(credit: cmnh.org)

Cleveland Museum of Natural History
University Circle
1 Wade Oval Drive
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 231-4600
cmnh.org

Price: $12 adults/$10 youths, students, senior/free toddlers

Cleveland Museum of Natural History will bring an exhibit of mystery and intrigue. From Jan. 26 to May 5, explore ancient Mayan times during a time when civilization disappeared in Palenque, Mexico. Also learn about an archaeological team that disappeared in the same area years ago while looking for the lost jade medallion. Using technical math, science and historical facts, learn what happened  during this special event: “The Mystery of the Mayan Medallion.” Also, from March 16 through Sept. 2 the museum will present “Magalodon: Largest Shark That Ever Lived.” Learn about the largest, most fierce prehistoric sharks that swam the oceans more than 15 million years ago, disappearing more than 2 million years ago. Discover the misconceptions of these creatures and their relation to the modern shark, the Great White.

Related: Best Places to Go Ice Skating in Cleveland

Price: $7

On April 20, the Children’s Museum will bring a diverse story of five children throughout history and demonstrate how their past has affected the future. The museum will develop a world replicating the characters’ lives and accomplishments. Members of the museum will dress in the era of the story to bring a real feel to the stories. “Centuries of Childhood: An American Story” will take visitors down roads of diverse change. Onatah is a 7-year-old girl that lived in a log cabin in the Great Lakes region in 1700s. Experience her life and appreciate the conveniences of modern life. Learn to ride a horse with Gregory, a boy working during Colonial times. Experience the outdoors with Clara, a pioneer girl whose family packed up and moved to the west. Discover America through a Jewish boy’s eyes as he immigrates to the United States and travels to the Cleveland area in the 1800s. Lastly, take a ride on train through the deep South to Chicago with Micheal, an African American boy. Also, from Dec. 8, 2012 through April 7, learn what it is like to be an archaeologist discovering ancient artifacts. “SANDasaurus” allows children to explore a typical base-camp during a dig expedition. Uncover fossils in the dig site and discover uses of the special tools. After a hard day of discovery, enjoy the dig site playground and dress-up area while creating a masterful sand sculpture.

Related: Getaway Guide: One Tank Trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

(credit: Maltz Museum/Facebook)

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 
2929 Richmond Road
Beachwood, OH 44122
(216) 593-0575
www.maltzmuseum.org

Price: $12 adults/$10 seniors, students/$5 children 11 and younger/$20 special event additional fee

The Jewish community gets silly during this special event Feb. 20 during Cleveland’s Funniest Rabbi and Purim Celebration. This popular annual event returns this year. Enjoy the contestants’ sense of humor during this competition. Expect to laugh until you’re exhausted. Cheer on the favorite Rabbi and Purim until a winner is declared. Spots fill up fast. Purchase tickets in advance of the event to ensure a seat. Also, in 2013, the Jewish Heritage will present a special exhibit honoring women of the Holocaust. Embrace the stories of strength, hardships, survival and heartbreak of thousands of women whose lives were suddenly changed by the hands of monsters. “Spots of Light of Women in the Holocaust” shows a unique picture of history.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium 
2000 Sycamore St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 862-8803
www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Price: $21.95 adults/$19.75 seniors/$15.95 children

The Cleveland Aquarium offers year-round exhibits allowing its visitors to feel as close to the ocean as possible. Utilizing old coal tunnels, the aquarium has transformed the coal mine to an underwater wonderland. Relax while watching hundreds of variations of sea creatures, brightly colored fish gracefully move along each other in a dance-like motion. Be fascinated while enjoying the strength of the shark exhibits with an up-close encounter. Enjoy the wonders of jellyfish and the Southern, Cajun feel of the classic alligator.

(credit: mocacleveland.org)

Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland 
11400 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 421-8671
www.mocacleveland.org

Price:$8 adults/$6 seniors/$5 students

The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland presents the work of Kate Gilmore March 16 through June 9. This is Kate Gilmore’s first solo exhibit that demonstrates female issues and struggles. Her work has spanned across the world from New York City to London. She is known for her out-of-the box, brilliant presentation of color demonstrations. This exhibit is not the typical oil painting or metal sculpture, but rather one’s journey through another person’s inner-most thoughts.