I grew up a measly 30 minutes from Coshocton, Ohio but it wasn’t until having children of my own that the small town beckoned me to do more exploring. I was pleasantly surprised with what I found on our day trip to Coshocton, it has more to do than I remembered, Here are some things to do in Coshocton, Ohio with your family.
Things to do in Coshocton, Ohio
Roscoe Village
An 1830s canal town, Roscoe Village was once a bustling port (a modern-day Nassau?!). Today, with costumed interpreters and well-manicured gardens, young and old will enjoy a stroll along the brick promenades. Living History tours are available at a cost, but you don’t have to pay admission to enter the historic street and shop or dine.
Traveling in the fall? Plan your visit around the Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival, which happens in late October each year. Coshocton also hosts a Hot Air Balloon Festival in June and a Sunflower Festival in August.
Canal Boat – Monticello III
After learning so much about the Ohio-Erie Canal on our short trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we were really eager to take a boat ride on a section of the old canal. The Ohio-Erie canal functioned as an 1830s roadway, carrying goods all the way from Lake Erie to the Ohio River- It was a huge economic endeavor for the young State of Ohio – even if most of the canal was dug by Irish immigrants for 30 cents a day plus a portion of whiskey (interesting!).
The Monticello III is driven by two Percheron horses that weigh about 2300 lbs each. One man walks behind the horses while another steers the boat from the stern. This type of canal transportation could only go up to 40 miles a day, but realistically more like 10-15 assuming the boats would line up to go through the locks. No, I’m not a canal expert, thankfully all of this knowledge was passed on by our amazing guide!
This is the type of boat ride that’s perfect for us high-anxiety mamas. There are no bumps, there is no speed, just a leisurely, smooth ride where our kids were still able to spot a turtle and learn from history! (I mean, who can ask for more)?
Also, kids under five are FREE. #thankyouowners
Clary Gardens
Even though much of my family lives nearby, I hadn’t heard of Clary Gardens until a friend visited. It turns out the land to make this emerging botanical garden was only purchased in 2001. Just a minute’s drive from Roscoe Village, this is the perfect place to pack your family a picnic lunch and enjoy some time in nature.
Our kids loved the Lookout Tower and that’s where we ate our sandwiches. I fell in love with the Theatre in the Ravine and decided that we’re either going to have a vow renewal ceremony, or I’m making sure one of my kids is married in this serene place (#momalwayswins). You wouldn’t need more than an hour here unless you’re going for a special event (like my vow renewal?!).
These family-friendly places are just a sampling of Coshocton. Did I mention there’s also a pretty legitimate wine trail? Hmmm, maybe we’ll leave that for a day that Grandma has the kids. Here’s info on the Three Rivers Wine Trail, just in case. 😉
Have you been to Coshocton? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Maybe you already have a spot picked for your child’s wedding? I’d love to hear!
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**This post was not sponsored by any tourism board**
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