We traveled to Cleveland, OH for the holidays with our 16-month-old toddler and had a blast! We brought Mimi along and stayed at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade downtown. The Hyatt downtown is my favorite hotel in Cleveland, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful historic properties Hyatt owns! THis is the best place to start your Cleveland with Kids weekend.
The hotel has a beautiful atrium that leads to suite-like rooms. We use a hotel pack-n-play and have our baby sleep in the living room portion so we get our own space. Parents, do be wary of events and weddings in the arcade – music can be very loud in the atrium late into the night.
For tips on how I pack my family, check out my detailed, printable/editable packing list here.
Mimi: The Travel Hack Everyone Should Know
Thinking of going to Cleveland with kids? Taking a mimi on vacation is one of the top travel hacks there is. When you bring grandparents on a trip, you get the best of both worlds: precious family time AND the opportunity for a night out on the town! So of course, we did both.
Exploring Cleveland with a Toddler
We hit the arcades for shopping on what the Ohio natives in our family call a “Cleveland Day” aka cold, cloudy, and rainy. But downtown was all lit up so beautifully with loads of holiday spirit that even the weather couldn’t dampen our excitement!
West Side Market: A Must-Visit for Families
One of my all-time favorite stops is the West Side Market – a huge indoor shopping experience not unlike what you’d find in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. There’s local Polish sausage, pierogis, pizza, meats, produce, and of course, treats & flowers! The building itself was built in 1912 European-inspired creation. It’s indoors and heated. Absolutely a must-see when visiting Cleveland with kids – it’s covered, warm, and full of interesting sights and smells for curious toddlers. I do daydream about shopping the market weekly if we ever get to move there.
Lake Erie Views
We always drive by the lake – it depends on how bad of a “Cleveland Day” you’re having, whether you’ll even be able to see the lake, but it’s always something for me. The Great Lakes are so vast, it’s hard to believe they’re lakes and not oceans.
Toddler-Friendly Dining in Cleveland
We ate lunch at Mabel’s BBQ – perfect for our toddler who does baby-led weaning (check out the Solid Starts app for ways to offer food based on age). A smoked turkey or traditional Polish sausage is a great source of protein and fat for little ones, and the casual atmosphere means you don’t have to worry about noise levels. The place had great sides & drinks and we made some wonderful family memories.
Shopping for Cleveland Souvenirs
Looking for souvenirs? My favorite tee shop in all “The Land” – but really, this may be a worldwide favorite of mine being a designer, is Cleveland Clothing Company. They have multiple locations, one being just across the street from the Hyatt. If you’re looking for something to take home or wear on your trip, it’s a must-stop.
Date Night Thanks to Mimi
That evening we took advantage of our Mimi being there, and my husband and I went out for a comedy show, one of our favorite date night activities, at a little comedy joint within walking distance of our hotel, Hilarities 4th Street Theatre. We saw a character my husband recognized from a vintage JRE podcast, and we even got a signed children’s book from him! Is it hard for everyone else to stop thinking about their kids, even on a date night?
Why Cleveland Deserves a Spot on Your Family Travel List
I know Cleveland doesn’t exactly top the “Luxury Family Vacation” list, but hear me out. The city was built on industry, so you get all the creative architecture and hipster flair of Denver without all the crowds. The history is still very much on the surface, which you lose in many of the more modern US cities. And the weather? Hmm, okay, not my best point, but you can’t beat a 75-and-sunny fall Browns game! Our next trip, we will absolutely be taking the boys to baseball and football, especially before they move the stadium! Also on my list is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Children’s Museum.
What’s your favorite unexpected family travel destination? Have you ever brought grandparents along on a trip?
