Discover the Natural Wonderland: 6 Best Ohio State Parks for Kids and Families
Ohio, the Buckeye State, is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains. If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous getaway with your family, Ohio’s state parks are the perfect destination. With over 70 state parks to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 6 Ohio state parks that are a must-visit for kids and families.
Packing Up and Heading Out: Getting to Ohio’s State Parks
Before we dive into our top picks, let’s talk about getting to these amazing parks. Whether you’re flying in or driving from a nearby state, we’ve got you covered. Here are the nearest airports, harbors, trains, and transportation stations for each park:
- John Bryan State Park:
- Nearest airport: Dayton International Airport (DAY) – 35 miles
- Nearest harbor: none
- Nearest train station: Dayton Train Station – 30 miles
- Driving directions: From I-75, take exit 46 (US-35 E) towards Xenia, then follow signs to the park.
- Hocking Hills State Park:
- Nearest airport: Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 60 miles
- Nearest harbor: none
- Nearest train station: none
- Driving directions: From US-33, take exit 31 (US-23 S) towards Logan, then follow signs to the park.
- Kelleys Island State Park:
- Nearest airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 60 miles
- Nearest harbor: Marblehead Boat Launch – 1 mile
- Nearest train station: none
- Driving directions: Take the ferry from Marblehead Boat Launch to Kelleys Island, then follow signs to the park.
- Tar Hollow State Park:
- Nearest airport: Columbus International Airport (CMH) – 45 miles
- Nearest harbor: none
- Nearest train station: none
- Driving directions: From US-23, take exit 9 (OH-327) towards Chillicothe, then follow signs to the park.
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park:
- Nearest airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) – 20 miles
- Nearest harbor: none
- Nearest train station: none
- Driving directions: From I-80, take exit 18 (Akron Penninsula exit), then follow signs to the park.
- Indian Lake State Park:
- Nearest airport: Dayton International Airport (DAY) – 60 miles
- Nearest harbor: Indian Lake Public Boat Launch – 1 mile
- Nearest train station: none
- Driving directions: From US-33, take exit 28 (State Route 235) towards Huntsville, then follow signs to the park.
The Ultimate Fun Guide to Ohio’s State Parks
Now that you’ve got the directions, it’s time to dive into each park’s amazing attractions, activities, and amenities.
1. John Bryan State Park
Located in western Ohio, John Bryan State Park is a hidden gem that’s packed with fun activities for kids and families. The park features:
- 2,300 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands to explore
- 157 campsites with electric hookups and a dump station
- 6 miles of hiking trails, including the 7-mile River View Trail
- 2 miles of mountain biking trails
- Fishing and boating on the Miami River
- Swimming at the park’s pool or nearby lake
Prices:
- Admission: free
- Camping: $20-$30 per night
- Pool: $2 per person
Reviews:
"We loved exploring the trails and wetlands at John Bryan! The park rangers were so friendly and knowledgeable. A great place for families!" – Sarah M.
Public Facilities:
- Hotel: Hampton Inn Dayton/Xenia (10 miles from park)
- Restaurants: nearby in Xenia (10 miles)
- Grocery store: Walmart Supercenter (12 miles from park)
2. Hocking Hills State Park
One of the most popular parks in Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. With over 100 waterfalls, breathtaking rock formations, and lush forests, this park is a must-visit. The park features:
- 2,350 acres of forest and meadows to explore
- 56 campsites with electric hookups and a dump station
- 25 miles of hiking trails, including the 10-mile Old Man’s Cave Trail
- 7 miles of mountain biking trails
- Fishing and boating on the Hocking River
- Swimming at the park’s pool or nearby lake
Prices:
- Admission: free
- Camping: $20-$30 per night
- Pool: $2 per person
Reviews:
"Hocking Hills is like a fantasy world! The waterfalls, hiking trails, and forest are breathtaking. We can’t wait to come back!" – John T.
Public Facilities:
- Hotel: Holiday Inn Hocking Hills (10 miles from park)
- Restaurants: nearby in Logan (15 miles)
- Grocery store: Walmart Supercenter (15 miles from park)
3. Kelleys Island State Park
Located on a small island in Lake Erie, Kelleys Island State Park is a beach lover’s paradise. With crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and scenic hiking trails, this park is perfect for a relaxing family vacation. The park features:
- 676 acres of forest, meadows, and beaches to explore
- 145 campsites with electric hookups and a dump station
- 2 miles of hiking trails, including the 2-mile Kelleys Island State Park Trail
- Swimming at the beach or nearby lake
- Fishing and boating on Lake Erie
- Kayak rentals
Prices:
- Admission: free
- Camping: $25-$35 per night
- Pool: free (beach only)
Reviews:
"We loved the relaxace and tranquility of Kelleys Island! The beaches and hiking trails were beautiful. A great place to unplug and unwind!" – Rachel G.
Public Facilities:
- Hotel: Kelleys Island Inn (1 mile from park)
- Restaurants: nearby in Kelleys Island village
- Grocery store: Kelleys Island General Store (1 mile from park)
4. Tar Hollow State Park
Located in southern Ohio, Tar Hollow State Park is a water sports enthusiast’s paradise. With a massive lake, swim beach, and boating facilities, this park is perfect for families who love the water. The park features:
- 1,110 acres of forest and meadows to explore
- 62 campsites with electric hookups and a dump station
- 3 miles of hiking trails, including the 3-mile Timber Trail
- Swimming at the beach or nearby lake
- Fishing and boating on Tar Hollow Lake
- Kayak rentals
Prices:
- Admission: free
- Camping: $20-$30 per night
- Pool: free (beach only)
Reviews:
"Tar Hollow is a great place for water sports! We loved the kayak rentals and swimming at the beach. A hidden gem in southern Ohio!" – Tim D.
Public Facilities:
- Hotel: Hampton Inn Chillicothe (20 miles from park)
- Restaurants: nearby in Chillicothe (20 miles)
- Grocery store: Walmart Supercenter (20 miles from park)
5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located in northeastern Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a scenic wonderland of forests, meadows, and waterfalls. With numerous hiking trails, bike rentals, and scenic train rides, this park is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features:
- 33,000 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands to explore
- Camping: none ( nearest campground is 10 miles away)
- 125 miles of hiking trails, including the 22-mile Towpath Trail
- 18 miles of mountain biking trails
- Fishing and boating on the Cuyahoga River
- Scenic train rides
Prices:
- Admission: free
- Camping: see nearby campgrounds for prices
- Train rides: $5-$10 per person
Reviews:
"Cuyahoga Valley National Park is breathtaking! The hiking trails, scenic train rides, and waterfalls were amazing. A must-visit for nature lovers!" – Emily G.
Public Facilities:
- Hotel: Cuyahoga Valley Suites (10 miles from park)
- Restaurants: nearby in Brecksville (10 miles)
- Grocery store: Walmart Supercenter (10 miles from park)
6. Indian Lake State Park
Located in western Ohio, Indian Lake State Park is a water sports enthusiast’s paradise. With a massive lake, swim beach, and boating facilities, this park is perfect for families who love the water. The park features:
- 843 acres of forest, meadows, and beaches to explore
- 116 campsites with electric hookups and a dump station
- 3 miles of hiking trails, including the 3-mile Indian Lake State Park Trail
- Swimming at the beach or nearby lake
- Fishing and boating on Indian Lake
- Kayak rentals
Prices:
- Admission: free
- Camping: $20-$30 per night
- Pool: free (beach only)
Reviews:
"Indian Lake State Park is a great place for family fun! We loved the swimming beach, boating, and fishing. A must-visit for water sports enthusiasts!" – Michael T.
Public Facilities:
- Hotel: Indian Lake Inn (10 miles from park)
- Restaurants: nearby in Indian Lake village
- Grocery store: Indian Lake General Store (10 miles from park)
Conclusion:
Ohio’s state parks offer endless adventure and excitement for kids and families. Whether you’re hiking through the forests of Hocking Hills, swimming at the beaches of Kelleys Island, or exploring the scenic beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, these top 6 parks are sure to create lifelong memories for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Are pets allowed at Ohio state parks?
Pets are allowed at most Ohio state parks, but they must be kept on a leash and vaccinated. - Can I bring my bike to the park?
Yes, bikes are welcome at most Ohio state parks. You can also rent bikes at some parks. - What kind of fishing licenses do I need?
Fishing licenses are required at most Ohio state parks. You can purchase licenses at the park office or online. - Can I bring a portable stove or grill to the park?
Portable stoves and grills are allowed in designated campsites and picnic areas. - How do I make a campsite reservation?
Reservations can be made online or by calling the park office.
Get Ready for Fun!
So pack up your car, grab your kids and your sense of adventure, and head to one of these amazing Ohio state parks for a fun-filled family getaway. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite park!
