The annual Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards seeks to gather the opinions of local parents on everything family-friendly in the region. Our readers and online followers voted for their favorite businesses, attractions, family services and more.
Here are the winner and finalists in the “Best Ohio staycation destination” category.
Click here to view winners and finalists in all 26 categories.
Winner: Hocking Hills
Connect with nature — and your family — with a trip to Hocking Hills, located in nearby Logan, where you can hike, canoe and zip line, plus explore caves, waterfalls and more. Not sure where to start? Check out favorites like Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave or Cedar Falls hiking trail. There’s also shops, restaurants and plenty of attractions that cater to families. Lodging options vary between camping, glamping and hotel stays, with a slew of campgrounds, cabin rentals and nearby hotels from which to choose.
explorehockinghills.com
Finalists:
Cedar Point
An overnight or long weekend trip to Sandusky’s Cedar Point feels like worlds away, with picturesque sandy beaches along the shores of Lake Erie, the wet and wild Cedar Point Shores water park, and the entertainment and thrill rides offered by the amusement park itself. While older kids and teens will enjoy the park’s high-speed thrills, there’s plenty of fun for the littlest guests, too. Stay at Hotel Breakers, rent a cottage at Lighthouse Point or book a room at a Cedar Point resort to get special packages and exclusive park benefits.
cedarpoint.com
Kalahari
Kalahari’s Sandusky location features a mix of rides, slides and adventures, plus accommodations that will please the whole family. The resort offers indoor and outdoor water parks, an Outdoor Adventure Park and an array of attractions for children of all ages, plus amenities such as Spa Kalahari & Salon and dining options.
kalahariresorts.com/ohio
Put-in-Bay
Off the shores of Lake Erie on South Bass Island lies Put-in-Bay, a close-to-home getaway with a lively entertainment scene, historic sites, breathtaking water views and plenty of lodging options. Summer weekends offer different themes, including Pyrate Fest, booming fireworks, art fairs and historical reenactments.
putinbay.com