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Great Lakes Science Center

601 Erieside Ave · Cleveland, OH

Why you should go…

Right on the downtown lakefront, this family favorite packs in hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, and a six-story dome theater. In warmer months, climb aboard the Steamship William G. Mather, a 618-foot Great Lakes freighter docked outside. It's the perfect one-two punch with the Rock Hall next door.

  • #science
  • #hands-on
  • #NASA
  • #kids
  • #lakefront

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Great Lakes Science Center, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

    $25–$50

    The I.M. Pei glass pyramid on Lake Erie where music history lives, from Elvis's jumpsuits to Hendrix's guitars.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Goodtime III Sightseeing Cruise

    $25–$50

    Cruise the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie aboard Cleveland's 1,000-passenger quadruple-deck sightseeing ship.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    USS Cod Submarine Memorial

    Under $25

    Climb down real crew ladders into an intact WWII submarine docked on Lake Erie, a block from the Rock Hall.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    Cleveland Museum of Natural History

    Under $25

    Dinosaurs, gems, and 'Lucy' the famous early human ancestor, freshly transformed by a major renovation.

    4.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Iconic

    Cleveland Museum of Art

    Free

    A world-class art collection, from Monet to medieval armor, and general admission is always free.

    4.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family favorite

    Cleveland History Center

    Under $25

    Ride the restored 1910 Euclid Beach carousel, browse the Crawford's classic cars and planes, and tour a Gilded Age mansion, all one ticket.

    4.4 mi awayMore like this