With A Splash Pad And Live Entertainment, Cleveland Public Square Is The Ultimate Family Destination
By Nikki Rhoades|Published August 01, 2023
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
When I think of Cleveland, many of the scenes that come to mind are moments I spent in the city as a child. I remember the first time I truly took in the splendor of Public Square: my grandfather and sister had gone to see a baseball game, and my grandma and I decided to adventure around the city. We spent a lot of time in Public Square, as I was entranced by the architecture. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument in particular had me transfixed… as a child, it looked as grand as a castle. Today, the area still offers the same sense of splendor to young visitors, but there’s even more to look forward to. In fact, Public Square is almost synonymous with family fun in Cleveland, and while that fun is echoed through every season, summer has a certain sort of magic. Next time you find yourself in Downtown Cleveland with the kids in tow, be sure to budget a bit of time to see what’s going on in Public Square.
Few places capture the history of Cleveland quite like Public Square.
When Cleveland was founded back in 1796, Public Square was actually part of the original town plat. The area was always intended to be the cultural hub of Cleveland, though the ensuing centuries would bring changes its founders couldn't predict. Nowadays, it's home to the record-setting height of the Terminal Tower and the Key Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the state.
Historic structures like Old Stone Church keep the old-fashioned atmosphere intact...
Old Stone Church is striking, thanks in part to Romanesque Revival architecture that's straight out of a European fairytale. The church was dedicated in 1855, but the spot on which it is built hosted the same congregation since 1819. Despite a series of fires, stepping inside the building is like a trip back in time. Its sandstone facade and dramatic steeple tower over Public Square, treating visitors to a dose of history before they even approach the massive structure.
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...But newer features like the splash pad in the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza infuse new life into the area.
On a hot day, a skip through the Public Square splash pad is a treat like no other. This seasonal feature is a fun place to picnic and play, and families adore stopping by to soak up the vibes and a bit of sun. (Don't forget to bring sunscreen... you may not be on a beach, but the shadows from the skyscrapers don't block out as much sun as you might think.)
Plus, a regular lineup of events at Public Square ensures that there's plenty of live entertainment to look forward to.
From live music and dance to family-friendly presentations, there's almost always something going on here. Family fun days infuse a special sort of energy into the plaza, and they're a great way to enjoy a live event that everyone can enjoy!
If you're hungry, the foodcourt in Tower City and on-site food trucks will fuel you up.
You never know what food trucks are going to pop up in Public Square! Familiar brands like Rabbit Food keep you and the little ones energized while offering a unique experience at the same time. There's just something special about snagging a meal from a food truck!
During the warmer months, family fun days, car shows, food truck days, and other events are a regular occurence.
While Public Square is beautiful well into the autumn months, you'll find most of the activity clustered around summertime. The 10-acre square's greenspace becomes an urban park, framed by pedestrian-friendly walkways.
Once things cool down, the general atmosphere of Public Square shifts to something more jolly and colorful.
Winterfest, the lights-encrusted crown jewel of Cleveland's holiday scene, takes over Public Square each year in November. The winter holiday-focused event brings out Santa Claus, special performances, and so much more to entertain local families.
While the annual ice rink only recently opened in 2016, it has become a cherished tradition for many locals. It's one of just many features that makes Public Square special, and it's only open in the winter months!
All in all, it seems there's something going on here all year-round.
If you haven't been to Public Square in a while, it may be time for another visit! Renovations in recent years have elevated and enhanced its vibe, and local families have taken notice.
Of all the things awaiting discovery in our own backyard, Cleveland Public Square seems to embrace something new every day.
History and the future meet at this cool spot in Downtown Cleveland.
With a splash pad, live entertainment, entrancing architecture, and more, many have come to consider Public Square the best place for effortless family fun in Cleveland. It seems like there’s always something going on here… and the area looks more beautiful with each passing year!
Love our pretty city? There’s so many things to do in Downtown Cleveland, so you might as well check a few bucket list items during your next visit. Check out our recommended list of 18 things to do in Downtown Cleveland to keep the fun going. (Be sure to jump to the family-friendly attractions section if you’re looking for even more to do with the kids!)
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