Now that summer is officially underway and the kids are out of school, you’re probably looking for some fun things to do during the day. Fortunately, the Buckeye State is full of all kinds of unique day trip destinations that the whole family will love. The following are 11 of our favorite little-known day trip destinations. Be sure to add these to your summer day trips in Ohio bucket list:

1. Glenwood Gardens, Cincinnati
Highfield Discovery Garden - Glenwood Gardens/Facebook
Glenwood Gardens is a discovery park that features multiple nature trails, gazebos, fountains, a fun kids' area, and even a gift shop. Adults and children alike will love this little oasis from the city. After all, it's one of the most family-friendly day trip destinations in Ohio.

For more information, read our full article here.
2. Hartman Rock Garden, Springfield
Hartman Rock Garden/Facebook
Composed of more than 250,000 individual stones, this backyard museum is an iconic marvel that belongs on your bucket list. You'll observe a mixture of history, religion, and Depression-era pop culture at the Hartman Rock Garden, built by Harry "Ben" Hartman from 1932 – 1944. It’s a truly unique roadside attraction you have to see to believe.

For more information, read our full article here.
3. High Rock Adventures, Rockbridge
High Rock Adventures/Flickr
At High Rock Adventures and Hocking Hills Ecotours in Rockbridge, you’ll see a whole new side to this beautiful region of Ohio few people know about. The rock challenges, rappelling, rock climbing, and eco-adventures you’ll find here are perfect for a weekend adventure with family and friends in your favorite state.

For more information, read our full article here.
4. Baylor Beach Park, Navarre
Baylor Beach Park/Facebook
Unless you're a local, you've likely never heard of Baylor Beach Park, which features a two-acre manmade swimming lake with sandy beaches. It's picture perfect for a family day of fun in the sun, as there are activities for all ages here.

For more information, read our full article here.
5. J.M. Smucker Company Store and Cafe, Orville
jmsmucker.com
The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Cafe in Orville, Ohio is a truly special place that’s worth a day trip. It’s a fun destination the whole family will love to explore. With so much more than fruit spreads and peanut butter, you’ll be absolutely delighted.

For more information, read our full article here.

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6. Boston Township
Jasperdo/Flickr
Boston Township in northeast Ohio is a quaint, rural village that’s seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Its history and rural setting are both well preserved because it sits in the middle of Ohio’s only national park—which makes it even more special and well worth a visit.

For more information, read our full article here.
7. Idle-Hour Ranch, Troy
Idle-Hour Ranch/Facebook
Idle-Hour Ranch in Troy, Ohio offers visitors a truly unique experience with animals you wouldn’t really expect to find in Ohio. From camels to elephants, you never know what you’ll encounter at this family-owned and operated ranch. It's an epic petting zoo kids will love.

For more information, read our full article here.
8. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, Hamilton
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park/Facebook
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton, Ohio is a hidden gem you need to explore this spring, summer, and fall. Year-round, it’s a fun day trip destination you can spend hours exploring. Within this outdoor museum, you'll find a wide variety of sculptures standing in meadows, forests, and gardens. The park also features an indoor Ancient Sculpture Museum, which displays Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculptures that are thousands of years old.

For more information, read our full article here.
9. Yellow Springs
Earl/Flickr
Tucked away in southwest Ohio you'll find Ohio's most charming and unique town, where the benches are a work of art and the buildings are full of character—inside and out. While you're in town, find the official "Yellow Spring" (which actually looks more orange than yellow) at the Glen Helen Nature Preserve.

For more information, read our full article here.
10. Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery, MIllersburg
Char N./Trip Advisor
Set in the heart of Ohio’s beloved Amish Country, Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery is an Ohio classic everyone needs to experience at least once. Explore the countryside, pet some farm animals, and indulge in some delicious fry pies at this Ohio gem.

For more information, read our full article here.
11. Sunlite Pool, Cincinnati - CLOSED
Coney Island Amusement Park/Facebook
Editor's note: Unfortunately, Coney Island and Sunlite Pool have permanently closed.

Coney Island Amusement Park in Cincinnati is home to the world’s largest recirculating pool in the world. Sunlite Pool is truly massive. In fact, it’s larger than a football field. Sunlite Pool is fun for the whole family and the perfect place to visit this summer in Ohio. You don’t want to miss out!

For more information, read our full article here.

Have you been to any of these places before? Can you think of other great destinations for summer day trips in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

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More to Explore

Summer Day Trips In Ohio

Melissa M. | May 18, 2021

What is summer in Ohio like?

Summers in the Buckeye State can be quite hot and humid with average temperatures hovering around 90 degrees. July is the hottest month but you can get some relief closer to Lake Eerie which has slightly more moderate temperatures. Thunderstorms may occur frequently in the summer as well as an occasional tornado. 

What are some fun things to do this summer in Ohio?

Spending time out on the water in Ohio is always a fun time, and it’s especially fun to go tubing on one of the many natural lazy rivers around the state. Some options are a two-mile float down the Little Miami River in Oregonia, a 2.5-mile trip down the Tuscawaras River in Bolivar, or a three-mile trip along Whitewater River in Harrison. Lazy rivers are a great way to cool off, relax, and have some fun. A day trip to an amusement park is a memorable experience for the whole family during the summer months as well, and Ohio has quite a few. Cedar Point, Kings Island, Memphis Kiddie Park, and Stricker’s Grove are just a few places with rides and games you can enjoy in the summer. 

What are some family-friendly road trips to take in Ohio?

Ohio is a fantastic state to take a road trip with the family, so pile everyone in the car and head out on an adventure! Let’s start with our Cleveland to Huron summer road trip adventure with stops at Edgewater Park Beach where you can take a dip in the water and kids can play in the sand and Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve to explore the trails and breathtaking scenery. Other road trip ideas can be found in the article, Here Are The 10 Best Road Trips You Can Take In Ohio.

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