When’s the last time you had a vacation? What keeps you, me, us from having a vacation? Is it due to lack of time or money? Or both? When my children were small I was in school, and often worked two jobs as well. That period of our lives also included all of the kid’s school and extracurricular activities. So often no vacation for our family was because of a lack of time. However, often when you have so many things going on in your life you also don’t have a lot of money to go on a cruise, a long vacation to Florida or California, or some place that is exciting and exotic.
When my children were younger many of our vacations were what we would call StayCations. StayCations are roughly defined as when you are traveling within a 50 -150 mile radius or up to an hour to two hour drive from your home. What I’d like to share with you are some of the interesting venues and events that you can find within Central Ohio!
I’ll break it into three categories: county fairs, museums, and parks and recreation. Hopefully these are low cost activities that you and your family can enjoy. The list includes many locations I have visited in the past or would like to visit now with my grandsons.
I would be remiss to not share that some of my favorite StayCations were getting a season pass at the local pool and going every day with packed lunches and snacks (and boy did that keep the house clean) or getting a membership at the local Y. The YMCA or YWCA is a place you can go even if the weather isn’t nice and there are always things that are going on during the summer. So also check out the local pool or Y.
I’m listing a minimum amount of information about the county fairs. The museums and parks and recreation actually speak for themselves. But, for more details on any of the activities you can google or contact the specific venue. I pray that this listing will get your family out of the house and enjoying each other and the MANY opportunities that are within a short distance from your home. This is not an exhaustive list and there are so many more opportunities within the short distance of where you live. (Also remember to check for senior/veteran/student discounts at all venues!)
COUNTY FAIRS
County fairs are one of my favorite summer activities. I was involved in 4H and band as a kid. Everything all year long was working toward the final performance or product to be displayed at the county fair, with the hope you would advance to THE OHIO STATE FAIR. I encouraged my children to be involved with the county fairs because it was the culmination and celebration of community.
Madison County (London) July 8-14
Madison County Fair dates back to 1846 when it was a combined alternating fair schedule with Clark County. The first independent Madison County Fair took place on September 28-29, 1853. Many upgrades have been made to the grounds since 2014.
Daily admission $10 and children 4 and under free. Amusement ride tickets are available at an additional cost.
Montgomery County (Dayton) July 9-15
The Montgomery County Fair is a combination of innovation promoted by the Dayton Convention Center, Montgomery County Fair Bureau, and local universities and farms.
$10 admission includes Grandstand Events, free parking, and kids under 6 are free with a paid adult.
Clark County (Springfield) July 21-28
The Clark County Fair is noted for both its live entertainment by well-known artists, bands, or musicians. Clark County Fair also offers a wide selection of fair food. So many times the food is the main attraction for me.
General admission is $6 and children 5 years and under are free. There is free parking. Amusement ride tickets are at an additional cost.
THE OHIO STATE FAIR (Columbus) July 21-28
Most of the county fairs feed into The Ohio State Fair. The fair has been operational since 1850 and includes much of the celebration of Ohio culture.
Admission prices: Adults 13-59 $12, Youth 6-12 and Seniors 60+ $10, children five and under free, and parking is free.
Greene County (Xenia) July 30-August 5
The Greene County Fair includes rides, Kiddie/Calf Scramble, Tug-a-Truck, Harness Racing, Demo Derby, Truck/Tractor Pull, Live Entertainment and much more.
Admission $8 and children age 9 and under are free with a paying adult.
Champaign County (Urbana) August 4-11
I may be prejudice, because this is my home county. Champaign County Fair is known for its harness horse racing, demolition derby, and largest livestock exhibition (so I’ve been told) next to The Ohio State Fair.
Adults 13 and older cost $5, and children 12 and under are free. Grandstand events and amusement ride tickets are additional costs.
Miami County (Troy) August 11-17
The Miami County Fair always showcases the 4H, FFA, Scouts Youth Projects, Arts, Horticulture, entertainment, competitions, and more.
General admission is $6 for anyone age 9 and older.
MUSEUMS
I’ve thought about completing a museum vacation that covers the United States or even around the world. I have always loved museums. I like to read all the plaques and push all the buttons. Museums can be visited several times a year and everyone in the family will still have plenty of new discoveries. I have visited all of the museums listed except the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter…however, those are on my summer adventure list. If you have a favorite museum or attraction, it may be to your advantage to purchase a season pass.
Hamilton County:
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – Cincinnati
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Ticket Prices vary by age and the activities for which
you want to participate. Check the Cincinnati Zoo website. Parking is $10.
• Newport Aquarium – Newport, Kentucky
Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tickets are recommended to be purchased online in advance. Adult tickets range from $23 – $40 which includes all exhibits, and child discounts are available.
In reading the reviews for the Creation Museum and The Ark Encounter here is my understanding. The Creation Museum is full of history and documentation, therefore includes heavy reading, but well worth the visit. The Ark Encounter is much more learner friendly and has a higher level of interaction and exhibits, therefore may be more child friendly or appeal to individuals that have a lower attention span.
• Creation Museum – Petersburg, Kentucky
Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sunday 1 p.m. – 7p.m.)
Tickets range in price based upon age. Adults 18-59 $49.95, Seniors 60+ $44.95, Youth 11-17 $29.95, Children 10 and under free.
· The Ark Encounter – Williamstown, Kentucky
Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Sunday 1 p.m. – 7p.m.)
Tickets range in price based upon age. Adults 18-59 $49.95, Seniors 60+ $44.95, Youth 11-17 $29.95, Children 10 and under free.
Franklin County:
• Center of Science and Industry (COSI) – Columbus
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tickets are encouraged to be purchased in advance, but not necessary. Adults 13 and older $25, Youth 2-12 $20, Children under 2 free, Seniors 60+ $23, and Teachers with proof are free. There are military discounts as well.
• Ohio History Center – Columbus
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adults $16, Children 4-12 $10, Senior 60+ or College Student with ID $14, Children 3 and under free. Parking is free.
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Columbus
Hours: Summer Hours 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Adults including children 10+ $29.99, Seniors $27.99, Children 3-9 $25, Children 2 and under free. Additional water park admission. Parking $10.
Franklin County Residents receive an additional discount.
Greene County:
• National Museum of the United States Air Force – Dayton
Hours: 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
Free admission, parking, and WiFi.
Additional charges for Air Force Museum Theatre, Simulators, and Personalized Dog Tags.
Montgomery County:
• Boonshoft Museum of Discovery – Dayton
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Sunday 12 noon – 5 p.m.)
Adults $15, Seniors 60+ $13, Children 3-12 $12, and children under 2 free.
Champaign County:
• Champaign Aviation Museum – Urbana
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Tuesday – Saturday)
Admission is free.
Logan County:
• Ohio Caverns – West Liberty
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
There are two tours (Historic and Natural Wonder)
Each individual tour is Adults $24, Children 5-12 $12, children 4 and under free. However, you can purchase tickets for both tours at a special price of Adults $36, Children 5-12 $18. There are also large picnic areas for family get-togethers.
• Piatt Castles – West Liberty
Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adults $13, Youth 5-15 $7, and Seniors 65+ and AAA members $11.
PARKS & OUTDOOR RECREATION
The importance of spending time in God’s great green Earth is enhanced by the nature preserves and parks of Ohio. I have spent some time at each one of the following State Parks. My husband’s side of the family enjoyed camping. We often would join family members or venture out on our own. State parks are a quiet get-away that allows you to choose your type of stay from the raw nature type camping, all the way up to hotel type amenities at some of the locations. Check out the individual websites to see the availability of the amenities you desire.
Warren County:
• Caesar Creek State Park – Waynesville
Butler County:
• Hueston Woods State Park – College Corner
Madison and Fayette Counties:
• Deer Creek State Park – Mt. Sterling
Clark County:
• Buck Creek State Park – Springfield
• George Rogers Clark Park – Springfield
Greene County:
• John Bryan State Park – Yellow Springs
• Glen Helen Nature Preserve – Yellow Springs
