By Lisa Russell
If you're visiting Delaware and/or Ohio and are looking for free kids activities, then you've hit your mark. There are activities that are educational, historical, artistic and just plain fun. Start planning your road trip now; these activities in Delaware and Ohio are waiting for you.
Ohio State Parks
The Ohio State Parks all have free admission. Hocking Hills State Park offers fishing, hiking, nature programs and a visitors center, as well as amazing caves, including Ash Cave, Rock House, Old Man's Cave and Cantwell Cliffs. The state park's website has a "Park Pals" program for kids that connects kids to events at state parks and offers a monthly animal or plant lesson, printable activities, online games and other resources to help kids get the most from their state park experience.
Ohio State Parks
2045 Morse Road, C-3
Columbus, OH 43229
(614) 265-6561
www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks
Toledo Museum of Art
The Toledo Museum of Art does not charge for admission, and it has a family center where kids can explore and create their own art work. Stroll through the museum first, for inspiration. Take a peek at the hot houses in the Glass Pavilion where glassblowers work on the other side of the window. An impressive glass art collection is displayed; keep the slingshots in the car.
Toledo Museum of Art
P.O. Box 1013
Toledo, OH 43697
(419) 255-8000
www.toledomuseum.org/
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Admission is free at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum on the planet. Near Kitty Hawk, this museum tells the story of aviation, beginning with the Wright brothers, in their 10 acres of indoor exhibits, including more than 400 real aircraft and missiles, plus thousands of artifacts such as uniforms and photographs.
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
1100 Spaatz St.
Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433
(937) 255-3286
www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware, offers sandy beaches, sunbathing, swimming, seaside hiking and bicycling trails. Climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower and enjoy a 360-degree view of the land and sea. Its website has an on-screen image of the view from the observation tower, as well as printable hiking guides and historical information.
Cape Henlopen State Park
42 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
(302) 645-8983
www.destateparks.com/chsp/chsp.htm
About the Author:
Lisa Russell is an entrepreneur and writer from Washington State, with a professional background in education, cosmetology and the restaurant industry. She's been published in regional parenting publications, homeschooling publications and has published over 10,000 articles online since 1999. She studied Early Childhood Education at Antelope Valley College.
