Cincinnati OH

Hidden just a few turns off the highway in Troy, Ohio, is a place where water buffalo lounge in the sun, kangaroos hop through open pastures, and parrots might just try to strike up a conversation. Idle-Hour Ranch isn’t your typical petting zoo—it’s a family-run sanctuary where you can get face-to-face with creatures from all corners of the globe.

Looking for a place where carefree summer days stretch long, laughter echoes across a lake, and you can fill a whole weekend with good old-fashioned fun? Long’s Retreat Family Resort in Latham, Ohio, is a delightful escape where families can slow down, play hard, and enjoy a splash of nostalgia. This isn’t just a campground—it’s a full-on family playground tucked into the rolling hills of southern Ohio.

If your inner child had a passport, b.a. Sweetie Candy Company would be its favorite vacation destination. Tucked off Brookpark Road in Cleveland, this whimsical wonderland isn’t just a candy store—it’s a sugar-sprinkled fantasy that goes on and on (and on). Whether you’re on the hunt for nostalgic sweets from your childhood or just want to marvel at the sheer size of it all, Sweetie’s delivers in every color, flavor, and form imaginable.

If your idea of a perfect day includes treetop thrills, fresh air, and a few butterflies in your stomach, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park in Strongsville is your next adventure waiting to happen. Nestled inside Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation, this outdoor playground invites you to trade your desk for a harness and your to-do list for treetop views.

Tucked into a corner of the Mandel JCC campus in Beachwood, Ohio, there’s a place where imagination climbs as high as the jungle gyms, and joy echoes from every ramp and bridge. Welcome to Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground Park—a vibrant, whimsical wonderland designed to let every child play without limits. Whether you’re pushing a stroller, helping a toddler over rubbery hills, or cheering from a shaded bench, this park isn’t just kid-friendly—it’s kid empowering.

Step inside and take a breath—the air itself at Wittich’s Candy Shop seems to shimmer with sugar. It’s the kind of place that sparks childhood nostalgia even if you’ve never been, where the glass cases gleam with jewel-toned candies and the soft clink of a vintage soda fountain echoes in the background. In a world of polished, corporate sweet shops, Wittich’s stands out like a rare gem, proudly calling Circleville, Ohio, home since 1840, making it the oldest family-owned candy shop in America.

Get ready to feel like a kid again—from the moment you step through the doors of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, you’re hit with a wave of sweet nostalgia (and the irresistible scent of chocolate, caramel, and fruity goodness). This playful paradise of candy and quirky treats is where childhood memories meet modern-day indulgence, creating a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth—or a sense of fun.

When your dinner comes with a side of jump scares, you know you're in for more than just a meal. Welcome to The Haunted House Restaurant, where the line between dining and immersive entertainment is deliciously blurred. Located in Cleveland Heights, this spine-tingling spot is part eatery, part haunted funhouse, and totally unforgettable.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about rolling through a national park in a vintage railcar—with bald eagles soaring overhead and waterfalls peeking through the trees—this is your ticket to ride. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway isn’t just transportation; it’s a full-blown time machine through Ohio’s prettiest backyard.

If you think bookstores are all the same, think again. Hidden in the historic German Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, The Book Loft is no ordinary shop—it’s a sprawling, whimsical maze of literature that turns book browsing into an adventure. With 32 rooms packed floor to ceiling with books of every genre, this iconic destination is a dream come true for readers, wanderers, and anyone who loves getting gloriously lost among stories.