By Meg Berno
Posted On: Mar 7, 2023
It's officially Spring, and we're bringing you loads of ideas for all ages that'll keep the kids entertained and engaged. Explore these options and make some spring break memories.
Hocking Hills State Park Lodge in Logan
Great Getaways
Book a stay at one of the Ohio State Park Lodges. Like Maumee Bay Lodge in Oregon, which is near Lake Erie and offers plenty of outdoor activities and overnight accommodations. You can also hang out at the indoor pool, or enjoy the sunshine at the outdoor pool and with fun activities on the property's inland lake. The lodge is also known for its excellent 18-hole, par-72 golf course.
If you're looking for something to do away from the lodge, head over to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Oak Harbor. Known for its nature trails and birding, it's the perfect place to learn more about Ohio's native species.
You can also head to southeast Ohio for a stay at the new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge. The lodge offers both and indoor and outdoor pool, plus hot tubs you can enjoy all season long. And the whole family can feed their competitive side on the Grand Terrace with games like Giant Jenga, Ring Toss, or Cornhole.
Need more thrills for your spring break getaway? Then check out Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron and Castaway Bay in Sandusky. Both resorts have undergone significant renovations, and offer fantastic indoor pools and water park experiences. They're perfect options for those families with young kids ready to burn off some energy!
WACO Air Museum & Aviation Learning Center in Troy
Inviting Regions
Ohio's inviting regions make perfect locations for a spring sojourn. For example the Toledo/NW Ohio and Shores & Islands inviting regions, thanks to their proximity to Lake Erie, have so many fun outdoor options for the whole family to experience. Every time you see Lake Erie, you'll realize that it looks no different than the ocean. And has amazing access to natural areas like the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Metzger Marsh.
Ohio's larger cities offer vibrant areas to explore with plenty of nightlife, restaurants, and cool hotels. The Dayton, known for being the Birthplace of Aviation, is another must see this year. Buckle up and set course for the 17-site self-guided tour on the Dayton Aviation Trail. Stops include the Dayton Aviation Historical Park, WACO Air Museum, and the nearby Armstrong Air & Space Museum. If you visit at least 8 of the sites, you'll receive the Wilbear Wright Teddy Bear!
Keep in mind that there are other museums throughout the region. Like the National Museum of the United States Airforce which is celebrating its 100th year anniversary this 2023.
Grand Atrium at Columbus Metropolitan Main Library
Reading Retreat
The Columbus Metropolitan Library celebrates its150th birthday in 2023 with events throughout the year. Be sure to tour the crown jewel of the award-winning library system — the Main Library in downtown Columbus — which is an architectural marvel and a book lover's paradise.
Don't forget to take a stroll through the Topiary Garden Park, which is connected to the back of the Main Library. Fun fact, the park's topiaries are recreations of artists Georges Seurat's famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of LaGrande Jatte.
Looking to explore more the state? The Ohio Literary Trail, presented by the Ohioana Library Association, shines a light on Ohio's literary contributions by showing you how to discover landmark destinations, historical markers that recognize literary achievements, and local book festivals.
If that's still not enough bookish fun, head back to Columbus for the Ohioana Book Festival on April 22, 2023. The festival is free and is held at CML's Main Library Branch.
Buckeye Imagination Museum in Mansfield
Educational Fun
For those who prefer a more intellectual adventure, Ohio has plenty to choose from this spring. The Buckeye Imagination Museum in downtown Mansfield is a hands-on, play-based museum for children 10 and under. A new area for older kids opens later this year.
While there, your kids can do all kinds of activities from exploring an indoor playground and shopping at a mini grocery store, to learning how to be an optometrist at the Eye Doctor Exhibit. Your kids' minds will get a workout all spring break long after a visit to the museum space!
COSI in Columbus topped the list as the country's best science museum for the fourth year in a row! Dazzle your little explorer with hundreds of interactive exhibits at COSI. Themed areas such as Ocean, Progress, and the Big Science Park provide hours of entertainment. And don't forget about the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery.
If dinos are your idea of educational fun, then stop by the Orton Geological Museum (also in Columbus). It's the oldest free public museum in Ohio and inside, you'll find more the one million rock, mineral, and specimens to learn about. As you walk up the steps, say 'hello' to "Elvisaurus." The Cryolophosaurus ellioti fossil was discovered by an OSU professor and now a replica of the dinosaur skeleton stands inside the museum -- ready to greet and welcome visitors!
You can also head down to the one-of-a-kind Cincinnati Museum Center, which has plenty of opportunities for learning, fun, and play. While there, you'll discover the biggest addition to the Museum of Natural History and Science – dinosaurs. Find six dinosaur skeletons throughout Dinosaur Hall and learn even more using the video microscopes.
Whether you're looking to plan a spring break getaway, appreciate the arts, or learn a few new things, Ohio has everything you need to plan your next memorable excursion.
For more family fun ideas this #SpringinOhio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
