OUTDOORS
Here are 10 kid-friendly Ohio outdoor family vacation destinations
June 29, 2026, 5:10 a.m. ET
High gas prices and tight schedules shouldn’t keep your family from making big summer memories. Luckily, Ohio is uniquely packed with diverse, affordable outdoor getaways that feel a world away, but are just a short drive down the interstate
If you’re ready to map out your next weekend escape, here are 10 top-tier Ohio destinations − ranging from adrenaline-pumping theme parks to completely free state parks − that offer something for every age and budget
10 Ohio family destinations for summer fun
1. Cedar Point
Location: Sandusky (Erie County)
The Lowdown: Start your summer with a rush at the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” This massive 364-acre peninsula sits right on Lake Erie, featuring 18 world-class roller coasters, a huge lakeside beach, and the adjacent Cedar Point Shores Water Park.
Admission: Online daily tickets start around $52 (gate price is $105).
Contact: 419-627-2350 ∣ cedarpoint.com
2. Kings Island & Soak City
Location: Mason (Warren County)
The Lowdown: If you prefer your roller coasters with a side of Southern Ohio charm, head down Interstate 71 to this premier Midwest theme park. Boasting legendary coasters like The Beast and Orion, admission also includes access to Soak City Water Park, featuring massive wave pools, lazy rivers, and water slides to beat the summer heat.
Admission: Online daily tickets start around $45 (gate price is $90).
Contact: 513-754-5700 ∣ visitkingsisland.com
3. Hocking Hills State Park
Location: Logan (Hocking County)
The Lowdown: If your family prefers quiet, towering tress over roaring roller coasters, trade the midways for the absolute majesty of Ohio’s premier hiking destination. Famous for its stunning recessed caves, soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls, families can hike iconic, kid-friendly trails like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls, or rent canoes for a trip down the Hocking River.
Admission: Free (State Park entry and parking cost nothing; optional nearby canoe/kayak rentals vary).
Contact: 740-270-6100 ∣ ohiodnr.gov
4. The Wilds
Location: Cumberland (Muskingum County)
The Lowdown: For an outdoor experience that feels less like Ohio and more like an international trek, take a short drive out to this massive conservation center. Spanning nearly 10,000 acres, families ride in open-air safari vehicles to see rare and endangered animals like rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs roaming in open pastures.
Admission: Open-Air Safari tours start at $45 per person (Free for Wilds members; half-price for Columbus Zoo members).
Contact: 740-638-5030 ∣ thewilds.org
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Peninsula (Summit/Cuyahoga Counties)
The Lowdown: Keeping with the theme of expansive nature, you can venture north to experience Ohio’s only official National Park. It offers a peaceful retreat with miles of hiking and biking trails along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath, the stunning 65-foot Brandywine Falls, and scenic rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Admission: Free park entry (Train tickets range from $15-$30 depending on the excursion).
Contact: 440-717-3890 ∣ nps.gov/cuva
6. Columbus Zoo & Aquarium & Zoombezi Bay
Location: Powell (Delaware County)
The Lowdown: If you love the idea of wildlife but want a mix of city amenities and water park thrills, make your way to the heart of the state. This world-renowned zoo offers massive outdoor regional exhibits like the Heart of Africa, while right next door, Zoombezi Bay provides a 22-acre water park packed with slides, an action river, and a multi-level water play structure.
Admission: Zoo-only tickets range from $22-$30 (discounts for Franklin County residents). Zoombezi Bay tickets (which include Zoo admission) start around $40-$48.
Contact: 614-645-3400 ∣ columbuszoo.org
7. African Safari Wildlife Park
Location: Port Clinton (Ottawa County)
The Lowdown: If your kids want to get even closer to the animals without leaving the comfort of the car’s air conditioning, point your GPS back toward Lake Erie. This unique drive-through safari lets families feed alpacas, zebras, giraffes, and bison right from their car windows, and includes a walk-through area with educational animal shows.
Admission: Summer daily tickets range from $26.95-$34.95 per person depending on the date (children 2 and under are free). Every vehicle admission includes a free cup of animal grain.
Contact: 1-800-521-2600 ∣ africansafariwildlifepark.com
8. Salt Fork State Park
Location: Lore City/Cambridge (Guernsey County)
The Lowdown: If your ideal vacation involves rolling hills, sparkling water, and plenty of room to stretch out, head out east to Ohio’s largest state park. It is an outdoor paradise featuring a massive lake, two marinas, a sand beach, and miles of hiking trails where families can rent pontoon boats, play a round of golf on the 18-hole championship golf course, or relax at the historic stone lodge.
Admission: Free park entry and beach access. Boat rentals vary by size (typically $40-$80 per hour).
Contact: 740-439-3521 ∣ ohiodnr.gov
9. Geneva State Park & Lake Erie Canopy Tours
Location: Geneva-on-the-Lake (Ashtabula County)
The Lowdown: For a lakefront getaway that combines classic beach relaxation with an absolute adrenaline rush, travel up to the northeastern shoreline of Lake Erie. Alongside standard camping and lodge rentals, the on-site Lake Erie Canopy Tours features zip-line courses and aerial challenge courses built right into the lakefront canopy.
Admission: Free park entry. Aerial challenge courses range from $40-$60, and full zip-line canopy tours run around $85-$95per person.
Contact: 440-466-8400 ∣ ohiodnr.gov
10. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Location: Cincinnati (Hamilton County)
The Lowdown: Finally, round out your ultimate summer road trip by heading down to the historic southwest corner of the state. The second-oldest zoo in the United States is consistently rated one of the best for families, known for world-class outdoor habitats like Elephant Trek and Hippo Cove (home to famous hippos Fiona and Fritz), offering beautiful botanical paths alongside close-up wildlife viewing.
Admission: Prices fluctuate based on the day (dynamic pricing), generally ranging from $18 to $28 when purchased online in advance.
Contact: 513-281-4700 ∣ cincinnatizoo.org
Tips for the road
Book ahead: For major theme parks like Cedar Point and Kings Island, purchasing tickets online at least 24 hours in advance will save your budget up to 50% compared to paying at the front gate.
Pack a cooler: Many of Ohio’s state and national parks feature scenic, shaded picnic areas. Packing your own lunch not only keeps the day economical but lets you stay on the trails longer.
