Things to Do in Hocking Hills: Where to Eat, Sleep, and Play!
Hocking Hills is well known for its spectacular hikes, but there are dozens of other outdoor adventures and indoor activities that will entertain the whole family. Here are some of the best things to do in Southeastern Ohio while visiting Hocking Hills.
These activities will surely help your family connect and make memories together. It’s one of our favorite locations and I can’t wait for you to experience it. So let us help you find the best places to eat, sleep and play in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
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Tips When Visiting Hocking Hills
Do yourself a favor and Download the Hocking Hill App, which will be your best friend on this trip since cell reception is spotty. It has trail lengths, accessibility and local restaurant recommendations.
Where to Play at Hocking Hills
There are so many fun activities for kids and families in Hocking Hills. Besides hiking and enjoying the beautiful waterfalls and trails. We’ve rounded up our favorite things to do with kids at Hockings Hills near Logan, Ohio.
Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hike the Stunning Trails
At Hocking Hills, there are basically 7 different hiking areas. The trails are relatively short distances, so you can combine hikes and complete several in a day. We found it was a very kid-friendly area. Each hike has exciting elements, from waterfalls to stone stairways to keep kids engaged. These hikes will make your family fall in love with hiking! An extra bonus, Ohio State Parks are FREE to visit. Here is the ultimate guide to the best hikes for families in Hocking Hills, Ohio!
Relax at the Beach
There is no swimming allowed at Hocking Hills State Park. Although at nearby Lake Logan State Park and Lake Hope State Park you can splash and play at the beautiful sandy beaches. These Ohio State Parks have a variety of trails, boating etc.
Swim at Logan Community Pool
Cool off and enjoy the fun at Logan’s Community Pool. With a slide, splash area and outdoor pool, your kid will have a blast.
Hand-Feed Hummingbirds at Lake Hope State Park.
Unique experience of hand feeding hummingbirds
During the summer, you can hand feed hummingbirds at The Nature Center at Lake Hope State Park. This seasonal activity usually runs July- Labor Day. Park officials provide these unique experiences Thurs-Sun from 1-3 PM.
Zipline at Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Soar through the air as you enjoy a birds eye view of the area. Experience the thrilling excitement of traversing through the treetops on a zipline. (Ages 5+) They even have a zipline designed for younger children ages 5-12 called the DragonFly.
Play at the AHA Children’s Museum
This indoor hands-on museum is specifically designed for kids ages 0-8 years of age. With tons of exhibits this is a great option if the weather isn’t cooperative.
Learn about Ohio Plants & Wildlife
See the fish exhibits while visiting the Hocking College Nature Center where you can learn about local plants and wildlife from Ohio. They also have live animals exhibits.
Canoe or Kayak Down the Hocking River
Hocking Hills Adventures has multiple options for river trips. Choose between a 2-5 hour trip paddling down the Hocking River or opt for a relaxing float on a tube or raft. A great option for the whole family to enjoy the beauty of the area!
Visit the Pencil Sharpener Museum
Located near Walmart and the visitor center, this tiny little museum is a quirky spot to check out if you have 15 minutes. You’ll find thousands of unique and off the wall pencil sharpeners.
Watch Glass Blowing
Watch daily demonstrations on glass blowing at Jack Pine Studio. See up close as local artists take a molten blob of glass and transform it into beautiful art. Sign up to take a class at the gallery or shop for a one-of-a-kind piece of art. At the Ohio Glass Museum you can also watch glass blowing demonstrations and learn about the history of this unique artform.
Discover The Haunted Moonville Tunnel
During the Fall, on select dates, come hike the 0.6 mile trail while hearing local ghost stories and legends. Participate in a ghost hunt and witness reenactments by the haunted cabins at this spooky tour. This free event starts at the Lodge at Hocking College. Check Facebook for specific dates and times.
Experience Horseback Riding
Experience the beauty of the area while horseback riding at Uncle Buck’s Saloon. These guided trips will lead you through the scenic state forest. Choose between multiple trips of various lengths (1hr -3.5 hrs trips) and even one through the Moonville Tunnel. They also have a dance barn and restaurant.
Walking Sculpture Tour
Check out Ohio University Campus on this walking sculpture tours of the Ridges. You will begin the tour on the front steps of the Kennedy Museum of Art and see multiple sculptures along the way.
Try Axe Throwing
Grab a drink and try your hand at axe throwing at the Hungry Buffalo. This hatchet throwing bar has delicious food including chicken & waffles and cold beer. Participants must be 16 + with an adult to throw. $25 per hour/ $15 per ½ hour per person.
Bike The Trails
Explore the area on a bicycle. Don’t have your own, bike rentals are available at the Hocking College Nature Center. Bike rental are $10 per hour or $40 for the day. At 4:00pm, bikes must be returned to the nature center. Make sure to pick up a Birding Ohio Bikeway Guide to help you identify birds found along the Hockhocking Adena Trail.
Catch a Show at the Outdoor Theater
Watch Tucumseh in Chillocothe Outdoor Theater. This massive outdoor stage of the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre offers a unique experience to sit underneath the stars as you watch a performance. This place has a museum, on-site dining, & live performances.
Gaze at the Skies
John Glen Astronomy Park Be awed and inspired as you turn your gaze to the moon stars and Milky Way Galaxy. Get a close up view of the wonders of the night sky during meteor showers or see Saturn through the large telescopes they allow visitors to use, plus all the staff are so helpful and knowledgeable.
Things to Do on the Way To Hocking Hills
Traveling to any destination can be an adventure in itself by adding a few fun stops. We love breaking up the drive and discovering places on the way
Ohio Caverns
If you’re coming from the North, a fabulous stop to break up the drive is the Ohio Caverns. Guided tours are open all year round. Be amazed as they lead you down into the largest caverns in Ohio. $20 adults/$10 children
Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky Ohio
Another great idea, if you’re coming from Michigan, is to surprise your kids and stay the night at Great Wolf Lodge’s waterpark. Our kids loved this surprise stop on the way home.
Where to Eat at Hocking Hills
Lake Hope Lodge restaurant serves the best smoked BBQ Brisket, local craft beer and blueberry cobbler pie!
Taqueria El Tapatio Craving authentic Mexican Food in a casual atmosphere, this is your place to stop.
Kindred Spirits Delicious food in a casual fine-dining experience offering superb gourmet meals.
Millstone Restaurant has southern style smoked BBQ and corn bread!
Hungry Buffalos A great spot for drinks, wings, chicken and waffles and of course axe throwing! They even offer a kids menu.
Old Canal Smoke House Located in old historic district of Chillicothe, Ohio serves a delicious variety of food and drinks. They also have a children’s menu.
Pizza Crossing Want to please everyone? Then you can’t go wrong with delicious pizza, especially when Pizza Crossing is ranked as one of the top 50 pizza places in the nation!
Where to Stay Near Hocking Hills
There is a wide selection of lodgings nearby Hocking Hills from cabins, campgrounds, and hotels. Here are the best VRBO offers, options from cozy cabins to larger lodges that can accommodate groups.
Find the best deals at VRBO!
At High Rock Hideaways, we stayed in a cozy cabin tucked in the woods, which was ideal during the fall. We loved having bone fires at night and relaxing in the hot tub off the porch. Situated on 200 acres, we hiked the private trails and utilized their kayaks for the pond.
Lake Hope Lodge Campground Beautiful campground with a lodge restaurant that serve great brisket!
The Hocking Hill State Park is awesome and is only a short 5-10 minute drive to all the hiking sites. They include full hookups and a swimming pool.
Cedar Falls Inn : A wonderful spot to retreat, offering delicious dining option and even a spa.
Closing Thoughts
No matter what you decide to do during your trip to Hocking Hills, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience in this beautiful area of Ohio. We’d love to know what are your favorite things to do in Logan, Ohio. Follow Discovering Anew for more Midwest travel destinations. Make sure to pin and save for later and share with a friend.
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What a find! It’s hard to believe this hike exists in Lower Michigan with its sandstone cliffs and ledges. Fitzgerald Park is home to the famous Ledges of Grand Ledge, near Lansing. The 2.5 mile, out and back, trail is an ideal hike for children with its many reward spots. The park also has a large playground, restrooms, and ball fields and an additional 5 miles of hiking trails.