Top 5 Things for Kids to Do in the Hocking Hills, Ohio!

Plan a family getaway to the Hocking Hills and immerse yourself in the secluded beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Although the region is widely known for romantic escapes and destination weddings, a host of family friendly activities await children of all ages. Spend some quality time together without emptying your wallet while vacationing in southern Ohio. Allow your children to explore both the adventurous and artistic sides of their nature at Hocking Hills attractions.

Top 5 Things Family Friendly Attractions in the Hocking Hills

Go Ziplining

1 - Slide into a sturdy harness and get a bird's eye view of the hills and caves near the Hocking Hills State Park. Two zipline excursions are available within a fifteen minute drive from the state park campground and cabin rental facilities. Sore above the sky at the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours park near Rockbridge. Children age eight and above can join their parents on quick paced glide forty feet above the ground. Hocking Peaks Outdoor Adventure Park adds a bit more zing to the zipline experience than most parks. An aerial obstacle course is intertwined with the zipline platforms. Traverse swinging boards and suspended tunnels while working your way to the next zipline release station. Three separate courses exist at the adventure park. The family course is designed for children age four to twelve reaching heights of only eight to ten feet above the ground. The intermediate course cranks up the thrills with obstacles and ziplines hovering twenty feet off the ground.

Ride a Train

2 - Take a step back in time while riding on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Enjoy some old fashioned railway fun on weekend rides throughout the year. Watch from the edge of your seat and "Old West" gunslingers ride up next to the train on horseback and attempt to "rob" the conductor. The Christmas train includes a visit and treats from Santa Claus. During the spring and fall months the train makes a stop at Robbins Crossing. The living history center is located on the campus of Hocking College and features log cabins built during the 1800's, interactive historic exhibits, free candle making stations and costumed period actors.

Pan for Gold

3- Pan for gold at the Hocking Hills KOA Campground. The digging amongst colored "gems" is complimentary for campground guests, but requires a nominal fee for visitors. Children do not even realize they are learning about the country's while listening to campground staff share the art and history of panning rivers for gold.

Roll the OGO

4 - Rolling 600 feet down a hill while tucked safely inside a twelve foot orb. The immense OGO balls constructed of inflatable plastic resemble a giant beach ball and roll at speeds in excess of ten miles per hour. Giggles of both happy children and parents bounce off the tall pine trees which surround the Hocking Peaks Outdoor Adventure Park as they strap themselves in the ball and await a powerful push toward the edge of the launch ramp.

Play a Round of Miniature Golf

5 - Grab a golf club and brightly colored ball and work your way through the miniature golf course at Rempel's Grove. Intriguing obstacles which resemble the natural attributes of the Hocking Hills serve at hole markers on the outdoors course. If you work up an appetite while golfing the small links, you can grab a sandwich or ice cream cone at the snack bar and enjoy an impromptu picnic inside a rustic gazebo.