The best things to do in Lorain

Right up the road in Avon, Bob-O-Link Golf Course gives locals three nine-hole loops to mix and match, including a recently redesigned White Course, with plenty of creeks and ponds to keep you honest. It’s flat and walkable, open to the public, plus there’s a driving range and a snack bar for the post-round debrief.

From the Elyria newsletter, October 18, 2026

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 Parma newsletter, October 22, 2026

Kopf Family Golf Course at Cherry Ridge is a public 9-hole regulation course, par 35, now run by Lorain County Metro Parks after the Kopf family’s 2020 donation. Perfect for a legit round this week that still leaves time to mow the lawn or catch the game.

From the Elyria newsletter, October 21, 2026

Whether you’re sneaking in nine after work this week or chasing a full 18, Forest Hills Golf Course keeps it fun with a true regulation layout, a handy driving range, and a clubhouse snack bar. Owned by Lorain County Metro Parks, it’s friendly, improving, and offers lessons with PGA pro Tom Porter.

From the Elyria newsletter, September 30, 2026

Founded in 1905, Elyria Country Club pairs a William S. Flynn championship course with lessons, a golf simulator, refined dining, and ways to unwind. Thinking about leveling up your week, this is a membership worth exploring.

From the Elyria newsletter, October 27, 2026

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, October 27, 2026

For a legit local golf fix, Valley of the Eagles Golf Club brings Nicklaus Design strategy to the Black River Valley, with shale cliffs, elevation changes, and island tees to island greens, plus Full Swing indoor simulators and the Black River Tavern when you’re craving post-round fuel.

From the Elyria newsletter, October 6, 2026

Interactive marine exhibits, including a walk-through experience & a mock research vessel.

Performing arts center for Broadway-style shows, concerts, dance productions, plays, comedy & opera.

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

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, October 28, 2026

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 Lorain newsletter, October 31, 2026

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 Euclid newsletter, September 27, 2026

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, October 2, 2026

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, October 3, 2026

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.

From the Lorain newsletter, October 23, 2026

Cleveland Cinemas offers more than just a place to catch a film: its lineup includes movies, operas, and events. It’s worth a peek when you’re in the mood for something beyond the standard multiplex menu.

From the Cleveland newsletter, November 3, 2026

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, September 29, 2026

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 Cuyahoga County newsletter, November 4, 2026

Casual, chain, amusement venue featuring bowling alleys, arcade games (including video and redemption), laser tag and a ropes course.

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, October 1, 2026

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, November 4, 2026

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, October 25, 2026

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, October 19, 2026

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, October 26, 2026

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, October 22, 2026

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 Cleveland newsletter, October 6, 2026