There are plenty of August activities for those who want to explore more of Ohio
August is here! Summer is coming to a close as everyone prepares to go back to school and routines. BUT there is still some time left to enjoy a road trip or two, and I hope to inspire you to get out and explore before the first bell rings! (Or in the case of this homeschooler, mom yells that it is time to start)! Here’s my list of 10 things to do in Ohio before the end of summer! Hurry!
1. Stay cool inside Legoland Discovery Center in Columbus
Legoland Discovery Centers allow LEGO-lovers to enjoy LEGOLAND on a much smaller scale! We enjoyed our visit to LDC Columbus during a very cold day in January!
LDC Columbus is currently offering a fantastic deal for school teachers! For the month of August, teachers visit for free and friends and family visiting with them get $10 off admission.
Not a teacher but still want to visit? Online saver admission starts at $19/pp OR stop at your grocery and buy the kids some HONEST Brand juice boxes! I’ve seen coupons on the side of the box to buy one adult admission, get one child for free!
2. Visit Amish Country
If you need a little slow-down before the kids go back to school, how about a leisurely drive on the Amish Country Byway through some of the quieter parts of Holmes County? My recommendations are HERE.
Downtown Millersburg is hosting, “Antiques in the Alley” this Saturday, August 3rd. The courthouse lawn is filled with vendors- and so are the local alleyways and downtown shops. See their Facebook Event Page HERE.
3. Learn more about Neil Armstrong
While Wapakoneta just wrapped up celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon – there’s still more to celebrate! Neil Armstrong’s birthday was August 5th, and in recognition of him, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum is offering FREE admission!
Find out more on their Facebook Event Page.
4. Chase a waterfall
Ohio has plenty of natural beauty to enjoy before summer ends! Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is viewed from a platform that’s an easy walk for the family. Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills is also well-known and photographed. For an off-the-beaten-path waterfall, check out Hemlock Falls near Mohican State Park. You’ll need to call and get permission to access the property!
5. Take your crew to the ballpark
America’s pastime is popular in the Buckeye State! While you may be familiar with the Cleveland Indians or Cincinnati Reds, how about trying out a minor league game like the Columbus Clippers, Toledo Mudhens, or Akron RubberDucks?
There are still plenty of home games scheduled for August – and if you want to celebrate Back-to-School with an outing, the Mudhens take on the Clippers in Columbus August 23-25.
6. Have a brew or a canoe at Marietta’s River Trails & Ales Festival
The local citizens of Marietta worked together to design a festival that incorporated the outdoor adventures of the area with the downtown businesses- what started from this movement was the River Trails & Ales Festival!
There are plenty of events for the entire family, and RTA even offers a Kids Guide. Check out their website HERE.
Find out why I think you MUST visit Marietta.
7. Pick a posy at the Sunflower Festival in Bucyrus
The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus is hosting a Sunflower Festival August 9th and 10th. Meander through the sunflowers, pick your own blooms, or take a free wagon ride. There will even be face-painting for the kids.
8. Visit a (new) splash pad
August in Ohio is known for being brutally hot and muggy! Why not cool off with the family at a new splash pad? Celina and Mansfield are both homes to new splash pads! Looking for more? Here’s a list of splash pads near Columbus.
9. Get busy living or get busy dying at the 25th Anniversary of Shawshank
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since the release of The Shawshank Redemption. Mansfield, Ohio is home to the Ohio State Penitentiary where most of the filming took place, but you can also visit filming sites along The Shawshank Trail.
Organizers of the 25th Anniversary have packed the weekend of August 16th-18th with panel discussions by cast & crew, autograph opportunities, and filming site events. Check out the complete schedule on the Shawshank 25 website.
10. Check out a view of Canada without leaving Ohio
Yes, on a clear day you can see Canada from the top of Perry’s Victory Monument at Put-in-Bay! Put-in-Bay is the perfect late summer getaway for families, with plenty to do and see while driving around in a golf cart!
For more ideas of Put-in-Bay activities out my guide of Family-friendly Things to do at Put-in-Bay and Inexpensive things to do at Put-in-Bay.
Are you ready to explore Ohio even more in August? I hope I’ve given you plenty of ideas for visiting some of the state’s greatest attractions and festivals! Where are you headed before school starts?
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