Central Ohio is dominated by Columbus, the state capitol. Columbus is a city with much to do and visitors of the town will not be short of activities. Families will find something for everyone in this area of the country. Whether you’re looking for something educational, adventurous or heart stirring, Columbus and the surrounding central Ohio area will deliver. The state is rich in native history, geologic landforms, agriculture and celebration.
Spend a weekend with the family in Columbus Ohio. Take a Saturday and visit the Franklin Park Conservatory on East Broad Street downtown. Spend the day fruit tasting, painting, storytelling, learning about animal guests, crafts, dancing and cooking. Have a charming evening at one of Columbus’s downtown performing arts theaters. The red curtains will inspire wonder in the whole family through dance, world music, comedy or children's theater. With seven downtown locations you’re sure to find a theater near your hotel. Sunday, visit the Santa Maria. This 1492 ship is an exact replica of the ship Columbus sailed the Atlantic in. Tour the ships mind boggling living quarters and experience the life of those aboard the vessel 500 years ago. The tour guides will show you how to navigate the ship, raise the sails and even play games to pass the time will sailing the ocean blue.
Take the kids to the Ohio caverns for an outdoor weekend featuring dramatic geologic wonders. The park guides guests in exploring natural caves full of white crystal stalactites and stalagmites. Rock formations you’ll never see anywhere but here in West Liberty, Ohio. A 35 acre park sits on top of the caverns for guests to picnic, rest and pass time. The caverns are open most of the year except for major holidays. The Ohio Caverns website reminds guests to bring a sweater even if it is warm. The cave is always a stable 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
The months of September and October bring a sight worthy festival to Harveysburg, Ohio. The Ohio Renaissance Festival fills a 30 acre, 16th century English village with lords, ladies and even fairy folk. Eleven stages feature over 100 live events everyday of the festival. There are endless arts and crafts from the middle ages for kids to try out. A live jousting tournament, fencing, glassblowing and blacksmithing will keep your teenagers engaged. Fresh artisan breads, fire roasted birds, stews, fish n chips and 16th century ale will fill mom and dad to the brim. Try archery, climb a castle tower, get into period costume and sharpen a pirate blade all in a day at the Ohio Renaissance Festival.
If adventure is something you seek, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours in Rockbridge, Ohio may be just right for your family weekend out. They offer world class zipline tours including the Superzip. This is a quarter of a mile long zipline. Riders can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour on the super zip. The average canopy course includes a tour of a treetop village. Guests get a chance at 10 ziplines and five adventure skybridges. Observation platforms offer views of the surrounding area. Experienced guides will inform and train you in everything you need to do a zipline or skybridge. They are also informative about the area, native history, animals and plants.
