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20 Best Things to Do in Ohio

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If you pick an activity that is up your alley, you’ll find that Ohio is a wonderful state with a lot to offer! Here are the best things to do in Ohio.

1. Retreat to the Beauty of Hocking Hills State Park

The Hocking Hills State Park is located in southeastern Ohio, near the town of Logan. Many visitors love it for its excellent hiking trails and stunning natural features like the cliffs, caves, and waterfalls.

2. Try the Rides at Cedar Point

The roller coaster capital of the world offers a roller coaster for every thrill seeker. Try these rides: Woodstock Express, Top Thrill Dragster, Iron Dragon, Maverick, and Steel Vengeance. If you get tired of the rides, you can also have fun on the water at their water parks!

3. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

incinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Entrance

Source: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

There’s something about the second oldest zoo in the United States that makes it so special. Maybe it’s because of the longest living American alligator at the time, or the fastest cheetah in captivity. Either way, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a good place to learn about animals with the family!

4. Check out the Diverse Works at the Cleveland Museum of Art

Pick up a map because you’ll never get tired of exploring this museum even if it takes all day! The Cleveland Museum of Art is considered one of the top art museums in the nation because of the quality and breadth of its collection.

What will draw your eye? We’re betting on these: 

  • Armor Court
  • Marilyn x 100
  • The Thinker

5. Explore the Visually Stunning Krohn Conservatory

Krohn Conservatory

Source: Krohn Conservatory | Elevar

The Art Deco era gave birth to the Krohn Conservatory in 1933. It boasts more than 3,500 plant species, as well as collections on tropical specimens, rare orchids, and other exotic fruit trees. It is most famous for its “Butterfly Show” (annual event from mid-March through June), where thousands of butterflies are free to fly all around the themed-garden.

6. Have Lunch at the West Side Market

West Side Market Cleveland Ohio

Source: West Side Market, Ohio | Tom Hall

Pile up your shopping bags with meats, fruits, dairy, and baked goods from Cleveland’s oldest public market! If you ask me, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Ohio! Tip: You can grab your lunch from these recommended food stands: Frank’s Bratwurst, Steve’s Gyros, and Maha’s Falafil.

7. Experience a Nature Therapy at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve

It’s time to explore different habitats at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. Admire the cliffs of Black Hand sandstone, the deep, cool gorge, hiking trails, and the numerous waterfalls!

8. Check out Eye-Catching Signs at the American Sign Museum

A sign is what usually catches our eye whenever we walk to a store. Did you know that the craft making process of each sign is absolutely wonderful? Check out the American Sign Museum to explore more than 100 years of American sign history. Don’t worry! This place is also Instagrammable.

9. Inspire Your Creativity at the Columbus Museum of Art

The hub of community learning and enjoyment always strives to ignite creativity and inspire critical thinking by bringing American art and history to life.

10. Enjoy a Family Getaway to Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center

Perry's Cave Family Fun Center

Source: Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center

You can achieve a good old family day fun at Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center! Go try out activities like the Rock Climbing Wall, The War of 18-Holes Miniature Golf, and Fort aMAZE’n Giant Maze.

11. Take a Romantic Stroll Around Eden Park

Eden Park

Source: Eden Park | Cincinnati Parks

No matter where you are, a romantic stroll is always a good idea. The first thing that comes to mind for this activity is a scenic garden. But if you’re already in Ohio, you shouldn’t forget this stunning park in downtown Cincinnati. There are many paved trails to follow, and you can just get lost in the beauty and greenery of the plants and flowers. The lookout over the Ohio Valley is also beautiful!

12. Experience Outdoor Fun Like Never Before at the Quail Hollow Park

The Quail Hollow Park offers picturesque woodland trails as well as rolling meadows, marshes, and pine. Every visit is a refreshing natural experience! Try doing fun activities here like hiking, mountain biking, strolling, equestrian, and more!

13. Go Skiing at the Alpine Valley

Alpine Valley

Source: Alpine Valley

This location is said to benefit the most from natural snowfall more than any other ski area in Ohio. Go skiing at the Alpine Valley and see why skiers and snowboarders alike give this a high rating when it comes to terrain and family friendliness!

14. Check out Music Exhibits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Discover all aspects of Rock and Roll in a museum that honors that. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is overflowing with the energy and spirit of music, and you’ll be too intrigued not to care. Some of the first inductees include Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley, to name a few.

15. Appreciate the Beautiful Scenery of Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Source: Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Getty Images/Douglas Sacha

Visit during Summertime and you’ll be greeted by the park’s greenery and wildflowers! Come during the autumn season and see one of the most brilliant forest colors come to life! Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a beautiful gem that provides a world of discovery for visitors.

16. Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Source: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Curious about the spectacular diversity of animals in the area? Check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and make a lifetime of good memories! This zoo is open 363 days a year – rain or shine – and even offers summer camps for kids, camp-in overnights, and family or adult programs.

17. Be Thrilled at Kings Island

Kings Island

Source: Kings Island

Ask any local and they’ll when you say that one of the best things to do in Ohio is to visit the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest! Try the roller coasters, thrill rides, family rides, and kids rides! If you feel like you already had enough of it, then go to Soak City or try the other slides and attractions! The fun never stops here.

18. Discover Your Love of Flight at the National Museum of the US Air Force

National Museum of the US Air Force

Source: National Museum of the US Air Force

The National Museum of the US Air Force is surely a must-visit for any aspiring airman. This place is the world’s largest military aviation museum! It features airplanes and exhibits from the dawn of aviation through the cutting edge of space exploration.

19. Visit the Toledo Zoo

The region’s top family destination happens to be one of the word’s most complete zoos!

From its rather simple and ordinary beginnings, the Toledo Zoo has emerged as one of the area’s most valuable treasures. The zoo is home to over 5,300 animals of 750 species. They have explorable exhibits, hands-on activities, as well as areas where the kids could crawl, climb, and discover!

20. Try the Marblehead Lighthouse State Park Tour

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

Source: Marblehead Lighthouse State Park Tour | State Parks

77. That’s how many steps it will take for you to climb the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. But of course, if you’re already here, you might as well check out the park, museum and green area for picnics! Going on a tour is the best way to go!

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A writer big on nature, travel, and dogs. If you can't find Errot with her furry pal, then she's probably out exploring.

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