The State of Ohio offers a fun mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, including nature-centric destinations and quirky spots. If being surrounded by nature is your thing, head over to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, which features different varieties of plants and flowers. Prefer indoor activities? There’s plenty to see, such as Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, one of Ohio’s most popular tourist attractions, especially among music aficionados. Speaking of rock and roll, if you’re in Warren, make sure to drop by David Grohl Alley, which is dedicated to the frontman of Foo Fighters and former drummer of Nirvana. You can also find the world’s largest drumsticks there. For more, check out this list of the top things to do indoors in Ohio, USA.
1. Let your kids learn at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus, Columbus
Who doesn’t love LEGOs? This attraction not only allows families the opportunity to let kids have fun with these bricks, but it also allows them to learn, such as through Earthquake Tables. These tables shake to test the strength of the LEGO structures built by your kids. LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus also encourages the kids to use their imagination in many of its attractions, including the interactive Kingdom Quest where they, along with their parents, will save a princess. Smaller children, meanwhile, will enjoy building at Duplo Farm.
A 4D cinema and virtual reality games are also included among the offerings of this establishment. Annual passes are offered here if you and your kids want to go back several times.
Book Tours : LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus
2. Dive into the world of science at COSI, Columbus
Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a great option to head to if you want to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning. There are over 300 interactive permanent and temporary exhibits here displayed across 9 galleries.
People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are welcome here. There are even exhibits for small children up to first graders. Covered topics include space, energy, and the ocean, among others. Live shows are also staged here to make learning more fun and interactive.
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States
Website: COSI, Columbus
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD for adults, 23 USD for senior citizens, 20 USD for youth (2-12 years old), 23 USD for military adults (13 years old and up), and 18 USD for military youth (2-12 years old). Teachers and children under two get in for free.
3. Feel like an aviator at WACO Air Museum, Troy
History and aircraft lovers will not want to miss out on visiting this attraction. WACO Air Museum is a converted hangar where you can find vintage WACO planes. An audio tour is available so you can find out more information about the aircraft on display as well as information on the history of WACO Aircraft Corporation. The company was originally called Weaver Aircraft Company, giving it the acronym WACO. WACO is unrelated to the city of Waco in Texas.
While you’re here, you can drop by WACO Aviation Learning Center, which teaches students lessons on aviation and gives them hands-on experience in crafting items such as hot air balloons, kites, and model airplanes.
4. Learn who's who in rock and roll at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland
A trip to Ohio wouldn’t be complete without paying a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. This museum has exhibits devoted to some of the biggest personalities of the musical genre, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Metallica, and The Rolling Stones. Special exhibits are also hosted here, which offer something new with every visit.
If you’re lucky, you may also find yourself visiting the place when a concert is scheduled to be hosted there. Make sure to pay a visit to the gift shop to pick up a souvenir.
Book Tours : Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Admission in Cleveland
5. Unleash your inner detective at The Escape Game, Cincinnati
Five interactive adventures await you in this destination, each of which offers a different level of difficulty and storyline to entice guests to come back for more. You will be given 60 minutes to break out of your selected room to beat the challenge. A Game Guide will be available to help you along in case you get stuck.
You and your group may be paired with other guests, so you get the opportunity to make new friends.
The rooms are recommended for guests who are 13 years old and above, however, younger guests are allowed. Children who are under 14 years old need to be accompanied by an adult.
Book Tours : Cincinnati: 1-Hour Escape Room Adventure
6. Check out the exhibits at The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleaveland
Founded in 1913, The Cleveland Museum of Art is considered one of the premier civic and cultural institutions in northeastern Ohio. The building is a work of art on its own, with its neoclassical architecture using white Georgian marble.
Inside the museum, you can find not only local artwork but also historical exhibitions, as well as a collection of pieces from other countries, including Japan, India, and Africa. Once you’re done checking out the exhibits, you can head over to the extensive library on-site open from Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4:50pm. Hungry? Grab some refreshments at the on-site cafe or restaurant.
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Address: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
Website: The Cleveland Museum of Art
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun: 10am - 5pm; Wed, Fri: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
7. Take your pick from the games at Scene75 Entertainment Center, Dayton
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This establishment is all about making sure that its guests will have fun. Various activities and attractions are in store for people of ages here, including laser tag, go-karts, and various rides. A 4D motion theater here screens a selection of short films, with each film ranging from three to five minutes in duration. There are also family-friendly activities here, such as mini golf and mini bowling, so visitors can have fun as a group.
Little ones won’t be left behind on the fun as well. There are inflatables and arcade games to entertain them here.
Scene75 Entertainment Center
Address: 6196 Poe Ave, Dayton, OH 45414, United States
Website: Scene75 Entertainment Center
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
8. Check out the vintage cars at America’s Packard Museum, Dayton
Car and history lovers will get a kick out of this attraction, which features a large collection of Packard cars as well as vehicle artifacts. These vehicles are displayed in an old showroom and service center. The music helps create a retro vibe that matches the vintage cars.
Allott at least two hours if you want to make the most out of your visit to this attraction. This museum is ADA-compliant, making this a good option for sightseeing if you or your companion(s) use a wheelchair.
America’s Packard Museum
Address: 420 S Ludlow St., Dayton, OH 45402, United States
Website: America’s Packard Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 10 USD for adults and 5 USD for seniors (65+). Students can get in for free if they present a photo ID.
9. Bounce around at Get Air Trampoline Park, Akron
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Check out this option if you’re looking to work up a sweat while having fun. This family-friendly establishment features trampolines where you can bounce around to your heart’s content. Dodgeball and foam pits are also available if you want to kick the fun up a notch.
There are special sections designated for kids who are under 46 in (116.8 cm) so they can also play around while staying safe. There are also dedicated days for disabled adults and kids who want to experience the thrill of bouncing around on trampolines in a calmer environment.
Get Air Trampoline Park
Address: 1886 Buchholzer Blvd, Akron, OH 44310, United States
Website: Get Air Trampoline Park
Opening hours: (Open Jump) Mon, Wed, Sun: 10am - 8pm; Tue, Thu: 12nn - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm
Price: Starts from 14.99 USD for adults and 9.99 USD for children
10. Let your kids learn while having fun at Imagination Station, Toledo
Do you have a budding scientist in your family? Encourage their interest by bringing them over to Imagination Station where they can learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math concepts and principles in a fun way. The center features hundreds of interactive exhibits and activities. They can build cars, learn how to do stop-motion animation, and figure out how to grow and choose nutritious food. They can even meet some dinosaurs during their visit!
Make sure to drop by KeyBank Discovery Theater where you and your family can enjoy watching an educational 3D movie.
Imagination Station
Address: 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, OH 43604, United States
Website: Imagination Station
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Starts from 6.50 USD
Take your pick from Ohio's indoor activities
Ohio is a state that has plenty to offer when it comes to indoor activities. Take the time to go through this list to identify which of these options you will want included in your itinerary.
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