Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’ on the highway to the city that rocks…

Put the rubber to the road. Vacationers may be able to save some dough by piling into the family car and hitting the highway on a clear winter weekend.

• ROLL on over to the Great Lakes Science Center (pg. 184, KIDS LOVE OHIO). This science playground has engaging spaces right from the start. While a scientist creates a new concoction and it’s shown on one of the largest video walls in the USA, you turn another corner and enter a NASA space center. Calculate and build mighty puzzles – be an astronaut for the afternoon. Fly a blimp or train the Computer that Listens. Our recommendation: best value for school-aged kids (6-14). Younger ones can enjoy the colorful Polymer Funhouse, an area all their own. Watch thrilling life-like movies in a six-story high IMAX theatre, too.

• ROCK and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (pg. 185, KIDS LOVE OHIO). Your exhibit guide alerts you to the PG + videos to avoid but, honestly, we recommend this attraction for families with teens anyway as they have some music history and appreciation (note: they don’t even charge admission for kids younger than 9). That same exhibit guide indicates where the “must see” artifacts are and where Ohio kids can find the Hang on Sloopy Ohio music area. Most everybody loves the 50s, Elvis, funky outfits and the Hall of Fame movie and special exhibit spaces on the top floors. “The Boss”, Bruce Springsteen winding staircase floors were our favorite on our last visit. If your young teens like this museum, they’ll really like exploring the roots of Rock n Roll in Nashville and especially, Memphis (re: KIDS LOVE TENNESSEE). Kids Love Travel suggestion: have parents take turns visiting between the rock hall and the science center. Base the kids from the science center all day w/ an IMAX movie or Mather ship tour (in season) in between.

• Lunch at the Corner Alley and Fourth Street Bar and Grill. 402 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. (216) 298-4070 or www.thecorneralley.com. A fun dining experience for the whole family, this grill restaurant is located at a downtown bowling alley-ROLL. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine with a kid’s menu to boot ($5.95 each w/drink for kids 12 and under). Families like all the sports TVs, sound of breaking pins and entrees like meatloaf, four cheese macaroni, seasoned potato chips and homemade chipotle ranch dip. Now, rent some geekie bowling shoes ($3.00) and play a family game of bowling ($4.25) before you head back out.

(DID YOU KNOW? Most of this type of “insider” info is found in books like KIDS LOVE OHIO – for under $20.00 here, you can have 5 years worth of fun ideas at your fingertips)