Top Things to do in Ohio
Top Hotels in Ohio
- 1. Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
- 2. Hilton Cleveland Downtown
- 3. Graduate Columbus
- 4. The Westin Cincinnati
- 5. Berlin Grande Hotel
- 6. Ohio University Inn & Conference Center
- 7. Hyatt Place Columbus/Worthington
- 8. Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
- 9. Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown
- 10. 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Countries
10 Outdoor Activities in Ohio That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Maple Highlands Trail
2. Kokosing Gap Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By 243DLP - Midland, United States
A well-maintained rail trail. We rode 2 sections one day the Heart of Ohio Trail about 20 miles and the next day the Kokosing Gap Trail about 20 miles. There was plenty more miles to ride, but we were short on time. The Kokosing Trail is more scenic with bridges, trees, Amish Farms, a restored Train Engine in Gambier and a stone arch in Howard.
3. B&O Bike Trail
4. Stratford Ecological Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
5. Summit Metro Parks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 653tomt - Aurora, United States
64 with a bad wheel. Started off on the boardwalk and steps to falls. Very nice. Figured I would complete the trail, almost 2 miles. Started off flat and they get you to commit. Then you walk down 190ft on roots and rocks. Coming back up, was high steps and a somewhat smooth path. 35F with fleece and I was sweating. I survived. Good workout.
6. Hockhocking Adena bikeway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By B365HIcindys - Saint Clair Shores, United States
We rode eight miles of this on one pleasant April morning, heading south from Nelsonville. A wonderful experience - cruising down the paved path with the Hocking River on the left and tall bluffs on the right loaded with spring flowers in bloom. Only met a few people. Would highly recommend riding this path.
7. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
This 44-acre preserve offers hiking trails and boardwalks through various natural areas. Canoe and kayak on the pond for free every Monday in the summer. The pond also offers family fishing opportunities. There is a pollinator garden, Windows on Wildlife viewing area and library, special event venue ideal for weddings, ADA accessible trails, Yoga and photography programs and more. Opened in 2005, the Nature Center at the preserve offers various educational opportunities for all ages.
Reviewed By rickmaluchnik - Rossford, United States
Living nearby I have excellent access to this trail and walk it regularly (had to fill in below where it asked when I was there but I do go regularly.) Nonetheless I never get tired of walking or running it. It is a great walk to free your mind, heart and spirit. Not too long and easily walk-able in short time . . . like 15 minutes! It is forested and dear walk around out in the open (occasionally.) The only drawback are the Canadian Geese which I never liked because they can get aggressive towards kids but no other drawbacks. The Pond is rich in minerals and growing better yearly. Also it is usually pretty low volume so one can be alone to think, write, read or just relax and get mellow . . . when not walking or running!
8. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,800 reviews
This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.
Reviewed By 339matthewf - Cincinnati, United States
I've been coming to this zoo for 30 years and I cannot express in words the memories that have been made here. I remember when Bruiser the walrus would spit water on me as a kid (excellent way to cool off on a summer's day). I got to stay overnight and do a guided night tour, traveled behind the scenes to see how they take care of animals, and have watched this place grow throughout the years. 'Africa' added lions and a large paddock for grazers in addition to a nice balcony with tables overlooking the whole area. Cooling stations run all day when it's hot, penguins roam the paths with keepers when it's cold, and I proposed to my wife at the Festival of Lights 'round Christmas. They also have animal encounters which, while a bit pricey, contribute to conservation efforts and offer once in a lifetime experiences like being face to face with an elephant. You can feed a giraffe if you like. They have learning stations everywhere, rotating educational encounters, and anyone in a zoo uniform will tell you a personal story about one or more of the animals. Finally, if you plan to go, I strongly advise a membership pass if only for the free parking. You get discounts on food and merch, as well; it pays for itself in two trips. Check the website out, too; they have some really cool events that go to help with conservation efforts and are a lot of fun to attend. Give it a shot and you might find you keep coming back for the rest of your life.
9. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,564 reviews
Home to more than 11,000 animals representing nearly 600 species from around the globe, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; annually contributing $4 million of privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
Reviewed By LynnD304 - Lynchburg, United States
My husband and I and another couple visited the Columbus Zoo on Saturday July 7 and absolutely loved it! We saw so many animals! So much better than another zoo we visited a few years ago. There is plenty of shade and places to sit and rest if you need it. And since I went to Africa this past February I totally loved the Africa section. Lots of lions and one female jumped up on a ledge right in front of me. A gorilla did too! Lots of giraffes that seemed to be pretty friendly. Came right up to us. I really hope to have the opportunity to visit this zoo again. Absolutely awesome.
10. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,641 reviews
Don't miss this exciting metropolitan zoo best known for having the largest collection of primates in the United States and for its Rainforest exhibit, which features a thrilling simulated tropical rain storm.
Reviewed By KristiC566
I went to the Cleveland Zoo with my daughter and 1 year old granddaughter. I was so impressed with the beautiful park. So many fun things to do, even with small children. They pulled out all the stops here to make this as interactive as possible for its visitors. The Australia exhibit has a little train that will take you through the dingo, wallaby, and camel areas, you can also walk through these areas as well and the wallaby’s can actually come into the paths where visitors are waking! You can even ride a camel if you want to! We purchased an additional “bracelet” for $10/pp that gave us unlimited 4d movies, train ride, and carousel rides in addition to discounts on the camel ride and feeding the giraffes. Most of the exhibits are up close and personal, not just waking through glass enclosed partitions like at some zoos. Feeding the giraffes was so cool and although my granddaughter wasn’t too fond of the camel ride, my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it. They have beautifully thought out landscaping and it was just gorgeous throughout. The tree house in the Australia exhibit area was “Disney” worthy and the Asia exhibit areas with the snow leopard looked like something you would find at Disney park as well. They offer zoo overnights - at very reasonable prices. Overall, this is a great family activity for very reasonable entrance fees. Would love to visit here again soon!
