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National Parks / Natural World in Ohio
Ohio is a melting pot of beaches, rivers, cities, mountains, museums - and the world’s largest Amish community! Did you know that the WORLDS biggest coaster collection can be found at Cedar Point? Did you know you can experience an African Safari in Ohio? You can! Want something else? Did you know that The Jump Yard is the largest indoor inflatable play land in the country? The state is filled with a rich history, from Columbus’ own Santa Maria, to the Century Village Museum. There is even an 1880s living museum at Slate Run, and real life castles with Piatt Castles.
Families and active kids have a plethora of activities to choose from across the whole state. Inquisitive kids will love attractions like Imagination Station, sports fans can enjoy places like Sluggers and Putters, and even the little kids get their own amusement park with Memphis Kiddie Park.
This gem in the heart of the Great Lakes is a great place to go with kids. There’s a reason 50% of the United States population lives within 500 miles of Columbus. They all want to be close to Ohio!
Planning your Trip to Ohio
Ohio is known as the Buckeye state, because of the Buckeye trees that grow in abundance. Ohio is also a haven holiday destination for families with kids, as there is so much to do. Everything from world-renowned museums, national parks, zoos, aquariums, and beautiful gardens.
No trip to Ohio is complete without a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall and Fame Museum. Fans of baseball will want to visit the popular Cincinnati Reds Hall. Ohio is great all year round for families with kids, whether you chose to spend your time indoors or outdoors there is so much to do.
For many families, vacating to Ohio is top of the list due to the attractions and authenticity of America. The natural beauty of Ohio is outstanding with the beaches and Lake Erie and the banks of the Ohio River, Ohio is a great place to visit with kids. With plenty of family-friendly events, cultural vibe, and historic landmarks; Ohio is the place to go.
Listed below are some of the best things to do in Ohio with Kids.
Olentangy Indian Caverns
Olentangy IndianCaverns were originally formed by a river that cut through limestone rock and ran underground millions of years ago. Olentangy Indian Caverns is the perfect place to visit for children that love an adventure. The caverns were once used by the Wyandotte Indians to protect themselves from the enemies and weather. Children love visiting the Olentangy Indian Caverns because of the history and local petting zoo. The zoo offers an array of different animals that will entertain any child.
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland
The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is a great place to visit for children of all ages. Interactive exhibits are a feature at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland. They provide plenty of activities that stimulate the mind and improve motor skills. Several exhibits offer learning and space for children to play, solve problems and have plenty of fun and adventure. On top of the museum is a host of rooms in different bright colours that allow children to create their small world.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery has been leading the learning experiences through interactive sciences. The museum offers a magnitude of different events and programs designed for children of all ages. This versatile museum also hosts a zoo, planetarium, and science centre. This wonderful museum promotes a different event each day of the week.
Ohio has an energetic vibe and plenty of attractions and never fails to amaze first-time visitors. Depending on what you want to do in Ohio with kids, the weather and seasons will dictate what time of the year youshould visit. The best time to visit Ohio is generally between mid-June to mid-September when you can expect the best temperatures with little rainfall and cloud. Beautiful weather can occur at any time in Ohio such as springtime when the blooms can be enchanting. October is another beautiful month to visit with the kids. Enjoy the vibrant yellows, orange, and red foliage, and the variety of indoor attractions to keep the little ones entertained.
Winters in Ohio are generally short with most of the severe weather occurring in January and February. Still, there is plenty to do in Ohio during the winter months. Just ensure you pack your warm clothes.
There are many amazing neighborhoods to visit in Ohio that are located conveniently near the local attractions and the local airport. Listed below are the top recommendations for neighbourhoods.
Columbus is the state capital of Ohio and one of the top cities to visit for families with children. If you want to stay in the most famous and historic part of the city then be sure to stay in Downtown Columbus. Here you will find plenty of historic buildings and lots of fun activities for the little ones.
A neighbourhood that offers lots of cultures, Italian art, and lots of fun events is the Italian Village. Located just 10 minutes from John Glenn Columbus Airport, the Italian Village is great for families with children. Full of wonderful restaurants, history, and attractions, Italian Village will keep the little ones entrained for hours.
Central Columbus is the built-up part of the city and features many of its tallest buildings. If you’re looking for culture and fast-paced entrainment then you must stay in Downtown Columbus. Suitable for children over the age of 12, Downton Columbus has some of the best restaurants and attractions to visit during your vacation.
The Arena District is located Northwest of Downtown Columbus. Here you will find lots of farmers’ markets and the oldest public park and park street where you will find the baseball stadium, Huntington Park. Here you will find legendary buildings and locations like the Ohio Statehouse, Main Street Bridge, and Ohio State Capitol.
Scioto Mile is a great place to visit with children. Compromising of 9 different parks including the Bicentennial Park, Battelle Riverfront and North Bank Park, all run alongside the Scioto Mile River. Take the children on one of the many walks and experience the wildlife and natural beauty of this region.
Take the trail from Bicentennial Plaza to Scioto Audubon Metro Park and visit the biggest climbing wall in the nation. You can also rent a bike or kayak and paddle along the river.
Another great park to visit Downtown is the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. A cultural attraction, featuring world-class horticulture, nature-based exhibitions, and special events for children of all ages.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is about a 20-mile drive north of Downtown and is an absolute must-see. Home to over 10,000 friendly animals, an 18-hole golf course, and Zoobezi bay park.
Best hotels to stay in Columbus Downtown
Downtown Columbus is conveniently located nearby all the wonderful attractions Ohio has to offer. Many of these attractions are not far from the hotels listed below. We have carefully selected 3 top hotels to stay in Ohio with kids that suit all budgets.
Hyatt Regency Columbus is a three-star hotel located in Central Columbus which is a 3-minute walk from the Convention Centre. Conveniently located near the Columbus Museum of Art and kid-friendly, this hotel is the perfect place to stay for families with children of all ages.
Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown, Ohio
The Hampton Inn is within walking distance of many great attractions for kids, including the Arena Grand Theatre, Columbus Convention Centre, and lots of local shops and delicious restaurants. The Hampton Inn is kid-friendly and offers the perfect stay for families with young children. All the rooms come with modern amenities and there are lots of restaurants close to dine in.
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
This 4-star hotel offers lots of activities for kids and is also pet friendly. Conveniently located near the Ohio Theatre and only a 10km drive from the Port Columbus International Hotel, this Hotel LeVeque is a great place to stay with children. Enjoy the onsite fitness and wellbeing facilities this hotel has to offer.
Ohio has a great food scene for adults and children of all ages. Trying new dishes is one of the best parts of going on holiday. Listed below are some of the most delicious foods you must try whilst visiting Ohio with kids.
Buckeye Candy
Buckeye Candy is one of the most iconic foods to try in Ohio. A candy-based treat based on the nut of Ohio and the seed of a buckeye tree. Brown on the outside. Light brown on the inside. This delicious treat is a winner for children of all ages.
Goetta Sausage
Goetta Sausage is a German-inspired delicacy. Consists of steel-cut oats, ground pork, or beef. Sliced very thinly and cooked until crispy. This specialty is often served with eggs and a stable dinner for families with children.
Ohio’s Cheese Coneys
Ohio’s Cheese Coney is a delicious local delicacy. Covered in Cincinnati chili, which is a Swedish meat sauce. Originating from the 1920s. The Coney is a favorite for children of all ages.
Skyline’s Cincinnati Chili
The Cincinnati Chili is best known for its distinctive hot taste. Not for the faint-hearted, so not suitable for young children. The Cincinnati Chili is a winner on a cold winter’s day. Consisting is unusual ingredients such as cinnamon, chocolate, and cheddar cheese, this chilli is a must-try when visiting Ohio with kids.
