By Abbey Roy
Posted On: Apr 15, 2022
Congratulations! You've survived Tax Season! Looking for a way to take it easy? Put away your pocketbook, pack some snacks and head out to explore Ohio's many free offerings — your wallet will thank you later. 😉
Blue Blaze marking the Buckeye Trail
Take a Hike
Whether you're a newbie to the trails or a veteran hiker, Ohio's vast array of State and Metroparks have a little something for everyone. We've enjoyed family-friendly hikes at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, Wolf Run State Park in Noble County, Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, and Whipps Ledges at Hinkley Reservation in Northeast Ohio.
We've also enjoyed exploring the Buckeye Trail and the Hocking Hills region. You can find more trails on ODNR and don't forget to download their new DETOUR Trails app for even more hiking adventures.
Free Museums and Historic Sites
The Cleveland Museum of Art and National Museum of the U.S. Air Force are among several museums in Ohio that offer free admission. Or relax at home and take a virtual tour of Cleveland's Money Museum. You can also use the Ohio History Connection's "Museum & Historic Site Locator" feature to find a location and easily check admission rates.
Bonus: several of Ohio History Connections sites are free to visit as well.
"The School of Fish". Photo credit: The Ohio Art Corridor, Facebook
Appalachian Region
You don't have to spend a cent to enjoy the state's inviting regions, like Appalachian Ohio. It has so much to offer: scenic vistas, ancient earthwork formations, gorgeous State Parks, and more. You can enjoy the outdoors at Burr Oak State Park or drive through the Ohio Art Corridor, which is a public art trail featuring murals and sculptures.
Arbor Day Festival at The Dawes Arboretum in Newark
![]( "Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival (May)")
Festival season in Ohio is just kicking off, and you've got plenty to choose from, like the Geauga County Maple Festival (April 21 -24), the virtual Ohioana Book Festival (April 29 - May 1), and The Dawes Arboretum's Arbor Day Festival (April 30).
Bonus: Find even more fun things to do on Ohio.org's Festivals & Events page.
"Field of Corn (with Osage Orange Trees)" in Dublin
Only in Ohio Photo-Ops
Up for a photo scavenger hunt? Nowhere else can you get your picture with a giant "Free Stamp," a "Field of Corn," or a topiary garden that feels like it jumped off George Seurat's canvas.
Bonus: tag your photos with #OhioFindItHere and your pic could be featured on Ohio. Find It Here.'s Instagram!
Pedal Along a Bike Trail
Grab your helmet and camera: Ohio's network of bike paths stretches across the state and makes for an adventure that's both scenic and fun. Some of our favorite trails include the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Richland B & O Trail.
Bonus: you can find more trails on the Ohio Bikeways Map and by checking out Ohio.org/Cycling.
For more things to do in Ohio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.
