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.
HomeField Inn.
Cedar Stables Inn and Suites
The Inn at Fulton

Browse tours and tickets to explore Great Lakes Science Center

Tours & day trips

See all 27 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

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
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
Hilton Cleveland Downtown

Hilton Cleveland Downtown

4 out of 5
100 Lakeside Ave East, Cleveland, OH
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Fidelity Hotel

Fidelity Hotel

4 out of 5
1940 East 6th Street, Cleveland, OH
Fidelity Hotel
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
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
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square by IHG

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1260 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square by IHG
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
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
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

At the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio, visitors can enjoy a variety of hands-on exhibits and educational attractions that make learning about science fun and engaging. Explore interactive displays, participate in exciting experiments, and discover the wonders of science through immersive experiences. Nearby, you can also catch a game or enjoy the vibrant theater scene, adding to your adventure in Cleveland.

Food and drinks

Indulge in the lively atmosphere at Topgolf, located 8 miles away, perfect for family fun and business gatherings. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Malley's Chocolates, 9 miles away, ideal for families. For a taste of local wines, visit John Christ Winery, 16 miles away, offering a romantic setting.

Shopping

Visit the West Side Market, just 2 miles from the Great Lakes Science Center, for a vibrant selection of local produce and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Legacy Village, 10 miles away, offers family-friendly shopping and entertainment, while Crocker Park, 14 miles away, features a lively atmosphere with diverse shops.

Recreation

Cleveland Browns Stadium, only 0.2 miles from the Great Lakes Science Center, buzzes with sports energy, making it perfect for active visitors. Sweetie's GolfLand, 6 miles away, offers family-friendly mini-golf fun. For relaxation, Bedford Reservation, located 11 miles from the center, provides tranquil nature trails and peaceful surroundings.

Adventure

Experience thrilling skiing at Boston Mills Ski Resort, located 18 miles from the Great Lakes Science Center. For hiking enthusiasts, explore the scenic Red Lock Trailhead, 16 miles away, or venture to Hinckley Hills Trailhead, 20 miles away, for breathtaking outdoor adventures amidst nature.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Great Lakes Science Center! Try your luck at JACK Cleveland Casino, just 0.6 miles away, or enjoy a show at Agora Theater & Ballroom, 2 miles away. For family fun, visit the Cleveland Arcade, also 0.6 miles away, for an adventure-filled evening!

Find the best attractions near Great Lakes Science Center

While visiting the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, Ohio, explore nearby attractions such as the Cleveland Museum and Playhouse Square for a taste of culture. Enjoy the outdoors at local parks and reserves, perfect for family experiences. Don't miss the stunning Great Lakes and the renowned Cleveland Clinic, which all contribute to a well-rounded visit filled with educational and recreational opportunities.

  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Immerse yourself in the rich history of music at this iconic museum, celebrating legendary artists and influential moments in rock music. With engaging exhibits and memorabilia, it's a must-visit for music lovers.
  • Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland: Experience a hub of business and events at this modern convention center. Hosting a variety of conferences and expos, it showcases Cleveland's vibrant business scene and serves as a venue for dynamic gatherings.
  • Cleveland State University: Explore this urban campus known for its modern architecture and diverse programs. With a lively atmosphere and community events, it reflects the city's energy and commitment to education.

Best time to go to Great Lakes Science Center

Visitor numbers around Great Lakes Science Center is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Great Lakes Science Center can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Great Lakes Science Center falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Great Lakes Science Center falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January27.7°F (-2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February28.6°F (-1.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
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 HighAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
December35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Great Lakes Science Center

To save money during your visit to the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, consider exploring nearby free attractions like JACK Cleveland Casino, Public Square, and East 4th Street. Plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals and consider bundling your stay with flights and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide additional discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Don’t forget to check for flexible booking options and compare prices to ensure you get the best rates!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Great Lakes Science Center are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • 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.
  • 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.