The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards seeks to gather the opinions of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Our readers and online followers voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, family services and more.
Here are the winner and finalists in the “Best museum to visit with your family” category.
Click here to view winners and finalists in all 26 categories.
Winner: Great Lakes Science Center
Science, technology, engineering and math come alive and encourage all ages to “stay curious” at this downtown Cleveland destination. In addition to special traveling exhibitions and hundreds of hands-on exhibits, GLSC is home to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, the six-story Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater, the historic Steamship William G. Mather, the Cleveland Creates Zone, and the kid-focused Polymer Funhouse. This summer, the fun moves outside with Science Under the Sun, featuring unique monthly themes and activities.
greatscience.com
Finalists:
Children’s Museum of Cleveland
The CMC lets kids splash, climb, build, create, explore and more — all while learning and having fun. Exhibits include Wonder Lab, where water and science combine; Adventure City, which encourages pretend play and limitless imagination; Making Miniatures, a fascinating collection of dollhouses; the Arts & Parts art studio; the Meadow for infants through age 3; and the Playlist and Theater rooms for imaginative play and performance.
cmcleveland.org
Cleveland Museum of Art
This world-class art museum in our very own backyard lets visitors explore the expansive galleries or check out a family-focused event like Saturday Art Stories, Sunday Open Studios for Families, and Play Days. General admission to view the roughly 4,500 pieces on view (from the 61,000 total objects in CMA’s collection) is free, while ticketed special exhibitions rotate regularly.
clevelandart.org
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
When your family visits the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to delve deep into the past in the dinosaur hall, discover the outer reaches of the universe in Shafran Planetarium and experience natural wonders in outdoor galleries. Children can experience hands-on learning in Smead Discovery Center, where the motto is “Please touch!” Through October, check out the special exhibition, “Wildlife Rescue: Miracles in Conservation.”
cmnh.org