of the lanters fro outside the zoo.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
49. Check Out the Free Pop-Up Events at hingetown
Art shows, music, and community gatherings.
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
50. Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
It’s free to browse, even if you don’t buy anything!
50 Free Things To Do In Cleveland Year-Round was originally published on ronenewstalkcleveland.staging.go.ione.nyc
