The best things to do in Lorain

21 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 21 places · showing the latest additions first

Memphis Kiddie Park

Entertainment

Memphis Kiddie Park, America’s oldest kiddieland and a Cleveland landmark, has been celebrating kids since 1952 with pint-sized rides they…

10340 Memphis Ave (Cleveland)

Memphis Kiddie Park, America’s oldest kiddieland and a Cleveland landmark, has been celebrating kids since 1952 with pint-sized rides they can actually ride, mini golf for bragging rights, classic concessions, plus birthdays and group outings welcome.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Swap the couch this week for a quick wander through the rainforest, kid-friendly interactive zones, and animal encounters at Cleveland…

3900 Wildlife Way (Cleveland)

Swap the couch this week for a quick wander through the rainforest, kid-friendly interactive zones, and animal encounters at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, then refuel at dining spots or poke around the gift shop. Perfect midweek reset... basically a mini escape without the I-480 traffic.

From the Parma newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Fin Fest is on through August 11, so Greater Cleveland Aquarium is an easy win this week... wander the walk-through experience, check out…

2000 Sycamore St (Cleveland)

Fin Fest is on through August 11, so Greater Cleveland Aquarium is an easy win this week... wander the walk-through experience, check out the mock research vessel, and get face time with stingrays and other locals of the deep without leaving town.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Playhouse Square

Entertainment

Playhouse Square is Cleveland’s home for the big stuff, from touring Broadway hits and opera to stand-up, dance and those jaw-dropper set…

1501 Euclid Ave #200 (Cleveland)

Playhouse Square is Cleveland’s home for the big stuff, from touring Broadway hits and opera to stand-up, dance and those jaw-dropper set pieces you can feel in your seat. The Lion King is roaring right now through August 16, so snag a night and treat your inner theater kid.

From the Parma newsletter, August 8, 2026

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Museum of Illusions

Entertainment

Family-friendly place featuring optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits, plus gift shop.

186 Euclid Ave (Cleveland)

Family-friendly place featuring optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits, plus gift shop.

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Amherst Cinema

Entertainment

Amherst Cinema keeps it simple and local with family-friendly films, popular releases, and affordable tickets and concessions. If you want…

260 Church St (Amherst)

Amherst Cinema keeps it simple and local with family-friendly films, popular releases, and affordable tickets and concessions. If you want the classic big-screen experience without the fuss this week, this cozy single-screen spot delivers an easy night out right here in Lorain County.

From the Lorain newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Rebman Recreation Inc keeps things simple and fun with well-kept lanes, a legit pro shop, karaoke nights, and a friendly bar scene. League…

5300 Oberlin Ave

Rebman Recreation Inc keeps things simple and fun with well-kept lanes, a legit pro shop, karaoke nights, and a friendly bar scene. League bowlers, party planners, or anyone needing an easy weeknight hang will find it reliably local and refreshingly un-fussy.

From the Elyria newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Capitol Theatre

Entertainment

Capitol Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with buzzy studio releases, under-the-radar indies, and the occasional cult chaos, all inside a…

1390 W 65th St (Cleveland) · ✓ checked Aug 20

Capitol Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with buzzy studio releases, under-the-radar indies, and the occasional cult chaos, all inside a lovingly restored neighborhood landmark. It’s the kind of place where film feels like an event... perfect for a midweek reset or low-key date night.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 30, 2026

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From a 1930s Eliot Ness investigation to a fantasy quest and a sneaky clockwork heist, Perplexity Games Escape Room - Cleveland builds…

2515 Jay Ave #B3 (Cleveland)

From a 1930s Eliot Ness investigation to a fantasy quest and a sneaky clockwork heist, Perplexity Games Escape Room - Cleveland builds multi-room adventures that actually feel like adventures.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Little Met Golf Course is Cleveland Metroparks first course, a 1925 classic tucked in Rocky River Reservation with a straightforward mix of…

18599 Old Lorain Rd (Cleveland)

Little Met Golf Course is Cleveland Metroparks first course, a 1925 classic tucked in Rocky River Reservation with a straightforward mix of par-3s and par-4s plus a par-5. It’s perfect when you want a relaxed walk, league night vibes, and tree-lined fairways that keep your swing honest.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 17, 2026

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FoxCreek Golf & Racquet Club is where your league, your pickleball crew, and your post-round appetite can all be happy, right here in…

5445 Beavercrest Dr

FoxCreek Golf & Racquet Club is where your league, your pickleball crew, and your post-round appetite can all be happy, right here in Lorain. Public 18-hole championship course with a fun, scenic layout, indoor tennis and pickleball with lessons and leagues, then The Derby Sports Bar for tasty food and score recaps.

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Cleveland Cinemas

Entertainment

Cleveland Cinemas lines up fresh releases alongside special screenings, including The Metropolitan Opera and other stage productions on the…

2163 Lee Rd #107 (Cleveland)

Cleveland Cinemas lines up fresh releases alongside special screenings, including The Metropolitan Opera and other stage productions on the big screen, so your queue feels classy without any extra effort. Feeling extra this week, you can even rent a whole theater and make it your own.

From the Euclid newsletter, August 26, 2026

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If you’ve been meaning to catch a buzzy new release or something a little artsier this week, Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6 has you covered…

13116 Shaker Square (Cleveland)

If you’ve been meaning to catch a buzzy new release or something a little artsier this week, Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6 has you covered with first-run hits, indie and foreign picks, plus the occasional local film fest. All in an art deco setting that makes movie night feel special without trying too hard.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Towpath Trail Mural

Entertainment

Towpath Trail Mural turns Cleveland’s Canal Basin Park bridge into a color splashed homage to the Ohio & Erie Canal, mapping the Towpath’s…

1468 Columbus Rd (Cleveland)

Towpath Trail Mural turns Cleveland’s Canal Basin Park bridge into a color splashed homage to the Ohio & Erie Canal, mapping the Towpath’s past and future. There’s even a 15 foot tall illustrated trail map and themes of water, work, and change... a solid little adventure from Warren.

From the Warren newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Mastick Woods Golf Course serves up a relaxed, executive length loop with an Appalachian forest feel, perfect for new golfers, juniors, or…

19900 Puritas Ave (Cleveland)

Mastick Woods Golf Course serves up a relaxed, executive length loop with an Appalachian forest feel, perfect for new golfers, juniors, or anyone who just wants trees and sky with their swings this week. Or skip the sticks and play FootGolf, then remember this spot when snow arrives for sledding.

From the Cleveland newsletter, August 14, 2026

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Rockin On The River

Entertainment

Rockin On The River turns Black River Landing into Northern Ohio’s longest-running, highest-attended outdoor concert series, with big,…

421 Black River Ln

Rockin On The River turns Black River Landing into Northern Ohio’s longest-running, highest-attended outdoor concert series, with big, sing-along live music vibes, family-friendly crowd energy, legit food concessions, and beer, wine, and liquor. If you live in Lorain, this is basically your summer weekend plan.

From the Lorain newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Amherst HealthPlex, Lorain County Metro Parks is the go-to for indoor laps, a two-story slide splash fix, and a solid workout without the…

47160 Hollstein Dr (Amherst)

Amherst HealthPlex, Lorain County Metro Parks is the go-to for indoor laps, a two-story slide splash fix, and a solid workout without the wind off the lake. Big, bright, and built for all ages, it’s an easy place to reset midweek and still be home for dinner.

From the Lorain newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Lorain Skate World

Entertainment

Celebrating its 50th skating season, Lorain Skate World keeps things rolling with family nights, retro sessions, and a no-intimidation…

4952 W Erie Ave

Celebrating its 50th skating season, Lorain Skate World keeps things rolling with family nights, retro sessions, and a no-intimidation Learn to Skate class that actually makes stopping look cool. If you’ve been meaning to swap couch time for laps and laughs, this is your sign.

From the Lorain newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Black River Landing

Entertainment

If you want easy summer vibes without leaving town, Black River Landing keeps the riverfront buzzing with Rockin’ On The River concerts,…

421 Black River Ln

If you want easy summer vibes without leaving town, Black River Landing keeps the riverfront buzzing with Rockin’ On The River concerts, festivals, and even boat tours and cruises. Grab your crew, lean into the breeze, and let the stage do the rest.

From the Lorain newsletter, August 13, 2026

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This restored 1928 landmark gives Lorain a historic 1,400-seat room for concerts, plays, youth productions, movies, and special events.…

617 Broadway

This restored 1928 landmark gives Lorain a historic 1,400-seat room for concerts, plays, youth productions, movies, and special events. When you want an easy night out that still feels local, Lorain Palace Theatre is the pick your group chat can agree on.

From the Lorain newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Painted with Ohio City neighbors and a nod to the Browns palette, the Greetings from Cleveland Mural packs local landmarks, RTA love, and…

2098 W 25th St (Cleveland)

Painted with Ohio City neighbors and a nod to the Browns palette, the Greetings from Cleveland Mural packs local landmarks, RTA love, and big postcard vibes. Quick stop this week for that instantly cheerful shot and a reminder of why Northeast Ohio still hits you right in the heart.

From the Lorain newsletter, August 23, 2026

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