Family Vacation Ideas in Ohio

Ohio has a lot of great places for families to visit, no matter what you’re into.

If you love excitement and roller coasters, Cedar Point Amusement Park is the place to go—it’s famous for having some of the best rides in the world.

If you’re curious about science and enjoy hands-on activities, you’ll really like the Center of Science and Industry, also known as COSI. It’s full of cool things to learn and explore.

Now, if you’re a family that enjoys being outdoors, Hocking Hills State Park is perfect for you. It’s peaceful and beautiful, and you can go hiking or just relax in nature.

For animal lovers, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is a must-visit. You can see all kinds of animals from around the world. And for a special treat, take a trip to The Wilds Safari Park, where you can go on a safari and see animals roaming freely.

Each of these places has something special that can make your family trip to Ohio really memorable. Whether you’re looking for thrills, learning something new, enjoying nature, or seeing wild animals, you’ll find it here in the Midwest.

Exploring Cedar Point Amusement Park

Cedar Point Amusement Park is a great spot for families looking for fun. Located by Lake Erie, the park is famous for its huge roller coasters, such as the Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force, which are perfect for those who love a good adrenaline rush.

But it’s not all about thrills. If you’re not into big rides, there’s plenty more to do, like enjoying a relaxing carousel ride, taking a peaceful train journey, or watching one of the interactive shows.

The park is designed with families in mind, offering special sections just for kids so they can have fun safely. Cedar Point also takes care of its visitors with lots of places to eat and helpful guest services.

It’s these thoughtful touches that make Cedar Point a top choice for a family outing in Ohio.

Discovering the Wonders of COSI

After a fun day at Cedar Point, families can enjoy learning at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. This famous museum makes science exciting with hands-on displays and lively shows. Visit the Planetarium to learn about space or discover how the human body works. COSI makes science easy to understand and enjoyable, encouraging kids to ask questions and think about new ideas.

You can also learn about ocean creatures in the Ocean exhibit or build things in the Gadgets area. COSI always has new exhibits, so every visit offers something different. It’s a place where education is as entertaining as it is informative, guaranteeing families leave with new knowledge and happy memories.

Remember to try the Planetarium for a trip through the stars or check out the latest exhibit to see what’s new. COSI is more than just a museum; it’s a place where fun and learning go hand in hand, inspiring everyone to learn more about the world around us.

Relaxing in Hocking Hills

Hocking Hills State Park is a peaceful place in the hills of Appalachia. It’s a great spot for families to relax with its green woods, beautiful waterfalls, and scenic paths. The park is an ideal place for calming down and enjoying nature.

You can visit Old Man’s Cave with its hidden caves, hike to the quiet Ash Cave, or see the impressive Cedar Falls. Each of these spots has something special that will amaze you and help you feel at ease.

There are plenty of cabins to rent, so you can stay right in the middle of all this beauty. After a day full of walking or paddling on the Hocking River, families can gather around a campfire in the evening.

Hocking Hills is more than just a break from daily life; it’s a place where you can recharge and make memories with your loved ones that will last.

Visiting the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

When you visit the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, your family will find a world of animals from across the earth, making it a great place to learn and have fun no matter how old you are. You’ll see animals from different places, like Africa and Australia, in exhibits that make you feel like you’re really there.

Imagine watching tall giraffes eating from trees, polar bears splashing in the water, and bright fish zooming around in a coral-filled aquarium.

This zoo really cares about protecting animals and the places they live, so you’ll find lots of hands-on activities and shows that teach you about these important issues. Kids will have a blast touching and feeding animals at the petting zoo, and if it’s a hot day, everyone can take a break and splash around at Zoombezi Bay Waterpark right next door.

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is all about giving families an amazing experience, where every visit is a new adventure and a chance to learn something new about our planet’s incredible wildlife.

Adventure at The Wilds Safari Park

If you’ve been to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and loved it, you’re in for another treat. About an hour’s drive from there, in the hills of Cumberland, Ohio, you’ll find The Wilds Safari Park. It’s a special place where you can see animals that are rare and at risk of extinction living in big spaces that look like their natural homes.

When you go, you can pick different ways to see the animals. You might take a bus tour with a guide, go on an open-air safari, or even soar above the animals on a zip line for an amazing view.

The Wilds isn’t just a fun day out; it’s also really important for protecting these animals. They work on saving species, teach people about wildlife, and do scientific research, all while giving you the chance to come face to face with some incredible creatures.