African Safari Wildlife Park

Ohio is a fun state to explore with a lot of exciting things to do for the entire family. Explore beautiful natural landscapes, quaint little towns and interesting attractions like thrilling theme parks, wonderful museums and outdoor adventures that are unique to Ohio. “Whether you are venturing out with the family for the day or a weekend trip, there is no shortage of fun and enticing destinations throughout Ohio,” noted Victor Bierman an Ohio lawyer and business expert. To kick-start your adventure, here are seven family fun things to do in Ohio.

1. Kings Island

Located in Mason; Kings Island is one of Ohio’s most popular theme parks. Kings Island features what’s popularly known as, “The Beast” (a wooden roller coaster which offers one of the longest ride times on the planet). There are also many other thrilling roller coasters including, but not limited to; Planet Snoopy, The Banshee and the Firehawk. If your family likes adventure and speed, then Kings Island is the place for you.

2. Hocking Hills State Park

Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most scenic areas in Ohio. It’s also a hiker’s paradise with many amazing trails ranging from relatively easy trails which are appropriate for kids, to more challenging ones which cover steep terrains. Surrounding this magnificent park is Hocking State Forest which is great for rock climbing, horseback riding, rappelling and other exciting outdoor adventures.

3. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the 2nd oldest zoo in the country, and welcomes more than 1.3 million visitors annually. It is home to more than 500 animal species like white lions, polar bears, and manatees, and over 3,000 plant species. The zoo is open all year round except on Christmas day.

4. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Located in the First Energy Powerhouse on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium offers a captivating and family friendly experience with sea creatures from all over the world. This amazing aquarium features over 5,000 exotic creatures ranging from Great Lake Perch, to the more exotic lion fish, sea horses, glow in the dark jellyfish, sea anemones and crustaceans.

5. Amish Country Tour

Amish settlers first arrived in Ohio over 200 years ago and the state is home to the world’s largest Amish population. Spend the day in the city of Berlin in the heart of Amish Country and learn about their day-to-day life without modern conveniences. Taking a tour of the Amish Country is a great way to break from the rather hectic pace of our day to day lives, and enjoy the quite and peaceful way Amish families live. While you’re there you will have ample opportunity to shop for locally made Amish goods.

6. The African Safari Wildlife Park

Located near Port Clinton, the African Safari Wildlife Park is like driving through Africa. You’ll see a 100 acre preserve and enjoy watching and even feeding the wildlife from your car; the animals come right up to you, so you can roll down your window and feed them. Here, you’ll get to see a wide range of wildlife like giraffes, white zebras, alpaca, exotic giant eland (an open savannah antelope), water buffalos, and many more.

7. Winter Fest at Lock 3

Enjoy the winter holidays Ohio style at Winter Fest at Lock 3 in downtown Akron where there are plenty of fun and exciting activities for the entire family. Test your skills with indoor putt-putt golf; attend a holiday tree lighting ceremony, have a blast going down a reindeer run slide, and enjoy the welcome Santa parade, to name a few. Lock 3 also features Ohio’s largest outdoor ice skating rink and is one of the most popular destinations for ice skating in Northeast Ohio.

Image Credit: Becker1999 | Flickr