Last month, my family and I went on a fantastic adventure from Grand Rapids to Cleveland to see the total solar eclipse. Exploring a new city and making wonderful family memories was a special experience. The drive took about five to six hours, and we took breaks at different service plazas along the way. These stops were perfect for grabbing food, using clean restrooms, and getting a stretch break.
We stayed in a lovely Airbnb in Chagrin Falls, just outside the city. The place was cozy, with two bedrooms on the first floor and a spacious master suite upstairs. It had everything we needed. One of the bedrooms was set up as a kid’s room with a twin bed and crib. There was a changing table, extra diapers, lotion, and anything parents could have left behind. There was also a variety of toys that were perfect for our toddlers. A bonus was how close we were to downtown Chagrin Falls, which meant we could easily check out the fun shops and enjoy some local meals. Check them out if you need a family rental in the Cleveland area.
The areas around Cleveland had so much to offer, from beautiful parks to fun attractions. We had a blast at Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground Park, an expansive outdoor playspace that sparked our kids’ imaginations with its different settings and play villages. We also loved spending time at the peaceful Wade Lagoon, located within the Cleveland Museum of Art, where we took strolls and enjoyed the scenery and wildlife.
Let me tell you about the food—Cleveland’s culinary scene is impressive! One of our favorite dining experiences was at Hofbrauhaus, a lively German family-style pub and restaurant that hosts special family days. We secured a table during their Family Day event, a regular event geared towards parents with littles. We had a great time enjoying brunch favorites like eggs, benedict, and waffles. At the same time, our kids got complimentary face painting and had fun with other activities. It made dining out with toddlers so much easier! Plus, the kid’s menu is fabulous!
On the day of the eclipse, we started our morning at the Cleveland Children’s Museum, which was even better than we expected. Adventure City, with its multi-level play areas, was full of entertainment. My oldest was impressed with its “rooftop” garden, while my youngest enjoyed playing doctor in the hospital.
Once the space cleared, we wandered around to the Wonder Lab. This space is beyond excellent. Our kids were beyond curious when we walked in with its interactive exhibits focused on water and science. As you can imagine, it was a hit. After some water play, we headed outside to dry off and join the library’s outdoor social eclipse festivities, which featured space-themed snacks and activities. The sky changed completely when totality hit, leaving us in awe of the incredible sight. My oldest kept saying, “Mama, the sky was dark; now it’s light again!”
After the eclipse, we spent the afternoon exploring downtown Chagrin Falls, treating ourselves to popcorn and ice cream from local shops. Even though our time in Cleveland was short, it made a lasting impression on our family. With its rich history and much to do, it’s a city we want to visit again soon. My husband even managed to sneak a visit to the Cleveland Guardians stadium. However, we missed the season’s opening day by a bit.
With its mix of culture, food, and charm, Cleveland was the perfect place for our eclipse adventure. And being so close to West Michigan, it’s a destination we’ll return to for more family fun and exploration. We are counting down the days until Bluey’s Big Play performance at Playhouse Square in Cleveland.
We’ll see you then!