View of young couple at a picnic

6 Incredible Things to Do in Ohio in the Summer

Needing some ideas to kick your summer vacation up a notch? There are so many fun things to do in Ohio in the summer! We’ve compiled a list of our top favorites for you. Whether you’re coming to Ohio for a romantic getaway or you’re bringing along the family, Ohio is a state with tons of exciting activities to offer!

Looking for more ideas of what to do on your Ohio vacation? Our completely free Vacation Guide is packed full of information! Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know about our beautiful inn as well as recommendations for places to eat, activities you don’t want to miss, and exciting experiences, like fun things to do in Ohio in the summer.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Ohio in the Summer?

With a number of thrilling car racings and fairs in town, along with the large city of Columbus and the beautiful Lake Erie just an hour away in either direction from our inn, we have activities for every age easily available. Here are our favorites!

1. Experience a SportsCar Race

The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is one of the best race tracks in the country and it’s just under forty minutes away in Lexington. There are several huge races coming up! The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is taking place on May 4, 2018, to May 6, 2018. The Honda Indy 200 will be on July 29, 2018. Wanting something a little more unique? Be sure to check out the 2018 Vintage Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, where you can see some of the best vintage cars in America compete for the road racer champion. The Vintage Grand Prix will be held June 21st through the 24th.

2. Check Out the County Fairs

There’s nothing that says it’s summertime quite like nibbling on a foot-long corn dog and wandering around a county fair! In Marion, about twenty-five minutes away, you can catch the 168th Marion County Fair from July 2nd through July 7th. Livestock shows, rides, fair food and more are promised! Crawford County Fair, held right here in Bucyrus, will be July 15th through the 21st. It’s a great time to catch a concert, ride a few rides, and spend the day enjoying time with the ones you love. And we can’t forget the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival coming August 16th through the 18th! For 51 years, this festival has been serving up delicious food and fantastic entertainment. You don’t want to miss it!

3. Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Known as one of the top zoos in the country, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a must-see during your time in Ohio! The park is gigantic, so plan on wearing comfortable shoes and bringing plenty of water and sunscreen. Outside food and drinks are permitted in the park, so make your wallet a little happier and bring along a picnic! Be sure to check out the incredible 100,000-gallon saltwater aquarium. Tickets for the zoo and aquarium are $11.99 for ages 60 and up, $16.99 for ages 10-59, $11.99 for ages 3-9, and under 3 are free. You are eligible for a discount if you are a resident of Franklin County.

4. Splash Around at Zoombezi Water Park

A sister company to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Water Park is located right next door and is a great way to cool off on a hot summer day. Thirteen different attractions are sure to be a big hit with the kids! Tickets to the water park include a visit to the zoo. We recommend spending the morning splashing at the water park and then eating lunch at the zoo and seeing the animals before you head back to our inn. Admission is between $23.99 and $29.99.

5. Hit the Rides at Cedar Point

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point is a giant play resort including a water park, amusement park, a beach and much more. Kids of all ages will have the time of their lives here! In May, Cedar Point will be opening the record-breaking, first of it’s kind, “hyper-hybrid” roller coaster, Steel Vengeance. Cedar Point is about an hour north of Hideaway Inn and very easy to get to off OH-4. Ticket prices vary by the options that work best for you but start at around $50 a person.

6. See the Beauty at Marblehead Lighthouse

Built in 1822, Marblehead Lighthouse, on the coast of Lake Erie, is the oldest lighthouse that has been in constant operation on the United States’ side of the Great Lakes. Marblehead Lighthouse State Park surrounds the lighthouse. It is nine acres and a beautiful place to bring a picnic! The lighthouse is one of the most popular photography subjects in the state. Plan on touring the lighthouse, seeing the museum in the old lighthouse keeper’s house and enjoying the beautiful park. The lighthouse is open daily from noon until 4 p.m. and it costs $3 to climb it, for ages 6 and older. There is no cost to visit the museum.

Your Retreat from the Summer Chaos

Hideaway Treehouse room

Summertime has a way of sliding by in a wave of insanity. If we aren’t intentional about carving out time with our loved ones, we’re back in the daily fall grind before we know it. Schedule time to get away from it all at Hideaway Inn. Our beautiful and cozy rooms are the perfect place to soak in quality time with loved ones. We recommend our Tree House Luxury Suite for a summertime Ohio getaway! Enjoy the cathedral ceilings, the Jacuzzi tub for two, and a full breakfast every morning of your stay. There’s even a fully equipped kitchenette – perfect for packing those picnic lunches for your adventures! Contact us to begin planning your Ohio dream vacation today.

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