Summer Fun in Ohio: A list of 10 popular outdoor activities

Summer is underway and Ohio offers a fantastic array of outdoor activities, catering to a wide range of interests.

So there's no better time to head out foran Ohio adventure. Whether you're making memories with the family over a picnic, exploring one of our state's 76 state parks or exploring a hidden gem within the state, Ohio offers plenty of ways to keep you playing all season long.

Check out this list of 10 popular things to do this summer in Ohio and discover your heart of adventure:

Cedar Falls is another popular spot to hike to in Hocking Hills State Park

Hiking and exploring state parks: Ohio boasts 76 state parks including the state's largest in Salt Fork State Park, along with the scenic Hocking Hills State Park featuring its stunning gorges, waterfalls and unique rock formations

Amusement parks (Cedar Point and Kings Island); Known as the 'Roller Coaster Capital of the World" Cedar Point in Sandusky is a major draw for thrill seekers, Kings Island near Cincinnati, offers a wide variety of rides and attractions for families. Both offer water parks for cooling off from the summer heat.

Kayaking, canoeing, and paddling: Ohio has many rivers and lakes perfect for paddling, including the Little Miami River and areas within Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Lake Erie also offers opportunities for kayaking and other watercraft.

Swimming and beaches: With its extensive shoreline, Lake Erie provides numerous beaches like Cedar Point Beach, East Harbor State Park, and Geneva State Park, offering sandy shores and state park beaches are always free for swimming, sunbathing and playing in the sand.

Biking: Ohio has a well-developed network of bike paths, including the "Rails to Trails" system, which converts old railroad tracks into scenic biking routes.

Ziplining and rock climbing: Especially in the Hocking Hills region, ziplining offers a thrilling way to experience the treetops, while rock climbing and rappelling provide an adrenaline rush on natural sandstone cliffs.

Visiting zoos and safari parks: While not strictly an "outdoor activity" in the sense of wilderness exploration, places like the Wilds (owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium) offer expansive outdoor safari experiences with exotic animals. The Cincinnati Zoo is also a top-ranked destination.

Boating and water sports: Beyond kayaking and canoeing, Ohio's many lakes and Lake Eric are popular for power boating, jet skiing, and other water sports.

Outdoor concerts and festivals: Throughout the summer, outdoor venues like Blossom Music Center hosts concerts, and many towns and cities hold festivals, often with food, music, and local crafts. In July, the Ashland Ballonfest features hot air balloon launches and goes often with other family entertainment. The popular Ohio State Fair runs from July 23-August 3, 2025 this year.

Fishing: Ohio is a fantastic destination for anglers with Lake Erie being renowned for walleye fishing, while many inland lakes offer great opportunities for various species.

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More: Squatchin’ Hikes highlight Salt Fork State Park summer schedule

Luke Barker, 9 of Chillicothe, does a front flip off of the diving board at the Donald M. Smith Memorial Swimming Pool in Yoctangee Park on June 24, 2025, in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Now that we have identified some popular summer activities available right here in Ohio, let's take a poll throughout the Ohio USA TODAY network to determine which activity is the most popular.

Cast your vote for your favorite activity with our Ohio USA TODAY Summer Time Fun poll.

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This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Make plans for your Ohio summer excursion from our list of 10 activities