If you’re one of many college students working 40+ hours per week, your summer probably doesn’t scream “vacation”. If you live in Ohio as well, your summer might not look so great. If you need ideas for fun things to do in an Ohio summer (that AREN’T Cedar Point), look no further! Here’s a brainstorm of ideas from a life-long Ohioan:
1. A beach getaway!
Wait, hold on. Ohio is a land-locked state! Believe it or not, you CAN have a “beach” getaway in Ohio. Lake Erie, in northern Ohio, is a popular destination for those looking to have their toes in the sand and not travel to another state. There are also various man-made beaches in Ohio, such as Alum Creek Beach in Delaware, Ohio.
2. Hiking and zip-lining!
You read that right, you can zip-line in Ohio. At Hocking Hills State Park (about 55 miles south of Columbus), you will find caves and trails leading through forests, and can take a Canopy Tour of the park from a zip-line. This is a great idea for outdoor enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a longer stay, be sure to check out renting a cabin at Old Man’s Cave in Hocking Hills, as well! The cabins at night are perfect for scary movies, and in the day, the woods and caves are beautiful to explore.
3. Shopping and dining!
As someone with many family members in the area, I will tell you that Holmes County, Ohio is a very rural area lived in by many Amish, but not exclusively Amish. There are many shopping experiences to be had in Holmes County, where you can purchase handmade, homemade goods like jewelry, clothes, shoes, furniture, and more! And the dining? Some of the best meals I’ve ever had were from Amish-style cooking in Holmes County. If you get the chance, visit a Der Dutchman while you’re there! Only after visiting the Yoder’s Amish Home in Millersburg first, though.
If you’d prefer a big city setting, though, fear not! Easton Town center is huge shopping and dining center near Columbus that fits all of the needs of us city-dwellers.
4.Wine tasting!
Feeling fancy, are we? 45 miles east of Cleveland Ohio, you’ll find almost two dozen wineries, and many of them are award-winning! This is all in great scenery as well, with covered bridges and “vintage” feeling small towns. If you’re 21 or over, grab some friends and stay a night up north with some great wine!
5.A day at COSI!
If you’re from Ohio, chances are you remember going to COSI as a kid. This museum-turned-playground has over 300 interactive exhibits fun for all ages, as well as a movie theater!
6.Or, a day at the zoo!
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio is known nationally for its exhibits and attractions. If you’re there in the summer, be sure to see all the animals (don’t forget to feed the giraffes and pet the stingrays!), and then head next door to the zoo’s waterpark, Zoombezi Bay! With water slides, rides, and lazy rivers, there’s something there for everyone. Of course, if you would like to stay a weekend at a water resort, for a somewhat hefty price, you can rent a room at Kalahari Water Resort in Sandusky, Ohio and enjoy a huge assortment of water slides, water coasters, lazy rivers and wave pools, alongside a spa and a giant arcade.
7.Visit a Museum!
Depending on your location in Ohio, you could go to the Toledo Museum of Art or the Columbus Art Museum. Or, if you have a lot of downtime and a love for art, you can make the 2.5 hour drive and visit both! If you’d rather a history museum, one of the best is the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio; there are plenty in other locations of Ohio too, though, Columbus included!
8.Take in the beauty of Adams County!
If you’re more of a laid back explorer, then this is definitely for you. Adams County, in Southern Ohio, has lots to offer, from country inns to covered bridges and trails, hiking and Amish shopping. You can even visit the Great Serpent Native American Mound, or the nature preserve at Edge of Appalachia. No matter where you go in Adams County, there’s always beautiful nature to see.
9.Visit a race track!
While Columbus Motor Speedway is soon to be closing down, there are many other races tracks in Ohio, such as Eldora Speedway, that hold seasonal events. Be sure to attend one this summer!
10.Live entertainment!
Playhouse Square, in Cleveland, is a great place to visit to see live entertainment. If outdoor concerts are more of your idea of entertainment, though, be sure to see what shows are being performed at the LC Pavilion, or as its also know, Express LIVE! in Columbus, Ohio, or the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Of course, if you’d rather see how great it WAS rather than how great it IS, you could always visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. Tickets can get pricey, but it’s definitely worth the cost!
