Despite being the 34th largest state by area, Ohio is ranked 7th in terms of population.
That means a lot more people are packed into smaller spaces than in other states.
You might be wondering why that is.
The state has a few things that really work in its favor.
For one, the cost of living.
States ahead of Ohio, such as California, New York, and Illinois are frequently causing people to leave because of the prices.
Ohio is a lot more affordable than those places, which means the variety of jobs available can sustain better.
When you have more money, you’re able to spend it on fun things to do with the family.
Here we go through the best things to do with kids in Ohio.
10 Things to Do in Ohio With Kids
1. Cleveland Children’s Museum
Since opening its doors in 1981, Cleveland Children’s Museum has been entertaining the little people.
That doesn’t mean children of all ages aren’t going to have a good time but much of the museum is geared toward elementary ages.
Promoting discovery throughout early childhood development is the goal.
Learning is achieved through play and starts with toddlers.
Feel free to stay all day, there’s a cafe, so you won’t even need to leave for food.
The museum is closed on Thursdays so be sure to plan accordingly.
2. Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center
Have an adventure that ends with something to take home.
This limestone cave will have your children feeling like an explorer.
Inside, the whole family can go mining for gems.
There is no telling what kind of precious stone can be found in Perry’s Cave.
After putting your all into mining, why not have some light fun and play some mini golf?
If there is still pent-up energy, take it out on the rock wall.
Need a little dose of nature?
Watch your child’s eyes fill with wander in the butterfly house.
There’s more to the fun center and it’s worth staying all day to experience it all.
3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
With 10,000 animals to see, there’s not a moment to waste!
That’s the enthusiasm the city was hoping for when the zoo first opened a century ago.
Because of its tenure, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has become a leader in zoological research in America.
At almost 600 acres, this location is the biggest zoo in the country.
Aside from seeing what you might expect at such an establishment, there are tours and experiences unlike any other.
For example, want to give an elephant a bath or feed a giraffe?
These are just two of the multitude of individual activities you can get into while here.
4. Fossil Park
Right on the border with Michigan is Sylvania, home of Fossil Park.
Once an abandoned quarry has been transformed into a safe place to hunt for fossils.
If you have a member of the family who is mobility-challenged, no worries!
This park is ADA-friendly.
It’s also small enough that no one will get lost or too tired.
So, what can a digger expect to find buried here?
Some of the more common findings are corals, trilobites, brachiopods, and echinoderms.
All of these fossils can be traced back to the Devonian period, about 400 million years ago.
Do you know what’s even better than unearthing a fossil?
Getting to keep it!
That’s the gift of Fossil Park.
5. Great Lakes Science Center
The name implies a focus on the Great Lakes.
However, this science center plays host to the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, of which there are less than a dozen across the nation.
Once inside the Great Lakes Science Center, the NASA exhibit is at no extra cost.
Aside from the wildly interesting exhibit about space exploration, most of the other exhibits examine the nature around the Great Lakes.
Children are invited to participate in workshops and learn more about the world around them.
Adults are asked to accompany children and help their interests grow.
6. The Wilds
There’s going to the zoo, then there’s going on a safari.
No need to leave the country, The Wilds has everything you need.
What can spectators expect to come across on this safari?
African-painted dogs, dholes, cheetahs, ostriches, wild horses, white rhinos, and so much more.
While on campus, visitors can go ziplining, fishing, or horseback riding.
7. Center of Science and Industry
Getting kids involved in STEM is important.
Bringing them to this science center is likely to spark an interest in all things STEM that will go beyond the play.
Throughout the building, there are 300 exhibits that encourage hands-on participation.
Working in labs allows your youth to feel like they are doing real experiments.
Also, planetarium shows are highly rated as can’t miss.
8. Alien Adventure Mini Golf
There’s putt-putt and then there’s an Alien Adventure.
This might be the most creative game of golf you’ll ever play.
Each part of the scene is black-lit for the most immersive experience.
Animated creatures and 3D effects make them feel complete.
Are you playing golf or starring in a cinematic short?
Hard to tell apart from all the fun you’ll be having.
9. Cleveland Museum of Natural History
260,000 annual visitors can’t get enough of the exhibits here.
Pretty soon, that could include your family!
That’s especially true if any of the family members are fans of dinosaurs.
Of course, that’s just one aspect of the 550-acre museum.
It will take a minimum of two hours to get through the place but likely much longer for inquisitive minds.
10. Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Do you have a future railroad engineer in your life?
Come visit a National Historic Landmark in Dennison.
What sets apart this railroad is that during WWII, close to a million and a half enlisted soldiers were treated by fellow Americans one last time before going to war.
As many as 4,000 volunteers gave those shipping off a hot meal and downtime on their way out.
That stop made a lasting impression on those going overseas, as it was referred to as Dreamland, USA.
Today, in addition to a walk back through history, there are plenty of themed days like riding the Polar Express.
Be sure to check the calendar for fun to be had before coming out!
Ohio Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Ohio Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Ohio?
Many favor a sweet time of year when the scenery is best.
If you’re not from the Northeast, you may be unfamiliar with the population’s obsession in regard to foliage.
There are so many trees in Ohio that when autumn finally descends, it’s like a canvas with painted leaves all across the region.
What you want, though, is to come before the weather makes you regret the trip.
Ideally after Labor Day and before Halloween.
Another wonderful season to visit is spring, mainly May and June.
It’s warming up and the local flora is in bloom, what is there not to love?
Why is Ohio called the Buckeye State?
First, buckeye refers to buckeye trees, which is a nutlike seed that looks like the eye of a deer, once it’s had a chance to dry out.
Buckeye is actually a term that was indirectly coined by Native Americans.
They called the nut “hetuck” which translates to buckeye.
When Europeans spread out to Ohio, they noticed the overwhelming abundance of buckeye trees, thus the association began.
The reference became so popular, in fact, that half a century later, buckeye wood was used to make trinkets to mark the successful campaign of President William Harrison in 1840.
If someone from that era traveled forward in time to now, they’d be right at home.
These trees are still gracing the land all over the state.
So, it’s not surprising that Ohio State University is known as the Buckeyes.
How safe is Ohio for tourists?
You’ll be happy to know that, generally speaking, Ohio is one of the safest states in the US.
Surprisingly, even though it’s also home to three of the biggest cities, the crime rate is still on the lower end.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind when on vacation.
Crime still happens and it’s most common in busy downtown areas.
When in these spots, always use caution.
Keep valuables at home and be careful with how you display cash.
Cleveland has the highest crime rate in the state, so be extra cautious.
Otherwise, using common sense should mean you have safe travels when staying in or going through Ohio.
What's the most popular attraction in Ohio?
There are a few places that people associate with Ohio.
The first is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which resides in Cleveland.
From the time the museum opened in the mid-90s, it has rocked the city with extra tourists.
On average, about half a million people come to Cleveland to walk through the Hall of Fame annually.
That’s not the only Hall of Fame, though.
In Canton, the Professional Football Hall of Fame has been around since the early 60s.
Pro football’s hall brings in about 700,000 visitors each year.
Finally, the top attraction might be a surprising one, considering there are no rides or funnel cake.
The National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton brings in just shy of a million people year after year.
It’s the world’s largest military museum focused on aviation.
In total, there are 360 vehicles that take flight across 19 indoor acres.
