Nothing beats the memories promised by a good ole fashioned road trip, especially one with the family. So gas up the car and get ready to explore some of Ohio's coolest and best things to do in Ohio with your loved ones. We've devised the perfect trip that has a little something for everyone in the car. Along the way, you can look forward to epic challenges, delicious food, gorgeous natural scenery, iconic local attractions, and a whole lot of bonding. And the best part of all? You can easily visit all 6 of these unbelievable destinations in one day. So let's get started!
To get you one your way, we've created an interactive Google Map.
1. The Escape Game Cincinnati
The Escape Game Cincinnati promises to be the perfect start to your trip. This immersive experience will challenge your wit, teamwork, communication, and sense of adventure. Each 60-minute game has its own theme and unique mission, such as recovering a priceless painting, finding gold, or even breaking out of prison. Each game is built from scratch by The Escape Game's expert designers, architects, and engineers. With so much excitement and adrenaline, you might feel like you're on the set of an action movie. Expect plenty of exciting twists and turns along the way, and depending on the ages in your group, it is also among the great things to do with kids in Ohio. Check out the official website to view all of the themed games you can choose from. The Escape Game is located at 28 West Freedom Way, Suite 300, Cincinnati, OH.
2. Jungle Jim's International Market
Continue north of Cincinnati and you'll arrive to the town of Fairfield, where you'll want to make a stop at Jungle Jim's International Market. You'll quickly discover that this place is not your typical supermarket. Offering specialty foods from over 75 countries, Jungle Jim's is the perfect place to expand your horizons. The store covers a whopping six acres, so you'll want to take your time touring each attraction within the store. The market offers cooking classes, festivals, and over 17,000 wine labels from around the world. Jungle Jim's is located at 5440 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH 45014.
3. Two Cities Pizza Co.
So much exploring is bound to work up an appetite, and fortunately, we've got just the spot for you and your family. Two Cities Pizza Co. is an iconic restaurant in Mason that offers pizza lovers the best of both words: Chicago-style and New York-style pies. Step inside this unique, retro building and prepare to eat until your heart's content. One side of the menu features deep dish pizzas and the other side boasts New Yorker favorites. Can't decide? Opt for the "Bridge Builder," photographed above, and you'll enjoy both styles side-by-side. Two Cities Pizza Co. is located at 202 W Main St, Mason, OH 45040.
4. Hocking Hills State Park
Moving on to more fun stuff in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is a not-to-be-missed attraction in Ohio. This scenic natural area covers over 2,000 acres of landscape featuring caves, gorges, waterfalls, and rock shelters. This park makes for an ideal day trip destination for anyone looking for a little outdoor adventure. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, and more. It's the perfect place to stretch your legs and snap some great photos. Once you've finished exploring this off-the-beaten-path area, get back on the road for more adventures! Hocking Hills State Park is located at 19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 43138.
5. The Book Loft of German Village
If you happen to be traveling with any book worms, they'll absolutely love the opportunity to browse over half a million books at the famed The Book Loft of German Village.Located in German Village, this beloved store contains not one, not two, but thirty-two rooms of books for you to browse. Bookcases run from floor to ceiling, so you're bound to find at least a few treasures to take home. Not to mention the fact that the prices are discounted. While the books are all organized into genres and categories, you might still feel like you're making your way through a labyrinth. The Book Loft is located at 631 South Third St., Columbus, OH, 43206.
6. Schmidt's Sausage Haus
And last but certainly not least on this awesome list of things to do in Ohio, while you're in German town, you'll want to make a stop at Schmidt's Sausage Haus for a festive end to your day trip adventure. This authentic Bavarian restaurant has been a Columbus staple for several generations. Not only do they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet delightfully known as the Autobahn Buffet, but they also happen to have some of the most delicious desserts in the area. The homemade cream puffs alone are worth the drive! As you're enjoying your dinner on the last stop of your day trip, you'll love recounting all the day's events you've just experienced on this epic road trip. Schmidt's Sausage Haus is located at 240 E Kossuth St, Columbus, OH 43206.
What are your thoughts on this family-friendly day trip through Ohio? Is this something that you and your family would enjoy? Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, which were your favorites? Would you agree that they are among the most fun things to do in Ohio? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
For more fun Ohio adventures be sure to read this article: 15 Great Things To Do In Ohio Without Opening Your Wallet.
Since we mentioned Hocking Hills State Park, take a look at this video about the Ash Cave Waterfall there:
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