There are many family-friendly weekend destinations within Ohio offering culture and adventure. Animal lovers will enjoy horseback riding at Marmon Valley Farm or camping out at the Wilds, and adventure lovers will find plenty to keep them busy in the Hocking Hills.
Marmon Valley Farm
If you’re kids are interested in animals, especially horses, but you’re not sure you’re up for a full-on camping adventure, then a weekend at the Marmon Valley Farm may be the answer. The farm has over 100 horses and offers trail rides for kids over 6 and pony rides for the younger set. By booking ahead, you can stay overnight in a room filled with bunk beds and roam the farm to pet sheep and cats. Rates are very reasonable and usually include breakfast. You can also make this a day trip and just schedule a trail ride.
More about Marmon Valley Farm
Address: 7754 State Route 292, Zanesfield, Ohio 43360
Phone: 937.593.8000
Website:marmonvalley.com
Hocking Hills
The Hocking Hills offer a huge array of activities for the entire family including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and even riding zip lines. Inexpensive cabins can be rented throughout the area so you can discover the area at a leisurely pace. Don’t miss the iconic lunchbox museum at Etta’s Cafe.
More about the Hocking Hills
Visitor Center Address: 16197 Pike St, Laurelville, Ohio 43135
Phone: 1.800.HOCKING (462.5464)
Website:1800hocking.com
Amish Country
Springtime is a wonderful time of year to head to the rolling hills of Amish Country in Ohio. Many of the hotels and bed and breakfasts in Millersburg have petting zoos that will be filled with babies for your children to pet. You’ll be able to have dinner at a working farm, by candlelight as the Amish do, and your kids will be able to give free rein to their springtime energy by exploring the farms and buggies.
More about Ohio’s Amish Country
Phone: 877.643.8824
Website:visitamishcountry.com
Sandusky Area
A visit to Lake Erie will be filled with thrills of all kinds. You’ll begin with the many theme parks on the water, including the world-famous Cedar Point, but you can finish with some calm days fishing and hiking the abundant state parks.
More about Sandusky, Ohio
Phone: 800.255.8070
Website:lakeeriesfavoriteneighbor.com
The Wilds
Take a trip to the African jungle, without leaving Ohio. The Wilds park in Columbus offers different opportunities for families to experience the animals gathered at the park. You can spend the night in a luxury tent at Nomad Ridge, or take part in family camping weekends with local experts at various times throughout the summer. Of course, you could also just discover the Wilds as a daytrip with either an open air safari or a closed bus tour.
More about The Wilds
Address: 14000 International Road, Cumberland, Ohio 43732
Phone: 740.638.5030
Website:thewilds.com
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