Finding the perfect destination for a family getaway is a big project. Luckily, we have the answer right here! the Hocking Hills has endless activities to please the entire family! We’ll cover everything you need to know for fun family vacations in Ohio. The best time of year to visit, the most popular hiking trails, and hidden gems you can’t miss! the Hocking Hills has so much to offer visitors. Download our Vacation Guide and explore all of the top local attractions!
Family Vacations in Ohio
Why Visit The Hocking Hills?
The Hocking Hills offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy being tucked away in the quiet and beautiful nature of the Appalachian Mountain foothills while having access to unforgettable adventures right outside your door! Here are some things to consider when planning a family trip to the Hocking Hills.
Plenty of Family Time
The most important part of a family vacation is together. You’ll have much family time while staying at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls! Explore the area to experience all the activities the Hocking Hills holds. Bring a deck of cards for a family game night, cook dinner together in your cabin’s kitchen, or take the kids out for a nice meal at Kindred Spirits. You can finally enjoy quality time together with no distractions to take away from your family vacation.
Fun for All Ages 
There is something for everyone in the Hocking Hills! Our area is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities; kids love exploring. You’d be surprised how many hours they can spend having adventures in the Hocking Hills State Park. It’s easy to plan family-friendly activities, and we are happy to help.
Top Activities
Now that you’re set on having family vacations in Ohio, let’s explore the top activities in the area. Whether you enjoy walking the local trails, finding fantastic rock formations, or simply taking in the stunning sights and sees, we have it all!
See the Caves
The kids will be fascinated when you bring them to see the natural rock formations in the Hocking Hills! Hocking Hills State Park has many caves you can hike to, and each has an exciting story. Old Man’s Cave derives its name from Richard Rowe, a hermit who once lived in the larger recess cave of the gorge. Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in the state, and a massive pile of ashes left by Native Americans was found there. The hike to Whispering Cave is also kid-approved; it has the first-ever swinging bridge in the park!
Swing Through the Trees
We have two places that we love to send guests for some family fun. You can easily spend hours at NevilleBillie Adventure Park and Hocking Hills Canopy Tours! NevilleBillie Adventure Park is truly an adventure park, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. You can rent ATVs, play paintball, tackle a ropes course, and visit the Moonshiners’ Mystery Shack. At the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, you can get your adrenaline pumping when you go on the zipline or opt to go on one of their adventures, like the segway tour.
Challenge the Family to Mini Golf 
Mini golf is always a great family activity, especially when traveling with small children. It’s the perfect chance for dad to show off his putting skills and give the kids golf lessons! Have some laughs as you practice your swing. Our favorite spots to mini golf are Adventure Golf at Rempel’s Grove and the Hocking Hills Market.
Tube Down the River
If you’re staying at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls in the summer, one of our favorite things to do with kids in the Hocking Hills is tubing down the river! It’s the perfect way to keep cool and do a unique activity you probably cannot enjoy at home. Rent a tube from one of the many recreation companies, then leisurely float down the river. It usually takes a few hours to make your way down, and you can relax the whole way.
Go Stargazing
We can assure you that you and your family have never seen a night sky with stars like this. In many parts of the United States, light pollution gets in the way of these gorgeous views. Not here! The sky is dotted with thousands of twinkling lights that you can watch for hours. Head to the John Glenn Astronomy Park for the whole experience. You can even point constellations with the 28-inch telescope in the roll-off roof observatory! There are also nightly programs for the entire family to enjoy. If you want to visit during the day, you can use a special telescope to look at our closest star: the sun.
Rock Climbing 
When traveling with older children, consider a Hocking Hills rock climbing adventure. Cliffs, jagged rock formations, and giant boulders make this region ideal for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Hocking Hills Adventure Trek offers an Intro to Rock Climbing package, suitable for children as young as five.
Have a Horseback Riding Adventure
Horseback riding is a great outdoor adventure for the entire family! Given our area’s wide-open spaces and natural beauty, there are a few Hocking Hills horseback riding options to choose from. We recommend Hocking Hills Horse Rides, as the ranch offers guided trail rides for visitors of all skill levels. Even better, it’s located just a 10-minute drive from The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls!
Play at R Adventure Park
R Adventure Park is an excellent place for a little friendly competition with the family. This adventure park offers ATV rides, a ropes course, paintball, and more! It’s a must-visit for a weekend getaway in Ohio with kids. It’s perfect for thrill-seeking families. You’re sure to make memories here that will last a lifetime!
Stay at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls for Unmatched Accommodations 
Family vacations in Ohio are adventurous and relaxing all in one! Cozy up and relax at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. Our unique lodging options give our vacation a customized touch. Cottages, yurts, and cabins are all available for guests to enjoy! After a day of entertaining the kids, experience our spa or enjoy a dinner for two at Kindred Spirits Restaurant! The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has everything you need for an unforgettable escape! Check out our adventure packages here.