The Cuyahoga National Park is located just over 20 miles outside of Cleveland, Ohio. The park covers 33,000 acres through which the Cuyahoga River runs. The park offers scenic beauty and extensive hiking trails. The animals in the park are mainly small mammals, birds and amphibians, coyotes are the largest predator in the park but are in low numbers. Visitors to the park will find a wide range of available activities including fishing, kayaking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The park is open year round, and visitors centers are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Geauga Lake's Wildwater Kingdom is a water park based in Aurora, Ohio, less than 30 miles south of Cleveland. It is a seasonal outdoor park that is open from late May through early September, with running hours being between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, as of October 2010. The park is open to all ages, offering swimming, water slides and wave pools. Summer vacationers will find the Wildwater Kingdom a great place to cool off and have some family fun. A range of eateries is also available at the park including pizza, burgers and sandwiches, so guests can stay fed during an all-day visit.
The Cleveland Zoo has stood in its current location since 1907, beginning as a wildlife park only displaying native animals. Within 30 years, it started to build a collection of exotic species. The zoo today is home to lions, tigers, rhino and a multitude of other animals. The park is separated into zones, making it easy for guests to find their favorite animals. An exciting attraction for the entire family, the zoo is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was established in 1920, and today houses a multitude of exhibits. Those interested in the natural history of our planet will find the museum educational and interesting. Some of the museum's largest pieces include life-size replicas of an adult Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Triceratops. The museum is also home to one of the state's 25 seismic detectors, which can be seen by visitors while it records important data for predicting earthquake activity. Open year-round, except on national holidays, the museum is an attraction for all age groups.
