Long days and hot temps make July the perfect time for summer adventures – outdoor concerts, swimming pools, hiking trails and more! Get out and enjoy the beautiful summer season with our picks for the best events and things to do in July.
Celebrate Independence Day
Head out to a parade, watch fireworks, eat funnel cake at a festival, cool off at the beach, spend the weekend at a local campground, or fire up the grill and have a backyard BBQ. Looking for more ideas? Check out our picks for the top 4th of July events.
Shop a Farmers Market
Nothing says summer like a Saturday morning at the farmers market. Whether you go as a family outing or a quick run to stock up, nothing beats farm fresh goodies for a picnic or backyard BBQ. We can wait for Ohio sweet corn to be ready this year. Find a farmers market near you.
Try a New Park or Playground
Enjoy a fun outing to the park and beat the heat at these locations that offer water play. Play at the park and cool off at the splashpad at Plain Township Veterans Park. Hike the trails and cool off in the lake at Silver Springs Metro Park in Norton. Let the kids ride the vintage amusement rides and splash in the pool at Tuscora Park in Bolivar.
Spend the Day at the Splash Pad
The no sand in sight and safe for kids of all ages make splash pads a go to outing for families during the summer months. Here is a guide to the splash pads in Northeast Ohio, including many with nearby playgrounds too. If splash pads aren't your thing, perhaps you'd rather head to a waterpark instead.
Go on a Train Ride
Whether you have a little engineer or you’re the train junkie, you'll want to check out the best train rides in Ohio. See the historic steam locomotives at the Age of Steam Roundhouse in Sugarcreek. Ride through the National Park on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Check out the miniature steam engine rides in Medina.
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day
If you need a reason to eat ice cream, National Ice Cream Day is it! Thankfully, Northeast Ohio is known for it's delicious homemade ice cream shops. Plan to check off one (or more) off your ice cream bucket list this month. Enjoy!
Road Trip to Amish Country
Enjoy a slower, more peaceful and relaxed pace and experience a completely different way of living in Amish Country. Visit the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center, tour an Amish home, go on a buggy ride and enjoy a delicious meal at an Amish restaurant. Before you plan your trip, make sure to check out our top picks for things to do in Amish Country Ohio.
Listen to Music at a Summer Concert
Pack some snacks or order take out from your favorite restaurant and spread out a blanket (or chairs) and spend a warm summer evening at the park enjoying the sights and sounds at a FREE Outdoor Summer Concerts. Many local communities host these concerts with options ranging from blues, jazz, pop, tribute bands, or classical music.
Visit a Lavender Field
Stroll through a blooming field of lavender and pick a bundle or two to bring home. Maize Valley Market & Winery in Hartville and Luvin Lavender Farms in Madison provide the opportunity to walk through lavender fields.
Looking for more ideas & inspiration? Check out our Summer Fun Guide filled with 100+ things to do during the summer season in Ohio.