Discovering The Thrills Of Ohio’s Cities In These Fun Urban Adventures!
🌆 Embark on an urban odyssey through Ohio’s cities and uncover a world of excitement, culture, and adventure for the whole family! 🎉 #OhioUrbanAdventures #Ohio #OhioTravel
Columbus, OH – Ohio’s urban landscapes offer a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern excitement. From the bustling streets of Cleveland to the vibrant arts scene in Cincinnati, Ohio’s cities are filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a traveler seeking to uncover the state’s urban delights, Ohio’s cities promise an unforgettable experience.
The BEST Urban Adventures in Ohio
Ohio’s cities are vibrant hubs of culture, history, and entertainment, offering a plethora of exciting urban adventures for visitors and locals alike. In this article, we’ll explore 23 thrilling family-friendly adventures that capture the essence of Ohio’s cities, from world-class museums and art galleries to unique food experiences and outdoor activities. Get ready to immerse yourself in the energy and diversity of Ohio’s urban landscapes…
1. West Side Market (Cleveland, OH)
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Cleveland’s oldest public market, the West Side Market. This indoor/outdoor market features over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to baked goods and specialty foods. Sample local favorites like pierogies and kielbasa, or explore the market’s diverse array of international cuisines. Don’t miss the market’s stunning architecture, with its iconic clock tower and vaulted ceiling.
2. Smale Riverfront Park (Cincinnati, OH)
Spend a day exploring Smale Riverfront Park, a beautiful urban oasis along the banks of the Ohio River. This award-winning park features a variety of interactive fountains, playgrounds, and gardens, as well as a giant foot piano and a unique flying pig sculpture. Take a ride on the historic Cincinnati Streetcar, which stops at the park, or rent a bike and explore the city’s scenic riverfront trail.
3. North Market Downtown (Columbus, OH)
Indulge in a culinary adventure at North Market, a historic public market that has been serving the Columbus community since 1876. With over 30 vendors offering a wide range of local and international foods, North Market is a food lover’s paradise. Sample classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and fried chicken, or try more exotic fare like Vietnamese banh mi and Indian curries. The market also features a variety of unique gift shops and specialty stores.
4. Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion (Toledo, OH)
Marvel at the beauty and artistry of glass at the Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, a stunning showcase of the city’s rich glassmaking heritage. This state-of-the-art facility features live glassblowing demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and a vast collection of glass art from around the world. Don’t miss the Pavilion’s unique architectural design, with its curving glass walls and rooftop sculpture garden.
5. Ohio Statehouse (Columbus, OH)
Explore the seat of Ohio’s government at the Ohio Statehouse, a beautiful Greek Revival building located in the heart of Columbus. Take a guided tour and learn about the history and architecture of this National Historic Landmark, which has been the center of Ohio’s political life since 1857. Don’t miss the Statehouse Museum, which features interactive exhibits on Ohio’s history and government, as well as the beautiful Statehouse grounds, which include monuments, gardens, and a reflecting pool.
6. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (Cleveland, OH)
Get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a world-class zoological park that spans over 180 acres. The zoo features a variety of themed exhibits, including the African Savanna, the Australian Adventure, and the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building. Don’t miss the zoo’s signature attraction, the RainForest, a stunning two-acre indoor tropical paradise that is home to over 600 animals and 10,000 plants.
7. 16-Bit Bar+Arcade (Columbus, OH)
Step back in time and relive the golden age of video games at 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, a unique entertainment venue that combines classic arcade games with craft beer and cocktails. With over 50 vintage arcade games from the 80s and 90s, including favorites like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Street Fighter II, 16-Bit offers hours of nostalgic fun. The bar also features a rotating selection of local and regional craft beers, as well as creative cocktails inspired by classic video games.
8. Cincinnati Art Museum (Cincinnati, OH)
Explore over 6,000 years of art history at the Cincinnati Art Museum, one of the oldest and most respected art museums in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection features over 67,000 works of art from around the world, including masterpieces by European old masters, American impressionists, and contemporary artists. Don’t miss the museum’s special exhibitions, which showcase the work of emerging and established artists from around the globe.
9. House from A Christmas Story (Cleveland, OH)
Step inside the beloved holiday classic “A Christmas Story” at A Christmas Story House, the actual home featured in the iconic film. Located in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood, this restored Victorian house has been transformed into a museum that celebrates the movie’s enduring legacy. Tour the house and see original props and costumes from the film, or visit the museum gift shop and purchase your very own “major award” leg lamp.
10. Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens (Dover, OH)
Discover the incredible woodcarving artistry of Ernest “Mooney” Warther at the Warther Museum, a unique museum located in the charming town of Dover. Warther was a master carver who created stunningly detailed models of trains, ships, and other objects using only a knife and a piece of wood.
The museum features over 60 of Warther’s intricate carvings, as well as exhibits on his life and work. Take a guided tour and watch a demonstration of Warther’s carving techniques, or try your hand at carving in the museum’s hands-on workshop.
11. 78th Street Studios (Cleveland, OH)
Experience Cleveland’s thriving arts scene at 78th Street Studios, a massive complex that houses over 60 art galleries, studios, and creative businesses. Located in a former American Greetings warehouse, this unique arts hub is home to a diverse array of local and regional artists working in a variety of mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and fiber arts.
Attend the monthly Third Friday art walk and meet the artists, view new exhibitions, and enjoy live music and food trucks. Don’t miss the building’s stunning atrium, which features a soaring glass ceiling and a rotating display of large-scale art installations.
12. Toledo Farmers’ Market (Toledo, OH)
Experience the bounty of Ohio’s farms and food artisans at the Toledo Farmers’ Market, a vibrant outdoor market that has been serving the community for over 200 years. The market features over 50 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts. Sample local specialties like buckeye candies and Lake Erie perch, or take a cooking class and learn how to prepare seasonal dishes using market ingredients.
13. Cleveland History Center (Cleveland, OH)
Discover the rich history and culture of Cleveland at the Cleveland History Center, a museum complex that explores the city’s past, present, and future. The center features a variety of exhibits and attractions, including the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, which showcases over 100 antique cars and aircraft; the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, which features over 40,000 pieces of historic clothing and accessories; and the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, a beautifully restored 1910 carousel that offers rides and nostalgia.
14. Cincinnati Brewery District (Cincinnati, OH)
Explore Cincinnati’s rich brewing heritage in the historic Brewery District, a revitalized neighborhood that was once home to over 30 breweries in the 19th century. Take a guided tour of the district’s underground lagering cellars and tunnels, which were used to store and age beer before the advent of refrigeration. Visit local breweries like Rhinegeist and Taft’s Ale House, which have helped revive Cincinnati’s craft beer scene, and sample their award-winning brews.
15. Ohio City Neighborhood (Cleveland, OH)
Explore one of Cleveland’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in Ohio City, a thriving enclave located just across the Cuyahoga River from downtown. This diverse neighborhood is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, including the West Side Market (Adventure 67), the Cleveland Public Library’s Carnegie West Branch, and the historic St. Ignatius High School.
Take a self-guided walking tour and admire the neighborhood’s stunning Victorian architecture, or visit local landmarks like the Market Garden Brewery, which serves up craft beers in a beautifully restored brick building. Don’t miss the neighborhood’s lively street festivals and events, which celebrate Ohio City’s rich heritage and community spirit.
16. Findlay Market (Cincinnati, OH)
Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Cincinnati’s oldest public market at Findlay Market, a vibrant indoor/outdoor market that has been serving the community since 1852. The market features over 50 vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to artisanal cheeses and baked goods. Sample local favorites like goetta (a German breakfast sausage) and Cincinnati-style chili, or browse the market’s unique gift shops and street performers.
17. Cleveland Museum of Natural History (Cleveland, OH)
Explore the wonders of the natural world at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, a world-class museum that showcases the beauty and diversity of life on Earth. The museum features a variety of exhibits and attractions, including the Perkins Wildlife Center, which houses live native Ohio animals; the Shafran Planetarium, which offers immersive shows about the night sky; and the Smead Discovery Center, which provides hands-on learning experiences for children.
18. National Veterans Memorial and Museum (Columbus, OH)
Pay tribute to the sacrifices of America’s veterans at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, a powerful and moving museum that honors the service and legacy of our nation’s heroes.
Located on the banks of the Scioto River in downtown Columbus, the museum features a variety of exhibits and artifacts that tell the stories of veterans from all branches of the military and all eras of American history. Don’t miss the museum’s stunning architecture, which features a sweeping spiral ramp that leads visitors on a symbolic journey from conflict to peace.
19. Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (Cincinnati, OH)
Experience the power and beauty of classical music at the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in the United States. The orchestra performs at the stunning Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark that has been a cultural centerpiece of Cincinnati since 1878. Attend a concert and be transported by the sounds of Beethoven, Mozart, and other great composers, or take a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about the history and artistry of this world-class ensemble.
20. Historic Fourth Street District (Cleveland, OH)
Step back in time and experience the glamour and excitement of Cleveland’s Golden Age in the Historic Fourth Street District, a beautifully preserved neighborhood that was once the heart of the city’s entertainment scene. The district features a variety of historic theaters, including the Playhouse Square complex, which is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. Take a guided tour and learn about the district’s colorful past, or attend a Broadway show, comedy performance, or concert.
21. Franklin Park Adventure Center (Columbus, OH)
Get your adrenaline pumping at the Franklin Park Adventure Center, a thrilling outdoor adventure park located just minutes from downtown Columbus. The park features a variety of high-flying attractions, including ziplines, rope courses, and a giant swing that sends you soaring over the treetops. Challenge yourself on the park’s obstacles and climbing walls, or take a guided hike and explore the beautiful surrounding woodlands.
22. Toledo Speedway (Toledo, OH)
Feel the rush of high-speed racing at the Toledo Speedway, a historic half-mile oval track that has been thrilling fans since 1960. The speedway hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year, including stock car, sprint car, and vintage car races. Take a spin around the track in a race car driving experience, or watch the pros battle it out in a heart-pounding competition. Don’t miss the speedway’s signature event, the Glass City 200, which draws top drivers from around the country.
23. Krohn Conservatory (Cincinnati, OH)
Immerse yourself in a world of botanical wonder at the Krohn Conservatory, a stunning Art Deco greenhouse located in Cincinnati’s Eden Park. The conservatory features a variety of themed gardens, including a desert house, a tropical rainforest, and a bonsai gallery.
Don’t miss the conservatory’s annual butterfly show, which features thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering freely among the flowers and foliage. Take a guided tour and learn about the conservatory’s history and plant collections, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil beauty of this urban oasis.
Conclusion
As you navigate through Ohio’s urban adventures, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of possibilities. Each city has its own unique character, offering a diverse array of experiences that cater to every interest.
From indulging in culinary delights to exploring world-class museums and engaging in thrilling outdoor activities, Ohio’s cities are a testament to the state’s rich heritage and dynamic spirit. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an urban journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Happy travels!
🗣 Which of these urban adventures in Ohio sound fun to you? Did we miss anything? Share! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
