There’s just something about summer’s relaxed schedule that entices families to stay up later. After all, ditching the school morning alarm clock means more time for fun past sundown.
Luckily, Northeast Ohio has plenty to offer when it comes to family-friendly evening activities all season long. Help plan your family’s summer bucket list with these nighttime adventures.
See a Movie Under the Stars
Nothing says nostalgia like a drive-in movie theater. Pack plenty of snacks, blankets and lawn chairs and bring your family to one of the region’s five options for a double feature after dark. Once you’ve secured your viewing spot, break out the glow sticks and play cards until it’s time for the movie to begin. Don’t forget to visit the concession stand during intermission to replenish your movie treats.
Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre: North Ridgeville, 440-327-9595, autoramadrivein.com
Blue Sky Drive-In Theater: Wadsworth, 330-334-1809, blueskydrive-in.com
Magic City Drive-In Theater, Barberton, 330-825-4333, magiccitydrive-in.com
Mayfield Road Drive-In Theater, Chardon, 440-286-7173, funflick.com/mayfield
Midway Twin Drive-In Theater, Ravenna, 330-296-9829, funflick.com/midway
Theater at Dusk
If you’ve got a burgeoning theater buff, consider attending an outdoor performance this summer. While your drama club kid will be in heaven, the less formal environment is great for younger siblings or first-time theatergoers, as well.
Ohio Shakespeare Festival at Stan Hywet Hall
This summer, catch a performance of “Love’s Labour’s Lost” or “Twelfth Night” in the Lagoon area of the historical Akron estate. Visit ohioshakespearefestival.com or stanhywet.org
Porthouse Theater: Located adjacent to Blossom Music Center, Kent State University’s Porthouse Theater is a covered outdoor venue for live theater. The 2023 season includes performances of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” and “The Prom.” Visit kent.edu/porthouse
Catch a Night Game
Between the Cleveland Guardians, Akron RubberDucks, Lake County Captains and Lake Erie Crushers, there are plenty of opportunities to take in a night baseball game this summer. Look for family-friendly promotions, ticket deals, and post-game fireworks to add to your family’s overall experience.
Akron RubberDucks: Canal Park, Akron, akronrubberducks.com
Cleveland Guardians: Progressive Field, Cleveland, mlb.com/guardians
Lake County Captains: Classic Park, Eastlake, captainsbaseball.com
Lake Erie Crushers: Mercy Health Stadium, Avon,lakeeriecrushers.com
Music After Dark
Whether it’s a new band or classic favorite, cover band or orchestra, you’ll find the type of live music you’re looking for this summer in Northeast Ohio. From front porches and town squares to massive outdoor concert venues, the region offers a large variety of options to fit any family’s needs.
For national acts and well-known favorites, check Blossom Music Center (clevelandamphitheater.com) and Cain Park’s Evans Amphitheater (cainpark.com). The former also is the home of the Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Music Festival, which offers family-friendly concerts all summer long — with up to two free “Under 18” tickets available for each regular-priced ticket.
For smaller scale live music at sunset, check out the following locations and programs:
Cleveland Metroparks, clevelandmetroparks.com
Crocker Park’s Music in the Park, Weslake, crockerpark.com
Lake Metroparks Concerts & More at the Glen, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com
LakewoodAlive’s Front Porch Concert Series, lakewoodalive.org
Lock 3, Akron, lock3live.com
Mentor Civic Amphitheater, mentorrocks.info
Summer Music Nights, Hudson, firstandmainhudson.com
