Family Activities in the Hocking Hills

Heading out into Hocking Hills for some family time and adventure this summer can feel daunting. There are so many places to go and things to see, it helps to have an idea of what kids would like to do when you arrive. Family activities in the Hocking Hills abound with nature at your feet, cool places to stay to keep kids entertained, and exciting places to visit unique to Hocking Hills. Why not take a look at why families are choosing to spend their family vacations and staycations in Hocking Hills.

Stay and Play

Lots of places to stay in Hocking Hills are made for adults to play and stay, but plenty of options exist for families with kids. Cabins abound along with bed and breakfast options and lodges. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is a popular destination for families who want lots of options. Luxury cars fit up to 12 people, including WIFI and kitchens, or some rustic cabins for those who want a closer-to-earth experience. Peace and quiet are more the focus here but also have plenty for kids to enjoy and are close to the parks and recreation families love. Looking for a unique experience to get kids talking well after you arrive home? Try out the Geodomes for glamping and yurts available at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls that let wilderness stay close but provides creature comforts as well.

A new boutique hotel named The Worthington of Logan takes retro-chic to a new level while providing a fun tiki lounge feel kids love. With 36 rooms, the hotel is built around an indoor atrium with skylights to give a fun tropical feel throughout. Guests can dip in the swimming pool, eat at the tiki breakfast bar, and relax in environmentally friendly rooms. The hotel is conveniently located downtown within walking distance of restaurants and other fun attractions.

Opt Outside

Want something fun to do? The Hills are alive with lots of options to get kids outside in nature. Here is just a taste of some Hocking Hills family activities to enjoy:

• Old Man’s Cave: one of seven major hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls and stunning caves. Make a loop of 1.5 miles around with easy paths for little legs and takes everyone through tunnels and caves.
• Rock House: a true cave in every sense of the word with amazing scenery on a mile-long hike. View THe Rock House, a 150-foot cliff of Black Hand sandstone but beware cliff edges with little kids
• Rockbridge State Nature Preserve: Ash Cave has a short, paved hike with Cedar Falls offering majestic views of a seasonal waterfall and Rockbridge State Preserve boasts Ohio’s largest natural bridge over a ravine.

Opt Inside

Not to be outdone by the great outdoors, there are amazing indoor spaces to explore with kids in Hocking Hills. Take a look at Jack Pine Studio, a unique place with glass art where artisans blow glass. Show up and take a seat and watch up close and personal or try your hand at it yourself. Take home some great souvenirs from the gift shop.

Look up classes at Lockhart Ironworks for kids 12 and older to learn about the ancient art of blacksmithing at Southern Ohio School of Blacksmithing. This family-owned blacksmithing shop offers hands-on classes where kids can learn the basics of blacksmithing and take home the creations they make. 

Enjoy a beautiful walk through Butterfly Ridge and take a self-guided tour of flowers and butterflies galore. A nature play area with a tree house helps kids explore the grounds. Visit for a weekly event at the Mothing Zone where visitors can view moths and glow-in-the-dark caterpillars.

Thrill Seekers

Don’t forget to check out the many adventure opportunities for families. Adventure seekers will love Hocking Hills Canopy Tours with treetop zip lines across the tops of trees with majestic views. Young children can zipline on the Dragonfly tour, including fun bridges and a sky tunnel. Tour is great for new zip-liners and people are great with kids as they guide them on their first (or second, third, etc) experiences. Everyone is allowed to try it at their own pace. High Rock Adventures has an ecotour through private grounds, older kids can enjoy exploring this or some of the rock climbing and rappelling experiences available in Hocking Hills. Top it off with a game of Hocking Hills Mini Golf, open year-round to hit some balls and have fun after a long day of exploring parks.

Grab Grub 

Don’t hesitate to look around for some of the interesting spots to grab a bite to eat. Hocking Hills is full of them. Ridge Inn is a comfortable restaurant with kid-friendly meals and treats. Weavers Market & Deli offers a great place to grab a sandwich before going out for hiking and exploration in Hocking Hills. Stop at Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium (for the adults) but they also offer breakfast sandwiches in this women-owned coffee house. 

Top off a great visit to Hocking Hills with Hocking Hills Frozen Yogurt where you can make your cup of yummy treats with toppings galore. Right in the heart of Logan, the patio seating is a great place for to people watch and relax after a day of exploration and fun with kids.