Summer is prime time for many families to take a break and enjoy some quality time together! But while a tropical paradise like The Bahamas might be an ideal destination choice, we know many of us are more likely to be staying in the Cleveland area.
But is that a problem? No way! There are plenty of Cleveland summer activities to fuel an excellent staycation. We’ve noted a few of our favorites below.
And since we’re experts in foot and ankle care, we’ve interspersed a few staycation foot care tips as well because we just care that much.
So where are you thinking of going this summer?
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
If you have not been to our local zoo in some time, you’re missing out on an impressive menagerie of wildlife. Monkey Island is one of the largest collections of primates in North America, and we feel we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the black-footed cate or red footed tortoise.
Residents of Cuyahoga County get free admission to the zoo on Mondays (observed holidays excluded), and you can always save $1 on other days by ordering online!
Foot Tip: You’ll be walking more distance at the zoo than you might expect. Make sure your shoes are supportive and comfortable to prevent aches and blisters. This is not a good time to break in a pair of new shoes or be wearing flip-flops.
Headlands Beach State Park
Up in Mentor, Headlands Beach State Park has the largest natural sand beach in Ohio! In addition to sunbathing, swimming and picnicking, there’s also a fishing area along a breakwall and trails to walk both within the state park and through the adjacent nature preserve.
If you want to stay closer to Cleveland, don’t forget all the other parks and nature preserves that are part of the Metroparks network! They’ve been around for more than 100 years, so they seem to know what they’re doing.
Foot Tip: When applying sunscreen, don’t forget the tops of your feet! These often-neglected areas can burn, too. And don’t wait until you’re in the parking lot to put on sunscreen; apply it a half hour before so it’s already working at full when you get in the sun!
Cleveland Botanical Garden and The Holden Aboretum
If you don’t get enough green in your life, then either of these destinations can provide some needed floral therapy.
The Cleveland Botanical Garden features 20 unique gardens, including a Japanese garden and a children’s garden. The Eleanor Armstrong Glasshouse also features 350 species of exotic plants, along with butterflies, birds, and amphibians. It’s like walking into another world!
Admission to the botanical garden is $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-12. Children 2 and under are free.
The Holden Arboretum is farther away from the city closer to Headlands Beach State Park, but has its own special reason to visit: the Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower. The walk raises you 65 feet above the ground, while the tower offers a 120-foot-tall panoramic view over the trees and (on a clear day) all the way out to Lake Erie!
Admission to the arboretum is $10 for adults and $4 for children 6-18 (5 and under are free). Access to the canopy walk and tower is an additional $4 for adults and $2 for children 6-18.
Foot Tip: If you’re taking the stairs up the tower, stretch your calves a bit first by doing some heel raises. It will help prevent injuries and lessen soreness. You’ll thanks us.
Movies at Crocker Park
Who doesn’t like catching a movie outside now and then? Every Thursday over the summer, Crocker Park offers free, family-friendly movies in their West Park area.
Films in 2018 include Moana, Wonder Woman, the 40th anniversary showing of Grease, and a “Christmas in July” showing of Elf.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Whether you want to put your feet up fully or get a ride back from biking, the train is a fun way to do it!
Running from Independence to Akron, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad provides trips through the forests of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and also offers themed trips throughout the summer.
If you want to take a biking trip down the Towpath Trail, you and your bikes can hitch a ride back on the train at any boarding station! Just make sure to wave both hands over your head to flag the train down—one arm will just be taken as a friendly wave (seriously).
Scenic trip prices vary by event. If you want to take advantage of one-way biker or hiker pickups, be prepared to pay $5 per person.
Cleveland Museum of Art
If you prefer to spend a hot day indoors, the Cleveland Museum of Art provides a peaceful and—even better—free place to go (although some special exhibits may have their own costs). In addition to an outstanding collection of art pieces, there is also an interactive exhibit, Gallery One, that is a favorite of kids and families.
Enjoy Your Staycation Free of Foot Pain and Problems!
We wouldn’t recommend ourselves as a summer fun destination (and especially not somewhere to staycation), but we do want to be here to help you keep treat the conditions that might put a crimp in your enjoyment—from foot pain to unsightly fungal toenails!
