The suburbs that surround big cities are always interesting in terms of culture. They often echo the atmosphere of the nearby city but weave in small-town vibes and suburban eccentricities. The offbeat character of the suburbs makes them a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, and one of the coolest ‘burbs near Cleveland is Cleveland Heights.

This cool “streetcar suburb” is home to more than 45,000 residents, but it feels artsy and intimate. The area once housed the likes of John D. Rockefeller and Chef Boy-Ar-Dee, and it continues to inspire innovators to this day. There’s no shortage of things to do in Cleveland Heights!

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The Best Things To Do In Cleveland Heights

There are many fun and unique things to do in Cleveland Heights, but these attractions are some of the best. From high ratings to local word of mouth, Clevelanders can’t get enough of these local hot spots.

1. Go shopping at Coventry Village
THD3/Wikimedia Commons

You can't visit Cleveland Heights without stopping in Coventry Village! Across just a quarter mile, more than 45 locally owned businesses are represented. Some are new, some are traditional, but all offer something a little unique that will satisfy any foodie or shopping aficionado. Complete with public art and a variety of events throughout each and every season, there's no shortage of reasons to stop by Coventry Village for some retail therapy or a bite of locally sourced eats! However, always remember to check for upcoming events if you’re planning a visit.

You can find so much more in Cleveland Heights than just restaurants, but you can't begin exploring the neighborhood without taking a look at its health-conscious cafes, pan-cultural eateries, and other amazing restaurants. Casual storefronts offering gifts, art, vintage goods, and imports line the streets. And the best part? The sense of community is so strong that the businesses support each other and the greater neighborhood, and locals are always excited to offer recommendations. The best way to explore is to live like a local, and taking their advice on fun things to do will inspire you to make your weekend itinerary an adventure... and maybe even a bit of a treasure hunt!

10 Minutes Away: Explore Cleveland’s Buckeye - Shaker neighborhood for more public art.
2. Get comfy and catch a movie at Cedar Lee Cinema
Eric Friedebach/Google Images

Cedar-Lee Theatre opened its doors on Christmas Day in 1925. Its first showing was a silent film, as movie-goers of the era naturally expected (since the first "talkie" wouldn't come out until 1927). The one-screen theater seated 1,100 patrons back in the day, but it has since been converted to a six-screen facility. Today, the cinema embraces its unique beginnings and keeps the fun going with one-of-a-kind offerings.

Independent and foreign films are their specialty, but monthly screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show keep it popular with fans of the cult classic. You'll also find other familiar movies and recent releases in their ever-rotating lineup. Showtimes vary, but the theater typically opens in the afternoon and stays open into the early evening... with later slots accommodating specialty showings, as in the case of the aforementioned classic.

Attendance ranges from $7.75 to $10.25 per person for a standard 2D showing, but Bargain Mondays drop the cost of entry to just $5 per person. This cool, old-school Cleveland theater is a local landmark, and it's one you'll love visiting.

5 Minutes Away: Take in the beauty of Horseshoe Lake Park.

Top Things to Do at Night in Cleveland Heights

Nightlife isn’t usually the name of the game in Cleveland’s suburbs, but Cleveland Heights has a vibe that’s uniquely it’s own. You’ll love enjoying the evening atmosphere at these incredible bars and restaurants. Plus, you’ll get to see the suburbs as you’ve never seen them before at these locally-owned businesses!

3. Unwind at Quintana's Speakeasy
Chris Kucharik (ckactormodel)/Google Images

Once upon a time, Prohibition was in full swing in Clevelanders. Nonetheless, there were speakeasies... and, boy, did locals cherish those secret spots. While many local businesses have stories to tell from that era, few capture its vibe as well as Quintana’s.

At first glance, it's a mere barber shop. However, Quintana's Barber & Dream Spa hides a secret bookcase passage that will transport you to a swanky speakeasy. The vintage-inspired speakeasy lounge is warm and inviting. A hidden bar and cushy couches create a room that has not only a great ambiance, but also tons of character.

Quintana’s menu features small plates and flatbreads alongside creative and classic cocktails. It’s open every Tuesday through Saturday from 3 p.m. ‘til midnight, so you can relax for a few hours as the moon rises and enjoy some laid-back vibes and delicious flavors.

5 Minutes Away: If discovering hidden gems is your vibe, check out the Nature Center At Shaker Lakes just one town over.
4. Attend an event at the Grog Shop
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Since 1992, the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights has kept evenings in the area energetic. Striving to present music seven days a week, there's always something going on here! Their stage has hosted famous groups like Eek A Mouse, Black Keys, and Oasis alongside equally talented local and touring groups.

The venue is high-energy and raw, fueled by a seemingly never-ending lineup of awesome tunes and a full bar. Grog Shop is ADA-accessible, though some events are seated and others are not. Remember that parking throughout Coventry Village is either street parking or in metered lots, so budget some extra time to get to the venue.

Check out their upcoming shows to find a date that’s perfect for you. Shows tend to start around 8, though there are earlier performances on select nights.

10 Minutes Away: Find more music and history at the Agora Theater & Ballroom.
5. Sample unique flavors at BottleHouse Brewery And Meadery
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Some will joke that Cleveland is expanding to include a craft brewery on every corner. While there are a variety of local crafters, BottleHouse Brewery & Meadery is unique in its offerings. Here, a warm, intimate vibe and board games create a casual spot to hang. Across its taprooms in Cleveland Heights and Lakewood, it creates meads, sours, beers, and ciders that will knock your socks off.

In addition to lively libations, you can also dig into farm-to-table dining options at BottleHouse. Meat is sourced from a grass-fed farm down in Medina, so you can always be sure you're getting quality ingredients in your dish. While their menu is not available online, you can rest assured that there's something for everyone! Of course, you'll want to keep in mind that Tuesdays are bao bun nights, and that's an event you won't want to miss.

While closed on Mondays, the brewery opens at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays. BottleHouse opens early on Saturdays at 2 p.m., and Sunday brunch takes place at 11 a.m. Closing times range from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. depending on the day, so be sure to check their hours before you visit.

10 Minutes Away: Learn about pollinators at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

The Best Things to Do in Cleveland Heights with Kids

Who doesn’t love a good family-friendly adventure?! If you’re looking for fun that works for all ages, there’s no shortage of fun things to do with kids in Cleveland Heights. Pack up the car and road trip snacks, because these activities will keep you busy all day long!

6. Take it easy at Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park
Alina Jones/Google Images

At Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Park, a vision of yesteryear lives on. Back in 1991, the PTA of the Coventry School next door began plotting out the kids' dream playground. They called themselves Coventry People Enhancing A Child's Environment, or Coventry P.E.A.C.E., to reflect their mission. In 1993, their dream was finally realized.

Like many things in Cleveland Heights, creating the park was a community effort, and it continues to be one as things evolve and change today. Now complete with an iconic arch, its wooden playground and grassy spaces make for the perfect warm-day adventure. During the summer months, you might even catch an outdoor movie here!

The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and it's the perfect place to let your child unleash their creativity. The park continues to enchant little ones with its classic 90s castle-like design, and it's a cozy and welcoming place to rest your feet after exploring the neighborhood.

5 Minutes Away: Explore the culmination of more local dreams at Tony Brush Park in Little Italy.
7. Get your creative juices flowing at Trapped! Escape Room
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In theory, being trapped with your kids doesn't necessarily sound like a positive statement. However, escape rooms are all the rage, and they're a fun challenge for bigger kids and adults alike. The concept is simple: you and your team try to find your way through a puzzle and escape from a room in a certain amount of time. Sound easy? You'd be surprised!

At TRAPPED!, you'll have 60 minutes to find all the clues needed to escape from your room. Venture through the Pirate Tavern, swing through the slammer, wind your way out of an old-school cafe, or face terror head-on in a dark and mysterious place. Each themed room is fun, though they vary in difficulty, so you can select which room works best for your crew.

TRAPPED! opens daily at 10 a.m., closing at 10 or 11 p.m. depending on the day. If you're feeling extra daring, you'll have time to visit a few rooms... but keep an adventurous mindset, or you may not make it out before time runs out!

15 Minutes Away: Keep the creativity going at the Children's Museum of Cleveland.

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Free Things to Do in Cleveland Heights

They say the best things in life are free, and Cleveland Heights is filled to the brim with free activities. These awesome local spots will keep you entertained without breaking the bank!

8. Enjoy a picnic at Forest Hill Park
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Verdant and green in the warmer months, golden-hued and dreamy in the autumn, and cool as a cucumber in the winter, Forest Hill Park in Cleveland Heights is an awesome local attraction. The 248-acre park, which is home to Dugway Brook Falls, is a true hidden gem. It's somewhat small, but mighty, and it's a lovely spot to wander through and find your peace of mind.

Kids will love the on-site playground and sandbox, and nature lovers of all ages will appreciate the picnic-friendly shelters, greenspaces, and hiking trails. Plus, this park is the perfect venue for your family get-togethers, and it's a great place to snag an awesome picnic spot on dates.

Once upon a time, it used to be part of John D. Rockefeller's personal property. His only son deeded it to Cleveland Heights and East Cleveland in the 1930s, intending for it to become the park it is today. History and natural beauty abound, so it's no wonder this park is such a memorable and treasured destination for locals. Swing by during daylight hours to explore all it has to offer!

10 Minutes Away: Explore more of the Rockefeller family’s contribution to Cleveland at Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse.
9. Attend a concert or festival in Cain Park
Mickey Grubbs/Google Images

Community takes center stage at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. This 22-acre park is something of an arts center, and it is really the crown jewel of the local creative scene. With an on-site covered theater, amphitheater, and art gallery, this cool spot is truly different from other local parks. Sure, it has open green spaces and lovely foliage, but there’s so much more here.

Not all events at Cain Park are free, but many are. From free art festivals to afternoon concerts and chamber events, there’s a lot to love about this cool venue. Of course, it also has more familiar park amenities, like the paved path winding from Lee Road to Taylor Road. There are also on-site playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, a skate park, a sledding hill… family fun abounds at this neat spot!

Hours vary at this spot, so be sure to check them before you pay it a visit. It’s also worth checking to see if there’s a performance if you’re aiming to visit the art gallery, just so you’re prepared to seek out parking in the 900 street spots nearby.

10 Minutes Away: Explore more moments in artistic history (and more) at the Cleveland History Center.
10. Get competitive at the Denison Pickleball Courts
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Cleveland Heights’ pickleball courts are welcoming, well-kept, and judgment-free. That's due in part to the social and friendly nature of pickleball. If you've never played, it's a mashup of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis. An easy-to-learn, compact game that has all the thrills and the spills of tennis and badminton, pickleball is great for a competitive, cardio workout. You'll serve a plastic ball with holes, with rules rather similar to tennis (which you can easily learn online).

In total, there are six on-site pickleball courts. Denison Park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (and the pickleball courts aren’t lit, so plan to visit during daylight hours), and there’s more to do in the area beyond pickleball. Hike along the paved pathway, picnic, watch as your kids explore the playground, and soak up the vibes of this vibrant public park.

5 Minutes Away: Spend more time in the great outdoors at Euclid Creek Reservation.

Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Cleveland Heights

Love is in the air in Cleveland Heights. From art-filled streets to quaint and cozy restaurants, there’s no shortage of romantic places to celebrate the season… and every season, for that matter!

11. Share some sips at CLE Urban Winery
CLE Urban Winery/Google Images

Located in the historic Cedar-Lee neighborhood, CLE Urban Winery is always a pleasant place to visit. All of the wine produced is from juices from the west coast, and everything is locally crafted and bottled... and it all has a locally-branded flair. With wines like Rust Belt Rose and the Lake Effect Snow Vidal Blanc Ice Wine, you'll enjoy the ups and downs of local life paired with excellently rich flavors.

During your visit, you can purchase wines by the glass or by the bottle. Plus, small snack options like charcuterie boards and hand-dipped chocolate goodies are available on-site for the perfect pairing. This urban escape has an ambiance that's worth the quick stop -- especially for fans of all things wine.

The winery is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., and from 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. During your visit in the tasting room, you'll find yourself relaxing in a century-old former auto repair garage. It's funky, unique, and totally fun!

10 Minutes Away: Embrace the Greater Cleveland thrills at Acacia Reservation, a former golf course that’s now a beautiful park.
12. Share a delicious meal at Taste
Gina Loebell/Google Images

For more than a decade, locals have known Taste in Cleveland Heights as a place of food and fun. This cool local bistro is laid back, casual, and lively. Despite this, it remains sleek and exciting, thanks in part to a menu featuring familiar bites with a twist.

Familiar dishes become elevated with options like truffle fries, lobster cheese ravioli, asiago pine nut-topped roasted chicken, and more. From burgers to buttered noodles, there's something on the menu for everyone. Plus, with a romantic and intimate space, this restaurant is a great date night destination.

Taste in Cleveland Heights is a place you'll want to visit again and again. This bistro has a wide variety of appetizers, salads, and entrees that will delight diners of all backgrounds. Swing by after 5 p.m. daily — it closes at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and at 9 p.m. every Sunday.

10 Minutes Away: Swing by Horseshoe Lake Park before your meal to enhance the romantic evening.

The Most Unique Things to Do in Cleveland Heights

This suburb is truly unique, thanks to its rich history and fascinating local attractions. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cleveland Heights, then these cool attractions belong on your local bucket list!

13. Catch a performance at Dobama Theatre
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Since 1959, Dobama Theatre in Cleveland Heights has entertained patrons with a unique lineup of performances. The theatre is considered the region's only professional Off-Broadway theatre, and its specialty is producing plays by emerging and established playwrights. Essentially, they bring to life performances that you might not expect to see in Cleveland.

From nurturing emergent actors to putting on performances designed to pique your interest, the theatre is one of the finest in Northeast Ohio. Although it's only a little bit outside Cleveland's city limits, the theatre is actually rather inexpensive compared to the quality of its performances. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you can also purchase tickets online.

Each visit here is memorable, from the comfortable velvet seats to the exquisite performances of important plays. Dobama Theatre truly captures the artistic vibes of Cleveland Heights, and the talent its staff displays is almost unbelievable.

15 Minutes Away: Find more local performances in Playhouse Square, Cleveland’s own theater district.
14. Soak up the vibes at The Haunted House Restaurant
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They're creepy and they're kooky, mysterious and spooky... and we're not talking about the Addams clan! No, we're talking about the atmosphere of The Haunted House Restaurant in Cleveland Heights. The eatery has garnered a great deal of attention in Cleveland, and for good reason. Their comfort food is amazing, but that's not what has visitors so intrigued... it's the unique horror-themed atmosphere that has visitors abuzz.

With nods to famous spooky and quirky movies all throughout the space, the decor of The Haunted House Restaurant is right on target with what you'd expect with such a name. Their brunch and dinner menus feature options with equally enchanting names, like Children of the Street Corn, Jerk Silence of the Lamb Chops, and Frankenfish tacos. Brunch takes place Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it's an event you won't want to miss. Dinner starts at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and at 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Swing by and stay for a spell. There's so much to look at in the space that it's truly a feast for the eyes!

10 Minutes Away: Explore the shops and studios of Larchmere Boulevard in Shaker Heights.
15. Take a pic with the Haserot Angel
Nikki Rhoades

While most of Lake View Cemetery is in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood, portions of the massive Victorian-era cemetery bleed into Cleveland Heights. The cemetery is out-of-this-world beautiful, and its graves and monuments are surrounded by art, flowers, and well-manicured landscaping.

One of the most famous landmarks in Cleveland Heights is the Haserot Angel, or The Angel of Death Victorious. This beautiful bronze statue has weathered in a way that makes the angel look as if she's crying black tears. This has resulted in a bit of local lore around the landmark, but truly, it's a naturally-occurring process on a stunning piece of local art. Taking a picture with her is as much a right of passage for Clevelanders as posing with the local Cleveland script signs!

Lake View Cemetery is open 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and it is well worth visiting. At 285 acres in size, there's no shortage of beautiful spots to visit here!

10 Minutes Away: Shine some light on Cleveland’s hidden history at Nela Park.

As one of the largest cities in the Greater Cleveland area, it’s no wonder Cleveland Heights is so full of wonderful attractions. This cool little suburb is an awesome place to spend a day… or a lifetime, as many Clevelanders have fallen in love with its charms and have chosen to make it their home. Cleveland Heights has something for everyone: a downtown area with retail, dining, and nightlife options, a diverse mix of homes, an array of parks, and the sights and sounds of a vibrant Northeast Ohio city. However, if you’re looking for even more in the area, check out our list of the best things to do in Cleveland. There’s so much to love about this area!

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