By Victoria Ries
Ohio has a wealth of free attractions and activities for families on a tight budget. Now there is no excuse not to venture out for the day in historic Ohio. Options include museums, nature hikes, observing and photographing wildlife, and much more.
Hoover Vacuum Museum
Admission is free to the Hoover Vacuum Museum, which is located across the road from Walsh University. On display at this museum are manually operated vacuums as well as electric vacuums. Cleaning devices first made during World War II are on display. The museum, housed in a building listed with the National Register of Historical Places, is open six days a week between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Hoover Vacuum Museum
1875 E. Maple St. N.W.,
North Canton, Ohio
Tel: (330) 499-0287
Old Man's Cave
Old Man's Cave is a well-known hiking destination in Ohio. It is open year-round from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, and entry is free of charge. There are five main sections of hiking trails to suit all levels of experience, including a wheelchair-accessible trail to enable everyone to enjoy the sheer beauty of the park. Long ago, pioneers warned their children not to venture near the dangerous ledges and gorges that pepper the area. Parents told ghost stories about the old man who died there to scare their children away from the perils of the gorge, warning them of the spirit of the "Old Man of the Gorge." Today, the area is known as Old Man's Cave.
Old Man's Cave Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 664 S.
Logan, Ohio 43138
Park Office: (740) 385-6842
Akron Art Museum
Admission to the Akron Art Museum is free, but call ahead for other charges you may incur, such as parking fees. The Akron Art Museum offers plenty of educational programs, and museum exhibitions include paintings, folk art, sculptures and photography.
Akron Art Museum
70 East Market St.
Akron, Ohio
Tel: (330) 376-1180
About the Author:
Victoria Ries is a freelance writer whose work has been published in print magazines including Guideposts, BackHome and Mother Earth News. Ries enjoys working on diverse topics such as travel, animal rescue, health, how-to and home business.
