15 Fun Things To Do In Ohio With Kids

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ohio with kids, then you’ve come to the right place!

On this list, I’ve made sure to include fun places in Ohio to visit for kids of every age.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary and middle school-aged kids, or even teenagers, there are plenty of options for family fun in Ohio on this list.

While a lot of the top attractions in Ohio for families can be found in cities like Columbus and Cleveland, there are spots all throughout the state.

So, no matter where you’re traveling or the age of the kids in your group, I’m confident you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in with kids in Ohio on this list.

15 Fun Things To Do In Ohio With Kids

Spend The Day At COSI In Columbus

COSI is the Center of Science and Industry, and it’s one of the coolest museums in Columbus.

In fact, it’s been voted America’s ‘#1 Science Museum’ for three years in a row!

The museum is full of really cool and unique exhibits, which is part of the reason why it’s one of the best things to do in Columbus OH with kids.

Another thing that makes it perfect for family fun in Ohio is that it has exhibits that will interest just about every age group.

There is the Little Kidspace that is perfect for toddlers and babies to explore.

COSI has revolving exhibits that center around subjects like Marvel Superheroes.

Or, the whole family can learn about space, dinosaurs, and higher-level science subjects like physics.

There is a fee to explore COSI. Ages 13 and over cost $25 and children ages 2-12 cost $20 per person.

However, if you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Ohio with kids, you don’t want to miss COSI.

It is definitely worth the admission price!

Enjoy A Day Of Family Fun In Ohio At The Olentangy Indian Caverns

The Olentangy Indian Caverns is a pretty popular fun place for kids to go.

You’ll find the caverns in the town of Delaware, Ohio, which is just north of Columbus.

They are only open seasonally, from March to October.

So, if you want to visit this attraction in Ohio for families, make sure you plan ahead.

During their open season, they are open 7 days a week, from 9:30 am to 5 pm.

When you purchase your all-access pass, you’ll be able to tour the cave, play a round of mini-golf, try gem mining, run through the maze, and see animals in the petting zoo.

The pass is $26 for ages 13 and up, and $23 for kids ages 3-12.

However, for that price, you have an entire day’s worth of Ohio family fun ahead of you!

I was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, so I know that it’s a great Midwest state to travel to with kids.

Castaway Bay Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Ohio With Kids

Ohio is known for having some amazing indoor and outdoor waterparks.

One of the best indoor waterparks in Ohio is Castaway Bay in Sandusky.

Castaway Bay is easily one of the best things to do in Ohio with kids if you are looking for things to do in Sandusky.

The indoor waterpark has very recently been completely remodeled and is now even more packed with fun water activities.

There is a wave pool, waterslides, splash parks, and more. Inside, the temperature stays a comfortable 82 degrees year-round.

You can also stay in one of the newly renovated 237 rooms if you want to make it an entire weekend of waterpark fun.

Take The Family On A Gourmet Donut Roadtrip On The Butler County Donut Trail

Butler County is one of the counties in the Midwest that has the highest number of donut shops per capita.

So, it makes sense that they’ve created an entire Ohio road trip centered around sampling all the amazing donuts.

It’s one of the more unique things to do with kids in Ohio!

On the donut trail, there are 14 different donut shops you can stop at.

While you don’t have to stop at all of them, there’s no reason not to! Just make sure you pace yourself, as it’s a lot of sugar.

You could also split it up between several days if you are planning to do some other fun things in Butler County.

The Butler County Donut Trail is easily one of the most unique and fun things to do in Ohio with kids!

Explore The Legoland Discovery Center In Columbus OH

There are several Legoland Discovery Centers across the US, and one of them is in Ohio.

It’s quickly become one of the top Ohio attractions for kids is the Legoland Discovery Center in Columbus.

Legoland Discovery Center is open 7 days a week. Sunday through Friday, it is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

On Saturday, they have special extended hours, from 9 am to 8 pm.

You’ll need to purchase your entry tickets ahead of time. There are different price points depending on what level of package you choose.

It’s important to also remember that the last entry time is an hour and a half before the Discovery Center closes.

While you’re there, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of Ohio family fun.

There are small rides, a place for building legos, a tour of the Lego factory, earthquake tables, and tons more.

You can’t go wrong with a trip to Legoland if you’re wondering what to do in Columbus OH with kids.

Spend The Afternoon At Richland Carrousel Park

Richland Carrousel Park is located in Mansfield Ohio.

It’s a great thing to do with kids, but especially if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy or cold afternoon.

This indoor carousel park was first opened in 1991 and features a hand-carved carousel.

It’s actually the first to be hand-carved since the 1930s.

The carousel itself has over 50 different horses and menagerie animals that you can ride.

After taking a spin, or two, you can enjoy snacks, watch the carousel, or explore their fun gift shop.

While you probably won’t spend all day there, it’s still a great thing to do with kids in Ohio.

Take The Family To Lake Erie

One of the best places to visit in Ohio is Lake Erie.

Throughout the state, there are several cities and towns that are located on the shores of this massive Great Lake in Ohio.

So, it’s no surprise that a day at the lake is one of the best things to do with kids in Ohio.

You can spend hours exploring the different state parks in Ohio around Lake Erie, relax on the beach, pack a picnic, or go boating.

If you’re looking for a simple, free, and fun thing to do in Ohio, then head to one of the many beaches on Lake Erie!

Bring Young Kids For A Day At The A-Ha Children’s Museum

The A-Ha Children’s Museum is aimed at children 8 and under.

So, if you’re traveling in Ohio with elementary-aged kids or toddlers, it’s a fun Ohio attraction for kids!

There are even a few interactive exhibits for children as young as 6 months old.

The museum is located in Lancaster, Ohio which is southeast of Columbus.

Inside, you’ll find over 60 interactive exhibits for kids to explore and enjoy.

At over 8,000 square feet, you could easily spend a day going from exhibit to exhibit!

This museum in Ohio is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

There is a small admission fee per person, but at only $8 each, it’s a great deal.

Go On A Cruise When You Visit Cleveland

When you’re visiting Cleveland, you’ll be right on Lake Erie.

Since you’re so close to the Great Lake, I suggest taking the family on a cruise.

There are several different companies that offer cruises in Lake Erie while you’re in Cleveland.

Most of them are fairly brief, but still very fun.

You’ll get to see Cleveland from a different perspective and learn more about the city and Lake Erie.

Kids will love this one-of-a-kind experience and getting to ride on a big boat.

The different companies offer a variety of different tours from dinner cruises, to pirate-themed cruises, sightseeing cruises, and more.

If you’re traveling with older kids, this is one of the best things to do in Cleveland Ohio with kids.

This is just one of the fun things to do in Cleveland.

Spend A Sunny Summer Afternoon At The Veteran’s Spray And Play Park

The Veteran’s Spray and Play Park is located in Delaware, Ohio.

It’s fairly new and a perfect Ohio attraction for families on a sunny summer day.

That’s because it’s a splash park!

The splash park is dinosaur-themed and has both a splash park and a playground.

There is a spot for adults to comfortably watch the fun, or you can join in too.

If you get hungry, the park has a small concession stand with snacks like Nachos, Italian Ice, Hot Dogs, and Smoothies.

The park is aimed at toddlers and younger elementary school-aged children.

However, kids and parents of all ages will enjoy the cool water on a summer afternoon.

Go Hiking To Ash Cave In Hocking Hills State Park

If you and your family like outdoor adventure, then you’ll enjoy hiking to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park.

Hocking Hills State Park is full of amazing hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

But one of the most popular attractions and trails in the park is the Ash Cave.

Ash Cave is a large cavern with a waterfall that is surrounded by dense woods.

There are two trails that lead to the cave.

One is wheelchair accessible, which also makes it easier for younger or less experienced hikers to enjoy.

However, the rim trail is just as easy to hike and offers a different perspective.

It’s completely up to you which one you take, but both are full of beautiful views.

When you get to Ash Cave, you can freely explore it.

Hocking Hills State Park, and Ash Cave, are great for some outdoor Ohio family fun. Consider staying in a cabin in Ohio with a hot tub!

Thrill Seekers Will Love Cedar Point, One Of The Best Things To Do In Ohio With Kids

Cedar Point is an amusement park in Sandusky Ohio.

It’s on the shores of Lake Erie and is just over 360 acres.

On those 360 acres, there are over 70 different rides.

The rides range from simple and on the calm side to high-speed rollercoasters.

It’s a fun thing to do with kids in Ohio if they are a little older.

Many of the rides do have a height or age requirement for riding.

So, before you go, make sure the kids in your family meet the requirements of enough rides to ensure they’ll have a good time.

Even if you don’t enjoy thrill rides, they also have games, food, and other attractions in Ohio for families to enjoy.

Explore The Cleveland Museum Of Natural History

You’ll find tons of Ohio family fun at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

In fact, it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Cleveland Ohio!

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm.

You do need to purchase your admission tickets in advance, so make sure to plan ahead.

Adults over 19 are $17 each and kids aged 3 to 18 are $14 each.

However, the admission price is definitely worth it.

There are tons of different exhibits within the museum that are permanent and then ones that are revolving exhibits.

No matter their age, everyone in the family will enjoy a day at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. It is one of the fun things to do in Cleveland OH.

Spend A Summer Afternoon At The Butterfly House In Ohio

The Butterfly House is a unique and fun thing to do with kids in Ohio.

You’ll find it in Whitehouse, OH, on the grounds of Wheeler Farms.

The grounds also include a corn maze and horse stables.

While at the Butterfly House, you’ll learn all about the beautiful insect. From their life cycle, beginning as a caterpillar to a butterfly, and things like their diet and natural habitat.

The Butterfly House is only open seasonally from June to July.

That’s because that is the natural time when butterflies begin to immerge.

So, if you are looking for a fun summer attraction in Ohio for families, then head to the Butterfly House.

Spend The Weekend Camping In Ohio

One of the fun things to do in Ohio with kids is to spend a weekend camping.

There are tons of amazing campgrounds in Ohio.

Whether your family wants to try camping on the shores of Lake Erie or try rustic camping in the woods, you’re sure to have fun.

While you’re camping in Ohio, you can also try glamping at one of the many cool cabins in Ohio.

So, you don’t have to spend your weekend in a tent if that’s not your thing.

You can explore Ohio hiking trails, beautiful state parks, and so much more when you spend a weekend camping in Ohio.

Packing List When Searching for Things To Do In Ohio With Kids

If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing to explore Ohio with Kids.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when discovering the many activities in Ohio.  It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies when searching out family fun in Ohio.

I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

The replacement carbon filters ensure fresh drinking water!

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. . No matter the time of day or evening.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors.

—

No matter what your family is interested in, there are so many fun things to do in Ohio with kids.

You can explore unique museums, cool down at waterparks and splash pads, or learn about the natural history of Ohio.

The things to do with kids in Ohio are endless and I’m sure your family will enjoy any of the fun options on this list!

There are many fun things to do in Canton Ohio with kids too!