Most kids are instantly drawn to the huge dinosaurs that can be found in the dinosaur and fossil area of the museum. Ours are never bored when imagining these huge creatures walking on earth and what it would have been like to run into them.
A hidden gem of the museum is the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center and Woods Garden. A walking path takes visitors to various animals such as a bald eagle, owls, raccoons and otters (our favorites) to name a few. This is equally as popular with our gang in the summer time and also in colder weather.
The Smead Discovery Center offers opportunities for hands on learning for children of all ages. It can be found in the lower level of the museum.We have enjoyed digging for fossils, playing the bird song piano, finding treasures on the touch wall and playing various games. It also offers a nice resting spot for parents while waiting for a planetarium show to begin.
Speaking of the planetarium, the Shafran planetarium is another spot we try to visit each and every time. Ask for a schedule when you come and pick a show that suits your group the best. We recommend the baby show when traveling with little ones, it is just the right length before they get restless. Our older kids have enjoyed the children's show as well as the grown up version. We especially like the part where they explain what the Cleveland night sky has currently or what exciting what might be coming up.
Our rating of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is as follows:
OVERALL: 9/10
PARENTS: 9/10
KIDS: 9/10
FUN: 8/10
EDUCATIONAL: 10/10
COMMENTS: Bring your own lunch, the cafeteria food is expensive. Plan 4-5 hours to sample most areas and see a planetarium show. Check website for special events, especially on weekends. In the past, the CMNH has offered free days during the week.
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