Great Lakes Science Center Tours

Great Lakes Science Center which includes interior views
Great Lakes Science Center featuring interior views
Great Lakes Science Center which includes signage and interior views
Great Lakes Science Center which includes interior views
Great Lakes Science Center featuring interior views as well as children


Find out about life as an astronaut, control a robotic arm or learn about renewable energy in Ohio’s premier science learning center.

Come to the Great Lakes Science Center to explore the fascinating inner workings of technology, science and the environment. Look inside a stomach with an endoscope, put your hand inside a tornado and climb a Martian landscape. You can also enjoy a thrilling cinematic experience at the OMNIMAX theatre, and explore the decks of a hundred year-old steamship.

The Great Lakes Science Center opened in 1996 and contains over 400 hands-on exhibits. There are three distinct areas, which focus on science, technology and the Great Lakes environment.

Start on the Science Phenomena floor where over 100 exhibits, many of which interactive, will be sure to amaze you. Learn how a tornado is formed and put your hand inside a mini version. In the Shadow Room you can strike a pose then watch as your shadow is frozen to the wall by a photo-luminescent strobe.

Make your way to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center to learn about life as an astronaut. See how people in space accomplish simple tasks, for example eating, and take a walk across a replica Martian landscape. Continue on to the Biomedical Technology Gallery to learn about the wonders of modern medicine. Control a robotic arm, learn how an MRI scan works and observe bacteria at work through a microscope.

Young children will love the Polymer Funhouse which contains over 90 different activities such as a ball pool and water features. Take a break in the café then explore the decks of the Willian G. Mathor, a stream ship that used to cross the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Science Center is located in North Harbor on the shore of Lake Erie. Metered parking is available and the area is also served by buses from downtown. It is open daily, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Note that the steamship is only open at weekends in May, September and October and is closed on Mondays during June, July and August. There is a charge for entry.

Plan a trip to see Great Lakes Science Center

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland Downtown - Lakeside
InterContinental Suites Hotel Cleveland by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Cleveland-Beachwood

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Reviews of Great Lakes Science Center

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
100
5 - Excellent 55%
4 - Good
55
4 - Good 30%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 2%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

GLSC used to be one of the top Science Centers in the Northeast. Exhibits were old and/or not working. Very little interactives. Not one staff member approached us to see how our visit was going.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Lots and lots of little kids the days I was there. It seemed like a nice place - you must visit the DOME Theater - but be sure to sit near the top!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Great Lakes Science Center

The Westin Cleveland Downtown

The Westin Cleveland Downtown

4 out of 5
777 Saint Clair Ave Ne, Cleveland, OH
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
Hilton Cleveland Downtown

Hilton Cleveland Downtown

4 out of 5
100 Lakeside Ave East, Cleveland, OH
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade

Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade

4 out of 5
420 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH
Hyatt Regency Cleveland At The Arcade
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland Downtown - Lakeside

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland Downtown - Lakeside

4 out of 5
1111 Lakeside Avenue E, Cleveland, OH
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland Downtown - Lakeside
Kimpton Schofield Hotel by IHG

Kimpton Schofield Hotel by IHG

4.5 out of 5
2000 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH
Kimpton Schofield Hotel by IHG
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG

Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
651 Huron Rd E, Cleveland, OH
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown

Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown

3 out of 5
1380 East 6th Street, Cleveland, OH
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
Fidelity Hotel

Fidelity Hotel

4 out of 5
1940 East 6th Street, Cleveland, OH
Fidelity Hotel
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown

Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown

3 out of 5
1460 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Great Lakes Science Center

Near the Great Lakes Science Center, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including sports events, theater performances, and baseball games. The area is home to entertainment venues offering live shows, as well as cinemas for an exciting movie experience. For those seeking outdoor fun, nearby recreational parks provide a perfect escape for relaxation and leisure. Whether you're looking for thrills or a laid-back atmosphere, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

The Galleria at Erieview is only 0.4 miles away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. West Side Market, a public market with a lively atmosphere, is just 2 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Legacy Village, located 10 miles away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

Head to Huntington Bank Field for an invigorating sports experience just 0.2 miles away, perfect for catching a game. Enjoy live music at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, located 0.9 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. For family fun, Sweetie's GolfLand, 6 miles away, provides mini-golf excitement and adventure.

Adventure

Upper Edgewater Park, located 3 miles from the Great Lakes Science Center, offers a vibrant waterpark experience with thrilling slides and family-friendly fun. For winter sports enthusiasts, Brandywine Ski Resort, 17 miles away, provides exciting skiing adventures, while Boston Mills Ski Resort, 18 miles distant, features diverse skiing and sports activities.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Great Lakes Science Center with a visit to Agora Theater & Ballroom for a mix of culture and romance, or enjoy the fun at Cleveland Arcade for an adventure-filled evening. Don’t miss the Cleveland Play House for more theatrical entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Great Lakes Science Center

When visiting the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio, you'll find a variety of attractions and activities that cater to all types of travelers. Explore nearby urban parks, immerse yourself in music at local museums, or attend events at conference venues. Whether you seek cultural experiences, family-friendly fun, or a vibrant city atmosphere, the Great Lakes and its surrounding attractions offer something for everyone to enjoy.

  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of music at this iconic museum, located a mere 0.1 miles from the Great Lakes Science Center. Explore exhibits showcasing legendary musicians and the evolution of rock and roll, all set against a backdrop of rich cultural history.
  • Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland: Situated 0.3 miles away, this versatile event venue hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. With its modern facilities and business-friendly atmosphere, it's a hub for networking and innovation in the heart of Cleveland.
  • Cleveland State University: Located 1 mile from the Great Lakes Science Center, this dynamic university offers a blend of academic excellence and urban life. Stroll through its vibrant campus and experience the city's youthful energy.

Best time to go to Great Lakes Science Center

The best time to visit Great Lakes Science Center is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
October55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Lakes Science Center

To save money on your visit to the Great Lakes Science Center, consider traveling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, especially on Mondays. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider package deals that include flights and activities for additional savings. Joining the Expedia One Key membership can also offer exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future bookings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and use public transportation to keep costs down while enjoying your vacation.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Great Lakes Science Center are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Great Lakes Science Center is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Great Lakes Science Center is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you customize your travel experience by selecting your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organize your results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Plus, by using the filter for Eco-certified hotels, you can discover sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Great Lakes Science Center with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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