Fun Things to Do in Ohio

The variety of things to do and see in Ohio ensures that no visitor will be bored. Whether you are in need of a location to kick back and unwind or an adventure into the great outdoors, you will find it in Ohio. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Ohio, home to more than 80 state parks and forests ideal for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. Popular destinations in Ohio include Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Lake Erie Islands State Park. Ohio is also home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. While in Cincinnati, families can enjoy Cedar Point, the Cincinnati Zoo, and Kings Island.

Discovering all the fun things to do in Ohio is one of the most exciting things about traveling. Ohio is a fantastic travel destination for art lovers due to its abundance of theatres, museums, and concert venues. The Columbus Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra are just a few of Ohio’s cultural highlights. Ohio is a great state for foodies, with numerous unique regional specialties including Cincinnati’s chili, Cleveland’s pierogies, and Toledo’s hot dogs. Ohio’s central location in the United States makes it an ideal destination for both short trips and extended vacations.

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1. Discovering Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Millions of tourists travel to Ohio each year specifically to see the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Discovering Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the fun things to do in Ohio. The zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1875, making it one of the country’s oldest. Over 500 species of animals, including tigers, lions, giraffes, gorillas, and more, call this place home. Over 3,000 plant species call the zoo’s stunning botanical garden home, making it nearly as impressive as the animal displays.

Each portion of the park has its own theme, from a butterfly garden to a desert exhibit to a tropical rainforest. When compared to other botanical gardens and zoos, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden stands out for its commitment to conservation. The zoo also works with international groups to protect endangered species and their ecosystems.

• Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
• Phone: +1 513-281-4700
• Opening hours: All day open, 9:00 am to 5 pm
• Website: www.cincinnatizoo.org

2. Picnic at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Beautiful scenery may be found in Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio. After being expanded and renovated from its initial 1895 construction, the conservatory is now a popular tourist attraction. Exotic plants from all over the world are on display, as well as a replica of a tropical rainforest and a desert ecosystem, within and outside the conservatory. The Palm House, a Victorian-era greenhouse brimming with palms and other tropical plants, is also open to visitors.

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens also host a variety of informative activities and programs for people of all ages. Some examples are gardening workshops, art shows, and festivals celebrating local traditions.

• Address: 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH
• Phone: 614-715-8000
• Opening hours: All day open 10 am-5 pm
• Website: www.fpconservatory.org

3. Hiking at Hocking Hills State Park

The beautiful Hocking Hills State Park can be found in southeastern Ohio. It is home to breathtaking natural features like deep forests and picturesque waterfalls. Hikers, campers, and people generally interested in the natural world frequent the park. It offers a wide variety of trails and activities to explore. Visiting Hocking Hills State Park is one of the fun things to do in Ohio. Ash Cave and Cedar Falls are only two examples of the park’s many interesting features.

Camping, fishing, rock climbing, and even zip-lining are just some of the activities that may be enjoyed by visitors to the park in addition to its natural beauty. Anyone traveling to Ohio and hoping to take in the state’s natural splendor should make a stop at Hocking Hills State Park.

• Address: 19852 State Route 664 Logan, Ohio
• Phone: (740) 385-6842

4. Fun at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

One of the most popular and fun things to do in Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium can be found in the city of Powell. It first opened in 1927 and has since expanded to house more than 10,000 animals of more than 600 kinds. The zoo is separated into zones that are designed to seem like the animals’ native environments. The Heart of Africa region, which includes lions, zebras, and giraffes, is one of the most visited areas.

Kangaroos and koalas can be found in Australia and the Islands zone, whereas polar bears, Arctic foxes, and seals can be found in the Polar Frontier region. Feeding giraffes and lorikeets, riding camels, and even swimming with sea lions are just some of the immersive experiences available at the zoo. The water park and golf course at the zoo make it a fun day trip for people of all ages.

• Address: 4850 W POWELL RD POWELL, Ohio, US
• Phone: (614) 645-3400
• Opening hours: All day open 9 am-5 pm
• Website: www.fpconservatory.com

5. Exploring the Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is a state-of-the-art art institution that attracts visitors from all over the globe. The museum, which has been open since 1913, houses about 61,000 pieces of artwork from antiquity to the present. The museum is one of the largest in the United States, with galleries covering a large area. It is housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts that has been updated with modern extensions.

Ancient and medieval art from Asia, Africa, and the Americas is on display alongside pieces by European and American masters like Monet, Picasso, and Pollock. The museum also houses a world-famous collection of English silver and other decorative arts. Exploring Cleveland Museum is one of the fun things to do in Ohio, This museum features many different events and programs throughout the year.

• Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio
• Phone: 216-421-7350
• Opening hours: Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Wed, Fri: 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Mon Closed
• Website: www.clevelandart.org

6. Thrilling roller coaster ride at Cedar Point

A world-famous amusement park, Cedar Point may be found in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point, Ohio, United States, is a popular tourist attraction and one of the fun things to do in Ohio due to its reputation as the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World”, Thanks to its abundance of roller coasters. Cedar Point has been entertaining visitors since it opened in 1870, and it has grown from a small amusement park into a big entertainment complex featuring rides, shows, and games.

The park’s location on Lake Erie’s shores is stunning, making for picturesque scenery and a relaxing ambiance. Including its world-famous rides and attractions, Cedar Point also boasts a vast selection of establishments, lodging facilities, and seasonal events that make it a fantastic vacation spot for individuals, couples, and large groups.

• Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio, US
• Phone: (419) 627-2350
• Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm
• Website: www.cedarpoint.com

7. Experience exciting match at Great American Ball Park

Ohio’s Great American Ball Park is a cutting-edge facility for baseball games. The Cincinnati Reds, one of baseball’s oldest teams, call Great American Ball Park, which was built in 2003, home. You can choose from standard seats, luxury suites, and club seats among the many available seating options at Great American Ball Park, which can hold up to 42,000 spectators. High-definition video boards, a playground, and a range of dining and drinking options are just some of the modern conveniences that visitors may enjoy in this park.

Watching a match here is one of the best and most fun things to do in Ohio and over the years, Great American Ball Park has played host to a wide range of events, from concerts to political rallies. This is one of the best sports stadiums in Ohio, and any baseball lover should make the trip to see the park for themselves.

• Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Phone: +1 513-381-7337
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

8. Pro Football Hall of Fame

Canton, Ohio is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a museum that chronicles and displays the rich heritage of American professional football. Since its start in 1963, football fans from all over the world have made the pilgrimage to Canton, Ohio, to visit the Hall of Fame. Game-used outfits, footballs, helmets, and other equipment are just some of the items on display in the museum, which also features images and video footage of football’s most iconic events.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame offers guided tours, films, exhibitions, and even interactive displays for its guests. Throughout the year, the Hall of Fame also hosts a number of special events and exhibits which makes it one of the most exciting and fun things to do in Ohio.

• Address: Pro Football Hall of Fame 2121 George Halas Dr. NW Canton, Ohio
• Phone: 330-456-8207
• Website: www.profootballhof.com

9. Exploring Easton town center

Easton Town Center is a shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. This open-air mall features over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues spread across two levels. Easton Town Center offers a diverse range of shopping options, from high-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch to popular retailers like Apple, H&M, and Forever 21. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of dining experiences, with options ranging from upscale restaurants to casual eateries and fast-food chains.

Easton Town Center also provides a variety of entertainment options, including a 30-screen movie theater, a comedy club, and a live music venue. Easton Town Center is more than just a shopping destination – it’s a vibrant community hub that offers something for everyone.

• Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio,
• Phone: (614) 416-7000
• Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am-9 pm, Sun: 12 am-6 pm
• Website: www.eastontowncenter.com

10. Experiencing Breathtaking view at Krohn Conservatory

If you have any interest in plants or gardening at all, you simply must visit Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since its construction in 1933, the conservatory has attracted countless visitors from all over the world. There are plants from all around the world on display at the conservatory, from deserts to tropical rainforests. Orchids, palms, and ferns, among others, can be admired as guests wander from room to room.

The annual Butterfly Show, which runs from March to June, is a huge hit with visitors because it allows them to get up close and personal with thousands of gorgeous butterflies in a lush indoor garden. Experiencing this beautiful scene is one of the most amazing and fun things to do in Ohio.

• Address: 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Phone: +1 513-421-4086
• Opening hours: All day open 10 am – 8 pm

11. Tracking at Old Man’s Cave

Located in the Hocking Hills of northeastern Ohio is the famous Old Man’s Cave. An ancient hermit who supposedly lived in the cave back in the 1800s gave it its name. Hocking Hills State Park, which includes the cave and the trails in the surrounding area, spans over 2,000 acres and provides tourists with a chance to experience the stunning Appalachian landscape of Ohio. A winding stream winds its way through the tight gorge that makes up the cave.

Visitors can wander the cave’s trails and take in the sights of rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and verdant flora. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities in the park including hiking the paths that surround the cave and providing breathtaking views of the neighboring forests and hills which makes it one of the thrilling and most fun things to do in Ohio.

• Address: 19852 St. Rt. 664 S Logan, Ohio
• Phone: (740) 385-6842

12. Adventure at African Safari Wildlife Park

Port Clinton, Ohio is home to many visitors each year because of the African Safari Wildlife Park. It’s a chance for people to have a real safari experience and one of the thrilling and most fun things to do in Ohio. Over 400 animals from all over the world, including those from Africa, Asia, and North America, call this huge park home. You can see giraffes, zebras, and antelopes grazing in the African savanna as you travel through the park’s various animal habitats.

They can also see bison, elk, and deer in their natural North American habitat, and some people even feed them from their cars. The park features a walk-through area where guests can get up close and personal with some of the park’s smaller residents, including kangaroos and alpacas.

• Address: 267 S Lightner Road Port Clinton, Ohio
• Phone: 419-732-3606
• Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm
• Website: www.africansafariwildlifepark.com

13. Exploring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

A museum chronicling the development of rock and roll, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an important cultural institution. It’s a major tourist destination for those visiting Cleveland, Ohio. Exhibits, recordings, and artifacts from the most seminal rock and rollers in history are on display here. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was founded in 1983 by executives from the music industry who wished to honor rock and roll’s impact on American popular music and history. After opening its doors to the public in 1995, the museum quickly became a mecca for music scholars and enthusiasts and comes in the list of fun things to do in Ohio.

• Address: Union Home Mortgage Plaza 1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard Cleveland, Ohio
• Phone: (216) 781-7625
• Opening hours: All day 9 am-5 pm
• Website: www.rockhall.com

14. Watching wild animals live at “The Wilds”

Established in 1994 to safeguard and preserve endangered animals and their habitats, The Wilds is a conservation center and one of the thrilling and fun things to do in Ohio, USA. Many endangered and exotic species, such as cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes, make their home at the center.

Guided tours of the open-air safari at The Wilds give guests a chance to get up close and personal with the animals without leaving the park. The center also hosts a variety of workshops and lectures to educate the public on conservation efforts and the value of safeguarding animals in peril.

• Address: 14000 International RD Cumberland, Ohio
• Phone: (740) 638-5030
• Website: www.thewilds.org

15. Enjoy the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio, in the United States of America, is home to the stunning Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It has a total of 33,000 acres and is famous for its beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and abundant wildlife. Visitors from both Cleveland and Akron will appreciate the park’s convenient location between the two cities. Over 125 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, wildlife viewing opportunities, and historic buildings are just some of the natural and cultural highlights that can be found in the park.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which provides rides through the park’s stunning scenery, is a top attraction and one of the fun things to do in Ohio. White-tailed deer, coyotes, red foxes, and countless bird species are just some of the flora and fauna that call this park home.

• Address: 6947 Riverview Road Peninsula, Ohio
• Phone: 440 717-3890
• Opening hours: All day open 9:30 am-5 pm
• Website: www.nps.com

16. Boating at Lake Hope State Park

The beautiful Lake Hope State Park may be found in southeastern Ohio, United States. Those who want to go hiking, fishing, boating, or camping in a beautiful setting and experience one of the most fun things to do in Ohio, should head to this Vinton County park. Lake Hope State Park is a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city, with its placid lake and beautiful forested hills.

The park spans 2,983 acres and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. Over 25 miles of trails are available for hikers to explore, including the 8.5-mile-long Zaleski Backpack Trail that passes through the neighboring Zaleski State Forest. The 120-acre lake is a popular fishing destination since it is stocked with bass, catfish, and panfish.

• Address: 27331 State Route 278 McArthur, Ohio
• Phone: (740) 596-4938
• Website: www.ohiodnr.com

17. Exploring million years old caves at Ohio Caverns

The Ohio Caverns in West Liberty, Ohio, is an amazing sight. Covering more than 35 acres below ground, it is one of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the United States. Over the course of 300 million years, groundwater eroded limestone to build the cave’s spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and columns.
Visitors can choose from a variety of excursions, each of which lasts around an hour and takes them to various parts of the caves. Guides with extensive knowledge of the caves’ history, geology, and ecology lead tours for curious visitors.

• Address: 2210 East State Route 245 West Liberty, Ohio
• Phone: +1 937-465-4017
• Opening hours: All day open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Website: www.ohiocaverns.com

18. Have a ride at Coney Island

To have fun in Cincinnati, Ohio, visit Coney Island Park. It has a long history of offering family entertainment, having been opened in 1886. Roller coasters, water rides, and midway games are just some of the attractions of this amusement park.

Classic carnival foods like cotton candy and corn dogs, as well as other selections, are available to guests. Sunlite Pool, one of the world’s largest recirculating swimming pools, is a major draw for visitors to the park. There are diving boards, water slides, and a kid-specific play area in the pool.

• Address: 6201 Kellogg Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio
• Phone: (513) 232-8230
• Website: www.coneyislandpark.com

19. Having an underwater feel at Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio sits the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, a breathtaking underwater paradise. The aquarium opened in 2012 in the magnificently renovated FirstEnergy Powerhouse, a historic building originally constructed in 1892. Over fifty tanks and displays present marine life from all over the world at this aquarium.

A wide variety of fish, sea turtles, eels, and other aquatic animals are available for up-close encounters with visitors. Interactive displays and exhibits provide guests with the chance to get their hands dirty while learning about marine life. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s SeaTube, a 175-foot walk-through tunnel filled with colorful fish and other marine species, is a popular attraction.

• Address: West Bank of the Flats FirstEnergy Powerhouse b2000 Sycamore Cleveland, Ohio
• Phone: 216-862-8803
• Opening hours: All day open 10 am – 5 pm
• Website: www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com

20. Visiting National Museum of the US Air Force

The National Museum of the US Air Force was established in 1923. Since then, it has evolved from a small engineering study center to the world’s largest military aviation museum. It is a renowned preservation hub for air and space power technology. This museum is home to world-class and one of its kind military aviation objects.

Today’s date, it has more than 350 aircraft and missiles and a few thousand artifacts. Many aerospace enthusiasts visit this place every year from around the globe. This makes it one of the fun things to do in Ohio and other than that, it is a very good source of knowledge regarding the displayed objects as the museum provides proper information and guidance to the visitors.

• Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
• Phone: +1 513-281-4700
• Opening hours: All day open, 9:00 am to 5 pm
• Website: www.nationalmuseum.af.mil