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Things to Do in Ohio

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byCindy

Ohio is a wonderful state to visit, whether you are from out of state, or you want to discover your home state, this article focuses on some of the best things to do in Ohio.

vertical image with three photos of places in Ohio: Clifton Mill, Yellow Springs; Cedar Falls, Logan; Perry's Victory and International Peace Monument, Put in Bay. A white box has the text Things to Do in Ohio

About Ohio

Ohio has a population of nearly 11.8 million. Its capital and largest city is Columbus, with other large cities Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron, and Toledo.

The nickname of Ohio ‘The Buckeye State’ derives from the buckeye trees that grow along the Ohio River Valley. The small nuts the trees produce resemble the eye of a deer. It is considered that carrying a buckeye nut in your pocket is good luck.

The flag of Ohio was officially adopted in 1902 and is the only state flag that is not rectangular.

The 17th state of America, Ohio was founded in 1803 when the boundaries and the constitution were approved by Thomas Jefferson. However, it was not until 1953 that Ohio was granted statehood and admittance to the union by Dwight D. Eisenhower, although it was backdated.

Ohio was the birthplace of seven US presidents: Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William H. Taft, and Warren G. Harding. This fact has given the state the title of ‘Mother of Presidents’.

Facts About Ohio

  • Home to several indigenous civilizations, humans have been present in Ohio since as early as 10,000 BCE.
  • The first Ohio settlement was Marietta in the northwest. It was named after Marie Antoinette of France.
  • Chillicothe and Zanesville were joint capital cities of Ohio until 1816 when Columbus became the capital.
  • Orville and Wilbur Wright from Dayton made the first short flights in 1903.
  • The only state to have an official rock song, ‘Hang on Sloopy’ was designated Ohio’s official song in 1985.
  • Cedar Point was founded in 1870 and is the second oldest amusement park in the US. Lake Compounce in Connecticut is the oldest.
  • Ohio has the second largest Amish community in the US, second only to Pennsylvania. There are approximately 40,000 Amish citizens in Ohio.
  • Ohio gets its name from the Iroquois word Ohi-yo, meaning ‘great river’, ‘good river’, or ‘large creek’.

Famous People from Ohio

  • Bob Hope, actor and comedian, was born in England but moved to the US when he was four and grew up in Cleveland.
  • Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, was from Wapakoneta.
  • Thomas Edison was born in Milan, Ohio in 1847.
  • Some more famous people from Ohio are Doris Day (Cincinnati), Clark Gable (Cadiz), Dean Martin (Steubenville), Paul Newman (Cleveland), Jack Nicklaus (Columbus), Annie Oakley (Darke County), and Steven Spielberg (Cincinnati).

Ohio State Symbols, etc

  • The state bird is the Cardinal, which can be found in all 88 counties.
  • The state tree is the Ohio Buckeye.
  • The state flower is the Carnation.
  • The official song of Ohio is called ‘Beautiful Ohio’.
  • The official state motto of Ohio is ‘With God, all things are possible’.

Cindy’s Insider Ohio Tips!

I have a deep love and appreciation for my home state of Ohio, where my family and I reside. As an Ohioan, I have always been captivated by the rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality that Ohio has to offer. From the bustling cities of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati to the quaint small towns and picturesque countryside, Ohio has a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

Things to Do in Central Ohio

The major city in central Ohio is, of course, Columbus. The other cities we are focusing on here are Dublin and Lancaster.

horizontal photo of the entrance sign to Inniswood Metro Gardens in Columbus. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com

Columbus

Columbus has a multitude of things to do, places to visit, parks, and shopping experiences. The dropdown box below gives details of 10 great things to do and places to visit in Columbus.

Columbus Zoo and Botanical Garden

With hundreds of animal species, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a great fun and full day for the whole family. Check out their website for programs, special events, and holiday celebrations throughout the year.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Here there are more than 12 attractions and rides, a two-story LEGO experience, and special events. Packages are available for schools and groups.

COSI

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) brings the community all things science for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Here visitors will find a host of exhibits and there are programs for educators and special events throughout the year.

The Escape Game Columbus

There are six escape rooms here of various skill levels. Participants have 60 minutes to complete each room.

  • Prison Break | up to 8 players | 9/10 difficulty
  • The Depths | up to 8 players | 7/10 difficulty
  • The Heist | up to 8 players | 8/10 difficulty
  • Special Ops: Mysterious Market | up to 8 players | 8/10 difficulty
  • Gold Rush | up to 8 players | 7/10 difficulty
  • Playground | up to 12 players | 6/10 difficulty

Escape rooms are extremely popular, but are not so much for kids. Be sure to check out the times and booking details on the website or social media.

Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center is more than just a visit to the stores, it is a shopping experience! It was named number one Retail Experience in America by Chain Store Age magazine for three years in a row. Think of a brand, and you will find it in Easton! There are also unique stores and many indoor and outdoor activities.

There are four nearby hotels and any type of dining experience you want. Near the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and only 15 minutes east of downtown Columbus, this is a must-visit destination.

North Market

North Market Farmers Market is the only public market in Columbus. In this covered market visitors will find all kinds of fresh produce, as well as crafted goods. Enjoy all things fresh and authentic at this unique, almost 150-year-old market.

Situated in the Short North Arts District, which is an area of Columbus also worth spending time in!

Ohio Stadium

When the Ohio Stadium opened, it was the first horseshoe-shaped double-deck stadium in the US. It is the fourth largest on-campus facility in the nation.

This huge stadium sits on the banks of the Olentangy River, has a capacity of 102,780, and is the home ground of the Ohio State Buckeyes. It is one of the most recognizable sports landmarks.

In June each year, the Ohio Stadium hosts the Buckeye Country Superfest, which is a two-night festival of music, with live country music bands and singers.

German Village

German Village is just south of Columbus and was initially built by German settlers hundreds of years ago. In German Village, there are brick homes and shops as well as brick-lined streets. Enjoy visiting local businesses, including bakeries offering delicious pastries and coffees.

There is the German Village Brewery District, full of entertainment and bars, and here visitors can see Shadowbox Live, the country’s largest resident theater company.

The Book Loft and Schiller Park are also located in German Village.

Below are the contact details for the German Village Society

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Inniswood Metro Gardens is owned and managed by Columbus Metro Parks. Located in Westerville, this 123-acre park has beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. With six very short trails, which are really short walks that all wander through the gardens. With benches everywhere, visitors can pick their spot to sit and take in the stunning surroundings.

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

Battelle Darby Creek covers an area of 7,000 acres and stretches along both Big and Little Darby Creeks. There are 14 trails here, and activities include biking, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, a natural play area, and a nature center.

There are both reservable and non-reservable shelters available.

The location details below are for the main entrance of Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.

Dublin

Dublin, as the name may suggest, has very strong Irish roots. Located in the northwest corner of central Ohio, Dublin is the second largest city in this region.

Things to do in Dublin include Indian Run Falls, Kiwanis Riverway Park, Abbey Theater, Field of Corn, and of course, Bridge Park with the amazing Link Bridge that is the longest span, single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge in the world. It crosses the Scioto River, connecting Bridge Park to Historic Dublin. It is a pedestrian and bicycle bridge.

Lancaster

Lancaster is in the southeast of central Ohio and is the gateway to the Hocking Hills region. It is the county seat of Fairfield County and also hosts the Fairfield County Fair each year.

Things to do in Lancaster include the Rock Mill Covered Bridge, the Ohio Glass Museum, Valley Zipline Tours, and the Olde Shoe Factory Antique Mall. For the braver visitors, there is a Ghost Hunt at Fairfield County Infirmary and the really brave can even stay overnight!

Other Places to Visit in Central Ohio

  • Newark | Licking County
  • Delaware | Delaware County

Things to Do in Northwest Ohio

Northwest Ohio has a coastline along Lake Erie. The largest city in the northwest is Toledo, with other cities such as Sandusky and Put in Bay.

horizontal photo of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put in Bay
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial – Put in Bay

Toledo

Toledo is in the north of the northwest region of Ohio, and it sits on the Maumee River and Maumee Bay area of Lake Erie.

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium

Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is a firm family favorite place to visit in the area. There is an African-themed carousel, Safari Railway Train, a zip line experience, sky bridge, and challenge course available at the zoo.

You should plan to be at the zoo for a large part of a day if you want to see everything here.

The Valentine Theatre

This 120-year-old historic theatre is a fully working theatre offering diverse productions for all ages to enjoy. There is a lot going on at this destination at all times of the year, so be sure to check out their website and/or social media if you wish to visit.

Other things to do in Toledo include Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo Botanical Gardens, National Museum of The Great Lakes, and Imagination Station for a wonderful, educational, and enjoyable day out with the kids.

Sandusky

Sandusky is the county seat of Erie County and is located on the shores of Lake Erie. This is a place where visitors will feel they are on vacation as soon as they arrive

Families can choose from a selection of kid-friendly parks, such as Castaway Bay Indoor Water Park, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, and Kalahari Resorts Water Park.

Put in Bay

Put in Bay is one of Ohio’s most visited vacation destinations. Situated on South Bass Island, surrounded by Lake Erie, you would not be wrong in thinking there are a lot of water activities available here. However, Put in Bay has so much more going on too!

The best way to get around Put in Bay is via golf buggy. They are available for hire from a few rental companies on the island, and you will see them everywhere here!

Put in Bay’s most famous landmark is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Other great places to visit are Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center, Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum, Oak Point State Park, and DeRivera Park.

Fun activities include Adventure Bay Amusement Park, Kayak the Bay, Put in Bay Parasail, and Put in Bay Jet Ski.

More Places to Visit in Northwest Ohio

Things to Do in Northeast Ohio

Northeast Ohio is the most populated region of Ohio, with cities such as Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Canton, and Mansfield.

horizontal photo of a Cleveland Script Sign at sunset
Photo credit: ©Wil Lindsey

Cleveland

Cleveland has six script signs around the city in perfect photo-op locations. Even if you don’t know much about Cleveland, you will have seen the script signs across the internet or in movies.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an iconic place that holds its induction ceremony every other year. All musicians long to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Other things to do in Cleveland include Tower City Center, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Great Lakes Science Center, Progressive Field, A Christmas Story House, and Cleveland Botanical Garden.

For fun, there is Crocker Park Escape Room Adventures and Superelectric Pinball Parlor.

Cleveland is home to a host of breweries, and there are 18 reservations that make up Cleveland Metroparks.

Akron

Akron has the Ohio and Erie Canal running through it, separating east from west. It was once the Rubber Capital of the World, being home to Goodrich, Goodyear, Firestone, and General Tire companies.

Things to do in Akron include Akron Zoo, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Akron Children’s Museum, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Akron Fossil Fuels and Science Center, and Summit Metro Parks – there are 16 metro parks that are owned and managed by Summit Metro Parks, visit their website for more information on each one.

Youngstown

Youngstown sits on the eastern edge of Ohio. It is the county seat of Mahoning County. Before World War II, Youngstown had a booming steel industry.

Things to do in Youngstown include OH WOW! Children’s Center, The Butler Institute of American Art, Ward Beecher Planetarium, and Mill Creek Metro Parks with over 4,500 acres and nine facilities, including Lanterman’s Mill and Covered Bridge.

More Places to Visit in Northeast Ohio

Things to Do in Southeast Ohio

Southeast Ohio is home to the stunningly beautiful Hocking Hills region, which is just east of central Ohio. Notable cities in the southeast are Athens, Marietta, and Chillicothe.

horizontal photo of the waterfall at Cedar Falls Logan. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com – Cedar Falls, Logan

Logan

Logan is in the heart of the Hocking Hills region, and benefits from the stunning countryside this region has to offer. Many of the Hocking Hills visitor attractions are located in or around Logan, but there are also many other things to do in this delightful town.

Outdoor activities include John Glenn Astronomy Park, Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, and Hocking Hills Adventures.

For indoor activities, Hocking Hills Escape Games, Columbus Washboard Co, and Hocking Hills Candle Works are just a few.

Chillicothe

Located along the Scioto River, Chillicothe was once Ohio’s capital city. It is the only city in Ross County.

Things to do in Chillicothe include Yoctangee Park, Majestic Theatre, Waters Edge Canoe Livery, Great Seal State Park, and Mound City.

Athens

Athens is the county seat of Athens County and is located along the Hocking River in southeast Ohio.

Things to do in Athens include Athens Farmers Market, Pleasant Hill Vineyards, and O’Betty’s Hot Dog Museum and Restaurant.

With a population of a little over 23,000, Athens is one of the smaller cities included in this list. Its proximity to Hocking Hills makes it a popular destination for visitors. It is a peaceful and relaxing place to visit.

More Places to Visit in Southeast Ohio

  • Marietta | Washington County
  • Coshocton | Coshocton County

Things to Do in Southwest Ohio

Southwest Ohio has two large cities, Cincinnati and Dayton. Other cities in the southwest include Mason, Yellow Springs, and Hamilton.

Horizontal photo of Clifton Mill in Yellow Springs. Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com
Photo credit: Cindy Gordon of VisitOhioToday.com – Clifton Mill, Yellow Springs

Cincinnati

Cincinnati is Ohio’s third largest city by inner-city population, and the largest by metro population. The city crosses the Ohio River into Kentucky and crosses the county line into Indiana.

Things to do in Cincinnati include Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Great American Ball Park, Findlay Market, and Kings Island.

To travel around Cincy, the Bell Connector streetcar is a free service that stops at many of the great places to visit in the city.

Cincinnati is divided into areas, such as Downtown, Over The Rhine, Mount Adams, and The Banks.

Dayton

Dayton is known as the home of the Wright Brothers, so there are many visitor attractions dedicated to them and flying in general in Dayton.

Things to do in Dayton include Dayton Airforce Museum, Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, Dayton Dragons Baseball, and Ohio Caverns.

Yellow Springs

Located in Greene County, Yellow Springs has a tiny population of just over 3,500 and an area of 2.02 square miles. Yellow Springs is, however, a great place to visit for anyone!

Things to do in Yellow Springs include Historic Clifton Mill, Little Art Theatre, Young’s Jersey Dairy, and Glen Helen Nature Preserve.

More Places to Visit in Southwest Ohio

Let’s Visit Ohio Today!

Have you visited any of these places in Ohio? Do you think we have missed a gem that you love to visit? Leave a comment below and share your experience.

If you want to take the kids out for the day, check out our article about Things to Do in Ohio with Kids, or Resorts in Ohio lists a lot of fun places to visit either with or without the kids!

For nature lovers, Things to Do in Hocking Hills and Caves in Ohio have all you need to know! Round your day off with a visit to an Ohio Winery.

Cindy Gordon, the owner of VisitOhioToday.com, is a passionate Ohioan with a deep love for her state's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her mission is to showcase Ohio's hidden gems and major tourist attractions through her website, offering visitors a comprehensive guide to all the wonders the Buckeye State has to offer. With a wealth of experience as a seasoned small business owner in the media industry, Cindy also manages four other websites in the food space, demonstrating her commitment to sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience. Through her dedication, Cindy has become a trusted source for anyone looking to explore Ohio's diverse and vibrant offerings.

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