REMEMBER GETTING CARDED? We couldn’t wait to be old enough to see an R-rated movie or buy a beer without showing proof of age. “The Exorcist” is on TV and 3.2 beer is a relic from the ’80s. But an I.D. is still fun to flash if you’re looking for a deal. Check out aarp.org for member discounts at national chains. We’ve got plenty here in Northeast Ohio, too. Savings on food, fun, travel, services and more abound for older adults. We’ve put together a local list of places that are free or have reduced prices or other benefits. Don’t be shy; it never hurts to ask about senior discounts.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
U.S. residents 62 and older can purchase a lifetime pass for admission to over 2,000 sites for $10. The pass admits the owner and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle to pay-per-car sites, or admits the owner and three adults (under 16 is always free). Passes can be purchased online (nps.gov) or at sites.
GET ENTERTAINED
Concerts, plays and sporting events at local high schools are often free for seniors. Come and watch these hard-working kids turn hours of practice into great performances. The Cleveland Institute of Music (cim.edu) also offers free concerts by students and faculty throughout the year.
Community and even some professional theaters such as Karamu House in Cleveland and Ensemble Theatre in Cleveland Heights offer ticket discounts for seniors.
Churches also sponsor free concerts. The Rocky River Presbyterian Church hosts an artist series, which during the holidays featured the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. Next up is variety show vocalist Logan Wells.
GET SMART(ER)
Ever want to learn a foreign language or create a masterpiece? Ohio’s four-year universities and two-year colleges allow residents 60 or older to audit classes at no cost depending on space availability (paying students get the first chance) and instructor approval. Usually, no college credit is earned and some materials fees may apply. Contact the admissions or registrar’s office at one of these participating schools for more details, or check out the Ohio Department of Aging (aging.ohio.gov) for others.
• The University of Akron, Sixty-Plus Program
• Cleveland State University, Project 60
• Cuyahoga Community College, Program 60
• Lakeland Community College, Senior Citizen Audit
• Lorain County Community College, Senior Citizen Registration
Many colleges and universities also sponsor Lifelong Learning Institutes, which provide non-credit academic programs covering a wide-range of topics. These are structured like college programs with regular semesters and course work. They may also offer volunteer and community outreach opportunities. Membership fees vary.
GET GOING
Many attractions offer discounts as well. Here are a few ideas — several suggested by Destination Cleveland — to get out and about with family and friends.
A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE
3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland
$9 admission for 60+ (savings of $2)
216-298-4919
AChristmasStoryHouse.com
JACK CLEVELAND CASINO
100 Public Square, Cleveland
Every Monday through Wednesday, ages
55+ receive free valet parking at the casino
parking garage (at Prospect and Ontario)
216-297-4777
jackentertainment.com/cleveland
ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
1100 E. Ninth St., Cleveland
$21.25 admission for 65+ with ID
216-781-7625
rockhall.com
GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER
601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland
$1 off admission with ID (cannot be
combined with any other discounts)
216-694-2000
greatscience.com
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland
$10 admission for 60+
216-231-4600
cmnh.org
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
$6 admission for 65+
216-421-8671
mocacleveland.org
MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE
2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood
$10 admission for 60+ and students (12+)
216-593-0575
maltzmuseum.org
WESTERN RESERVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland
$9 admission for seniors
216-721-5722
wrhs.org
