Outdoor Adventures and Getaways Before the Kids Return to School
The final weeks of summer are here, and it’s the perfect time for family fun before the kids head back to school. Ohio and surrounding states—Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Michigan—offer plenty of ways to enjoy the season. From fairs and waterparks to weekend getaways, these late summer activities are packed with memories waiting to be made.
Family-Friendly Late Summer Activities Before the Kids Head Back to School
Looking for things to do in Ohio in August? Families can enjoy Cedar Point and Kings Island, both filled with roller coasters and waterparks. Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania and Ohio’s Mentor Headlands are perfect for swimming and sandy beach days. Hiking and camping at Hocking Hills (OH), Indiana Dunes (IN), or Cuyahoga Valley National Park (OH) give kids fresh air and adventure before school starts.
Fairs and End-of-Summer Festivals Everyone Will Enjoy
County and state fairs fill the calendar in late summer, offering something fun for the entire family. Enjoy classic rides, agricultural exhibits, live music, and the kind of fair food you wait for all year. Many communities also host small-town festivals with parades, fireworks, and unique local traditions that make for a full day of family fun. Check community calendars to find fairs and festivals happening near you before school starts.
Unique Late Summer Activities that Everyone Will Remember
A late summer riverboat cruise on the Ohio River from Cincinnati or Louisville is a memorable way to close out the season. Kids will love covered bridge tours in Ashtabula County, Ohio, or Parke County, Indiana. For a nighttime adventure, head to Observatory Park in Geauga County, Ohio, to see the Perseids Meteor Shower in mid-August.
Weekend Getaways Before School Begins
Lake Erie’s Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island are ideal for family weekend trips filled with island fun. The Wilds safari park in Cumberland, Ohio, gives kids a close-up look at exotic animals. In West Virginia, New River Gorge offers family-friendly rafting, hiking, and the iconic bridge walk, which opens August 8.
There’s still time to enjoy late summer activities before the kids head back to school. Whether your family prefers the thrill of county fairs, relaxing weekend getaways, or outdoor adventures close to home, Ohio and the surrounding states have something for everyone. These August experiences create lasting memories and help you make the most of the final weeks of summer.
Start planning your fall adventures at Compass Ohio, where all great memories begin.
