There’s nothing quite like a day at the playground. The original option for ‘screen-free fun,’ playgrounds are fun for kids of all ages — and even parents who want to feel like a kid again! Here in Ohio, there are several uniquely designed playgrounds that stand out among the rest, and you owe it to your inner child — we mean, your children — to visit. We searched high and low across The Buckeye State, and have compiled a list of seven amazing playgrounds in Ohio sure to delight:
- Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park - Beachwood
Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park/Facebook Deemed “the largest fully accessible playground park in Northeast Ohio,” this family favorite park is accessible to children of all needs and abilities, and features several designated age group areas, a play theater, an “Imagination Village” and a sand area.
Please note: Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground is temporarily closed. Please refer to the park’s official website for more details and reopening information.
- Knights Field Park Playground - Wooster
Tana M Mann Easton/Google Local In addition to boasting a next-level children’s playground, this Wooster gem becomes an epic water splash park each summer. Read more about this double threat here.
- Ravenna Community Playground - Chestnut Hills Park
Lindsay Little/Google Local This medieval-themed park features several castle structures to play on in addition to other amenities such as sandboxes, a pirate ship, a beauty shop, a tower, and a dungeon.
- Akron Fossils and Science Center
Christina Feiler/Google Local After you’ve explored the science center and all learned all about fossils, a unique playground awaits kids in need of burning off some excess energy. The playground at this educational center features a Dino-Kiddieland, obstacle courses and a 200-foot zip line for the really adventurous kids.
- Playground of Possibilities - Bexley Park, Euclid
City of South Euclid/Facebook Complete with a treehouse, elephant spring toys, a scarecrow playhouse and classic play structures, the possibilities at possibilities here are endless. (See what we did there?)
- Millstone Creek Park - Westerville
Venky D/Google Local In addition to traditional playground equipment, this unique playground in Westerville includes a nature area and futuristic equipment.
- Highfield Discovery Garden - Cincinnati
Highfield Discovery Garden - Glenwood Gardens/Facebook This discovery park near Cincinnati is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon with the whole family. It’s one of those places where there are surprises at every turn, from a whimsical outdoor train display, to a butterfly garden, to a larger-than-life treehouse that feels like something out of a fairy tale.
Have you been to any of these playgrounds before? What do you think are the best playgrounds in Ohio? Let us know if we missed any favorite places!
Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park/Facebook
Deemed “the largest fully accessible playground park in Northeast Ohio,” this family favorite park is accessible to children of all needs and abilities, and features several designated age group areas, a play theater, an “Imagination Village” and a sand area.
Please note: Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground is temporarily closed. Please refer to the park’s official website for more details and reopening information.
Tana M Mann Easton/Google Local
In addition to boasting a next-level children’s playground, this Wooster gem becomes an epic water splash park each summer. Read more about this double threat here.
Lindsay Little/Google Local
This medieval-themed park features several castle structures to play on in addition to other amenities such as sandboxes, a pirate ship, a beauty shop, a tower, and a dungeon.
Christina Feiler/Google Local
After you’ve explored the science center and all learned all about fossils, a unique playground awaits kids in need of burning off some excess energy. The playground at this educational center features a Dino-Kiddieland, obstacle courses and a 200-foot zip line for the really adventurous kids.
City of South Euclid/Facebook
Complete with a treehouse, elephant spring toys, a scarecrow playhouse and classic play structures, the possibilities at possibilities here are endless. (See what we did there?)
Venky D/Google Local
In addition to traditional playground equipment, this unique playground in Westerville includes a nature area and futuristic equipment.
Highfield Discovery Garden - Glenwood Gardens/Facebook
This discovery park near Cincinnati is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon with the whole family. It’s one of those places where there are surprises at every turn, from a whimsical outdoor train display, to a butterfly garden, to a larger-than-life treehouse that feels like something out of a fairy tale.
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Address: Preston’s H.O.P.E. Playground Park, 26001 S Woodland Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122, USAAddress: 701 Rebecca St, Wooster, OH 44691, USAAddress: 130 Chestnut Hill Dr, Ravenna, OH 44266, USAAddress: 2080 S Cleveland Massillon Rd, Copley, OH 44321, USAAddress: Bexley Park, Bexley, OH 43209, USAAddress: 745 N Spring Rd, Westerville, OH 43082, USAAddress: Highfield Discovery Garden, 10397 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45215, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best playgrounds In Ohio May 09, 2021 Sarah Where are some family-friendly places to go in Ohio? After you’ve visited the best playgrounds in Ohio, you’ll want to move on to more family-friendly fun. We’ve got you covered. Ohio is home to several hands-on museums, one-of-a-kind parks and other attractions that make education downright fun. In fact, your kids probably won’t even know they’re learning something new! One of our favorite kid-friendly places in Ohio is COSI, a one-of-a-kind, hands-on science museum in Columbus that has won countless accolades and awards. In Sandusky, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions features a massive indoor waterpark that friends and family members of all ages can enjoy. It’s a truly epic waterpark everyone in Ohio needs to experience at least once. It covers more than 170,000 square feet, making it America’s largest indoor water park. Finally, EnterTAINment Junction in West Chester, Ohio is the perfect family day trip destination when you’re looking for something everyone can enjoy. It’s home to the world’s largest train display, several interactive and educational exhibits, train-themed play areas and so much more. Does Ohio have many parks? Ohio is beautiful – and we have the national and state parks to prove it! Hocking Hills State Park is at the top of the list; this stunning state park is straight out of a “Lord of the Rings” film. If you’ve yet to hike the Old Man’s Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio. At approximately one mile in length, this gorgeous trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s a perfect day hike for families. Shawnee State Forest is another stunner; it’s the largest state forest and affectionally referred to as “The Little Smokies of Ohio.” But there’s nothing little about this park; it covers 63,747 acres, boasts 60 miles of bridle and hiking trails, 60 miles of backpacking trails, 58 horse campsites, and an 8,000-acre wilderness. What are some fun day trips in Ohio? When it comes to The Buckeye State, there’s much to see and do. The Akron Zoo is a favorite, and features a wide variety of exotic animals, beautiful gardens, and even some rides that kids will absolutely love. It has everything you love about the big city zoos without the massive crowds. The summer season lasts from April through October, though, so plan accordingly! For a truly unique experience, there’s an international grocery store in Fairfield that literally feels like an amusement park. With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to Jungle Jim’s is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here—although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip. For more Ohio day trip inspiration, be sure to check out these superlative attractions and adventures!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best playgrounds In Ohio
May 09, 2021
Sarah
Where are some family-friendly places to go in Ohio? After you’ve visited the best playgrounds in Ohio, you’ll want to move on to more family-friendly fun. We’ve got you covered. Ohio is home to several hands-on museums, one-of-a-kind parks and other attractions that make education downright fun. In fact, your kids probably won’t even know they’re learning something new! One of our favorite kid-friendly places in Ohio is COSI, a one-of-a-kind, hands-on science museum in Columbus that has won countless accolades and awards. In Sandusky, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions features a massive indoor waterpark that friends and family members of all ages can enjoy. It’s a truly epic waterpark everyone in Ohio needs to experience at least once. It covers more than 170,000 square feet, making it America’s largest indoor water park. Finally, EnterTAINment Junction in West Chester, Ohio is the perfect family day trip destination when you’re looking for something everyone can enjoy. It’s home to the world’s largest train display, several interactive and educational exhibits, train-themed play areas and so much more. Does Ohio have many parks? Ohio is beautiful – and we have the national and state parks to prove it! Hocking Hills State Park is at the top of the list; this stunning state park is straight out of a “Lord of the Rings” film. If you’ve yet to hike the Old Man’s Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio. At approximately one mile in length, this gorgeous trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s a perfect day hike for families. Shawnee State Forest is another stunner; it’s the largest state forest and affectionally referred to as “The Little Smokies of Ohio.” But there’s nothing little about this park; it covers 63,747 acres, boasts 60 miles of bridle and hiking trails, 60 miles of backpacking trails, 58 horse campsites, and an 8,000-acre wilderness. What are some fun day trips in Ohio? When it comes to The Buckeye State, there’s much to see and do. The Akron Zoo is a favorite, and features a wide variety of exotic animals, beautiful gardens, and even some rides that kids will absolutely love. It has everything you love about the big city zoos without the massive crowds. The summer season lasts from April through October, though, so plan accordingly! For a truly unique experience, there’s an international grocery store in Fairfield that literally feels like an amusement park. With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to Jungle Jim’s is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here—although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip. For more Ohio day trip inspiration, be sure to check out these superlative attractions and adventures!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
After you’ve visited the best playgrounds in Ohio, you’ll want to move on to more family-friendly fun. We’ve got you covered. Ohio is home to several hands-on museums, one-of-a-kind parks and other attractions that make education downright fun. In fact, your kids probably won’t even know they’re learning something new! One of our favorite kid-friendly places in Ohio is COSI, a one-of-a-kind, hands-on science museum in Columbus that has won countless accolades and awards. In Sandusky, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions features a massive indoor waterpark that friends and family members of all ages can enjoy. It’s a truly epic waterpark everyone in Ohio needs to experience at least once. It covers more than 170,000 square feet, making it America’s largest indoor water park. Finally, EnterTAINment Junction in West Chester, Ohio is the perfect family day trip destination when you’re looking for something everyone can enjoy. It’s home to the world’s largest train display, several interactive and educational exhibits, train-themed play areas and so much more.
Does Ohio have many parks?
Ohio is beautiful – and we have the national and state parks to prove it! Hocking Hills State Park is at the top of the list; this stunning state park is straight out of a “Lord of the Rings” film. If you’ve yet to hike the Old Man’s Cave trail at Hocking Hills State Park in Logan, you’re truly missing out. It’s arguably the most beautiful hiking trail in Ohio. At approximately one mile in length, this gorgeous trail takes about an hour to complete, so it’s a perfect day hike for families. Shawnee State Forest is another stunner; it’s the largest state forest and affectionally referred to as “The Little Smokies of Ohio.” But there’s nothing little about this park; it covers 63,747 acres, boasts 60 miles of bridle and hiking trails, 60 miles of backpacking trails, 58 horse campsites, and an 8,000-acre wilderness.
What are some fun day trips in Ohio?
When it comes to The Buckeye State, there’s much to see and do. The Akron Zoo is a favorite, and features a wide variety of exotic animals, beautiful gardens, and even some rides that kids will absolutely love. It has everything you love about the big city zoos without the massive crowds. The summer season lasts from April through October, though, so plan accordingly! For a truly unique experience, there’s an international grocery store in Fairfield that literally feels like an amusement park. With rows and rows of fresh produce, meat, seafood and other foods you’ve likely never seen before, a trip to Jungle Jim’s is truly an unforgettable experience. You’ll find much more than food here—although the food selection itself is certainly worth the trip. For more Ohio day trip inspiration, be sure to check out these superlative attractions and adventures!
