Need to escape your daily routine? Here in Ohio, you can do just that – and remind yourself that life can, in fact, be straight-up fun when we let it be. While a full-fledged vacation may not be in your budget (or schedule), the following are what we consider to be the best day trips in Ohio. These should help to refresh you, combat the weekday blues, and spice up your normal Netflix-and-chill-on-the-couch weekend routine.

1. Cedar Point Amusement Park - Sandusky
Cedar Point, 1 Cedar Point Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA
Craig Lloyd/Flickr
One of the best Ohio day trips you can take, especially if you have children, is Cedar Point Amusement Park. Also known as "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World," this truly amazing 365-acre amusement park is home to world-famous coasters such as the "Top Thrill Dragster" and "Millennium Force." It's a must-visit for every Ohioan and visitor to the Buckeye State.

One of the day trips near you might just be the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Enjoy a few tips and tricks for visiting the park in this video from Coaster Legend:
2. Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay, Put-In-Bay, OH, USA
gobucks2/Flickr
Ohio's very own island getaway, Put-in-Bay, is special. Tour everything from Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial to a quirky chocolate museum. You can even spend this road trip virtually car-free after you've arrived. Golf carts, mopeds, and bicycle rentals are popular ways to get around the island.
3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Powell
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
marada/Flickr
While the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is arguably the state's favorite zoo, Ohio has several other zoos that are home to all animals large, exotic, and photogenic. A trip to a zoo is one of the best day trips in Ohio you can take.
4. The Wilds - Cumberland
The Wilds Columbus Zoo, 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732, USA
Mike/Flickr
Don't find a zoo adventurous enough? Take your exotic animal scouting skills a step further with Ohio's own safari experience at The Wilds in Cumberland where the animals roam free.
5. COSI -Columbus
Center of Science and Industry (COSI), 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
tlarrow/Flickr
Indulge your inner mad scientist with this one-of-a-kind, hands-on science museum in Columbus, located along the Scioto Mile Loop. Kids will especially love COSI (the Center of Science and Industry). It's one of the most fun day trips in Ohio.
6. Short North Arts District - Columbus
Short North Arts District, Columbus, OH, USA
Holly Hildreth / Moment Open via Getty Images
If art galleries, coffee, retail shops, and street art are your things, you can find them all in this one-stop community in Columbus.
7. Cleveland Botanical Garden (Cleveland)
Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Gloria/Flickr
Explore what is arguably our state's most impressive garden. Cleveland Botanical Garden features ten acres of outdoor gardens and an 18,000-square-foot glasshouse.

Take a quick tour of the Cleveland Botanical Garden in this video from Wagon Pilot Adventures - it is certainly one of the favorite Ohio day trips for nature lovers:

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8. Castles - various locations
April Dray/Only In Your Sate
Take a day to explore the Loveland Castle or several other small castles in Ohio. (If you're really ambitious to uncover these Medieval gems, take a few days to do our recommended Ohio's Most Majestic Castles road trip.)
9. German Village -Columbus
German Village, Columbus, OH, USA
Lee Kreider/Flickr
Perfect for one of the most quaint day trips in Ohio, the lovely German Village in Columbus will truly charm you with its book shop (featuring more than 30 rooms of books!), authentic German food, and a stroll through Schiller Park.
10. Ohio Amish Country - various locations
lethatechnique/Flickr
Try the Amish way for a day or two. You can experience the beauty, deliciousness, and wholesomeness of the simple life of the people of Ohio's Amish Country when you explore.
11. Hocking Hills State Park - Logan
Hocking Hills State Park Cabins, Benton Township, OH 43138, USA
George Bannister/Flickr
With more than 70 state parks in Ohio, hiking trails abound. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin in Hocking Hills State Park for a classic nature getaway at one of the state's most beloved parks. Hike to Old Man's Cave, explore Conkle's Hollow, and snap the perfect photo at Cedar Falls. It's one of the most picturesque Ohio day trips you can take.
12. Trammel Fossil Park - Sharonville
Trammel Fossil Park, 11935 Tramway Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241, USA
Cindy Cornett Seigle/Flickr
Although you have to travel off the beaten path somewhat, Trammel Fossil Park is one of the Cincinnati area's best-kept secrets. Here you'll find trilobite fragments, coral, mini shells, and more. It's perfect for avid fossil hunters or even little ones that need an Indiana Jones kind of adventure. It is one of the most fun day trips in Ohio you can take especially if you have children.
13. Seneca Caverns - Bellevue
Seneca Caverns, 15248 E Township Rd 178, Bellevue, OH 44811, USA
Sonja/Flickr
Located in Bellevue, Ohio is a geographical wonder that was first discovered in 1872. When you venture to the Seneca Caverns, you will travel through "The Earth Crack" and view the Ole' Mist'ry River.

Let's head to Seneca Caverns near Bellevue, Ohio in this video from Adventures in Ohio and Beyond:
14. Lake Erie beaches - various locations
Lake Erie, OH, USA
Christopher Irwin/Flickr
The last of our list of day trips in Ohio is a trip to the shores of Lake Erie. The beaches here are as close as you can get to an ocean without leaving the state.

With a little pre-planned budgeting and scheduling, you’d be amazed at what a liberal dose of “Carpe Diem” and a day away from your normal life can do for you. You can try it without leaving the state! Whether you are looking to explore Ohio with the fam, or you are more in the mood for fun day trips near you for adults, there is plenty to see and do in the great state of Ohio. Head out for one of the best day trips in Ohio and truly experience our fun-filled state.

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips In Ohio

April Dray | June 05, 2023

What is there to do in Ohio?

Some interesting things to do in Ohio include:

 

When you’re trying to think of something truly unique to do in Ohio, think beyond amusement parks, restaurants, and the usual Ohio day trip destinations. Take some take to explore some of our under-appreciated state parks, take a factory tour, and explore a castle or two. Some of the best Ohio attractions are unexpected attractions. Check out this list of hidden gems for some of Ohio’s best-kept secrets. 

What are some of the most unique places you can visit in Ohio?

Some of the most unique places to visit in Ohio include:

 

Along with plenty of Ohio day trip ideas, there are also plenty of unique stops to take along the way. From Hartman’s Rock Garden in Springfield to the World’s Largest Stamp in Cleveland, there’s something quirky around every turn in the Buckeye State. For a list of unique day trips in Ohio and quirky stops to take in Ohio, check out our previous article about some interesting and weird places to visit in Ohio.

What are the best family-friendly day trips in Ohio?

Some of the best family-friend day trips in Ohio involve water parks, zoos, and hands-on museums. For some inspiration, check out our previous article with 13 places to take your kids so they instantly fall in love with Ohio.

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