Fresh air, wide-open spaces to run, marshmallows melting over an open fire and freedom from those mind-numbing electronic devices — these are just a few things to love about camping. Camping puts us back in touch with nature and offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect as a family. Thankfully, there are plenty of family-friendly campgrounds just a short drive away.

Let’s Go Camping! Here are five of our favorite camp sites that offer a little something for everyone:  

The scenic getaway: Hocking Hills State Park 

19852 OH-664, Logan, OH 

The campground at Hocking Hills has been named No. 1 in the U.S. by Trailblazer.com — and for good reason. Towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges serve as the backdrop for this campground that is packed with family-friendly amenities. Accommodations ranging from to camper cabins to primitive campsites make this the perfect spot for both beginner and seasoned campers.  

Activities: Archery, basketball, boating, disc golf, fishing, hiking, horseshoe pits, volleyball, naturalist programs, swimming pool 

Accommodations: Electric, non-electric and primitive campsites; modern cabins; camper cabins 

The aquatic playground: Brookville Lake 

3056 Quakertown Ramp Rd., Liberty, IN  

Brookville Lake lies in the historic east fork of the Whitewater River Valley and is home to traces of prehistoric Native American mounds and 450-million-year-old fossils. If ancient relics are not your cup of tea, no worries. The park is also home to two State Recreation Areas: Mounds SRA and Quakertown SRA, boasting more than 25 miles of hiking trails and wide-open waterways for boating and nationally recognized recreational and sport fishing. Two beaches and more than 400 campsites round out the family-friendly fun.   

Activities: Archery, boating, fishing, hiking, horseshoe pits, interpretive naturalist services, paddleboard rental, playground, beach access swimming, volleyball, waterskiing 

Accommodations: Full hook-up sites, electric campsites 

Photo Credit: Brookville Lake 

The hiker’s paradise: Charlestown State Park 

12500 Indiana 62, Charlestown, IN 

Overlooking Fourteen Mile Creek Valley and the Ohio River, this relatively new state park boasts trails with rugged hills, deep ravines and elevation changes of over 200 feet (a rarity in Indiana). Highlights include Devonian fossil outcrops and stunning sinkholes. Bird watchers will enjoy the 72 species of birds, including an occasional bald eagle. Campers can also take a walk across the historic Portersville Bridge that was restored and relocated to Charlestown State Park in 2011.  

Activities: Hiking trails, fishing, playground equipment 

Accommodations: Full hook-up sites, electric campsites  

The active family getaway: Hocking Hills KOA 

29150 Pattor Rd., Logan, OH 

Those looking for a camping experience with modern-day amenities will find what they are after at Hocking Hills KOA. This campground runs the gamut from RV sites with patios to traditional campsites. Activities range from a heated swimming pool to a gem mine. Amenities like on-site ice cream and pizza shops and an activity room offer the comforts of a resort while maintaining the feel of the great outdoors. Even Fido can get in on the fun at the on-site dog park.  

Activities: Activity room with board games, birding trail, corn hole, Gaga ball, restaurants, Hocking Hills Gem Mine and Gold Rush, dog park, pool (seasonal), Wi-Fi (shhh, don’t tell the kids!) 

Accommodations: Full hook-up sites, water/electric, electric only and primitive campsites, camper cabins, deluxe cabins  

The history lover’s dream: Big Bone Lick State Park 

3380 Beaver Rd., Union, KY 

Take a step back in time at this 813-acre park. A visitor’s center/museum features paleontological and archaeological exhibits that tell the rich history of the land. The highlight is the herd of bison that calls the park home (and, coincidentally, is found on Bison Trail). The on-site campground offers 62 campsites with utility hookups, grills, swimming pool and playground areas, making it ideal for family camping.  

Activities: Bird watching, fishing, hiking, horseshoe pits, miniature golf, museum, playground, swimming pool 

Accommodations: Electric campsites 

Photo Credit: Big Bone Lick State Park 

The post Let’s Go Camping appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

If you’re looking for a new family adventure this summer, why not head underground? The Midwest is home to a number of intricate cave networks, several of them right here in Ohio, where kids and adults can get up close and personal with the wonders of the underground world, from rock formations to waterfalls, blind cave fish to Ice Age bones. The best part? These caves stay a cool 54 degrees year-round on average, making them the perfect place to cool off when the temperatures soar.

Let’s go underground! Below are just a few of our favorites:

Ohio Caverns 

Location:  2210 East State Route 245, West Liberty, OH 

Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” here you’ll find stunning rock formations in shades of blue, orange, white, red and black. The caverns are the largest in the state, with over two miles of passageways running in depth from 30 feet to 103 feet. Be sure to see the “Crystal King” while you’re there: a huge, perfectly formed white stalactite estimated to be over 200,000 years old. Visit ohiocaverns.com for more details. 

Olentangy Indian Caverns 

Location:  1779 Home Rd.,  Delaware, OH 

Want to take your cave experience to the next level? Explore by flashlight! Olentangy Indian Caverns offers Flashlight Tours where the main lights are turned off and guests use only the glow of their flashlight to see the cave. Check out the 50,000-square-foot Animal Encounter and new Treasure Hunt Maze while you’re there, too. Visit olentangyindiancaverns.com for more info.  

Seneca Caverns 

Location:  15248 E. Township Road 178, Bellevue, OH 

Seneca Caverns was discovered by two boys in 1872 who were chasing their dog when it suddenly disappeared into a sink hole. Today, visitors can see a series of rooms and passageways on their tour, as well as Ole Mist’ry River, a crystal clear flowing stream 110 feet below the surface that is part of the vast underlying water system in the region. Pan for gemstones, crystals, arrowheads and fossils while you’re there, too. Check out senecacavernsohio.com to get the full scoop.   

Mammoth Cave 

Location: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway , Mammoth Cave, KY  

Mammoth Cave is one of the largest cave systems in the world and is certainly worth the hike to Kentucky. This massive cave sprawls over 400 miles, with 16 different tours for all ages. If you are looking to make this more than a day trip, there are opportunities to enjoy surface hikes, canoeing on the Green River, picnicking, horseback riding, bicycling, camping and more. Advance reservations for cave tours are highly recommended. For more, visit nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/gocavetours.htm. 

If you want give your kids a cave experience, but you’re not quite ready to tackle the real thing, Cincinnati Museum Center’s replica limestone cave will do the trick. This popular attraction re-opened in March after the completion of the museum’s restoration efforts, and it is now better than ever. Part of the Museum of Natural History & Science, the cave is two levels (a total of 500 feet) packed with twists and turns, waterfalls, pooled water, tight corridors and cave formations like stalagmites and stalactites. You can even feel the chill as you explore this immersive cave experience. Read all about CMC’s Cave here.

The post Let’s go underground! appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

If you’re looking for a new family adventure this summer, why not head underground? The Midwest is home to a number of intricate cave networks, several of them right here in Ohio, where kids and adults can get up close and personal with the wonders of the underground world, from rock formations to waterfalls, blind cave fish to Ice Age bones.

The best part? These caves stay a cool 54 degrees year-round on average, making them the perfect place to cool off when the temperatures soar. Below are just a few of our favorites.

Ohio Caverns 

Location: 2210 East State Route 245, West Liberty, OH

Known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns,” here you’ll find stunning rock formations in shades of blue, orange, white, red and black. The caverns are the largest in the state, with over two miles of passageways running in depth from 30 feet to 103 feet. Be sure to see the “Crystal King” while you’re there: a huge, perfectly formed white stalactite estimated to be over 200,000 years old. Visit ohiocaverns.com for more details.

Photo Credit: Ohio Caverns

Olentangy Indian Caverns

Location: 1779 Home Rd., Delaware, OH

Want to take your cave experience to the next level? Explore by flashlight! Olentangy Indian Caverns offers Flashlight Tours where the main lights are turned off and guests use only the glow of their flashlight to see the cave. Check out the 50,000-square-foot Animal Encounter and new Treasure Hunt Maze while you’re there, too. Visit olentangyindiancaverns.com for more info.

Photo Credit: Olentangy Indian Caverns

Seneca Caverns

Location: 15248 E. Township Road 178, Bellevue, OH

Seneca Caverns was discovered by two boys in 1872 who were chasing their dog when it suddenly disappeared into a sink hole. Today, visitors can see a series of rooms and passageways on their tour, as well as Ole Mist’ry River, a crystal clear flowing stream 110 feet below the surface that is part of the vast underlying water system in the region. Pan for gemstones, crystals, arrowheads and fossils while you’re there, too. Check out senecacavernsohio.com to get the full scoop.

Photo Credit: Seneca Caverns

The post Let’s Go Underground appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.

There is something captivating about spending a day riding the rails: the click-clack of wheel against track, the gentle bounce and sway of the cars and the constant stream of scenery whizzing by. And there are plenty of train excursions to choose from in our corner of the Midwest. Below are a few of our favorites.

Take a step back in time: LM & M Railroad

Historic Downtown Lebanon, OH

Operating since 1881, The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad carries passengers along scenic routes in southwestern Ohio. History buffs and train enthusiasts alike will enjoy this 14-mile stretch of track. In the summer months, themed rides like the “Princess Express” and “Meet Daniel Tiger” will delight little ones. The over-21 crowd will get a kick out of “Pizza and Beer” or “Wine and Cheese” excursions. And guests of all ages will enjoy a ride behind a real working steam engine during the “Summer Steam” excursions in August.

Pay homage to train enthusiasts: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

Nelsonville, OH

Managed, operated and maintained completely by volunteers, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway pays tribute to train enthusiasts. Regular weekend excursions take riders on a scenic round-trip ride along the historic Hocking River Valley. Those looking for a bit more intrigue can opt for a ride on “Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery” or the one-day-only “All Caboose Train.”

Spend a Day Out with Thomas: Whitewater Valley Railroad

Connersville, Indiana

This 19-mile scenic railroad dates back to 1867 and offers regularly scheduled excursions throughout the year. June 22-23 and 28-30, young train enthusiasts can take a ride with Thomas and meet Sir Topham Hat during a “Day Out with Thomas.” Enjoy a bit of intrigue on the “Wild West Train” or take a relaxing ride through the Whitewater Valley with special guest Abraham Lincoln aboard “The Statesman.” (featured image)

Ride in style: Nickel Plate Railroad

Atlanta, Indiana

Ride in style aboard groundbreaking Santa Fe Hi-level cars from the 1950s featuring two levels that resemble a double-decker bus. All seating is on the upper level, offering stunning views. Excursion themes range from Princesses and Superheroes to Trivia rides, offering a little something for everyone.

Nickel Plate Express

Enjoy a picture-perfect getaway: French Lick Scenic Railway

French Lick, Indiana

Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Hoosier National Forest aboard the French Lick Scenic Railway. In addition to standard excursions, the railway offers themed rides throughout the summer like the “Wild West Hold-Up” and “Dinosaur Adventure Train.”

Get a taste of luxury: Spirit of Jasper

Jasper, Indiana

Return to the Golden Age of rail travel on beautifully restored trains. Take an excursion to French Lick or enjoy dinner and drinks during a “Ride and Dine” excursion. Better yet, leave the little ones with a sitter and enjoy date night with a “Chocolate, Wine and Dine” option for guests 21 and over. Be sure to check out the Parlour Car, which features a modern take on a classic train with leather couches and a flat screen television.

Get in on the action: Kentucky Railway Museum

New Haven, Kentucky

The Kentucky Railway Museum gives visitors a glimpse into the history of rail travel with their collection of railroad artifacts and memorabilia housed in a replica of the original New Haven Depot. They also offer regularly scheduled train excursions, but are best known for their interactive “Train Robbery” excursion. Kids will learn about the history of the area, enjoy the story of a great train robbery and learn about how trains work. Kentucky Railway Museum also offers “Day Out with Thomas” excursions one weekend only: June 7-9, 2019.

Kentucky Railway Museum

No matter what sort of adventure you are after, a day spent riding the rails is sure to be a hit with your entire family. All aboard!

The post Let’s Go on a Train Ride! appeared first on Dayton Parent Magazine.