
Ohio is such a beautiful state, offering so many lovely opportunities for family vacations and quick getaways. Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax or a grand adventure to get the adrenaline pumping, Ohio is the place to be. Here are nine places to consider taking your family for a memorable summer vacation.
Cuyahoga National Park is a 33,000-acre park in Northeast Ohio. Inside the park, you can follow the 87-mile towpath along the Cuyahoga River, admire Brandywine Falls, and take a tour of the wetlands. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad runs through the park, and rides are just $5 a person. Visitors also enjoy the Canal Exploration Center, where they can learn about the construction and early operation of the canal.
If you're looking for places to stay, there are several options inside Cuyahoga National Park, including the Inn at Brandywine Falls and the Stanford House, a nine-bedroom, historic home.
1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870
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Those who love an adrenaline rush will enjoy a vacation at Cedar Point, one of the nation's largest amusement parks. Located in Sandusky, the park offers 17 roller coasters, a thrilling water park, and an endless selection of kid-friendly rides. There's also an on-site mini-golf course, musical performances, brew tours, and more.
Cedar Point is also known for its beach. Along the shores of Lake Erie, this beach has soft sand, quiet waters, and paddleboard rentals. There are plenty of hotels in and around Sandusky, within easy reach of the park. Some guests also stay at Lighthouse Point, the on-site RV campground.
If you prefer a faster-paced, more urban vacation spot, then a trip to downtown Dayton could be perfect for your family. Dayton is a mid-sized city about an hour from Columbus with many fun attractions. If you stay in a hotel downtown, you'll be within easy reach of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton Art Institute.
Another great place to visit in Dayton is the Wright Cycle Company Complex. Here, you can learn how Orville and Wilbur Wright, the inventors of the airplane, once made and sold bicycles.
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Ohio's Amish Country is centered in and around Millersburg in Holmes County, home to about 37,000 Amish people. This quiet community is a lovely place to relax in nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can browse local shops selling baked goods, locally made cheese, and crafts. Eat at a real Amish restaurant, or learn about Amish culture on a guided tour. There are plenty of places to stay in Amish Country, including some quaint bed and breakfasts and RV parks.
Put-in-Bay is a village on the island of South Bass in Lake Erie. The village and surrounding island offer fun for all ages. There are several wineries to explore, and guests can go hiking at Oak Point State Park or South Bass Island State Park. Perry's Cave Family Fun Center offers a mini-golf course, butterfly house, and a climbing wall, along with tours of the limestone caves.
Several ferries offer service to and from South Bass Island from the mainland. Once on the island, most people stay in a lakeside cottage or condo for the duration of their vacation.
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Hocking Hills State Park is a great place to immerse yourself in nature. The park offers seven hiking areas, including Rock House and Ash Cave. Old Man's Cave is a popular mountain biking trail offering both a medium and hard loop for bikers of various skill levels. The park also offers guided nature tours throughout the week, many of which are designed with kids in mind.
There are cabins for rent on-site in Hocking Hills State Park. They also offer both RV and primitive tent cabin sites. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at Hocking Hills State Park Dining Lounge. The park is a short drive from Cincinnati, making it convenient for weekend getaways.
A vacation in downtown Cleveland is a great choice for families who like museums and a faster pace. The downtown area is quite walkable, offering attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Cleveland Museum of Art. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is fun for all ages, too.
Those who love nature may enjoy a visit to Cleveland's Edgewater Beach or the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. West Side Market is a popular destination for "foodies," selling locally grown produce and prepared foods.
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Marietta is one of the first towns settled in the Northwest Territory of the United States. As such, it's rich with history and a great place to visit with family. Learn about the village's history at the Campus Martius Museum or the Ohio River Museum, or see a show at the historic Peoples Bank Theater.
There are plenty of historic homes to admire in Marietta. Nature lovers often enjoy walking or cycling along the Marietta River Trail or watching the sunset along the Ohio River. Marietta has a bustling restaurant scene with plenty of cafes, Italian restaurants, and barbecue joints.
Marblehead is a tiny village on the Marblehead Peninsula along Lake Erie. The population is just under 1,000, although the village does receive a lot of tourism in the summer months. Once in Marblehead, you can relax on the sandy beaches, sip wine at one of the island's wineries, or browse the art galleries.
Marblehead is known for its lighthouse and the longest continually lit U.S. lighthouse on the Great Lakes. It was also the first lighthouse to employ a female lightkeeper. In the summer, guests can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy a stunning view of Lake Erie and its islands.
Where will you vacation in this great state? From nature to museums, there truly is something for every family.