With the MLB All-Star Week coming to Cleveland, families can plan their visits downtown with these fun-filled activities.
PLAY BALL PARK, July 5-9
The outdoor areas of PLAY BALL PARK are completely free, while the indoor portion will be ticketed. Baseball and softball fans have the opportunity to meet MLB Legends, get free autographs, receive daily giveaways and more. Fans also can participate in baseball training drills, test out their batting skills, view artifacts from Cooperstown, along with a collection of official awards and trophies of Major League Baseball including the World Series, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game MVP, and get their photo taken with the World’s Largest Baseball signed by Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, Yogi Berra, Willie Mays and others. Meet the the MLB mascots and more. Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland & Malls B & C, 300 Lakeside Ave.
MLB All-Star Sunday, July 7
A double-header of All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Progressive Field and The SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game features the top Minor League prospects. Then fans can enjoy the All-Star Rock ’N Blast fireworks show after the game.
MLB All-Star Sunday, July 7
A double-header of All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Progressive Field and The SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game features the top Minor League prospects. Then fans can enjoy the All-Star Rock ’N Blast fireworks show after the game.
MLB All-Star Game, July 9
The 90th Annual All-Star Game at Progressive Field. According to the MLB, Cleveland Indians have hosted the most All-Star games in Major League Baseball history, surpassing the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.
For info and tickets on the above events, visit: mlb.com/indians/fans/all-star-game or mlb.com/all-star.
Extend the Family-Friendly Fun
Here are some unique places to enjoy and grab a bite, recommended by Destination Cleveland:
Happy Dog
5801 Detroit Ave., happydogcleveland.com
Baseball and hot dogs go hand in hand, and Cleveland’s Happy Dog is a hot dog emporium serving gourmet hot dogs with a menu of more than 50 toppings, including Froot Loops, Spaghetti-Os and fried eggs.
Baseball Heritage Museum
6601 Lexington Ave., baseballheritagemuseum.org
This free museum, in its fifth year of operation, features exhibits and rare memorabilia from some of baseball’s greatest players like Babe Ruth, Bob Feller and Joe DiMaggio. This museum also presents the rich history and diversity of baseball.
Mitchell’s Ice Cream Shop
1867 W. 25th St., mitchellshomemade.com
Ice cream is a summer treat and if you haven’t had Mitchell’s Ice Cream, this is the perfect time to stop by its Ohio City flagship and kitchen shop. Do a Tasting Tour, which begins in the retail shop and includes a walk through the gallery space with a full view of the kitchen.
Tabletop Board Game Cafe
1810 W. 25th St., tabletopcleve.com
Featuring almost 1,000 different games including kid classics like Clue, Guess Who? and Jenga, It serves up friendly competition with its food and drinks. While awaiting turns, kids can munch on locally made Campbell’s Extreme Dichotomy Popcorn Mix while parents sip white or red wine smoothies.
Don’t forget the museums and wildlife spots near or in downtown Cleveland, including Children’s Museum of Cleveland, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Great Lakes Science Center, Greater Cleveland Aquarium, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.