Anybody who resides in or has visited Ohio will tell you that it's imperative to plan one's recreational activities around the weather. Winter, spring, summer and fall all usher in a new set of climatic conditions -- and the family-friendly attractions that come with them.
Whether it's hunting for that prized pumpkin, riding extreme roller coasters, visiting historic sites, or observing the wildlife at area zoos, there likely is an ideal time and place to do it.
Ohio definitely experiences all the seasons -- sometimes in a single day -- so it helps to be flexible when planning any outing. If you find yourself debating between a T-shirt and a sweater, do the wise thing and pack them both.
Hot Fun in the SummertimeCome summertime, thrill seekers from near and far make the trek to
Cedar Point Amusement Park, the "roller coaster capital of the world." Long recognized as the world's preeminent amusement park, Cedar Point rarely disappoints.
Located on a sprawling 370-acre tract in Northwest Ohio, the park offers age-appropriate attractions for the whole family. Rides range from kid-friendly carousels to the fearsome Top Thrill Dragster, which zips riders to a speed of 120 miles per hour before soaring to a height of 420 feet. There are 17 coasters in all, making the collection the largest in the world. Located next to Cedar Point is
Soak City, an 18-acre waterpark with waterslides, inner tube river rides, and a wave pool.
Not far from Cedar Point is
African Safari Wildlife Park, a 100-acre wildlife preserve that is a can't-miss adventure for families with children. In addition to walk-through areas featuring pony and camel rides, there is the ever-popular drive-through safari. Here, families stay in the comfort of their automobiles while camels, alpacas and zebras literally poke their heads through car windows to nibble on carrots. Check the website for discounts.
At the very opposite corner of the state is picturesque
Hocking Hills State Park, a nature lover's paradise. This nearly 2,500-acre parkland is filled with scenic vistas, woodsy trails, and breathtaking waterfalls. While there are many slow-footed attractions in the immediate area, namely Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls and Rock House, fast-paced adventure is just around the bend.
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, Ohio's first zipline attraction, takes intrepid visitors on a three-hour adventure through the treetops on a network of ziplines and sky bridges.
Beautiful Autumn
Autumn is the most magical time of the year in Ohio, and many families take advantage of the season with yearly visits to corn mazes, pumpkin patches and apple orchards.
Mapleside Farms, located in North Central Ohio, is much more than just an apple farm. This fall staple has been making cherished family memories for almost 100 years thanks to horse-drawn hayrides, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, and a giant corn maze. Before you leave, make sure to pick up some homemade pies, cider and jams.
History more your autumn flavor? One of the oldest man-made structures in the U.S. can be found
near the city of Portsmouth in Southern Ohio. Measuring nearly a quarter-mile long,
Serpent Mound State Memorial is considered the longest and best snake effigy mound in the nation. A 35-foot-tall platform reveals a sweeping view of the undulating serpent, the handiwork of the Adena, a Native American culture dating back more than 1,000 years. An onsite museum contains exhibits on the memorial, the Adena, and the surrounding area.
Baby, It's Cold OutsideWhen the weather outside gets frightful, Midwestern families make a beeline for indoor enlightenment. The
Children's Museum of Cleveland, located in the University Circle area, makes an ideal mid-winter getaway for families with young (8 and under) children. More than just a snow-day activity, this kid-centric museum keeps the little ones engaged with hands-on, interactive, educational exhibits. Children under the age of four will enjoy climbing around in the playhouse, while the museum's gift shop offers educational toys, books and games.
The edification needn't stop there. Just down the block is the
Museum of Natural History, where permanent and visiting exhibits seek to shed light on scientific education. In addition to a mesmerizing Foucault pendulum, children will doubtless dig "Happy," one of the most complete mounted sauropods on display in the world. A domed planetarium stages shows that reveal the positions of more than 5,000 stars, nebulae and galaxies.
Is there a better way to kick off the holiday season than with a viewing of the classic film "A Christmas Story"? Why yes, there is. Located in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland, the
Christmas Story House is a living shrine to that cult flick. Every aspect of this modest house, which served as the Parker family home, has been returned to its original film-time splendor. Fans of the movie will feel like they stepped back in time and joined the Parkers for Christmas. Across the street is a gift shop and museum, where film buffs can view original memorabilia and purchase one of those notorious leg lamps.
Spring Awakening
Though technically spring, March weather in Ohio still can be pretty dicey. Often stuck between sleet and heat, the month demands indoor entertainment. Fortunately, Ohio's only National Hockey League team, the
Columbus Blue Jackets play clear into April. The high-paced excitement of a pro hockey game is enough to warm even the coldest of souls. Before settling in for the game, grab dinner at any number of family-friendly restaurants in the immediate area, known collectively as the
Arena District.
When the snow finally thaws, head down to the
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where the warmer weather translates to a better viewing experience. Moving from Gorilla World to the Cat House to Giraffe Ridge in sunshine is always easier than in sleet. There are more than 500 species at the zoo, which is the second-oldest in the nation. Kids will hoot and holler at the cheetahs, rhinos, chimps and otters. In spring, 80,000 tulips burst forth from the earth, putting on a dazzling natural show.