Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Ohio
Lisa Sammons
Author
From Cleveland to Columbus, those of us who love good old-fashioned American adventure know there’s nowhere better to be in springtime than the state of Ohio. Spring in Ohio is a magical time filled with greenery, flower blooms, amazing spring fests, and so many great activities that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend getaway to Cedar Point or enjoying the outdoors at some of our amazing historical sites, there’s no end to the fun things you can find in the Buckeye State come springtime. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Ohio in spring:
Flower Blooms In Ohio
Some of the best outdoor activities in Ohio this spring will be visits to our stunning flower farms. With tulips, cherry blossoms, wildflowers, and more, these places are endless seas of color that manage to brighten up the environment and your spirits. These family-friendly spots are perfect for taking the little ones out to enjoy a bit of fresh air.
1. Tulip Ridge Flower Farm
There's something ever-so-magical about tulips: they are the quintessential spring flower, and with the variety of colors available, they can really brighten up your home or yard! One of our favorite flower stands in Ohio is Tulip Ridge Flower Farm in Sunbury. While the farm itself is not open for visitors, or visible from the road, the farm has a lovely little flower stand that's the perfect place to pick up freshly-picked tulips. This central Ohio gem sells mason jar bouquets that look lovely on a kitchen table or nightstand.
2. Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm
Hummingbird Hill Flower Farm's greenhouses open up for the 2024 season on May 4. This six-acre farm is teeming with a variety of different flowers, with all kinds of colors on display. U-pick options are typically available in the spring, and, of course, it's a wonderful place to just stroll with the family and take a few pictures.
Botanical Gardens In Ohio
Another great spot for family fun at this time of year is a wonderful botanical garden. We are avid advocates of visiting the many botanical gardens in Ohio year-round, but even so, we’ve got to say, they’re especially magical come springtime. A day trip to a botanical garden or arboretum in the spring will show off a great variety of blooms, and it’s one of our favorite family things to do in Ohio in spring.
3. The Holden Arboretum
There's so much to see at The Holden Arboretum: it's one of the most incredible collections of plants in Ohio. It's also home to one of the longest canopy walks in the state, and, as you can imagine, it's a pretty spectacular adventure when you're surrounded by the verdant greenery of spring! The park features more than 600 acres of cultivated gardens and forests, with plenty of nature trails to explore. It's one of the best things to do with kids in Ohio in spring, and there are so many amazing displays of natural beauty here.
4. Franklin Park Conservancy & Botanical Gardens
Franklin Park Conservancy & Botanical Gardens is one of the best destinations in Columbus, OH year-round, but it's even more magical in the springtime. The 13-acre oasis is located just a few miles outside of the city's bustling downtown area, but it feels like a lifetime away when you're surrounded by so much greenery. The greenhouses here house hundreds of plant species, and there are also plenty of outdoor gardens on-site worthy of exploration.
5. Secrest Arboretum
The Secrest Arboretum is tucked away in the small rural community of Wooster, and it's one of our favorite free things to do in Ohio in spring. The 110-acre garden has a fun hillside slide, statues and artwork, and hundreds of varieties of plants. It's such a great outing for a warm spring day - there's nothing like spending time outdoors in nature!
Parks To Visit In Ohio This Spring
With 75 state parks in Ohio, you’ll find no shortage of great hiking trails, nature preserves, and hands-on activities to enjoy. Many of the state’s waterfalls are at their most scenic in the spring thanks to the snow melt, and, of course, the trails are full of blooms, wildflowers, and lively wildlife.
6. Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills State Park is one of the most amazing places in Ohio, no matter when you visit. This sprawling park features 25 miles of hiking trails, fascinating caves, cool rock formations, and so much more. There are endless recreation opportunities that the whole family can enjoy, and there's no better time to visit than spring. The park's 2,356 acres are incredible when all covered in green and colorful flowers!
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7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
It's pretty amazing that Cuyahoga Valley National Park is free, because this place is downright incredible. Lush forests, eye-catching wildflowers, roaring waterfalls, and miles of trail means there's so much to explore here. You'll find both easy and difficult trails here, making it an equally grand adventure for experienced explorers and those traveling with young kids alike!
8. Rocky River Reservation
Honestly, we could have put any of the amazing Cleveland Metroparks on this list. They're full of scenery that's just perfect for springtime, and there's certainly a reason this series of parks is called the city's Emerald Necklace. We love the Rocky Road Reservation because of its abundance of hiking trails and overlooks that make it perfect for spending a beautiful day outside enjoying nature.
Spring Hikes In Ohio
We love hiking at any time of year in the Buckeye State, but many of the hiking trails in Ohio become all the more beautiful in the springtime. If you love hiking as much as we do, consider a free trial of AllTrails+. The site offers up phenomenal benefits, like downloadable trail maps and turn-by-turn directions to keep you from getting lost when you’re out in the woods.
9. Brandywine Gorge Trail: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hikes don't come much more beautiful than the Brandywine Gorge Trail. This absolutely magnificent hike is one of the top trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It's only about 1.5 miles in length, so it's suitable for kids and novice hikers, and you'll get to see the stunning 60-foot Brandywine Falls, one of the park's crowning jewels. The trail is open year-round and the falls are at their strongest in springtime, making this one of the best Ohio hikes in spring.
10. The Grotto: Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Glen Helen Nature Preserve is a magnificent hiking area in Greene County. It's perfect for getting out and exploring the area's natural beauty, with waterfalls, gorgeous wooded areas, and plenty of room to explore. The Grotto area includes a unique cave behind a waterfall that's so much fun to walk behind. The preserve lies just beside John Bryan State Park, one of the best parks in Western Ohio.
Spring Picnic Spots In Ohio
I can’t think of too many things that sound more appealing than a spring picnic. This is one of the best romantic things to do in Ohio in spring, but it’s also great for taking out the whole family when the kids are on spring break. Pack up some sandwiches and maybe some ice cream and get ready to hit up a park or nature trail, because an al fresco meal dining in the warm weather sounds like heaven!
11. Caesar Creek State Park
Caesar Creek State Park features gorgeous waterfalls, 43 miles of hiking trails, and nearly 300 campsites. The lake here is a great spot for water recreation or simply relaxing in the beautiful scenery. Pack some food and head out for a meal out on the grass under the sun.
12. Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve
The Conkle's Hollow area is a section of Hocking Hills State Park that's a beautiful place for outdoor recreation, whether you're looking for a great picnic spot or want to go for a hike.
Wow! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to get out and explore on an epic road trip! Did we miss your favorite fun things to do in Ohio in spring? What’s on your springtime bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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