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Things to do in Ohio (Family Friendly) ☀️
16
items I’m always looking for fun things to do with the kids, so I put together some of my favorite family-friendly places around Ohio! No more hearing “i’m bored” everyday this summer!
Sections
4
🐨 Zoos & Animal Adventures
🎢 Amusement Parks & Waterparks 💦
Parks 🌳
The Islands 🏝️
🐨 Zoos & Animal Adventures
I love visiting these Ohio zoos because they’re perfect for family outings, animal lovers, and kid-friendly adventures. plus the safari is a great summer experience!!
the botanical garden is GORGEOUS! This is a tad farther from us but we try to visit as often as possible!
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
beautiful zoo! the exhibits are very nice here. we love to feed the giraffes, ride the soaring eagle and catch a 4D movie a couple times a summer!!
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
this is such a fun experience especially for slightly older kids. my daughter just started to really appreciate this year. the animals are beautiful and not something you get to do everyday!
The Wilds
Another beautiful zoo! this is usually a little less crowded in the summer so we love to visit if we aren’t feeling like waiting in long lines
Akron Zoo
This zoo is HUGE! We’ve been multiple times and I still don’t think we’ve seen everything!? Love it!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
🎢 Amusement Parks & Waterparks 💦
I really like these spots because they’re perfect for making core memories. Whether you have thrill seekers or little kids who just want rides and snacks 😂
this is a must for the summertime in my house! so much fun and so many options of what to do
Kings Island
great weekend trip! there’s buffets, dance parties and obviously a huge kid friendly water park!! it’s such a good place for kids
Great Wolf Lodge: North America's Largest Family Indoor ...
this is a classic for ohioans. I’ve been there probably 5628 times and I never get tired of it. classic theme park, the rides are amazing! my 7 year olds favorite coaster is the wild mouse 🐭
Cedar Point
kalahari is a blast regardless of your age! there’s indoor/outdoor slides and pools, wave pool, surfing, hot tubs etc. we love to stay here for a night or two
Welcome to Kalahari | Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
very family friendly water park! and super fun! this is usually less crowded than the other 2 in sandusky and is perfect for kids!
Indoor Waterpark Resort | Sandusky, OH | Castaway Bay
Parks 🌳
I love these outdoor spots because sometimes the best family days are the simple ones spent exploring, hiking, and letting kids burn energy lol
probably the most beautiful place in the state. we love to get a cabin and stay for a weekend. endless trails to hike and things to see
Hocking Hills State Park
beautiful place to reconnect with nature! we go here often and there’s always something new to see!
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
this is such a great camping spot! i’ve been going since I was little and I love taking my kids now! there’s tubing, high ropes, canoeing, hiking and of course, the great outdoors!! such a fun summer camping spot!
Mohicans
this is my best kept secret 🤫 my go to for local camping, fishing, hiking and connecting with nature! it’s sooo quiet and peaceful here
Findley State Park | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Islands 🏝️
I love visiting these islands because they make you feel like you took a mini vacation without ever leaving Ohio! Just a short ferry ride and you’re on your own personal oasis!
another super fun ohio island! (that’s a crazy thing to say lol, who knew ohio had islands). This is definitely more for kids than put in bay but they’re both still super fun!!
Kelleys Island
we make a trip up here every year. it’s so fun to ride around on the golf cart, go in caves and explore the island!
Put-in-Bay | The 2026 Island Guide For Visiting Put In Bay, Ohio