HOW TO BEAT AN OHIO HEATWAVE and still have fun.
Summer is a great time to get out and explore all that Ohio has to offer, but sometimes the weather does not always want to cooperate. So here is our list of things that you and your family and friends can do when it gets too hot outside.
WHEN IT’S HOT OUTSIDE, GO DOWN UNDER
OHIO CAVERNS
2210 East State Route 245
West Liberty, Ohio 43357
Logan County NWOH | website
The caverns are open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm. (Seasonal)
The caverns maintain a steady 54 degrees year round.
PERRY’S CAVE
979 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Put-in-Bay | perryscave.com
“The cave is 208 feet long by 165 feet wide. View stalactites, stalagmites and cave pearls on the cave’s walls, ceiling and floor created by heavily encrusted calcium carbonate deposits from centuries of water dripping from the ceiling. The temperature remains in the vicinity of 50° year-round.”
CRYSTAL CAVE
978 Catawba Ave., Put-in-Bay
heinemanswinery.com/crystalcave.asp
The world’s largest geode.
Need a ride to the island? Don’t forget to order your golf cart.
For a complete list of Ohio’s caves and caverns CLICK HERE.
EXPLORE OHIO’S ART SIDE
BUTLER ART INSTITUTE OF AMERICAN ART
524 Wick Ave, Youngstown, OH
Mahoning County NEOH | website
“The Butler is unique among museums. It exists to collect and preserve works of art in all media that has been created by citizens of this country. From the crowning pieces of its permanent collection to the temporary exhibits, a walk through the Butler is a walk through American history. “
Open Tuesdays – Saturdays. Closed Mondays & major holidays. Admission is always FREE.
CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Cuyahoga County NEOH | website
The Cleveland Museum of Art is open every day except Mondays and special holidays. The museum’s collections are always FREE to the public. For some of their special exhibits there is a fee.
VISIT CREATURES FROM THE DEEP
GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM
2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
Cuyahoga County NEOH | website
The aquarium is open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission and parking applies.
LEARN ABOUT OUR GREAT LAKES
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE GREAT LAKES
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
Lucas County NWOH | website
Admission applies.
“The National Museum of the Great Lakes reveals the varied and fascinating history of our treasured Great Lakes, which make up 84% of all of the fresh water in North America.”
CELEBRATE OHIO’S HISTORY IN AVIATION
MAPS AIR MUSEUM
2260 International Parkway, North Canton, OH 44720
Stark County NEOH | website
Open everyday but Mondays and special holidays. Admission applies.
LIBERTY AVIATION MUSEUM and Tin Goose Diner
3515 E. State Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452
Ottawa County NWOH | website
Don’t forget to enjoy a delicious malt or milkshake at the diner!
Liberty Aviation Museum showcases operational, historical aircraft and vehicles including “Georgie’s Gal,” a WWII B-25 Mitchell Bomber, a U.S. Navy WWII TBM Avenger, PT-boat, and more. Witness the restoration of a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor and dine in the 1950s-era themed Tin Goose Diner. Museum is open year-round. Please call or visit website for hours.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE US AIR FORCE
1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton OH 45433
Montgomery County SWOH | website
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
EXPLORE UNIQUE MUSEUMS
CASTLE NOEL and Alien Vacation Mini Golf Attraction
260 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
Medina County NEOH | website
Americans Largest Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction. See part of Hollywood & NYC in Medina. Breathtaking displays. Surprises! FUN for ages 2-102. Open year round.
After your tour of the museum, enjoy a game of Alien Vacation Mini-Golf, which just happens to be indoors!
Visit website for updated hours. Admission applies. Purchase tickets ahead of time.
I SCREAM. YOU SCREAM. WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!
Hot weather calls for ice cream and custard stops.
CLICK HERE to view our growing list.
MERRY-GO-ROUND MUSEUM
301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870
Erie County NWOH | merrygoroundmuseum.org
“Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel. The “oom pa pa” of the band organ, and the “painted ponies” on display will thrill and enchant you.”
Visit the website for seasonal hours.
THE ERNEST WARTHER MUSEUM & GARDENS
331 Karl Ave., Dover, OH 44622
Tuscarawas County NEOH | website
Open everyday 9am-5pm. Last tour at 4pm. Admission applies. Free parking.
“Warther Museum is like no other museum in the world.”
HEAD DOWN TO OHIO’S AMISH COUNTRY FOR INDOOR SHOPPING
LEHMAN’S
On the Square in Kidron, Ohio!
4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton, OH 44618
Wayne County NEOH | lehmans.com
“Jay Lehman opened Lehman’s in 1955 to serve the Amish with practical, non-electric tools, appliances and home goods. Along the way he learned from them the importance of offering satisfaction, sustainability and relationships to the community where we work and live, in an honest and understandable way. We exist to help you break through the clutter, chaos and confusion that is the modern world. You want to build traditions with your family, learn old-time skills, grow and harvest your own food, and we are here to help.”
CLICK HERE to view our Amish Country Road Trip #1.
GET READY FOR FOOTBALL SEASON
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
2121 George Halas Drive N.W. Canton, OH
Stark County NEOH | website
This year is going to be an exciting season for #Browns fans. What better way to learn more about the game than to visit the place with all the history.
The museum is open everyday except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please check website for seasonal hours.
HIDE AMONG THE TREES AND ROCKS
When the temperature goes up, find a cool spot under the many trees that make up our state and local parks.
For a complete list of Ohio State Parks click here.
CLIMB ABOARD
CUYAHOGA VALLEY SCENIC RAILROAD
800.468.4070 ext 1 | cvsr.org
To check seating availability and/or to purchase tickets visit website.
“The National Park Scenic excursion is a three-and-a-half hour round trip through Cuyahoga Valley National Park from a unique vantage point. Sit back as the train weaves through Cuyahoga Valley and races along with the rushing Cuyahoga River. On board, you wills see a variety of wildlife including an eagles nest, deer and other habitats.”
RIVERBOAT RIDE
Take a lazy ride down the river.
LORENA STERNWHEELER
Zane Landing Park, Zanesville, OH
Tickets
VALLEY GEM STERNWHEELER Narrated Sightseeing Cruise
601 Front St., Marietta, OH
740-373-7862 | valleygemsternwheeler.com
PLAY WITH LEGOS
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
157 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Franklin County -Central OH | website
Open 365 days a year. Admission applies.
COOL DOWN WITH A ROOT BEER
Nothing says summer like a root beer stand. A nice cold root beer is delicious on a hot day.
CLICK HERE to view our list of iconic Ohio stops.
GO EXPERIENCE HARTVILLE
HARTVILLE KITCHEN
experiencehartville.com
Hartville Kitchen is beloved for its delicious homestyle cuisine as well as an on-site bakery, a world-class oil and vinegar shop, an old-fashioned candy store and children’s shop, and more than 25,000 square feet of retail space. Indulge in baked goods, pick up unique gifts and explore the charming boutiques and curated collections.
The must-visit Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market features over 50 indoor shops and seasonal outdoor vendor spaces, providing a treasure trove of locally crafted goods, antiques and more. Families can spend hours browsing, bargaining and bonding over the thrill of finding hidden gems.
Next door, Hartville Hardware is the largest independently owned hardware store in the United States, covering over seven acres and offering a wide range of products and services, including home improvement, gardening and outdoor living. The newly renovated Idea House is sure to inspire upcoming home renovation projects.
As you can see, when the temperature rises, you don’t have to change all your plans. Ohio has plenty of things to do to keep you busy.
Article: D Rock
Photo credits given on each picture.
Rocky Hill | MyOhioFun.com
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
