There is a huge variety of unique, educational, and fun science centers and museums in Ohio. From planes, trains and automobiles to money, art and history, many of the museums on our list offer hands-on interactive exhibits that make learning both informative and exciting for kids of all ages!
MAPS Air Museum
Explore aviation history up close at the MAPS Air Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about history, particularly aviation history, and its impact upon society.
You’ll be amazed with the hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and a massive collection of restored planes from different eras.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love cool aircraft, the museum offers an unforgettable adventure for all ages!
- Experience an up close look at over 60 aircraft and 250 displays in 3 galleries. The oldest aircraft was built in 1908 and the latest aircraft is a C-130!
- Get your questions answered and learn from their free tour guides.
- The museum is accessible, offers free parking and has a well stocked gift shop with items for kids of all ages.
Whether you have an hour or a whole day, there’s something for you at MAPS!
Art Museums
Cleveland Museum of Art
Founded over a hundred years ago, the Cleveland Museum of Art has become one of the most visited museums in Ohio and offers more than 45,000 permanent artworks with all of their main collections open and FREE to the public. The museum offers several tour options, a museum store, an onsite cafe, and a rotating schedule of special exhibits.
Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Website
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Akron Art Museum
Offering world-class contemporary and modern art, the Akron Art Museum offers a variety of exhibits for children and adults as well as an active calendar of special events, activities, and open studio times for the whole family. Memberships are available with complimentary admission and children under age 17 are always FREE!
Akron Art Museum
1 S. High St., Akron, OH 44308
Website
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Cincinnati Art Museum
With a large collection of more than 67,000 works of art, the Cincinnati Art Museum is located in Eden Park and offers hours of activities for families. In addition to traditional exhibits and hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids, this Ohio museum offers a special, customizable scavenger hunt. When you arrive you can choose the areas you’d like to see, then print out a personalized booklet to take with you as you explore the museum. FREE admission for children 5 and under.
Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website
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Columbus Museum of Art
Located in the State’s capital, this museum has a wide variety of hands-on and experiential activities the whole family will enjoy. With plenty of exhibitions, tours, programs, and open studio times available, plan ahead for at least a half-day visit to enjoy creative play through interactive gallery experiences. Children ages 3 and under are FREE and free general admission on Sundays.
Columbus Museum of Art
480 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Website
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Canton Art Museum
Explore temporary and permanent art exhibits focused on American watercolors, works on paper, and contemporary ceramics at this eastern Ohio museum. The Canton Art Museum also offers a variety of workshops and classes for both children and adults. FREE admission every Thursday and on the first Friday of every month, as well as for all Blue Star Families and children 12 and under.
Canton Museum of Art
1001 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44702
Website
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Toledo Museum of Art
Since 1901, the internationally known Toledo Museum of Art has made it their purpose to foster art education. No visit is exactly the same with 30,000+ art displays in all mediums from electronic media, to glass, to paper and paint. Plus, there is always something new to try, see, and do with many demonstrations, daily activities, and an educational hands-on Family Center. Admission is FREE and open to the public.
Toledo Museum of Art
2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43620
Website
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The Butler Institute of American Art
Founded in 1919 by Joseph G. Butler, Jr., the Butler Institute is located near Youngstown State University and is the first museum of American art. With a collection of more than 20,000 works, the Butler is known worldwide as “America’s Museum” and is considered an international hidden gem. Plan your tour in advance with FREE parking and admission every day.
The Butler Institute of American Art
524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502
Website
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Car Museums
Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
This unique Ohio museum is part of the Cleveland History Center and shares the history of automobiles through a variety of stages of their development. You’ll find a large collection (200+) of interesting antique automobiles, auto components, and artifacts, including motorcycles, bikes, boats, carriages, sleighs, and more.
While visiting the center you must take a ride on the historic Euclid Beach Carousel. The carousel runs every twenty minutes and unlimited rides are included with the price of admission. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday each week.
Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Website
Canton Classic Car Museum
Established in 1978 by Marshal Belden, the Canton Classic Car Museum currently exhibits forty rare and unusual classic and special interest automobiles including The Holmes. It is one of only 7 cars fully built in Canton from 1917-1922. The museum also hosts a large collection of vintage toys, advertising, political memorabilia, and more!
Canton Classic Car Museum
123 6th St. SW, Canton, OH 44702
Website
National Packard Museum
With the mission to preserve and recognize the influence of the Packard on transportation and industrial history, the 23,000-square-foot museum contains a wide variety of vehicles and artifacts on display. You’ll also find historic memorabilia, a Packard store and gift shop, Packard family genealogy history, and special events. The museum is open daily, excluding Mondays with guided tours available when planned in advance. Children age 6 and younger are FREE.
National Packard Museum
1899 Mahoning Ave. NW, Warren, OH 44483
Website
Children’s Museums
Children’s Museum of Cleveland
With so many hands-on exhibits for children to explore, young children can play and explore at this interactive museum for hours! Climb and explore in the Adventure City treehouse, create a bubble bigger than their body in the Bubbles exhibit, explore hands-on science in the Wonder Lab, and much more! You’ll also find a fascinating interactive dollhouse space, Making Miniatures, which is also home to BrickWorks and BrickWorks Jr., where children 3 and up can build their own miniature structures out of blocks. Children 11 months old and younger are FREE.
Children’s Museum of Cleveland
3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
Website
Akron Children’s Museum
With a variety of hands-on exhibits designed for children 10 and under, the Akron Children’s Museum offers 15+ pretend-play, sensory play, and building/creating studio areas. Play like a farmer in the Farm to Table area. Build fun towers and more with the Jumbo Blocks. Race cars in Derby Town and more. The museum hosts a variety of special workshops throughout the year and offers several birthday party packages including museum access.
Akron Children’s Museum
216 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
Website
OH WOW! Children’s Center of Science & Technology
The 17,820 square foot Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center offers thirteen galleries to explore and more than sixty fun hands-on, interactive opportunities linked to the educational content standards of Ohio & Pennsylvania. Experiences include Avionics, Earth & Weather, MicroElectronics, Sound & Light, a Sensory Sensitive Room, and more. Field trips, parties, and memberships are also available. Children 23 months and under are FREE.
OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology
15 Central Square, Youngstown, OH 44503
Website
Cincinnati Museum Center – Children’s Museum
The Cincinnati Children’s Museum is one of the most popular museums in Ohio and it is ranked one of the top 10 Children’s Museums in the country! The museum offers eight fun and educational areas, including two created just for preschoolers. Kids can become part of a complex machine in the Energy Zone, walk and investigate inside a giant mouth, play in a kid-sized neighborhood, take a trip to the Little Sprouts Farm, and more. Open Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) with discounted admission when you purchase the All Museums Package (5 museums in the complex).
Cincinnati Museum Center – Children’s Museum
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
Website
Buckeye Imagination Museum
Located in Mansfield, this fun play-based children’s museum encourages children to interact and explore their hands-on exhibits with self-directed play. Designed for children ages 2-10, families can enjoy hours of stimulating play in the indoor playground, airport, campground, racetrack, bank, pizza, construction zone, and more. Special pricing is available and children under 2 are FREE.
Buckeye Imagination Museum
175 W. Third St., Mansfield, OH 44902
Website
AHA! A Hands-On Adventure A Children’s Museum
With 8,000 square feet of adventure, this children’s museum was designed for maximum fun and interactivity through hands-on exploration for kids ages 6 months to 8 years old. Create art in the STEAM Zone, make a deposit at the bank, catch magnetic worms at Bingo Lake, build a house with fun red foam bricks, go shopping at the Market, create music with the colorful Pipe Xylophone, and so much more. Hours vary and children 12 months and under are FREE.
AHA! A Hands-On Adventure A Children’s Museum
1708 River Valley Cir. S, Lancaster, OH 43130
Website
Dinosaur Museums
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Cleveland Museum of Natural History has a mission to understand the history of the Earth through the fossil record including dinosaurs! Through their vertebrate paleontology department, they have been committed to discovering, preserving, and researching dinosaurs and fossils across the continent. You’ll find more than 15,000 specimens on exhibit at the museum, including the Coelophysus bauri, the museum’s oldest dinosaur dating over 225 million years old. Advance tickets are required with several discounted and FREE day tickets available.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106
Website
Akron Fossils & Science Center
The Akron Fossils and Science Center offers hands-on science programs, education, tours, and activities for all ages. Interact with live animals, touch real fossils and bones, learn about the history of dinosaurs in Ohio, and make your own replica fossils to take home. Included with admission is access to the Creation Education Museum which allows children to explore ideas about the origin of the universe and the relationship between science and the Bible.
Akron Fossils & Science Center
2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321
Website
McKinley Presidential Library & Museum – Discover World
This hands-on interactive science center, Presidential museum, and historical library takes visitors on a scientific journey through the past, present, and future. Meet Alice the Allosaurus and explore the history of the earth from its start through the last ice age with fossils and artifacts, including an authentic mastodon skeleton fossilized in Canton, Ohio! Children under age 3 are FREE.
McKinley Museum & Discover World
800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Website
Orton Geological Museum
Found inside of Orton Hall at The Ohio State University, this museum offers more than 1,000,000 rocks, minerals, and fossils, including full dinosaur skeletons, like the 24-foot long Cryolophosaurus ellioti, one of the most complete skeletons ever discovered on the Antarctic continent which lived over 190 million years ago. You’ll also find their fun Din-O-Store with gifts, books, and STEM toys. Admission is FREE and open to the public Monday through Friday.
Orton Geological Museum
155 S. Oval Mall, Columbus, OH 43210
Website
COSI – Dinosaur Gallery
COSI, Columbus’ center of science and industry, has more than 300 hands-on and interactive exhibits including their popular American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery. See a 6-foot-long mechanical Tyrannosaurs rex that walks in place, check out a re-creation of the famous Davenport Ranch Trackway, displaying a collection of sauropod and theropod dinosaur prints, and see spectacular displays of dinosaurcasts, including a dom-headed Pachycelphalosaurus, three-horned Triceratops, and full-size T. rex! Included with general admission. Children under 2 are FREE.
COSI – Dinosaur Gallery
333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Website
Cincinnati Museum Center – Dinosaur Hall
Dinosaur Hall at Cincinnati Museum Center offers interactive elements to help you explore the late Jurassic period. With six huge dinosaur specimens, including a Glaemopus pabsti standing 60 feet long, you can enjoy the museum’s fossil collections up close as you explore dinosaur history. Open Thursday-Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) with discounted admission when you purchase the All Museums Package (5 museums in the complex).
Cincinnati Museum Center – Children’s Museum
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
Website
Science Museums
COSI – Center of Science and Industry
Your kids will enjoy hours of science fun and play at COSI. The museum offers more than 300 hands-on and interactive exhibits designed for kids from toddler to elementary age but is enjoyed by visitors of all ages. In addition to the museum’s attractions and exhibits, you’ll also find a Giant 3D Screen Theater, a little kidspace®, an outdoor science park, a planetarium, live shows, special exhibits, and more. Children under 2 are FREE.
COSI – Center of Science and Industry
333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Website
Great Lakes Science Center
Home of the NASA Glen Visitor Center, the Great Lakes Science Center offers your family tons of hands-on science exhibits covering different aspects of the scientific community including biomedicine, robotics, magnetism, and electricity. The museum also offers an exhibit for children under age 7 that allows kids to climb, build, and play with polymers, the William G. Mather Steamship, and a six-story high surround sound DOME Theatre. Discount tickets are available and general admission is FREE for Ohio teachers every day!
Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114
Website
Akron Fossils & Science Center
With activities for all ages, the Akron Fossils and Science Center offers hands-on science programs, education opportunities, and a variety of special, guided tours. Visitors can interact with live animals, touch real fossils and bones, enjoy self-guided activities, and play in their 2-acre outdoor play park. Included with admission is access to the Creation Education Museum which allows children to explore ideas about the origin of the universe and the relationship between science and the Bible.
Akron Fossils & Science Center
2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, OH 44321
Website
The Works
Located in Newark, just outside of Columbus, The Works Ohio Center for History, Art, and Technology offers hands-on experiences from art and history, to glassblowing and science. Enjoy galleries and art activities, interactive SkiDome planetarium shows, STEM programming, glass-blowing workshops for adults and kids 9+, and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday with several admission discounts available.
The Works
55 S. 1st St., Newark, OH 43055
Website
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
There is a lot to see and do at this Dayton area science center. Boonshoft Museum of Discovery offers a variety of hands-on experiences including an in-depth “how water works” area, a tidal pool to explore marine life, a brink-building activity center, and a special “Kids Place” for children age 4 and under. In addition to the science activities, you’ll also find their Discovery Zoo with live animals including their resident Burmese python. Children 2 and under are FREE.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
2600 DeWeese Pkwy., Dayton, OH 45414
Website
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Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
Located in beautiful Bay Village, Lake Erie Nature and Science Center offers you the opportunity to learn about the world through engaging, informal science education including a long list of experiential programs. Visitors can also learn about wildlife rehabilitation with indoor and outdoor exhibits with FREE general admission and explore the stars with one of the center’s great planetarium shows for a small extra charge.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
Website
History Museums
Ohio History Center
Noted by many to be a “hidden gem” among the museums in the state, the Ohio History Center offers a wide variety of collections. You can explore exhibits featuring everything from the Columbus-based White Castle hamburger chain to World War I and preserved Civil War flags to their all-steel house exhibit, Lustron. The interactive 1950s pop culture exhibit helps you learn about the era while exploring the prefabricated home built inside the museum. Children under 3 are FREE.
Ohio History Center
800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211
Website
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
With the mission to “inspire, through science and education,” the museum offers engaging and hands-on STEM programs for all students, all grade levels, and all abilities. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum offers several planetarium programs and shows as well as the opportunity to “meet nature” at the Perkins Wildlife Center. Advance purchase tickets are required with many FREE days available. Children age 2 and younger are always FREE!
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, OH 44106
Website
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
Explore the home of our 20th US president and take a cell phone tour of the historic grounds in Mentor, Ohio. To learn more about President Garfield’s Presidency and life make reservations at the welcome center to participate in a forty-five minute guided tour of the home or plan your visit during one of their many special events and programs. Operating hours change throughout the year so check the website before heading out. General admission is FREE.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
8095 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060
Website
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Sherman House Museum
This museum is the birthplace of General William Tecumseh Sherman and his younger brother, U.S. Senator John Sherman. Originally built in 1811, the house and gardens are on the National Register of Historic Places and include furnishings representing the house during the time of the Sherman’s residence, family memorabilia, recreation of General Sherman’s Civil War field tent, Civil War artifacts, and more. Tickets are available for advance purchase online for tours Wednesday-Sunday.
Sherman House Museum
137 E. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130
Website
McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
This unique Presidential museum, historical library, and interactive science center takes visitors on a journey through the past, present, and future with a variety of exhibits, activities, and special events. Learn about the life of our 25th President, visit his final resting place, and see artifacts and exhibits that chronicle his life. You can also explore the history of Stark County, step back in time to see a life-size replica of downtown Canton shops and train station, take in a planetarium show, and explore hands-on science all from this educational and entertaining museum. A planetarium ticket is included with museum admission and children under age 3 are FREE.
McKinley Museum & Discover World
800 McKinley Monument Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Website
Cincinnati Museum Center
Explore the historic Union Terminal and learn more about the history and Art Deco architecture found at this fun hub containing three museums including the Cincinnati History Center. You can experience the history of Cincinnati from the very earliest settlers to today with costumed history interpreters throughout along with a 1/64-scale city replica and s-scale model train, a replica side-wheel steamboat, Omnimax theatre, and more. Tickets are available online and children under 3 are FREE.
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45203
Website
The Works
The Works Ohio Center for History is located in Newark, just outside of Columbus. Enjoy the history of Licking County from pre-historic times to Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock the first woman to fly solo around the world. The museum also offers hands-on experiences from art and history, to glassblowing and science. Enjoy a resorted interurban railway car, interactive SkiDome planetarium shows, STEM programming, and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday with several admission discounts available.
The Works
55 S. 1st Street, Newark, OH 43055
Website
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
If you love music this is the museum for you! Enjoy 150,000 square feet and seven levels of rotating exhibits featuring some of music’s most iconic artists. Artifacts include clothing, instruments, pinball machines, and much more. Discounted tickets are available for City of Cleveland Residents, Service Members, and College Students. Children age 5 and younger are FREE.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1100 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
Website
Train Museums
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
Children will love using their binoculars and watching the trains in the Model Train Room. The History of the Railroad Yards and Dennison’s Golden Era are highlighted in various exhibits. Be sure to take the kids on “Bing’s Scavenger Hunt” throughout the building to find Bing. Tickets are available for purchase online and children under 7 are FREE.
Dennison Railroad Depot Museum
400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621
Website
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Ohio Railway Museum
With a mission to help visitors better understand what our country was like when rail travel was part of our everyday life, this museum has a lot to offer. Exhibits include diesel, steam, and electric trains, streetcars, and more including unique artifacts of railroad culture and technology. Only open on Sundays, children under 3 are FREE.
Ohio Railway Museum
990 Proprietors Rd., Worthington, OH 43085
Website
Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum
Best for school-age children and older, this unique train museum features a full-size working roundhouse. The active workshop includes a 115-foot train turntable, a turntable pit, and 18 stalls for their 22 historic engines. You’ll also be able to see the wooden water tank, coal dock, ash pit, and more when you participate in a guided tour. Tickets sell out quickly, so reserve yours in advance online. Children under 3 are FREE.
Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum
213 Smokey Land Rd. SW, Sugarcreek, OH 44681
Website
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EnterTRAINment Junction – Closed in December 2024
EnterTRAINment Junction is perfect for train lovers of all sizes. Visitors will find the largest indoor train collection in their huge 80,000-square-foot railroad museum and entertainment center. The 1/24th scale train display covers two miles of track and takes you through places found in American history from the 1860s through today. Check their events calendar for special themed activities including Everything Thomas, Jack-O’Lantern Junction, and more. Tickets are available online and children 2 and under are FREE.
EnterTRAINment Junction
7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, OH 45069
Website
Air Museums
National Museum of the US Air Force
This is one of the biggest museums in Ohio, so plan for a full-day visit to see everything in this huge museum with four hangers full of plans and aircraft displays. Explore full-size planes, take a virtual or guided tour, see an Air Force movie in the museum theatre, take a ride in the flight simulator, enjoy a meal, and learn about aviation history from the Wright Brothers to space travel. Open every day, general admission is FREE and open to the public with plenty of space for electric carts and strollers.
National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)
1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433
Website
Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
Part of the Cleveland History Center, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum shares the history of automobiles, aircraft, and a variety of different modes of transportation. Their collection includes several full-size planes and shares the history of flight in the area including the 1910 Curtiss Model E “Bumble Bee” Hydroaeroplane. The museum even has the carriage of the Goodyear Blimp.
While visiting the center you must take a ride on the historic Euclid Beach Carousel. The carousel runs every twenty minutes and unlimited rides are included with the price of admission. The museum is open Thursday through Sunday each week.
Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
Website
MAPS Air Museum
This hidden gem located in Akron is a great place to learn about aviation and talk with pilots who flew some of the planes found there. See and get up close to planes inside and outside the hangar, including unique crafts, helicopters, and blimps with several opportunities to sit in and explore the aircrafts. The museum also offers additional exhibits including the Gallery of Heroes and Medic’s Corner. Closed on Mondays, children age 5 and younger are FREE.
MAPS Air Museum
2260 International Pkwy., North Canton, OH 44720
Website
International Women’s Air & Space Museum
Located in the terminal of Burke Lakefront Airport, the museum works to “collect, preserve, and showcase the history and culture of women in all areas of aviation and aerospace.” You’ll find both traveling and permanent exhibits in the lobby at Burke, as well as the west concourse featuring women such as Amelia Earheart, Ruth Nichols, Bessie Coleman, and more from first flights to space. Open during regular airport hours and Admission is always FREE.
International Women’s Air & Space Museum
Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Ste. 165, Cleveland, OH 44114
Website
Armstrong Air & Space Museum
Found on the western side of Ohio, this aeronautical museum strives to “inspire visitors to see themselves as tomorrow’s explorers” based on the history and stories they share from Neil Armstrong and others. The museum hosts many unique and one-of-a-kind artifacts including an Apollo 11 moon rock, Gemini VIII spacecraft, spacesuits, and more. FREE admission for Ohio History Connection members and children 5 years old and under. Several discounted ticket options are also available.
Armstrong Air & Space Museum
500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Website
Liberty Aviation Museum
Established in 1991 to showcase WW2 aircraft, this working museum strives to restore, maintain, and preserve a large variety of historic aircraft and vehicles. Their collections include several full-size restored planes including bombers, warbirds, trainers, a 1949 racer, and more. Be sure to stop into the “Tin Goose Diner” for breakfast or lunch while you’re there! Children 5 and under are FREE.
Liberty Aviation Museum
3515 E. State Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452
Website
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Sports Museums
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
The team with many firsts in the sport including the first no-hitter game of the 20th century, this Hall of Fame Museum is fun for all baseball fans. Located near Smale Park in Cincinnati, stop in to learn about the history of the Reds, make your own baseball cards, and try out being a television reporter or professional announcer. Tickets are available online and kids 12 and under are FREE.
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Discover the history of your favorite NFL teams and all of the current Hall of Famers in this museum all about football. Plan for at least four hours to explore the history of the game with hands-on educational fun, videos, and live demos. The museum offers insider tours with an experienced docent for an additional charge. Special price days and discounted tickets are available, with children ages 5 and younger FREE.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
Website
Baseball Heritage Museum
Created to “support the rich history of diversity in baseball,” the museum can be found at the birthplace of Cleveland baseball at League Park. Visitors will learn about the rich heritage and diversity of the game while exploring letters, programs, photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia while hearing the stories of players throughout history. Admission is FREE for children 9 and under.
Baseball Heritage Museum
6601 Lexington Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103
Website
More Unique Museums & Collections
Chocolate Cafe and Museum
Unique and delicious, this museum is one more great reason to visit the island of Put-in-Bay! Featuring an exhibit about how chocolates are made, you’ll also find displays with antique memorabilia and exhibits on candy-themed movies, like Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. Before you go, stop into the cafe to enjoy chocolates, Toft’s ice cream, pastries, cakes, and signature coffees.
Chocolate Cafe and Museum
820 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
Website
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Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
Of all the museums in Ohio, this little, unique museum is located at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center and offers what is known to be the largest pencil sharpener collection in America. The collection started more than 20 years ago and has grown to hold more than 3,400 pencil sharpeners. It’s so unique it has been featured in several national magazines!
Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum
13178 State Route 664 S, Logan, OH 43138
Website
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The Troll Hole Museum
With more than 20,000 troll items, including the Guinness World Record troll doll collection, you will learn everything about trolls – from ancient mythology to the modern toy. Full of colorful fun, the museum offers special events, character meet and greets, a gift shop, tours, and more. Tickets are available online and children under 2 are FREE.
The Troll Hole Emporium
228 E. Main St., Alliance, OH 44601
Website
The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens
Located in Dover, Ohio, the Ernest Warther Museum and Gardens shares the story, home, and wood carving works of the World’s Master Carver. Tour the home where Ernest aka “Mooney” and his wife lived and raised their family, view the artwork of the “Button House,” see Mooney’s carving workshop (untouched since 1973), and the Dave Warther Arboretum with a variety of interesting species. Admission includes a guided tour of the home, and self-guided tours of the museum, workshop, and gardens. Children 3 and under are FREE.
The Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens
331 Karl Ave., Dover, OH 44622
Website
Ohio Glass Museum & Glass Blowing Studio
The Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio is committed to preserving, sharing, and creating the tradition and history of the glass-making industry. The museum hosts a beautiful gallery of glassworks, machinery, and historic exhibits. They also offer a variety of glass classes in their blowing studio, special events, and a museum store where you can purchase beautiful works created by local artists. Open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4 pm.
Ohio Glass Museum & Glass Blowing Studio
124 W. Main St., Lancaster, OH 43130
Website
Merry-Go-Round Museum
Found inside of the historic, preserved Sandusky US Post Office building, the Merry Go Round Museum started with a postage stamp designed with a Cedar Point carousel animal and hosts a full-size historic carousel inside. In addition to enjoying a ride on the carousel, visitors can browse the exhibits of beautiful vintage carousel figures, take a tour, and meet and learn about how carousel animals are made by an artisan carver. Children under 4 are FREE and admission includes 1 ride token.
Merry-Go-Round Museum
301 Jackson St., Sandusky, OH 44870
Website
National Museum of the Great Lakes
The National Museum of the Great Lakes hosts hundreds of artifacts, hands-on interactive exhibits, and audiovisual displays sharing the history of the Great Lakes. Visitors can also choose to tour the museum’s two boats, a 617-foot iron ore freighter the Col. James M. Schoonmaker Museum Ship and the Museum Tug Ohio originally used as a fire tug. Children 5 and under are FREE.
National Museum of the Great Lakes
1701 Front St., Toledo, OH 43605
Website
A Christmas Story House and Museum
Take a tour or stay overnight at the famous A Christmas Story house or head across the street to the museum which features original props, costumes, and memorabilia from the film as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. You also have the option to spend the night sleeping in Ralphie and Randy’s bed! Open daily, year round with tickets available online and at the the door. Children under 3 are FREE.
A Christmas Story House and Museum
3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
Website
Maritime Museum of Sandusky
Have a “boatload” of fun when you “dive in” to the history at this Maritime Museum. Board the Lyman boats and other on-site vessels and explore the museum’s two outbuildings full of artifacts and displays. Visitors can also visit the boat building school and learn more about Sandusky’s role in the freedom movement in their Underground Railroad exhibit.
Maritime Museum of Sandusky
125 Meigs St., Sandusky, OH 44870
Website
Biblewalk Wax Museum
This world-renowned, life-size wax museum features more than 78 scenes and 300 wax figures. Each scene is complemented by individual wall murals and authentic costumes, and features original music and narration. Children age 8 and under are FREE!
Biblewalk Wax Museum
500 Tingley Ave., Mansfield, OH 44905
Website
The Education and Learning Center & Money Museum
Stand beneath a 23-foot money tree, trade on the Barter Islands, try to identify counterfeit bills, and make your own currency. Experience hands-on, interactive exhibits to learn about personal finance, economics, and the history of money. Admission is FREE!
The Education and Learning Center (located in the lobby of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland)
1455 E. 6th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
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American Sign Museum
This fun and unique Ohio museum was created to share and preserve the history and craftsmanship of signage in the United States. Walk through the bright exhibits of business and industry starting in the mid-late 1800’s and see the signs change as the times progress. The museum offers a variety of special events, tours, and family activities including crafts and scavenger hunts to make your visit even more engaging. Three children ages 12 and under per party are FREE with each adult admission ticket.
American Sign Museum
1330 Monmouth Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45225
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Free Museums and Other Ways to Save on Admission
FREE Museums
Enjoy free admission every day for these popular museums.
- Butler Institute of American Art
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- International Women’s Air & Space Museum
- Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
- The Learning Center and Money Museum
- Dayton Air Force Museum
- James A. Garfield National Historic Site
- Orton Geological Museum
- Toledo Museum of Art
Museums with FREE Admission Days
Some of the museums on our list also offer free admission on select dates and for special events. Be sure to check each museum’s website for details when planning your visit.
- Akron Art Museum: Gallery admission is FREE every Thursday. Website
- Canton Art Museum: FREE admission every Thursday from 10 am-8 pm during exhibit hours. Website
- Cleveland Museum of Natural History: FREE admission on Sundays for Cleveland and East Cleveland Residents with proof of residency. Website
Museums with FREE or Reduced Admission for Qualified Visitors
If you’re a teacher, active or retired military, or member of a museum that offers a reciprocal program, be sure to check and/or ask to save.
Free Admission to Museums with a Library Pass
Many local library branches offer free museum passes you can use with a library card. Check before you go to see if your library has passes available to save on museums that charge general admission.
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