Ohio is not usually thought of as a vacation destination, due to its geographic location in the U.S. Midwest. Although Ohio does not feature popular vacation destination traits such as sandy beaches and ocean-front villas, Ohio offers families with children fun vacation destinations that are family and budget friendly. Northern, Central and Southern Ohio each has popular destinations that will be sure to be a hit with children.
Cedar Point is the state's largest amusement park and is marketed with the slogan "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World." Cedar Point is located in the northern Ohio city of Sandusky, on the banks of Lake Erie. Cedar Point has 17 roller coasters of varying degrees of intensity. The park is home to one of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters, Top Thrill Dragster, which is 420 feet tall. In addition to the aggressive thrills provided by the super roller coasters at Cedar Point, the park also has rides exclusively for smaller children. In addition to the main amusement park, Cedar Point is also home to a water park called Soak City.
Cedar Point Amusement Park
1 Cedar Point Dr.
Sandusky, OH 44870
419-627-2350
cedarpoint.com
The Ohio Amish Country is largely contained to Holmes county but is also comprised of the adjacent counties as well. According the Ohio Amish Country website, nearly half of the residents of Holmes County are Amish. Families with children will find the Ohio Amish Country to be a wonderful vacation destination, as children will enjoy seeing the horses and farms, while the parents will enjoy the shopping and crafts locations that make up the central-Ohio destination. Children will also enjoy watching how cheese is made at the various cheese factories that can be found in the area.
Ohio Amish Country
Various Locations
Holmes County, OH
ohioamishcountry.com
Kings Island Theme Park is located in the Cincinnati suburb of Mason. The theme park is one of the most popular amusement parks in the country. Kings Island is owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment, the parent company of Cedar Point. Kings Island is home to the legendary roller coaster, The Beast. The Beast is the longest wooden roller coaster in the world, measuring a staggering 7,400 feet in length. Kings Island is also home to the largest gyro-drop ride in world: the Drop Tower, which drops its riders 26 stories, or 315 feet, straight down at speeds reaching 67 miles per hour. Kings Island also has rides designed for smaller children. In addition to the main theme park, Kings Island is also home to the Boomerang Bay water park.
Kings Island
Kings Island Dr.
Mason, OH 45040
513-754-5700
visitkingsisland.com
