3 FREE family-friendly places within one hour of Amish Country, Ohio

What to do when the kids have had enough of crafts, quilts, and Amish

When you’re finished petting the farm animals, feeding exotic animals, and tasted enough cheese to make the French jealous, your kids may be sick of Holmes County. While Amish Country has gotten more family-friendly in the past 10 years, children may get anxious for more than primitive decor and baked goods.

Never fear! I’ve made a list of 3 FREE places to engage your kids again- all within one hour of Amish Country. A picnic (with the perfect Swiss cheese, of course!) to any of these spots will get them out of their slump:

1. Secrest Aboretum, Wooster, OH

Walk among the blooming flowers or falling leaves, eat your lunch in the shade, then conquer the giant slide. If you have little ones, the paths are perfect for bringing the stroller to burn off some of those family-style meals you have enjoyed. 🙂

2. Mohican State Park and Forest, near Loudonville, OH

Just to the west of Holmes County is a state forest with cascading waterfalls, ancient rock formations, and a fire tower climb that is NOT for the faint of heart. We like to park near the covered bridge and hike the Big Lyons trail. When you come through Holmes County on SR 39 West, be sure to stop at Harvey’s farm market near Nashville and pick up some fresh produce for your picnic.

Up for a little more excitement or have teens that want a challenge? Hike the Gorge Overlook Trail, which is rated difficult and includes a swinging bridge and hillside ladder.

Here’s my full adventure guide to Mohican State Park.

3. Honey Run Falls near Howard, OH

Recently acquired by the local park district, this 25-foot waterfall and adjacent hiking trail are popular among locals. The creek bed is a nice place to cool off on a hot day, but the surrounding colorful foliage makes for a fun fall day trip. If you’re coming to Holmes County from Columbus, this is the perfect place to stretch little legs that isn’t too far off of SR 62. Here is my full report for Honey Run Waterfall.

Interested in finding more waterfalls in Ohio? Check out my list of the best Ohio waterfalls!