10 Free Things to do in Ohio That You Shouldn't Miss

July 10, 2021 Elouise Mccaul

If you are looking for an active place to stay with world-class attractions, Ohio’s major cities can satisfy any vacation desire. Each offers its own distinct flavor of fun, from professional sports – Bengals (Cincinnati), Cavaliers (Cleveland) and Indians (Cleveland again) – to museums, outdoor activities and more. One of the most famous is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. If football is your thing, don’t miss the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. For the science-minded, visit the meat eaters at the Carnivore Conservation Center in the Wilds near Cambridge, dedicated to the breeding and scientific study of endangered mid-sized carnivores. Kids will also love Planet Snoopy in Sandusky or the Columbus Zoo’s Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and Jack’s Landing rides.
Restaurants in Ohio

1. Cleveland Museum of Art

11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106-1797 +1 216-421-7340 [email protected] http://www.clevelandart.org
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,468 reviews

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art creates transformative experiences through art, “for the benefit of all the people forever.” The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 61,000 objects and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The museum is a significant international forum for exhibitions, scholarship, and performing arts. One of the top comprehensive art museums in the nation and free of charge to all, the Cleveland Museum of Art is located in the dynamic University Circle neighborhood.

Reviewed By journeymaid48 - Fairport, United States

This was a tremendous pleasure to tour this museum again. The collections and the buildings are wonderful. The list of artists represented there is amazing including, Caravaggio, Gainsborough, Lawrence, Constable, Whistler, Goya, El Greco, Thomas Cole, Gilbert Stuart, John Singer Sargent, Charles Wilson Peale, Monet, Courbet, Caillebotte, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Rosseau, Seurat, Pissarro, Matisse, Diego Rivera, Picasso, Braque, Dali, Magritte, Max Ernest, Pollock, Joan Mitchell, Miro, Calder and so many others! A definite half day or longer experience. If visiting Cleveland please stop and admire these wonderful works.

2. Toledo Museum of Art

2445 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43620-1500 +1 800-644-6862 [email protected] http://www.toledomuseum.org
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,184 reviews

Toledo Museum of Art

Art from all over the world and every time period is housed at this outstanding museum, considered one of the world's best. From paintings by Renoir to sculptures by Alexander Calder to a vast glass collection, you'll find wonderful treasures here. Founder and first president Edward Drummond Libbey wanted to build a place where art was accessible to everyone, hence the museum's free admission policy, which continues to this day. The Toledo Museum of Art is open: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.Closed Mondays & Tuesdays, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

Reviewed By bookgirl211

Museum is free but you pay for parking which is one amazing deal. Lots of great art in the permanent collection, always great exhibits - saw one on sneakers a year or two back and just went for the Rebecca Olmstead Law one this past weekend. The restaurant is always very good but only open in the afternoon. Definitely worth a road trip.

3. National Museum of the US Air Force

1100 Spaatz St Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433-7102 +1 937-255-3286 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/AFmuseum/
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,908 reviews

National Museum of the US Air Force

Reviewed By I6851YTnickg - Chesterfield, United Kingdom

Fantastic museum, great staff, had a great day here, taking tours, using the cinema and flight simulators and looking at the great collection of aircraft on display here. It has the best collection of US aircraft ive ever seen, where else can you go and see a B36 peacemaker, a B2 spirit and a B58 hustler in the same room! Dont miss this place, its worth the flight to the US to visit this place! If you've never been go!

4. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232-1934 +1 513-681-7526 http://www.springgrove.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 736 reviews

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

Reviewed By chellye - Lexington, United States

Visited to see the grave of General Joseph Hooker. What a beautiful site! Very well maintained and tons of interesting monuments. Definitely going back in the spring when the weather is nice.

5. Smale Riverfront Park

West Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45201 +1 513-352-6180 http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/smale-riverfront-park/
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 696 reviews

Smale Riverfront Park

Reviewed By everydaywanderer - Kansas City, United States

Nestled between Paul Brown Stadium, where the Cincinnati Bengals play football, and the Great American Ball Park, where the Cincinnati Reds play baseball, is Smale Riverfront Park. Running parallel to the Ohio River, the 32 acres of immaculately-maintained green space includes: - a carousel, - pergola-covered, oversized swings that face the water, - a 1.75 acre tree grove and rose garden, - unique play areas with log climbers, a rope bridge, a flying pig, and a giant foot piano, - multiple fountains and other water features, and more It is a beautiful way to spend time along the Ohio River on a gorgeous day in Cincinnati! Get advice on what else to do, see, and eat in Cincinnati by visiting my blog (details in profile)!

6. Old Man's Cave

State Route 664, Logan, OH 43138 +1 740-385-6842 http://www.hockinghills.com/old_mans_cave.html
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 326 reviews

Old Man's Cave

Reviewed By MentorGrl - Concord, United States

I first visited here about nine years ago with my college aged daughter. This time, I visited with my husband. This is a truly amazing Ohio attraction. The rock formations, the forest, the trails, the caves, the water falls, they are all just mesmerizing ... and it feels like you've been transported to another space and time. There is a new visitor center that features an interesting history of the park with maps, photos and details and on how the trails were developed by the Conservation Corps back in the 1930s. We only hiked from the Upper Falls to Old Man's Cave and back to the visitor center and it took a little more than an hour. You could easily spend a half a day. And because we'd like to see the Lower Falls and the Rock House, we'll be back! It is definitely worth a visit, regardless of the time of year.

7. Ash Cave

Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, OH +1 740-385-6842 http://www.hockinghills.com/ash_cave.html
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 520 reviews

Ash Cave

Reviewed By jdenz01 - Saint Clair Shores, United States

This trail and location was by far my favorite. A nice plus is that the trail is wheelchair/mobility challenged friendly. The standard return trail goes up some into the hills so those that wish for that experience can have it, while the accessible trail also remains an option. It’s a pretty trail with lots of nature, and the sandy large Ash Cave is really beautiful. If you’re going to Hocking Hills, this is my number one recommendation from the few trails we did.

8. Pines Pet Cemetery and Cremation Center

764 Riley Wills Rd, Lebanon, OH 45036-9717 +1 513-932-2270 [email protected] http://www.pinespetcemeteryandcremationcenter.com/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

Pines Pet Cemetery and Cremation Center

Reviewed By CindyM480 - Moraine, United States

Very carrying and compassionate staff, They helped us when we had to have Our Yorkie put to rest. We had him cremated and picked out a very lovely urn. I always have my precious cat Cody hurried in the pet cemetery, when you can't afford to have a plot.

9. Hocking Hills State Park

19852 State Route 664 S, OH 43138-9537 +1 614-641-6403 http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,447 reviews

Hocking Hills State Park

Reviewed By HappyCamper512

I know it is already popular and I grew up here, but just cannot get enough of the Hills. Whenever I travel throughout the State of Ohio all of the tourist pamphlets read, “Head to the Beautiful Hocking Hills!” So beautiful and awe inspiring. Something for everyone! God’s creation ! Absolutely untouched beauty. Come for a retreat, a family campout, picnic, climb, or wonderful refreshing hike. Rain, snow or shine it is magnificent.

10. Cincinnati Art Museum

953 Eden Park Dr In Eden Park, Cincinnati, OH 45202-1557 +1 513-721-2787 http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,072 reviews

Cincinnati Art Museum

One of the most prestigious art museums in the country, with over 100,000 works of art, this grandiose building atop an Eden Park hill, is well-known for its 19th-century European and American paintings, but also contains numerous other works including an outstanding pottery gallery.

Reviewed By Go785432

Terrific Museum with diverse collection. It's an excellent way to spend an afternoon wandering and discovering.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.