What goes with summer? Sandals, tank tops and road trips! Ohio has a little something for everyone, from sports fans to nature lovers to music aficionados. Here are just a few. Fill ’er up and take off!
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Cleveland, OH | Sunday – Wednesday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Thursday – Saturday, 10 AM – 8 PM | Ticket prices vary
The one and only Rock Hall is in Cleveland, and it’s a must-see for rock lovers of all ages. You’ll find live music on the plaza stage and souvenirs from key rings to The Beatles collection items. You can check out everything the Rock Hall offers in their exhibit guide, including The Garage, where you can play real instruments and make your own music! Tickets to the Rock Hall are $35 for adults, with discounts for children, Northeast Ohio residents, first responders and college students. Kids 5 and under and members get in free.
Hocking Hills
State parks, a national forest, hiking trails, caves, waterfalls, festivals, a thriving art community — Hocking Hills, Ohio, is truly a national treasure. You’ll find a huge variety of activities and attractions, from ziplines to spas to Appalachian music and culture — even a pencil sharpener museum. Whether you’re making a day trip, crave some camping or long for luxury, Hocking Hills is the perfect summer getaway close to home.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland, OH | 10 AM – 5 PM | Ticket prices vary
Lions, tigers and bears are just the beginning. The zoo’s 183 acres offer chances to interact with wildlife from around the world. Just one example: The RainForest includes more than 10,000 plants and more than 600 animals from the jungles of Asia, Africa and the Americas. Catch the Asian Lantern Festival presented by Meijer, beginning July 5, from 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM; the zoo’s fifth festival will feature hourly live performances, culturally inspired cuisine tasting and a stunning walk-through light display. Kids 2 and under get in free.
National Museum of the US Air Force
Dayton, OH | 9 AM – 5 PM | Free general admission
The Wright brothers were Ohio natives, so what better place for a museum dedicated to aviation history? With more than 360 items on display, it’s not just for aviation fanatics. Just about anyone will find something of interest. Take a wild ride on a flight simulator. Tour preserved aircraft used by three presidents. Watch a 3D movie. Or shop for souvenirs, from T-shirts and jewelry to hand-carved or 3D laser-cut model airplanes. Admission is free, but there is an additional cost to experience their flight simulators and the Air Force Museum Theatre.
Amish Country
Spanning five counties, Ohio’s Amish Country offers a chance to unplug and sample a simpler way of life. Tour the backroads, dine on homestyle recipes passed down for generations or visit the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center. Shop for antiques, handcrafted furniture, homemade soap, quilts and quilting supplies. Camp or stay at a bed-and-breakfast, hotel or inn.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Columbus, OH | 10 AM – 5 PM | Ticket prices vary
The conservatory and gardens, with exhibits that change throughout the year, are home to hundreds of plant species from the Himalayas, rainforest, desert and Pacific Islands. Visitors can also visit several glass greenhouses, including a Victorian-style structure built in the 1800s. The conservatory and gardens account for 40 acres of the 88-acre Franklin Park, and they’re just a couple of miles from downtown Columbus.
Wyandot Popcorn Museum
Marion, OH | May 1 – October 31, Wednesday – Sunday, 1 PM – 4 PM | Ticket prices vary
As stated on their website, “Come to the circus!” Here at the popcorn museum, you will discover an immense collection of popcorn wagons and peanut roasters, all under a giant, colorful circus tent. Not only is this one of the only popcorn museums in the world, but you’ll be able to find an abundance of antique poppers here. Tickets are $6 for adults, with discounts for seniors, children and groups.
Ohio State Reformatory
Mansfield, OH | 11 AM – 4 PM | Ticket prices vary
The Ohio State Reformatory checks multiple boxes: on the hunt for the supernatural? Check. Looking to relive The Shawshank Redemption? Check. Do you simply want to enjoy some Romanesque architecture? Check! No matter your interest in touring, don’t forget to dress warmly; the 250,000-square-foot building is not heated, so tours can be quite cold! Self-guided tours are $25 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors and the military. Children 6 and under are free! If you’d like a more in-depth experience, the inmate confessions tour is $45 for adults, again with discounts for students, seniors and the military.
