What’s New in Cleveland for Families

Family travelers headed to Ohio next month are in for a big treat as Cleveland Museum of Natural History plans to unveil a massive expansion that will give visitors even more of a reason to fall in love with history, nature and science.

The newly expanded spaces of the museum are focused on accessibility and interactive experiences that foster a stronger connection to the natural world. Families will be able to explore the all-new Dynamic Earth and Evolving Life wings, part of the 375,000-square-foot expansion, where displays like an interactive fossil record take the mystery out of how life on this planet formed and evolved.

The $150 million expansion will also include an all-new Visitors Hall, free for guests to explore. This 14,650-square-foot space will be home to some pretty famous fossil specimens, including Balto the sled dog; Lucy, our iconic early-human ancestor; and the impressive skeleton of a haplocanthosaurus.

The outside of the museum has even received an upgrade as part of this groundbreaking expansion with more than 2 acres of outdoor space and an interesting new design. The exterior of the building has been reimagined to mimic the natural flow of a glacier, further cementing the museum’s connection to the natural world around us.

The big reveal is scheduled for Dec. 15, making it an ideal addition to a holiday vacation itinerary. The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10.a.m to 5 p.m., with tickets starting at $7 for kids and seniors and $10 for adults. Toddlers get in for free.