Vacation in Ohio

Have you been looking for something new and exciting to get away from it all with? Are you looking to find some adventure out there in the beautiful and vast state that is Ohio? Well, look no further, I for one have been to a fairly exciting number of places in this state, and I am absolutely stoked to share some of my favorite places to vacation in Ohio.

Vacation in Sandusky, Ohio and Cedar Point

I am most definitely going to name this as my number one vacation destination in Ohio. In my experience, Sandusky is the most amazing city I have had the opportunity to travel to. The shores of Lake Erie splashing on the beautiful, sandy shores, the attractions with so much to offer. The iconic, well-kempt, and historic downtown, and don’t even get me started about that sunset!

If any reason would be to your reason to choose Sandusky as your place to vacation in Ohio, it most certainly would be Cedar Point. Cedar Point is very likely most people’s primary reason for visiting Sandusky, and it really is not hard to see why if you have been able to visit this iconic theme park for yourself. It is one of the most highly rated theme parks in the world, second only to Germany’s Europa-Park, as stated on cleveland.com.

I myself have only recently had the opportunity to appreciate some of the wonderful rides at this park, when I went for Halloweekends in 2023. However, I believe that anyone who hasn’t had a chance to come themselves may see this as a more relatable experience. Following what my family members who had much more experience than myself had suggested and started on the light and smooth Iron Dragon. I Immediately proceeded to go and ride, in this order, The Gatekeeper, The Valravn, and then The Millennium Force. I now have somewhat of an adrenaline junky perspective on roller coasters.

Sandusky, Ohio and Waterparks

Other than the big one, there are indeed many things to enjoy on an extended trip to Sandusky. If you’re looking to go on vacation in Ohio, Sandusky has you covered. There are not only lodgings and hotels in Sandusky, there are also resorts and waterparks to stay at. I have personally only had experience with the two big ones as far as I can tell, but it is said that Sandusky is the waterpark capital of Ohio, so there is certainly no lack of options if you don’t want to go for the more popular options.

The two big waterpark/resorts I am referring to are Kalahari, and The Great Wolf Lodge. Now, I haven’t been to The Great Wolf Lodge in years now, so my memory may very well fail me, or something may have changed. I can certainly say I look back on that experience fondly, as it was a very nice time with my family, and my first experience at a water park. However, back in spring of 2023, I went with my family on a trip to Kalahari, and I can say with certainty that I love Kalahari. They have an excellent selection of water slides, a nice lazy river, and a sweet wave pool.

Vacation in Columbus, Ohio

If you have ever heard of Ohio, you’ve almost certainly heard of the Buckeyes. Columbus is not only home to the Ohio State Buckeyes, but is also the heart of Ohio. Being directly centralized, Columbus is no more than a few hour’s drive across the whole state. I don’t know of any state more proud and supportive of it’s football. Justifiably so, as the Ohio State Buckeyes have proven year after year they are one of the bigger of the big ten. Aside from all that, there is plenty to do on a vacation in the capital of Ohio.

Think back to your childhood for a moment here. What toys do you remember getting to play with? Did you mention Legos, because Columbus has a Legoland. That’s right, take the kids and reminisce in the days of your youth. Legoland is made for families, and you can absolutely enjoy such an experience in Columbus. Columbus is also home to one very large Zoo. They have your regular Zoo & Aquarium, but also something special. They call it “The Wilds,” and it is superb. It is an open-range safari-like experience with ziplining, horseback riding, and more.

There is so very many things you can do in Columbus. If I were to name them all, it could be a website by itself. Thankfully, the fine folks of Columbus have already done so here https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/things-to-do

Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland Is a well storied, rather large city at the north eastern corner of the state. Home of what was formerly known as the Cleveland Indians baseball team. This city is somewhat of a parent city to a few cities clumped to the south of it. From the sports, to the museums, and the music to surround yourself with, you can find it all in Cleveland. If you enjoy sports, they have the aforementioned baseball, Cleveland Browns football, and the Cleveland Cavaliers for basketball. They have a children’s museum of Cleveland, a Museum of Art and Contemporary Art, and the house from a Christmas Story. Lastly if you’re more in tune with music, there is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Cleveland Orchestra.

With so many things to do in Cleveland, there is much to unpack and discuss. When I was a lot younger, I remember going and watching a Cleveland Indians game with my family. We got our tickets, concessions (I got a hot dog), and found our seats. It was very cool as a kid to get to watch a baseball game so high up in the stadium. I remember asking my dad about the luxury boxes and what they were there for. It made my dad laugh because I thought they ought to share. On the way to the game and away from it I remember seeing an actual skyscraper for the first time and thinking about just how small I am.

Though I have never had the opportunity to revisit Cleveland, I think I will go with my dad sometime. He has expressed that it would be cool to see the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We also both love a Christmas Story and would probably visit that house on that trip.

Cincinnati, Ohio

At the south western corner of Ohio, you will find the city of Cincinnati. I have been to this city on a couple odd occasions. The Ohio side of the Ohio river is where the city is set. It is also only a few miles separated from Indiana to the west. Oddly enough, although it is on the mirrored end of the stated from Cleveland it is about the same size. Cincinnati being 79.64 square miles, and Cleveland being 82.47 square miles. Naturally, being a city this big means there are most certainly some amazing experiences available.

Among the activities to do in Cincinnati, there is an escape game, a live murder mystery show, and a dodge-ball like archery arena. I have never been to any of these before, so they struck me as particularly interesting. I have always heard that escape games are loads of fun for those who enjoy puzzles. There’s just something about solving problems that just makes people happy. Which I can imagine is the appeal of a murder mystery show. It seems almost like a competition to see who can figure it out first. Plus it is a nice food and a show deal, as there is food included in the experience.

The archery arena strikes me as particularly unique though. It is an arena with foam-tipped arrows and provided training. The game is much like dodge ball, but with bow and arrow. It seems like a marvelous time all around, and an excellent way to bond with some friends and family.

If you would like to know more about activities to do in Cincinnati, their website is linked here: https://www.cincinnatiexperience.com/blog/what-is-cincinnati-famous-for/