FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
Hocking Hills is a great place to bring the family. From natural wonders along the trail to animal farms and swimming holes, there’s plenty to do with the kids in Hocking Hills.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS IN HOCKING HILLS
Family Attractions
Visiting the Hocking Hills any time of year can bring joy and excitement. So many trails are family friendly as well as attractions to invite playfulness with young and old kids alike. If trails and hiking aren’t on the list, there is sure to be something to enjoy for everyone. Find out more about why people come to play in Hocking Hills with family and friends and where to go to maximize the adventure.
Places to Visit
Kids will love all that Hocking Hills has to offer. For summer lovers, beaches are a great one-stop destination of fun and adventure. Young kids will love Lake Logan State park to wade into the water, swim, kayak, canoe, and play in the sand. Don’t forget to check out AHA! A Hands-On Adventure museum in Lancaster. Exhibits such as the build-a-house and face paint table are sure to impress even the most busy bodied kids who need lots of hands-on experiences. Older kids might enjoy hiking some of the beautiful, scenic parks. Try out a short hike to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park or an easy trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. These shorter trails allow for kids to explore while not getting too tired or putting them around dangerous cliffs. Some trails have waterfall features kids love.
Great Kid Friendly Attractions
Visiting farms and petting zoos are a great way for kids to engage with nature and learn about local wildlife. Several petting zoos are open for families to explore in the area and some include feeding the animals by hand. If petting animals or getting up close to farms is not on the list of things to do, there are plenty of other kid friendly attractions. Butterfly Ridge is a great place in Hocking Hills for families to visit in almost any season. A guided or self-guided tour of the 21-acre garden provides glimpses of unique and beautiful butterflies and pollinators in their natural habitat. A nature play area lets kids explore and a tree house lets kids see things from up high. Moths are also on display along with glow-in-the-dark caterpillars in The Mothing Zone which are only visible at night. Jack Pine Studio is a unique art studio specializing in blown glass. Show up at the studio and take a seat to get a quick demo of how blown glass is made. Pop in for souvenirs or find out how to get hands-on experience for older kids and adults. Last, but not least, is mini golf. Try putt-putting for that hole-in-one at Hocking Hills Mini Golf. The course is located in the Hocking Hills Market shopping center with lots of dining and shopping opportunities nearby. This fun experience will be one kids and adults can enjoy together while creating fun, lasting, memories.
Park and Recreation
A visit to The Hocking Hills isn’t complete without a visit to the forests, caves, and trails that surround the area. Younger kids can experience zip lining but older kids and adults will definitely get a kick out of the adrenaline rush of being high up in the canopy of trees. The area offers many options to choose from when looking at either ziplining or rappelling. Reputable guiding services can help people choose what they want to do in the Hocking State Forest Rock Climbing and Rappelling Area along with zipline tour groups. Don’t forget, kids age 15 and under can fish without a license. This makes it even more exciting to visit the various waterways around Hocking Hills, including Lake Logan or Lake Hope. Cast a line, bring a net, or just hop into one of the many boats available to give fishing in Hocking Hills a go. The Hockhocking Adena Bikeway is a paved, 21-mile trail that teens and older kids might like to explore with rental bikes available for families.
Stay and Play in the Hills
The Hocking Hills are filled with many great options for places to stay and play. Check out myriad campgrounds around the area or take a peek at some of the many cabins and hotels on offer. Don’t be fooled, there are many ways to explore the best places to stay in Hocking Hills. At first there may seem only hotels and motels but for people who want to be more adventurous, don’t forget to check out all the homestays, farm stays, and even glamping options. These provide a unique way to explore nature but not feel isolated from amenities. If rustic is what families want, they can get that, too, in the many campgrounds and enjoy views of the water and parks from their tent. Don’t forget to check out some of the luxury lodges and cabins for small groups or large ones.
There is literally something for every family to choose from when coming to Hocking Hills, Ohio. The unique landscape lends itself to boasting beauty while also being a humble, quaint place to get away from it all. Families will enjoy lots of activities and places to dine but also be able to spend time together and build memories that will last a lifetime.
