You’ve seen those lists,“10 places to take your kids around town” — this isn’t one of those. These are for the secret spots within those places. These are the quiet corners that I’ve learned about from a decade of “days out.” They have been mine. They are yours now. May they serve you well the next time your child is on the verge of melting down.
The 2 ½ floor at the Cleveland Museum of Art
It sounds like a Hogwarts location — a half-floor hidden in the stairwells of the sprawling and spectacular Cleveland Museum of Art. It exists and it is, indeed, magical. An elevator in gallery 214 takes you up to a balcony where you can enjoy a few items from the museum’s expansive collection.
It’s perfect for people watching and also the rare place where you and your child can (usually) be alone in such a busy place.
And if your family needs more than a quiet spot, the museum now offers Sensory-Friendly Saturdays from 9 to 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Guests with special needs can enjoy the museum at their own pace with fewer crowds and a designated “calming corner.”
Behind the Food Court at the Cleveland Zoo
The zoo has a dozen cozy corners that are perfect for a picnic. This is my favorite.
Let everyone else jostle for a table near the lions or a seat in the Amazon Cafe. Behind the outdoor food court, there’s a narrow stretch of tables next to the indoor dining area. It’s quiet, shaded and — most wonderful — offers a front-row view of the ostrich and zebra exhibit.
A zoo trip doesn’t need to be an unrelenting march from habitat to habitat. Use this spot as an opportunity to slow your tempo. Enjoy lunch and a moment’s peace with this unimpeded view of phenomenal fauna.
The Making Miniatures Exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland
The two-story climbing tunnels and interactive water tables tend to headline any trip to the Children’s Museum. And I get it. Who doesn’t want to make their own hurricane?
But when you need a break, the museum has filled four galleries with handmade unique dollhouses on its second floor.
And if your child doesn’t love dolls, then transform it into a scavenger hunt. They can use flashlights to spot the marvelous details in each boutique house. The Brickworks area up there is also ideal for your LEGO lover. And it’s all a lot less crowded than the climbing tunnels.
Eleanor Squire Library in Cleveland Botanical Garden
An admission: My favorite quiet place in the Botanical Garden is the Japanese Garden, but it’s hardly a secret. The trellis, weathered rocks and Japanese maples are perfect for a sit. However, if you visit in winter — and you should! — the Japanese Garden may be too chilly for meditation.
Meanwhile, the garden’s library is wonderful for relaxation and an impromptu story time. It’s less crowded than the (super fun) renovated children’s area and stocked with books about the beauty and science of nature.
The Wildlife Center Yard in Penitentiary Glen
I could fill this list with lovely hidey holes within our local parks. Instead, I constrained myself to a single exemplar. Penitentiary Glen in Kirtland has everything you want in a park, regardless if you’re looking for trails, playgrounds or events.
It also houses Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center where injured wild animals can be rehabilitated and (whenever possible) returned to their natural habitat. While the center is closed to the public, you can visit the animal ambassadors outside it. Turkey vultures, foxes, a bald eagle and — my favorite — the crows. (Say hi to Mimic for me!)
When your family gets exhausted or overwhelmed from the trails or Nature Play area, commune with the animals — unhurried and uncrowded.
Now that I’ve whispered my secrets, tell me yours. Where are your favorite quiet places around town? Email me at [email protected]. Let’s see if we can fill a second column with your recommendations.
