What’s there to do in Ohio, you ask? More than you might imagine! This Midwest gem is filled with a mix of educational and recreational activities for student groups, whether it’s history, the arts, science, nature, or straight-up fun.
Set on Lake Erie, the Shores & Islands region overflows with excitement, starting with African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton. The 65-acre grounds offers drive-thru and walk-thru safaris where students can see a variety of animals up close and attend an educational show. There’s also a life-sized Dinosaur Takeover exhibit that’s included in general admission. A number of Animal Encounters are offered as well, plus gem mining and an on-site café. Note that they are open late spring to late fall and have varying hours, so check the calendar before you go.
At Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center at Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island, groups can venture into a natural limestone cave, visit the Butterfly House, play miniature golf with a history lesson along the way, mine for gems, or weave through Fort aMaze’n giant maze challenge. Planners can purchase a daily or hourly tour train package to get there and get around.
There’s also Cedar Point, which is kind of self-explanatory, isn’t it? But, in addition to thrill rides, they offer educational programs, performance opportunities, and meal and drink options. And, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, also in Sandusky, offers chills on top of thrills, with an escape room, haunted house, laser maze, roller skating, VR gaming, and an XD 4D theater. They have group passes and food options, as well. While in Sandusky, stay and play at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, which, in addition to accommodations, has indoor and outdoor waterparks and a safari park.
Onward to Zanesville, in Muskingum County, which is about an hour east of Columbus. Fun fact: Zanesville served as the capital of Ohio from 1810 to 1812! Here is a place to slow down and immerse students in the important history of the area.
Begin with a stop at The Stone Academy, one of the oldest buildings in the county. It functioned as a school, a public building, a private residence, and a station on the Underground Railroad. Today, it’s a museum with a number of fascinating exhibits, from a hidden trapdoor leading to a secret crawlspace, to books, artwork, artifacts, and more. While on site, make sure to visit the Putnam UGRR Interpretive Center, open May to September. Also of interest is Dr. Increase Mathews House, which features historic room settings, a military history display, archaeological and Native American artifacts, and other items from the past. Afterward, head to The Gant House, nearby, which is the once residence of Nelson T. Gant, a former enslaved person and conductor on the Underground Railroad.
Another must in the area is the John & Annie Glenn Museum, which honors astronaut and senator John Glenn and his wife, Annie, who was a disability rights advocate. Of additional interest in Zanesville is the National Road and Zane Grey Museum. Three museums in one, it highlights U.S. 40, known as “the Main Street of America;” the life and works of Zane Grey, a prolific writer of western novels; and a collection local pottery.
Not far from Zanesville is The Wilds, a 10,000-acre safari park and conservation center—one of the largest in the world. Students can take a guided safari tour across expansive pastures and grasslands, with rare and endangered species, such as giraffes, rhinos, and cheetahs, on view in their natural habitats. There’s also the DayVentures School Day Program led by their Conservation Education Team. Topics and activities typically focus on wilderness survival, canoeing, and a pasture tour. Education Overnights—complete with yurt sleeping quarters and s’mores—are also a popular choice for school groups. Also led by the Conservation Team, these stays involve night hikes, educational activities, and safari tours. The Wilds is a partner of The Columbus Zoo, and that’s where we’re headed next.
Turning attention to the state’s capital, one of the noteworthy destinations in the vicinity is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The zoo serves as home to 10,000-plus animals representing more than 600 species. It also offers a wide range of programs, including self-guided activities for day trips and after-hours adventures that include night hikes, animal encounters, special activities, and next-day admission to the zoo. They also provide downloadable resources for educators. If traveling in November, consider taking part in the Teen Eco Summit, which assembles 300-plus high school students to create Conservation Action Plans, work with experts, and apply for grant funding.
Last stop, Cleveland! We’ve touched on history, nature, and amusement, now let’s turn our attention to art, culture, and entertainment. The performing arts are alive at Playhouse Square, the country’s largest performing arts district outside of New York. The district has 12 venues, including restored historic theaters, and shows range from local productions to Broadway hits. Here, student groups can not only see a show, they can also book a behind-the-scenes tour. Also recommended is Karamu House on Cleveland’s east side. It’s the oldest African American producing theater in the nation and described as “A place of joyful gathering.” It also touts Langston Hughes among its alumni.
A visit to University Circle is definitely in order, with such draws as Severance Music Center, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland History Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. All of these attractions are within walking distance of one another and each has its own unique offering.
There’s also the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which should not be missed! With its four theaters and seven stories of memorabilia, artifacts, video, and interactive stations, its pays respect to some of the biggest icons in music.
Finally, cap off your trip at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. They have more than 250 species and 3,600-plus animals, seven exhibit-filled galleries, and daily and rotating activities, such as touchpools, discovery carts, feedings, animal encounters, and more. For one last hurrah while in the area, cross the Cuyahoga River on the free eLCee2 Water Taxi!
Written by Allison Kay Bannister for the November/December 2024 edition of Teach & Travel.
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands.
