At one point or another, many Americans will find themselves driving through some or all of the great state of Ohio. With ample tourist attractions, state parks, and more, the state of Ohio can be a true destination if you know where to look. Listed below are just a few of the many attractions in this state, which are sure to delight and entertain even the most Ohio-skeptic travelers.
Ohio is known as the roller coaster capital of the U.S. so it’s no surprise that it also hosts some great playgrounds. With its mild climate, playgrounds are a great way to encourage outdoor physical activity throughout the warm months. We have compiled a list of some of the best playgrounds in Ohio below:
Located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, this museum houses more than 360 aerospace items contained in indoor and outdoor exhibits, and is the world’s largest military aviation museum. One of the most noteworthy exhibits is the Presidential Gallery, where one can examine and enter several aircrafts used by American presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower. Ohio being the home of Orville and Wilbur Wright, this museum and people’s general interest in flight comes as no surprise. To learn more about the museum, visit their website here .
Cedar Point is one of the most popular summer attractions in Ohio, and is truly one of the highlights of the Ohio playgrounds. Situated in the town of Sandusky, Ohio along the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point is a massive tourist destination for Ohioans and non-Ohioans alike. The park features several summer-oriented attractions, including a wave pool, lazy river, shallow pools for kids, and a six-story water slide. These structures aren’t at all dissimilar from the commercial playground equipment Ohio has to offer. For those who don’t feel like donning their bathing suits, the park also has 18 world-class roller coasters, as well as regular live entertainment. For more information about the park and its various amenities, visit their website.
Even lifelong Ohioans may not know that their state capital is home to one of the top-rated zoos in the nation. The Columbus Zoo boasts over 10,000 animals from six distinct regions of the world. All the commercial playground equipment Ohio has could not do better as an experience than this zoo and aquarium. Special tours and educational programs are regularly held throughout the year. Additionally, right next to the zoo is the Zoombezi Bay water park, a popular attraction for zoo visitors with small children.
The next piece of equipment on the Ohio playgrounds is the Cincinnati Museum Center, located right in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. This multi-museum complex houses a combined 1.8 million historical artifacts from around the state, region, country, and world. Each museum has its own guided tours, educational programs, and other resources for teachers and educators. Union Terminal, the main gateway to the museums within the Museum Center, underwent remodeling in 2016, which finished in late 2018.
One option sure to delight train enthusiasts is Cuyahoga Valley’s Train Ride. The train’s route stretches from Independence, Ohio down to the city of Akron. Seating options on the train range from regular seats in coach up to an executive suite-like train car. Whichever seat one chooses, the sights along the ride are one-of-a-kind, including the beautiful colors of the leaves in the fall, as well as local wildlife like eagles and deer. Since the train route goes directly through Cuyahoga National Park, all sorts of animals, flora, and fauna can be seen from the train cars. For more information about the Train Route, visit their website.
No matter whether one is passing through Ohio or whether one needs a quick vacation destination, there’s something to be found for everyone in Ohio. Even the commercial playground equipment Ohio has can’t match up to the fun these activities bring to individuals and families who seek them out. Tourist attractions abound, and there are many sights to see for those interested.
