Parma is a city in Ohio located in southern Cuyahoga County.
It’s both a suburb of Cleveland and one of the state’s largest cities.
Parma is the home of prominent offices of big-name companies such as General Motors, the Union Carbide Research Center, and Cox Cable Television.
It’s the perfect spot for those who want to experience the best of both worlds—the suburban and the metropolitan.
Despite its considerable size, Parma tends to be overshadowed by the larger and more popular C-land.
But Parma has a lot to offer in its own right—albeit on a smaller scale.
Fortunately, since it’s a suburb of Cleveland, you can easily combine a trip to Parma with all the other great things to do in the Cleveland area.
If you’re wondering what awaits you in this bustling city, here are the best things to do in Parma, Ohio:
Michael A Ries Ice Rink is a publicly owned indoor ice rink open to the public for recreational skating, hockey, and figure skating.
Located on Forestwood Drive, this ice rink is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the community behind the city.
It also hosts local hockey tournaments and events from time to time, so if you’re into the sport and want to see some action, this is the place to be.
The area also features a baseball field, basketball courts, and the nearby Forestwood Park.
In addition to hockey, Michael A Ries Ice Rink is where some local figure skating talents tend to practice and hone their skills.
You can also enjoy some good old-fashioned ice skating here.
You can also enter the local hockey tournaments or play a casual game with some friends or locals.
Ridgewood Golf Course is Parma’s premier golfing destination.
This 18-hole course is for golfers of all levels of experience.
Even if you’re not into golfing, the course is worth visiting for its scenic views.
Located on Ridge Road, the golf course was originally built in 1924.
It was designed by Sandy Alves, the original foreman for world-renowned golf course architect Donald Ross.
This 6,100-yard golf course has seen a lot of action for nearly a century.
It has hosted numerous tournaments, including the USGA Public Links Open Championship in 1927 and the Ohio Amateur Championship in 1936.
Today, after several renovations, Ridgewood Golf Course remains as pristine as its early years.
Although it’s a bit of a drive from the city center, the Ridgewood Golf Course is worth a visit—especially if you’re a fan of the sport.
Make your way to the nearby Ridgewood Lake Park on West Ridgewood Drive for birdwatching.
This park features a small lake in the center where many birds come to roost.
You can see different kinds of ducks, geese, and even herons if you’re lucky.
Ridgewood Lake Park is also a great place to take a stroll or go for a run.
Park amenities include a playground, a trail loop, an outdoor gazebo, and a picnic/pavilion area.
An outdoor swimming pool is also available during certain times of the year.
You can also go fishing at the lake—just make sure to get a fishing license first.
If you have kids with you, then the Anthony Zielinski Park Splash Pad is a must-visit.
Situated inside Anthony Zielinski Park, this splash pad features numerous water jets and sprayers that will keep your kids cool and entertained for hours.
There’s also a small playground where they can burn off some energy.
You can also have a picnic in Anthony Zielinski Park while the kids play.
This attraction is located on West Ridgewood Drive.
For nature lovers, West Creek Reservation is a must-visit for outdoor fun.
This nature reserve is one of the best places to explore the great outdoors in Parma.
Located on Ridgewood Drive, just three miles from downtown Parma, the West Creek Reservation spans over 326 acres of rocky gorges, ravines, and forest-filled ridges.
The reserve is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including several species of birds, deer, and other small animals.
The West Creek Reservation is also home to a couple of hiking trails.
The Skyline Overlook trailhead, in particular, provides a leisurely trek with breathtaking views of Parma and downtown Cleveland.
There’s also the Greenbriar trailhead which is a bit more challenging.
This three-mile loop will take you through the forest’s heart and up to the top of the reserve’s highest point.
If you’re just there to be one with nature, you can enjoy other activities at West Creek Reservation, such as biking, nature exploration, and picnicking.
The reserve offers amenities such as a drinking fountain, grilling stations, picnic tables, restrooms, and souvenir shops.
If you’re into guns and practical shooting, you’ll enjoy a visit to Parma Armory Shooting Center on Hauserman Road.
This gun shop also features a double-deck indoor shooting range where you can put your aiming skills to the test.
Parma Armory Shooting center features four outstanding state-of-the-art gun ranges.
Each facility is designed for a specific purpose, whether for training or target practice—maximizing the entire experience and offering different options to practice your shot.
The facility is also fully air-conditioned and features a retail gun shop, a full-service gunsmith, and a training academy.
The training academy is perfect for those who want to learn more about guns and gun safety.
If you’re ready for a challenge, you can also participate in Parma Armory Shooting Center’s competitive shooting leagues.
Located on Brookpark Road, RollHouse Parma is the go-to place for a fun and frolic night out with friends.
It’s the ideal place to unwind and have a good time.
This bowling alley has 26 state-of-the-art bowling lanes for unlimited hours of fun.
You can host a game of bowling with friends or challenge the locals to a friendly match.
RollHouse Parma also has a full-service sports bar that lets you watch sports while enjoying your favorite food and drinks.
You can also order food from their menu and have it delivered right to your lane.
They also have a couple of pool tables if you want to take a break from bowling and try your hand at billiards.
This bowling alley is also perfect for hosting private events such as birthday parties, corporate functions, and holiday parties.
So whether you’re looking for a place to have some fun or host an event, Rollhouse Parma is the perfect spot for you.
Located on West Pleasant Valley Road, Nike Site Park is Parma’s official city park and is one of the best places to spend a day outdoors.
It features various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and playing sports.
There’s also a sand playground, a basketball court, and a baseball field.
The park is named after the Nike Missile Base once located here and features several monuments and memorials dedicated to the men and women who served at the base.
It’s the perfect place to take the entire family for a fun day out.
Nike Site Park is also the perfect spot to go people-watching or enjoy the fresh air.
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If you’re a basketball fan, visiting the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland is a must.
It’s located 8.9 miles north of downtown Parma, a short 12-minute drive from the city.
Home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, this arena is the place to be, especially during game day.
This state-of-the-art venue has all the necessary amenities for a fun and memorable NBA game experience.
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During a Cavs game, you can expect an electric and lively atmosphere.
Apart from Cavs games, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is also home to events such as concerts, conventions, and family shows.
So whether you’re a basketball fan or not, this arena is worth checking out.
The venue changes its look and feel to accommodate different events, which means there’s always something new to see and do every time you visit.
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse is also within walking distance of many bars and restaurants, so you can make a night out of it.
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There are so many things to learn about wildlife besides what you see on television, and one of the best places to learn about animals is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Located just 3.5 miles north of downtown Parma, this zoo also serves as a wildlife reserve and learning center.
They have over 3,000 animals from 600 different species, making it one of the largest zoos in the United States.
The zoo also has exhibits such as the Australian Adventure Exhibit, home to koalas, wallabies, and other Aussie animals.
You might even see one of their baby animals during your visit.
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The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo also offers educational programs for all ages.
They have different classes, camps, and workshops that will teach you about the animal kingdom and the importance of wildlife conservation.
The people behind this zoo also promote wildlife preservation through their research and education programs.
Not only will you get to see and learn about different animals, but you’ll also be helping in the conservation of these animals and their respective habitats.
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Axe throwing is a fun and unusual activity perfect for groups of friends, and there’s no better place to do it than at The Axe House Cleveland.
Located just 3.5 miles south of downtown Parma, this axe throwing range lets you participate in games such as target practice, head-to-head matches, and tournaments.
If you want some old-fashioned fun, you can also practice your aim and see who can stick the most axes to the target.
You also get to choose the type of axe you want to throw—tactical axes, custom axes, tomahawks, and two-handed axes.
What’s unique about this axe-throwing recreation center is that you can also choose different weapons to throw.
Apart from axes, you can also use hatchets, knives, throwing cards, and ninja stars.
Whether you want to vent some frustration or have some harmless fun, The Axe House Cleveland is the perfect place for you.
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The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland is a museum dedicated to the history and legacy of rock and roll music.
It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, attracting over 400,000 visitors each year.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is 10 miles north of downtown Parma, a 15-minute drive from downtown Parma.
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Also known simply as “The Rock Hall,” this museum features extensive documentation on rock and roll history and the notable figures who have influenced its development over the years.
You’ll get to see different exhibits and memorabilia, such as instruments, stage clothes, and other artifacts from some of the most popular and influential rock & roll bands and artists in history.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is also home to a library and research center with over 500,000 items, including books, magazines, photographs, and more.
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Have you ever visited a museum showcasing witchcraft, the occult, and their related cultures?
Probably not, because the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick is the only museum of its kind in the United States.
Located just 3.6 miles north of downtown Parma, it’s dedicated to the history and practice of witchcraft and magic.
The museum isn’t big, but it has an extensive collection of books, artifacts, and artwork related to witchcraft and the occult.
You can also learn about the different magic practices, such as Wicca, Druidism, and Ceremonial Magick.
Guided tours will also take you to exhibits showcasing different witchcraft mediums and practices.
You’ll also get to see the museum’s collection of magical tools and artifacts.
Even if you’re not interested in witchcraft, the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft & Magick is still a fun and fascinating place to visit while in nearby Cleveland.
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The Cleveland Museum of Art is an art museum dedicated to showcasing works of art all over the world.
It’s located in the Wade Park District in Cleveland, 12.9 miles northeast of downtown Parma.
Founded in 1913, the Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States.
It has a collection of over 61,000 works of art, divided into different categories, such as painting, sculpture, textiles, and more.
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The museum also has different exhibitions all year round, so there’s always something new to see.
They also have a variety of educational programs, such as classes, workshops, and lectures, that are open to the public.
If you’re an art lover, the Cleveland Museum of Art is definitely worth visiting.
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Parma is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s not as bustling as neighboring Cleveland, allowing you to switch between the quiet and peaceful suburban life and the more exciting city life nearby.
If you’re planning to travel around the area, add the best things to do in Parma, Ohio to your list of places to visit.
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