Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, Lake County boasts the perfect blend of small-town charm and city conveniences, making it an ideal destination for families looking to visit or put down roots. From lush parks and picturesque beaches to unique arts and entertainment spots, this diverse region is brimming with opportunities for adventure, relaxation and family fun. Find out what the area has to offer, then plan your visit.
The Great Outdoors
With 30 miles of Lake Erie shoreline, as well as lush forests and sprawling nature preserves, Lake County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Find beaches, hikes, gardens and more at these popular spots.
Located in Kirtland and covering more than 3,600 acres of beautiful gardens, forests and trails, the Holden Arboretum (holdenfg.org) is a great place for families to explore nature. It features miles of scenic trails through gardens, meadows and forests, as well as seasonal spaces, special exhibits and family-friendly workshops. Don’t miss the Murch Canopy Walk — a 500-foot-long treetop walkway — and Kalberer Emergent Tower, which takes visitors 120 feet up for stunning panoramic views. Young children will enjoy Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods, a children’s nature play area with interactive features.
You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a day at the beach, since Lake County offers two options, both ideal for swimming, beachcombing and taking in scenic views of Lake Erie. Ohio’s largest natural sand beach is at Headlands Beach State Park (ohiodnr.gov), located in Mentor. Picnicking is available throughout the park and a paved hike/bike trail runs along the park’s back dunes. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, located in Fairport Harbor, features a harbor view boardwalk. The beach-level wooden platform extends from the parking lot toward the lake and includes benches and picnic tables.
Lake Metroparks (lakemetroparks.com) operates more than 60 miles of trails and 38 parks across Lake County, offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Families can explore scenic hiking and biking trails, enjoy fishing and kayaking on pristine lakes, visit nature centers and much more. Be sure to check out Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a working farm where families can experience hands-on agriculture, meet farm animals, and learn about farming life. From milking cows and watching sheep herding demonstrations to exploring gardens and seasonal maple sugaring, the Farmpark offers an interactive and educational adventure for all ages.
Kid-Focused Fun
Take your family’s trip to Lake County up a notch with a visit to one of these attractions that kids of all ages are sure to enjoy:
The Lake County Captains minor league team, the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, provides a great outing for baseball fans. Head to Classic Auto Group Park to catch a game and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, affordable tickets, themed game nights and interactive entertainment. milb.com/lake-county
The Lake County YMCA offers three traditional locations in Painesville, Madison and Willoughby, each with indoor swimming and plenty of space to burn off energy. It also operates the Outdoor YMCA in Perry and the Houston Fisher Pool in Eastlake, in case your family wants a spot to cool off during the summer. lakecountyymca.org
Mentor Civic Center Waterpark is a local favorite for families and features a heated Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, zero-depth entry, 12-foot Kersplash Climbing Walls, and inflatable obstacle course. cityofmentor.com
Mentor Mini Golf is a classic 18-hole mini golf course that operates seasonally. During warmer months, parents and children can test their swings and even participate in special events like bingo night, trivia night, and crazy golf. facebook.com/mentorminigolf
Osborne Park Pool, located in Willoughby, is a kid’s paradise since it boasts a zero-depth entry, fountains and sprinklers, interactive water play structure, and two impressive water slides. Grab a bite at the snack bar or pack your own food and stay all day. willoughbyohio.com
Round 1 Bowling & Arcade, located inside Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, is an indoor entertainment complex that offers family-friendly fun all day and well into the night. This location features bowling, billiards, private karaoke rooms, and arcade games — including exclusive games imported from Japan. round1usa.com
Arts & Entertainment
Lake County offers a variety of venues catering to music and theater enthusiasts. Here are some notable options:
Fine Arts Association, located in Willoughby, provides a range of performances — including plays, musicals and concerts — as well as offering educational programs in dance, music, theater and visual arts. fineartsassociation.org
Lakeland Civic Theatre, at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, hosts theatrical performances each spring and fall; it is open for Lakeland students and community members to join by audition. lakelandcc.edu
Mentor Civic Amphitheater hosts concerts and events, including the popular Mentor Rocks annual summer concert series that features national recording artists and popular cover bands. cityofmentor.com
Rabbit Run Theater, in Madison, is one of Ohio’s few remaining barn theaters. Each summer from June through August, it offers live theater in a picturesque setting, as well as classes in dance, music and visual arts. rabbitrun.org
Wildwood Cultural Center, located in Mentor, offers programs, courses and special events, including live musical and theatrical performances throughout the year, with the goal of supporting and encouraging the development of the arts in the community. cityofmentor.com
Shopping & Dining
Lake County offers a variety of family-friendly dining and shopping options, including casual eateries with kid-approved menus and shopping areas that are perfect for a fun day out with the whole family. Check out these highlights:
Shopping
Great Lakes Mall. The largest shopping mall in Lake County, featuring more than 120 stores and a variety of family-friendly dining options. 7850 Mentor Ave., Mentor, shopgreatlakesmall.com
The Shops at Fairport Harbor. This charming shopping district in the historic village of Fairport Harbor includes a diverse selection of boutiques, cafes and local shops. fairportharbortourism.com
Historic Downtown Willoughby. It offers a variety of community events from family-friendly festivals and seasonal fun. The shops and restaurants also provide a perfect Parents’ Night Out option. willoughbyohio.com
Farmers Markets
The following communities host farmers markets during warmer months:
Madison — 126 W. Main St., Thursdays from 5-8 p.m.
Mentor — 7967 Mentor Ave., Fridays from 2-6 p.m.
Painesville — Painesville Square, Thursdays from 12-4 p.m.
Willoughby — 1 Public Square, Saturdays from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Find details at NortheastOhioParent.com
Dining
Anthony’s Family Restaurant, located in Willoughby, is a cozy, casual spot serving an impressive variety of classic American and Italian comfort food, including all-day breakfast. Families appreciate the generous portions, welcoming atmosphere, and the fact that kids eat free on Tuesdays. anthonysfamilyrestaurant.com
Calico Jack Coffee Roasters, located in Mentor, is the perfect pit stop for a kid-friendly snack and a caffeine pick-me-up for parents. It offers plenty of caffeine-free drink options for kids as well as bagels, pastries and other bakery treats. calicojack.coffee
Fairport Family Restaurant, located a stone’s throw from Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, offers classic American favorites and hearty specials like chicken paprikash, cabbage rolls and Hungarian goulash. The diner-style eatery serves breakfast and lunch. fairportfamilyrestaurant.org
Scooter’s World Famous Dawg House is a beloved seasonal stand offering classic kid-friendly staples like burgers, chicken, ice cream and hot dogs with more than 25 choices of toppings. Located in Mentor near Headlands Beach State Park, scootersworldfamousdawghouse.com
