The best things to do in Salem

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

Browse another shelf: all of Salem’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Bakeries & Sweets · Nightlife · Shopping · Arts & Culture · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Health & Wellness · Cafes · Home & Garden · Parks & Outdoors

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Entertainment · 12 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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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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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

7401 Market St Suite 575 (Boardman)

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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Salem Twin Cinema

Entertainment

Stalwart first-run movie theater with 2 screens & vibrating rumble seating, plus a concession stand.

2350 E State St

Stalwart first-run movie theater with 2 screens & vibrating rumble seating, plus a concession stand.

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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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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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Two Donald Ross 18s with tree-lined fairways, sneaky streams, and over 100 bunkers keep your round honest, then the Practice Range and…

1 W Golf Dr (Boardman)

Two Donald Ross 18s with tree-lined fairways, sneaky streams, and over 100 bunkers keep your round honest, then the Practice Range and indoor Trackman bays help you groove it. Mill Creek Golf Course is the rare local combo of history and reps, so make it a this-week tune-up.

From the Youngstown newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Line up a round this week at Reserve Run Golf Course, the award-winning course designed by Barry Serafin with groomed fairways, a back nine…

625 E Western Reserve Rd (Poland)

Line up a round this week at Reserve Run Golf Course, the award-winning course designed by Barry Serafin with groomed fairways, a back nine that actually makes you think, and Another Round Bar & Grille to celebrate after. Consider it your midweek golf therapy.

From the Youngstown newsletter, August 27, 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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