9 Winter Attractions For The Family In Ohio That Don’t Involve Long Lines At The Mall
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April Dray
Author
In the middle of the bustling holiday season, it can be challenging to actually enjoy the season. This year, consider getting outside with the family for a day of snow tubing fun, taking a Santa train or exploring a life-size nutcracker village. Here in Ohio, there’s so much more to do this time of year than shop all weekend or wait in line for Santa at the mall. The following are some of the best Ohio winter getaways for families we’re sure everyone will enjoy! See how many you can add to your winter bucket list:
Mad River Mountain, 1000 Snow Valley Rd, Zanesfield, OH 43360, USA
Although ski resorts and chair lifts are probably some of the last things that come to mind when you think of Ohio, you should know that Ohio is home to a pretty epic winter resort. Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio, features all the wintertime fun you could possibly want—and then some. It’s the largest ski and tubing resort in Ohio, featuring 144 acres. You'll find it at 1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesfield, OH, 43360.
Lock 3 Park, 200 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, USA
Lock 3 Akron features a 10,000-sq. ft. seasonal ice skating rink, making it the largest in Ohio. Located next to the Akron Civic Theatre, Lock 3 is one of the state’s most cherished seasonal attractions. No matter if it’s your first time on the ice or you’re just as comfortable in skates as in sneakers, you’ll find this destination to be impressive on every level. Lock 3 Akron is located at 200 S Main St., Akron, OH, 44308.
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Butch Bando's Fantasy Of Lights, 3311 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
Formerly known as Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights carries on the tradition with more lights than ever before lining the trails at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds. It's located at 3311 South Old State Rd., Delaware, OH, 43015.
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The Chalet, 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Winter can be daunting…but it can also be downright fun. Cleveland Metroparks features a truly spectacular toboggan chute you need to experience this winter. The Chalet in Strongsville’s Mill Stream Run Reservation is home to the tallest and fastest ice chutes in Ohio. Locals also assert that it is the best toboggan ride in Ohio. It’s tons of fun that you just don’t want to miss out on. In fact, The Chalet at Strongsville’s Mill Stream Run Reservation is home to the tallest and fastest ice chutes in Ohio! The Chalet in Cleveland Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reservation is located at 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, OH, 44136.
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Steubenville Nutcracker Village, 157 N 4th St, Steubenville, OH 43952, USA
The Steubenville Nutcracker Village features the largest display of life size nutcrackers in the U.S., Christmas lights, vendors, caroling and more at the at the Fort Steuben Park. The nutcrackers is typically on display from mid-November through the beginning of January. You'll find this magical village at 120 South 3rd Street, Steubenville, OH, 43952.
Snow Trails, 3100 Possum Run Rd, Mansfield, OH 44903, USA
Learn to ski, snowboard or snow-tube at this ski resort in Mansfield!. This family favorite destination features the Timberline Trail (the longest in Ohio,) the longest tubing lanes in Ohio, a 9,000 sq.ft. Rental Center, a Children's Learning Center and more. Our favorite feature of this snow tubing park in Ohio? You can even snow tube at night - beneath glowing, colored lights! Glow tubing takes the concept of snow tubing to a whole other level! You'll find it at 3100 Possum Run Rd., Mansfield, OH, 44903.
Dickens Victorian Village, 708 Wheeling Ave, Cambridge, OH 43725, USA
Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge is a must-see. Take a trip back in time and explore the historic downtown of Cambridge. Until early January, the town is transformed into old world England, featuring more than 80 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing typical scenes from Victorian society and Dickens' novels.
Lorain & West Virginia Railway, 46485 OH-18, Wellington, OH 44090, USA
This holiday season, consider boarding the Lorain and West Virginia Railway's Santa Train. Sip hot chocolate, enjoy the scenic countryside and even meet Santa himself. This family friendly train ride is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, and the ride lasts approximately 50 minutes. The station is located at 46485 State Route 18, Wellington, OH, 44090.
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Christmas Ranch, 3205 S Waynesville Rd, Morrow, OH 45152, USA
April Dray/Only In Your State
This popular family fun attraction features a million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, Christmas shops, pictures with Santa, wagon and train rides and hot food and drinks. The Christmas Ranch is open until the end of December and is located at 3205 S Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH, 45152.
How many of these attractions did you know about? What are your favorite Ohio getaways for families that you look forward to year winter? Let us know!
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Ohio winter getaways for families
What are some other Ohio winter getaways for families?
This season, we recommend loading up the car and making a trip to one of these Christmas towns in Ohio:
- Columbus. Ohio's capital wholeheartedly embraces the Christmas season. The area's popular outdoor shopping mall, Easton Town Center, is decked out in Christmas lights and decor for the season. The shopping center also features Santa visits, ice skating, and carolers. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is also a popular destination for families during the holiday season. From circa late November through early January, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a magical winter wonderland. You'll easily see why locals love visiting Ohio's capital during the coolest season of the year!
- Peninsula/Cuyahoga Valley National Park. During the holiday season the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad features the North Pole Adventure. Be on the lookout for reindeer in the scenic valley while you sip hot chocolate and eat Christmas cookies. (Passengers are even encouraged to wear their pajamas.) While you're in the area, don't forget to explore Peninsula's festive businesses.
- Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Museum Center features several holiday events and exhibits throughout the month of December, such as the Duke Energy annual Holiday Train Display. The Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden runs from late November to early January. Bundle up and embrace the season at 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45220.
- Toledo. Don't forget about charming Toledo, Ohio, this winter season! Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is fun for the whole family. The zoo features more than a million lights, making it a magical winter wonderland until early January. Toledo features a number of holiday events each year, including tree lightings, holiday fundraisers, special exhibits, and more.