Ohio Vacations Travel Guide

General Information

Baby Equipment Rentals - companies in Ohio that rent baby gear and equipment including car seats, strollers, cribs and more

Ohio Travel and Tourism - visitors information with maps, places to eat, accommodations, activities, what to see, calendar of events and more.

Zoos

Akron Zoological Park
500 Edgewood Ave
Akron, Ohio 44307
Phone: (330) 375-2525

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St
Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
Phone: (513) 281-4700
70 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, which are beautifully landscaped and designed to represent the natural habitats of animals on exhibit.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
Phone: (216) 661-6500
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, founded in 1892, is the seventh oldest zoo in the United States. Occupying 165 wooded acres, the recent acquisition of an adjacent 141 acres makes it one of the largest urban zoos. More than 3300 animals may be seen in modern, spacious settings and state-of-the-art exhibits.  Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has thousands of animals from 7 continents roaming the Zoo's 165 rolling wooded acres and 2 indoor acres of tropics - The RainForest. Take a virtual tour, learn about animals, find out about special events, sign up for a class, play a game, win prizes, buy gifts or become a member.

The Wilds
14000 International Rd
Cumberland, Ohio 43732
Phone: (740) 638-5030
The Wilds is the largest facility of its kind in North America. The Wilds was opened to the public in 1991 and spans nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed, surface-mined land--a gift from American Electric Power. Thousands of acres have been developed and divided into large sections where African, Asian, and North American species are managed.

African Safari Wildlife Park
267 S Lightner Rd
Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
Phone: (419) 732-3606
When you tour the 100-acre preserve, you will see some of the most beautiful and exotic animals, roaming free in their natural habitat. The Drive-Thru may be visited as many times as you would like. One free bucket of food is usually provided. You are able to feed the animals at AFRICAN SAFARI WILDLIFE PARK out of the comfort of your own vehicle.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
PO Box 400
Powell, Ohio 43065
Phone: (614) 645-3400
Exhibits that cover animals from the African Forest; North America; Manatee Coast; Africa/South America/Asia; Australasia and the Islands of Southeast Asia.

Toledo Zoo
PO Box 140130
US 25 (Maumee)
Toledo, Ohio 43614
Phone: (419) 385-5721
Known as the world's most complete zoo, The Toledo Zoo is just the right size for an afternoon visit or an all-day affair! State-of-the-art exhibits together with historical architecture are fully blended to provide our animals with the best possible environment and offer our visitors an exciting experience. The Toledo Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals representing 525 different species. Ten climate-controlled buildings, some of which were constructed during the Works Progress Administration and Federal Emergency Relief Administration eras, make The Toledo Zoo a unique, educational and fun place to visit anytime of the year.

National Parks

Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area
Brecksville, Ohio
Phone: (216) 524-1497
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located between Cleveland and Akron, features a wide variety of natural, cultural, and historical resources. Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, bike trails, bridle trails, winter sports, golf, fishing, and ranger-guided programs.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site
Cincinnati, Ohio
Phone: (513) 684-3262
The William Howard Taft National Historic Site commemorates the only man to serve as President and Chief Justice of the United States. The house that Taft was born is has been restored to its original appearance. A visit to the site includes a tour of the restored birthplace and four period rooms that reflect the family life during Taft's boyhood. The home also includes second floor exhibits highlighting Taft's life and career.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park
Dayton, Ohio
Phone: (937) 225-7705
Dayton Aviation Heritage commemorates three exceptional men - Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar - and their work in the Miami Valley.  Through the invention of powered flight, Wilbur and Orville made significant contributions to human history. In their Dayton, Ohio, bicycle shop these two men, self-trained in the science and art of aviation, researched and built the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine capable of free, controlled, and sustained flight. The Wrights also perfected their invention during 1904 and 1905 in their hometown of Dayton.  Paul Laurence Dunbar achieved national and international acclaim in a literary world that was almost exclusively reserved for whites.

James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Mentor, Ohio
Phone: (440) 255-8722
James A. Garfield National Historic Site preserves the property associated with the 20th President of the United States. Garfield acquired the home in 1876 to accommodate his large family. The home, named Lawnfield by reporters, was the site of the first successful front porch campaign in 1880. James A. Garfield was President from March 4, 1881 until his death on September 19, 1881.

Museums

National Inventors Hall of Fame
221 S. Broadway
Akron, Ohio 44308
Phone: (330) 762-4463
The National Inventors Hall of Fame, a not-for-profit organization aims to recognize inventors and invention everywhere, to promote creativity and to advance the spirit of innovation.

McKinley Museum
800 Mckinley Monument Dr.
N.W. Canton, Ohio 44708
Phone: (330) 455-7043
Our interactive history and science exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to explore fossils, dinosaurs and the lives of historic people.  Hunt for baby Maisaurus dinos and meet Alice, our robotic Allosaurus,on Natural History Island, check out our chinchillas in their simulated mountain habitat on Ecology Island or get lost in the stars at the Hoover-Price Planetarium.

Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Drive NW
Canton, Ohio 44708
Phone: (330) 456-8207

Northern Ohio Railway Museum
5515 Buffham Road
Westfield Township, Medina County, Ohio
Phone: (330) 948-5036
There, on two miles of the historic Cleveland Southwestern Railway, the museum is working towards its goals to collect, preserve, restore, display and operate streetcars and other railway equipment for use by the public.

Cincinnati Museum Center
Features 3 Museums
(Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History and Science and the Cinergy Children's Museum)
1301 Western Ave.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
Phone: (513) 287-7000 / (800) 733-2077
Something for the whole family!

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive, University Circle
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Phone: (216) 231-4600 / (800) 317-9155
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History encourages people of all ages to discover and explore the natural world. Curators care for over a million specimens in the fields of anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, botany, geology, paleontology, zoology and wildlife biology. These are used for scientific research and are the basis for interpretive exhibits and educational programs offered to the public.  There are also observatory & astronomy programs available, a hand on children's area and library.

Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 694-2000
More than 340 interactive exhibits on 3 floors make the Great Lakes Science Center one of the largest science museums in the U.S.! Check out our traveling exhibits and great permanent exhibits such as Virtual Sports, the Indoor Tornado & one of the largest video walls east of the Rockies!  There is also an IMAX theater.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
One Key Plaza (East Ninth Street at Lake Erie)
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Phone: (888) 764-ROCK
Exhibits and artifacts covering the history of rock and roll and the people that made rock and roll what it is today.

USS Cod
Located on Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio at the western edge of Burke Lakefront Airport and about one block east of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
This World War II fleet submarine can be toured, along with various on shore exhibits, such a guns and torpedo's.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 Deweese Pkwy
Dayton, OH 45414-5400
Tel: (937) 275-7431
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is based on the understanding that science is the process through which we come to understand our world, and that play is the way children do science.  Visitors of all ages can explore the wonders of the world. The Museum includes a host of places for adventure - - That Kid's Playce, the Hall of the Universe, the Caryl D. Philips Space Theater Oscar Boonshoft Science Central, EcoTrek, the Mead TreeHouse, Bieser Discovery Center, Charles E. Exley, Jr. Wild Ohio Zoo, and two galleries for temporary exhibits - - where reality and imagination mix. Adventures are enhanced through real specimens and artifacts from the museum's collection of 1.4 million items.

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
Spiegel Grove, Corner of Hayes & Buckland Avenues
Fremont, OH 43420
Phone: 1-800-998-7737
The Rutherford B. Hayes Home is a thirty-one room mansion and is centerpiece of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont, Ohio. The home, library and museum, and tomb are located in a twenty-five-acre park called Spiegel Grove. It is surrounded by a wrought iron fence and six original White House gates. The museum house over 13,000 artifacts, 1,785 of them on permanent display, to illustrate the life and times of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States. Many other manuscripts, photographs, and historic collections can be viewed.

U.S. Air Force Museum
1100 Spaatz St.
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433
Phone: (937) 255-3286
Over 300 Aircraft, weapons, uniforms, equipment and engines are on display.  You can also visit the National Aviation Hall of Fame that is on the property.

The Living Bible Museum
500 Tingley Ave.
Mansfield, Ohio
Phone: (419) 524-0139
Walk thru life-sized re-creations of favorite Old and New Testament stories.

The Bicycle Museum of America
7 West Monroe St. (St Rt 274)
New Bremen, Ohio 45869
Phone: (419) 629-9249
Bicycles from the 1800's to the present.

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
13515 Yarmouth Dr.
Pickerington, Ohio 43147
Phone: (614) 856-2222
The Museum is more than just a wide range of motorcycles on display, its goal is to tell the stories and history of motorcycling. By virtue of its connection with the AMA and that organization's history, the museum honors those who have contributed notably to our sport – be it racers like Dick Mann, designers like Craig Vetter, or publishers like Floyd Clymer. These are some of the more than 200 motorcyclists who are enshrined into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, one of the museum's main galleries. A walk past the long wall honoring them will help you conjure the sights and sounds of these motor cycling's greats.  In addition to the Hall of Fame, the Museum has three major exhibition halls. Museum staff in consultation with collectors, curators and other experts, define exhibition topics. But the motorcycles in the Museum are just the beginning. Riding gear, photos, literature, sculpture, race-track reconstructions, dioramas, posters, awards, quality casework, graphics and more are used to tell the stories of motorcycling, bringing our heritage to life.

Merry-Go-Round Museum
W. Washington and Jackson Streets
PO Box 718
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Phone: (419) 626-6111
The Merry-Go-Round Museum maintains a relaxed and fun atmosphere in which to enjoy the history and art of the carousel. Visitors young and old thrill to memories of the past or to new experiences.  Volunteer tour guides are available to share information about the carousel, its history, and the exhibits on display. Tours vary in length depending on the tour guide, interests of the visitors, and other factors. Visitors should plan a minimum of one hour (more if possible) to take a tour, ride the carousel, and fully enjoy the exhibits.

The Armstrong Museum
Located west of I-75 at exit 111 (Bellefontaine Street)
Wapakoneta, Ohio
Phone: (419) 738-8811 / (800) 860-0142
Named in honor of Neil Armstrong, first man to set foot on the moon, this museum in Wapakoneta chronicles Ohio's contributions to the history of space flight. Among the items on display are a F5D Sky Lancer, the Gemini VIII spacecraft, Apollo 11 artifacts and a moon rock. In the museum's Astro-theater, multimedia presentations of the sights and sounds of space unfold against a starry background.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Six Flags Worlds of Adventure
1060 N Aurora Rd
Aurora, Ohio 44202
Phone: (330) 562-8303
Six Flags and the former SeaWorld Ohio have united to create America's newest entertainment destination. Experience wild life and wild rides at this 750-acre world-class thrill park, water park and sealife park with rides for everyone and every age member in the family.

Memphis Kiddie Park
10340 Memphis Ave.
Brooklyn, Ohio 44144
Phone: (216) 941-5995
Memphis Kiddie Park consist of eleven miniature amusement rides, a concession stand, an arcade, and an eighteen hole miniature golf course. The park is mainly for youngsters anywhere from about a year old on up to around eight.

Coney Island Amusement Park Cincinnati
6201 Kellogg Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio
Phone: (513) 232-8230
Coney Island has the world's largest recirculating pool with an in-pool slide and seven diving boards; Zoom Flume - a giant twin-chute slide with 500-foot twisting, turning, toboggan-like descent to splash down; Pipeline Plunge - Raft down this enclosed waterslide; Sand volleyball & Basketball in our Sports Complex; 22 Classic family & kiddie rides; Pedal Boats & Bumper Boats on Lake Como; Famous Fairways- miniature golf Course and more!

Paramount's King Island
off I-71, just 24 miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio
With more than 80 Rides, attractions and shows of all types for everyone in the family.

Erieview Park
5483 Lake Road
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio 44041
Phone: (440) 466-8650
10 Adult Rides, 9 Kiddie Rides, Wild Water Works - Huge Waterslides, Woody's World Arcade, Times Square Restaurant, Pera's Motel Suites, Mile Long Entertainment Strip, Picnic Areas, Swiss Chalet Nightclub and much more.

The Beach Waterpark
2590 Water Park Drive,
Mason, Ohio 45040
Phone: (513) 398-SWIM
One of the top 5 Waterparks in the nation, The Beach is 35 acres of water fun, with 2 million gallons of water, 40,000 square feet of white sand, and more than 40 rides and attractions!

Wyandot Lake
10101 Riverside Drive,
Powell, Ohio 43065
Phone: (800) 328-9283 / (614) 889-9283
Blast down thrilling water slides, relax in the lazy river, ride the waves or just soak up the sun. Wyandot Lake has gallons of water adventures for all ages.

Cedar Point Amusement Park
One Cedar Point Dr.
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Phone: (419)-627-2350
One of the top rated and largest amusement parks in the world.  Cedar Point has more roller coasters, thrill rides, kiddies rides and water parks than any park you have probably ever visited.  This is an amusement park that is highly recommended for fun and entertainment.

Family Activities

If you know of a family activity in Ohio, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Lake County, Ohio (Headlands Beach State Park) - Headlands Beach is Ohio's longest natural beach on Lake Erie & includes Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve and next to the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve.  Lake County also offers, museums, lighthouses, golfing, boating, fishing and camping.

Sandusky, Ohio - Erie County is known as the Vacationland of the Midwest making the region one of the most desirable vacation spots in the nation. In the summer months tourists join residents to enjoy the bountiful recreational and leisure opportunities available throughout the area.  The region's biggest attraction, Cedar Point Amusement Park, welcomes over three million visitors each summer. It boasts more rides than any other amusement park, and features swimming on a mile long beach, picnicking, dancing, boat dockage, hotel accommodations, camping facilities and first­rate restaurants.  The location of the Sandusky area on the shores of Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay promises sailors and motorboat enthusiasts alike hours of pleasure on the water. There are a number of beaches for swimmers and sunbathers to pursue their favorite pastimes.  Golfers can choose from several fine courses, including the challenging and scenic Sawmill Creek Lodge 18­hole course that borders Lake Erie, or a private 18­hole course at Plum Brook Country Club. Tennis and racquetball courts are located throughout the area, as are parks and playgrounds equipped with basketball courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields.

Hocking Hills State Park
20160 State Route 664 S
Logan, Ohio 43138
Phone: (740) 385-6841 Park Office
Located in the picturesque sandstone region of Southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills State park encompasses some of the most scenic areas in the entire state. Rock outcrops, deep cool gorges, and waterfalls are found throughout the 6 main park areas. The pristine beauty of the area is enhanced by the abundance of wildlife found throughout the Hocking region. Visitors to the park can almost bet they'll see such as white tailed deer, wild turkey or even the cumbersome box turtle.

Lake Erie - Boating, fishing, swimming, skiing, sailing, picnicking and other water sports.

Alum Creek State Park - Boating, camping, fishing, swimming, skiing, sailing, picnicking, diving, canoeing, para-sailing and camping.

Grand Lake - Boating, fishing, swimming, sailing, skiing, picnicking, diving, canoeing and other water sports and activities.

Buckeye Lake - Boating, fishing, camping, swimming, skiing, sailing, picnicking and canoeing.  Buckeye Lake is South of Newark near I-70.

Seneca Lake -  Fishing, boating, sailing, canoeing, skiing, picnicking and camping.  South of Cambridge, accessible off I-70 or I-77.

Zoos, Museums, National Parks, Theme, Amusement and Water Parks listed above.  During summer months the Winter Vacation spots listed below also offer mountain biking, golfing and other activities.  Visit the Ski resort area links below to find out summer activities.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

Ski Clear Fork
Route 97
Butler, Ohio
A good variety of terrain, ski school and restaurants.

Alpine Valley
10620 Mayfield Road
Chesterland, Ohio
Phone: (440) 285-2211
From the moment you cross the covered bridge into Alpine Valley, you'll view the expansive panorama of the entire complex of slopes, lifts, snowboard, half-pipe, tube park, chalet and other facilities that let you know this is a first class "Snow Fun" area.

Big Creek Ski Area
12721 Concord-Hambden Road
Concord, Ohio
Phone: (440) 352-2121 / (440) 954-4108
There is unlimited downhill skiing for the whole family and their guests, spiced with "special events" such as downhill and slalom races. Miles and miles of scenic cross-country trails are also available as the Lake County Park System is immediately adjacent to the Concord Slopes.  It’s a family-oriented place with five slopes, two lifts, plenty of snowmaking, a cozy chalet, free ski lessons for kids and some non-skiing partying festivities as well.

Boston Mills Ski Resort
7100 Riverview Road
Peninsula, Ohio
&
Brandywine Ski Resort
1146 W Highland Road
Sagamore Hills, Ohio
From the gentle glide of the beginner slopes to the more challenging pitch of the advanced slopes and moguls, Boston Mills/Brandywine serves skiers & snowboarders of all ages and levels of expertise. Each resort has a halfpipe and a terrain park.  The six beginner areas are conveniently located near the lodges and are served by a selection of five surface lifts, a double chairlift and a triple chairlift. Intermediate skiers & snowboarders can choose from a variety of seven slopes served by four quadruple chairlifts, three triple chairlifts, one double chairlift and one surface lift. Advanced skiers & snowboarders can find plenty of excitement on six different slopes including mogul-filled runs and the steepest slope in Ohio! These advanced slopes are served by four quadruple chairlifts, two triple chairlifts and one double chairlift.

Spicy Run Ski Mountain
Woods Road
Latham, Ohio
Phone: (740) 493-8888
Spicy Run Ski Mountain is nestled in the Appalachian foot hills and provides the Midwest's tallest vertical, longest terrain park, steepest trails... and, well... the most fun. Our unique mountain setting and high-capacity snowmaking will keep you smiling all winter long.

Snow Trails
3100 Possum Run Road
Mansfield, Ohio 44903
Phone: (800) 332-SNOW
Ohio's first and finest resort, is also the best equipped for your skiing or boarding pleasure and relaxing fun. Six chairlifts mean no waiting in long lines. Broad slopes and a warm and comfortable day lodge offer fine skiing, radical riding, casual comfort and the atmosphere of a large mountain resort.

Mad River Mountain
1000 Snow Valley Road
Zanesfield/Valley HI, Ohio 43360
Phone: (937) 599-1015 / (800) 231-SNOW
You will find over 17 trails for skiing or snowboarding including a terrain park for those who want a little altitude. Or, if you like sled riding, you'll love their tubing park.

Zoos, Museums, National Parks, Theme, Amusement and Water Parks listed above.

Helpful websites and services

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Ohio, let us know and we will add it here.

Travel Specials & Vacation Packages