Family Vacations in Ohio

When planning family vacations in Ohio, Kelleys Island should be on your bucket list. It’s the largest of the Lake Erie Islands, located next to Put-In-Bay. With a serene and slow-paced vibe, travelers can easily disconnect from the outside world if they wish.

Located on the Lake Peninsula, Port Clinton is approximately 20 minutes away from the city of Sandusky. With Lake Erie bordering the town, you'll have plenty of great views all around you and lots of opportunities for sport fishing. Ferries connect Port Clinton to Kelleys Island.

World-famous as the Roller Coaster Capital, Sandusky's Cedar Point amusement park houses some of the nation's biggest rides, sure to send a rush of excitement through your veins. This sprawling park also features panoramic views of Lake Erie. For winter fun, visit indoor water parks such as Castaway Bay. Sandusky is also rich in history and heritage, with quaint shops and picturesque churches.

Rich in culture, the state capital hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as Jazz and Rib, Oktoberfest, the Asian Festival, and African American Heritage Festival. The Ohio State University's Wexner Center for the Arts is an excellent choice for visitors to experience a diverse collection of contemporary art. There's also a wide range of performances in town, including captivating ballet performances and live musicals.

Despite being a large city, Cincinnati has its wild side. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the nation's second-oldest zoo. It houses hundreds of species of wild animals such as rattlesnakes, ocelots, and macaws. Cross the Ohio River to the Newport Aquarium for some underwater delights. Your family can walk through the popular Shark Tunnel, watch penguins at play, or enjoy a dive show featuring diverse species.

Known as the recreational water capital of Northwest Ohio, Toledo offers travelers the chance to have the time of their lives in the great outdoors. Charter a boat to explore the sights and sounds of Lake Erie, or for a day out fishing. For some indoors fun, check out the Imagination Station with its interactive science-oriented exhibits, or the Toledo Museum of Art with its international collection.

Vacationing families will learn more about this history-filled town on a walking tour of the Marietta Historic District, and by exploring the Ohio River Museum. Take a trek along the River Trail or on a stretch of the Marietta Trail Network. Aspiring ghostbusters can revel in evening tours on the Ghost Trek.

Located in Cleveland, families can enjoy thrilling and informative educational activities. They range from Wonder Lab, a science laboratory, to Adventure City, where kids can roam this model ‘city’ on a series of hands-on adventures.

Your kids will have a blast as they explore scientific concepts like weather patterns, optics, motion, sound, light, and electricity. They’ll get to feel tornados with their bare hands, and watch their own motionless shadows in the Shadow Room.

This large city park in Youngstown offers a wealth of recreation opportunities. Golf, tennis, fish, and enjoy boat rides on Lake Glacier. Hikers can utilize the 15-mile foot trails, while bikers can cycle on an 11-mile trail.

Ohio's various amusement parks vary from retro to rip-roaring, making them literally a scream. Kings Island's rollercoaster rides are the fastest and longest worldwide. Winding through wooded terrain, they reach speeds as high as 53mph. It's perfect for getting everybody's adrenaline pumping.

Aspiring pilots can test their skills on the Model B flying simulator at the Wright ‘B’ Flyer museum, at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport. This is part of the National Aviation Heritage Area celebrating the region's history in flight innovation, including the first-ever airplane built by the Wright Brothers.