12 Legitimately Fun Things You Can Do In Ohio Without Spending A Dime
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April Dray
Author
Contrary to what you might think, you don’t always have to spend money to have fun in Ohio. All throughout the state there are free museums, parks and other attractions that can entertain you and your family for the afternoon. The following are 12 legitimately fun things you can do in Ohio without spending a dime. (Let us know which ones you’ve done!)
Learn about the history of our nation's development in aviation at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, where admission is FREE. It is located at 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton, OH 45431.
There’s no place quite like the Ye Olde Mill in Utica—where you can see how Velvet Ice Cream is made, take a free tour of the mill and try delicious flavors of ice cream you won’t find anywhere else. It is located at 11324 Mt Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080.
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Drive through America's shortest and longest covered bridge along this scenic route, which features 18 covered bridges in Ashtabula County. Begin your drive at the Netcher Road bridge near Jefferson and continue to the Smolen-Gulf Bridge (pictured) near the Ashtabula River. To view a map of the complete routes of this drive click here.
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Release your inner paleontologist and fossil hunt at the Olander Park System's Fossil Park in Sylvania. Admission and fossil hunting are free, and the fossil park is open from April 11 - November 13. It is located at 5675 Centennial Rd., Sylvania, OH, 43560.
In case you hadn't already noticed, mounds abound in Ohio. Learn about ancient Ohio and the cultures that came before us while you enjoy a sunny day. (Pictured is the Great Serpent Mound in Adams County.)
Tour the state's largest collection of outdoor murals and street art at the Short North Arts District in Columbus. (And be sure to check out the local shops and restaurants in the area.)
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Pack a picnic lunch and explore the caves, waterfalls and trails of Ohio's state (and national) parks for an unforgettable day.
This beloved riverfront park in Columbus features miles of recreational trails, a cultural arts center, water fountains, local food vendors and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Ohio is full of several impressive art museums that are free of charge, including The Cleveland Museum of Art (pictured) and The Toledo Museum of Art.
Officially finished in 1847, our beautiful state capitol is known for its distinctive rotunda and regularly hosts tours organized by the Ohio Statehouse Museum Education Center. Free, guided tours of the Statehouse are offered Monday through Friday on the hour from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 3 p.m.
Lake Erie is the closest you can get to an ocean experience in Ohio. Set aside a day during the summer months to take advantage of this.
Ironically (and appropriately) enough, the Federal Reserve Bank Museum of Money in Cleveland is free to attendees and features a 23 foot tall money tree. It is located at 1455 E 6th S.t, Cleveland, OH 44114.
How many of these things have you done before? What other free attractions are there in Ohio? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!
For more neat places and things to do in Ohio, check out our previous article, 11 Underrated Ohio Parks That Will Bring Out The Adventurer In You.
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