The state of Ohio, known as the Buckeye state, is located in Midwestern America. This area has a diverse terrain ranging from Amish country to busy cities. The Great Lakes border Ohio in the north with the rolling hills of Kentucky to the south. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy Ohio’s myriad family attractions ranging from hands-on museums to local farms.
The Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland offers a variety of hands-on exhibits to entertain visitors of all ages, including the Return to the Moon Gallery, Indoor Tornado and Bridge of Fire. Children age 7 and under can also enjoy the Polymer Funhouse with both indoor and outdoor playgrounds. The \"Willian G. Mather,\" a 1925 steamship, is open seasonally for an additional charge.
Birthday parties, camps, classes and overnight lock-ins are available for kids interested in organized activities. Overnight events include a variety of organized activities, snacks, pizza and a continental breakfast.
Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114-1021
216-694-2000?
greatscience.com
The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton combines the elements of a museum, science center, planetarium and zoo. Hands-on experiments and daily events such as otter feedings and planetarium shows are among the many activities in which visitors can take part. Museum admission includes access to the observatory and planetarium.
Summer camps are offered here with a variety of topics that vary with the season. Campers will receive a complimentary T-shirt.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414-5400
937-275-7431?
boonshoftmuseum.org
Young’s Jersey Dairy, just south of Springfield, offers a variety of entertainment for children and families, including outdoor activities and tasty homemade treats. Udders & Putters is an activity center featuring two mini-golf courses, a batting cage, driving range and giant “fast slide.” The Dairy Store sells homemade ice cream with a featured flavor every week.
The Golden Jersey Inn offers home-cooked meals and desserts featuring the dairy’s famous ice cream. The Jersey cows that provide for this ice cream can be visited on site, and milking demonstrations are offered daily. To see more of the farm, families can take the Moover and Shaker barrel train ride around the farm. The train is available on weekends only from May through October.
Young's Jersey Dairy
6880 Springfield-Xenia Road
Yellow Springs, OH 45387-9610
937-325-0629?
youngsdairy.com
