Fun Freebies at 10+ Ohio State National Parks & Sites

Published:
October 6, 2024

Sarah Shelton

Contributor:
Sarah Shelton

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

The state of Ohio is known for it’s open farmlands, agriculture, love of football and the birthplace of aviation. Ohio state national parks are a great place to visit with your children as they are full of natural beauty, outdoor recreation and history.

exploring ohio state national parks shows a mom and daughter outside, smiling and looking at paper packet
Credit: Canva

The Buckeye State is home to one national park, one national monument, two national memorial sites, two national historic parks, a national aviation heritage area, four national historic sites and a national scenic trail. 

Explore Ohio State National Parks & Get Free Resources

This guide will help you experience Ohio’s national parks in a fun and educational way. Visiting national parks, monuments and historic sites provide an amazing learning experience for your whole family. We have included details about these parks, as well as free curriculum, videos, Junior Ranger activities and more for learning fun in your homeschool.

1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located in northeastern Ohio between Akron and Cleveland. It is the youngest national park and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It was originally established as a National Recreation Area by President Gerald Ford in 1974. In 2000, President Bill Clinton redesignated it as a National Park.

Known for the historic Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the park is a popular spot for walking, biking, and even cross-country skiing during the winter months. The northern Cuyahoga Valley section of the trail is well preserved, earning it recognition as a National Historic Landmark.

Things to Do:

  • Visitor Center – The Boston Mill Visitor Center is housed in what was once the 1905 general store for the Cleveland-Akron Bag Company. Take a look at the exhibits and get a map of the park here. You can also borrow hiking poles.
  • Canal Exploration Center – Learn about the Ohio and Erie Canal and the history surrounding it. Read a child’s diary of the time, learn about John Malvin, a free African American and his experiences as a canal boat captain. 
  • The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail – This popular trail follows the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal. You can walk, bike, ski in the winter, or go horseback riding on this trail. This trail also has disability and stroller access on shorter trails with scenic views.
  • Brandywine Gorge Loop – ​This loop circles a deep ravine carved by Brandywine Creek, and provides stunning views of Brandywine Falls along your way on the scenic trails.
  • Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – Enjoy a variety of experiences such as a scenic ride through the national park, dining and drinks, as well as entertainment excursions to the holiday magic of the North Pole Adventure™.
  • View Rock Formations – Hike along the Ledges Trail to see unique rock formations.
  • Hiking Trails – There are over 125 miles of trails that range from nearly-level to more challenging. Hike through different habitats such as: woodlands, wetlands, and old fields.
  • Winter Sports – There is cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and sledding.
  • Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching – Observe wildlife and birdwatch along the Beaver Marsh.
  • Cuyahoga River – Enjoy picnicking or kayaking on the Cuyahoga River.
  • Ranger Led Tours and Educational Programs –  Attend ranger talks and ranger walks throughout the park to learn more about the history, nature and wildlife in the area.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Free Printables for Homeschool

Cuyahoga Valley National Park has many free educational resources that can be used to learn about African American History, Geology, Earth Science, Water and Wetlands.

– Junior Ranger Program

There is an in person and online junior ranger program for children ages 3-12+. There are free online activities and junior ranger booklets and a printable badge that you can download at home.

  • Junior Ranger, Jr. online activities for children ages 3-6 could be used as part of a mini bird study with a wildlife craft, sound recordings, an animal behavior to act out, as well an outdoor discovery challenge. There are 6 different birds to explore including blackbirds, hummingbirds, creepers, hawks, orioles & bluebirds.
  • Junior Ranger online activities for kids 7-12 include a past peoples challenge as well as an interview an elder challenge.

– Scouts

If you have a Boy Scout or Girl Scout in your family then be sure to check out the special patches and certificates your scout could earn at this park.

– Distance Learning ProgrAM

Teachers can now invite a ranger virtually into their classroom to talk with students during a free distance learning program. This would be great for a homeschool co-op or homeschool class.

Learn about a variety of topics such as: Geology and Earth science, the Ohio & Erie Canal, Prehistoric Peoples, Wetlands, and Animal Wildlife. 

– FREE Curriculum

This national park in Ohio has lots of free lesson plans and teacher resources available on their Curriculum Materials page in these subjects:

  • HERstories of Cuyahoga Valley: the Suffrage Movement and Harriet Keeler
  • Introduction to Citizen Science
  • Why Water Matters
  • What’s in the Water?
  • When War Hits Home: The Ohio & Erie Canal Town of Peninsula, and the Civil War Election of 1864
  • The Ohio & Erie Canal: Catalyst of Economic Development for Ohio (Teaching with Historic Places)

2. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument 

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument is located in Wilberforce, Ohio. This monument preserves the home of Charles Young and his post-Civil War military legacy. It was dedicated in 2013 to celebrate Charles Young and the history of the Buffalo Soldiers in the United States Army.

Learn about the life of Charles Young, born to enslaved parents. He was the third African American to graduate from West Point Military Academy and was the highest ranking African American officer in the U.S. Army.

Things to Do:

  • Watch “A Triumph of Tragedy: The Life of Charles Young” – This is a free online video that you an watch from home. It is also shown at the visitors center.
  • Explore Charles Young’s Home – Explore the historic home of Colonel Charles Young and learn about his legacy and the Buffalo Soldiers.
  • Walking Trails and Interpretive Exhibits

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Free Educational Resources

There are a few free educational resources that can enhance your learning at home. This is perfect if you are learning about African American History or the Buffalo Soldiers in your homeschool history lessons.

Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers NM Junior Ranger Program

The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument Junior Ranger Program includes a booklet with a quiz that your child can take. Upon finishing the quiz, bring it back to a ranger and get your booklet stamped and receive a badge. You can also email the national monument to have them send you a booklet and a badge in the mail.

– Teaching With Historic Places

Discover Colonel Young’s Protest Ride for Equality and Country: A Lightning Lesson from Teaching with Historic Places, featuring the historic Colonel Charles Young House. This 22 page free pdf download includes maps, lesson plans, activities and worksheets for your children to complete.

– Distance Learning Program

Bring the stories of the Buffalo Soldiers to your homeschool or co-op classroom. Learn about the communities they served between 1866 and the Korean War and the Buffalo Soldiers accomplishments and life in the army.

The Distance Learning Topics include: What is a Buffalo Soldier to Wear? and Brigadier General Charles Young: The Responsible Leader!

– Online Coloring Pages & Crossword Puzzles

  • Online coloring pages are also also available to add to your homeschool lessons if you are studying famous individuals such as Booker T Washington, Charles Young or even Cathay Williams – the only female Buffalo Soldier in history and the first African-American female to enlist in the US Army.
  • Crossword puzzles can add another element of fun to the the learning and the park has 2 of them online to download and print. Both the Junior Ranger and/or the Challenge puzzles can be used as a starting point to or research or as a fun quiz to see how much your kids have learned.

3. David Berger National Memorial

David Berger National Memorial The David Berger National Memorial is located in Beachwood, Ohio, at the Mandel Jewish Community Center. This memorial sculpture was created to honor David Berger, a United States citizen and one of the eleven Israeli athletes killed at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

4. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial

Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. This enormous monument is a 352 Doric Column. Buried under the floor are three United States soldiers and three British Soldiers.

It commemorates the victory of Commodore Perry’s fleet in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812. This memorial also honors the peace between the United States, Canada and Great Britain.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the Memorial Plaza and Rotunda – Visiting the plaza and Rotunda is free.
  • Tour the Observation Deck – Purchase a ticket to tour the observation deck at the top of the monument.
  • Visitor Center – View the memorial and the grounds and watch a 15 minute video about the Battle of Lake Erie. If you can not attend in person, you can watch this video at home with your children.
  • View from the Top – If you can not visit this amazing memorial in person, you can see visit it virtually with the View from the Top videos.

Educational Nature and Ranger Programs

This monument has some amazing nature and ranger programs for all ages!

Attend Nature Camp

Every Sunday and Monday from 10:30 -12:30 and 1:30-3:30 young visitors and their families can explore the diverse plants and animals of Lake Erie and South Bass Island. Discover life cycles, habitats and threats in these ranger led programs.

Summer Ranger Programs

Every day in the summer at 1:00 pm kids are invited to participate in a variety of 20-minute programs held at the visitor center. 

– Junior Ranger Programs

Discover more about Perry’s battle and victory, international peace, Lake Erie conservation, and other park related themes. There are three Junior Ranger books available at this location or to print and study at home.

  • If you are studying the War of 1812 then be sure to grab the complete junior ranger books for either ages 6-9 or 10-12 to learn more about the Battle of Lake Erie.
  • Great Lakes – This one is unique in that you can start it at Perry’s Victory and complete it at one of 14 other national parks sites associated the Great Lakes.
  • The third book is all about fishing. Details are found at Let’s Go Fishing.

5. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park 

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park is located in Dayton, Ohio the birthplace of aviation. This national historic park remembers the lives and work of the Wright Brothers: Wilbur and Orville Wright and the poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.

The area that the Wright Brothers lived around the Dayton neighborhood was destroyed due to the riots during the seventies. However, one of the sites was preserved. It is an old bicycle shop that was owned by the brothers themselves. The park was created to remember their legacy.

Things to Do:

There are six historic sites located here that tell the stories of Wilbur Wright, Orville Wright, and Paul Laurence Dunbar. All of these sites are designated as National Historic Landmarks.

  • Visit the Wright brother’s printing office.
  • Walk through the original Wright brother’s bicycle shop.
  • View the third airplane created by the Wright brothers.
  • Follow the brother’s footsteps at the Huffman Prairie Flying Field.
  • Visit Hawthorn Hill (The Wright brother’s mansion).
  • Visit Paul Laurence Dunbar’s last home.

Educational Resources for your Homeschool

Watch the Park FilmThe Wright Brothers: On Great White Wings

Wright Brothers Teacher Guide – This is a full lesson plan on how to teach about the Wright Brothers with guided questions, teacher instructions and activity sheets. It is not available on the website, but the contact information is on the page to obtain a copy through the mail.

– Curriculum Materials

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historic Park has so many amazing resources available for your children to learn about aviation and the Wright Brothers. Check out the Curriculum Materials page for all of the free downloads. Here are some of our favorite resources:

  • Who Were the Wright Brothers?
  • First Flight or Fake News?
  • Airplanes of the Future
  • Mapping a Neighborhood
  • Make Your Own Monument
  • Can You Outrun the Wright Flyer?

– Dayton Aviation Heritage NHP Junior Ranger Program

Wright Brothers – All future Junior Rangers between the ages of 5-13 should report to the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center. Once you arrive, ask a ranger for a Junior Ranger booklet to start your adventure. Once your child completes the set of activities, bring it back to the ranger. The ranger will check off your answers and then help lead the Junior Ranger pledge and receive their badge.

* A digital activity book isn’t currently available but we recommend checking the website periodically as they are working to add one.

Dunbar House Junior Ranger Program – If you can’t visit in person then the digital Junior Ranger activity book about Paul Laurence Dunbar, an African-American poet is available to download.

6. National Aviation Heritage Area

National Aviation Heritage Area is located in Dayton, Ohio. It is managed by the National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA), rather than directly by the National Park Service (NPS). However, the area does include multiple sites that are affiliated with the NPS, such as the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park.

The National Aviation Heritage Area aims to be the center of aviation heritage in America and preserves the legacy of the Wright brothers. Visitors make their way across the different counties to discover, learn, and explore the history of aviation and aerospace in more than fifteen sites throughout the area.

Historic Sites and Points of Interest to Visit

7. Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is located in Chillicothe, Ohio. It is home to earthen mounds made by the American Indians who used to live in the area. These mounds are all different shapes and patterns throughout the Ohio River Valley.

This National Historic Park is currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage. Known as the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, the park and its fellow Hopewellian sites are close to being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List

Guided Ranger Tours

There are multiple guided ranger tours throughout the summer months that will teach you about the earthen mounds in Mound City and the earthworks.

  • Last Sunday of the Month Guided Tours –  Join the interpretive rangers on the last Sunday in June and July. These special tours focus on the other public earthworks preserved by this national historical park.
  • Second Friday Tours with an Archaeologist – The second Friday in June, July, and August take walking tours led by Park Archeologists, Dr. Bret Ruby and Dr. Tim Everhart. These expert guides will lead you on learning expeditions through the awe-inspiring American Indian ceremonial earthworks protected at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
  • Summer Ranger Guided Tours and Talks – Every day of the week May 25 – August 4 there are ranger guided tours at 10:00 am and ranger-led talks at 1:00 pm.

Hopewell Culture National Historic Park Educational Resources for Your Homeschool

Your children can learn more about this national historic park by becoming a junior ranger or participating in a distance learning program!

– Junior Ranger Programs

  • Junior Archeologist Program – You can pick up the activity booklets at the park or download and complete it at home. Kids can then get a patch by either mailing or emailing the completed booklet.
  • Hopewell Culture National Historical Park also has a Junior Ranger program. While the full activity book is only available in person, some of the activities can be printed out. Or you can record your answers on a blank piece of paper and review your answers at the end.

– Curriculum Materials

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park offers a variety of materials for educators. They may be used to develop stand-alone lessons, to prepare for a field trip to our park, or to reinforce the experiences learned on a field trip.

These are some of the lesson plans that are available on the Curriculum Materials page:

  • Women in Archeology: Dr. N’omi Greber’s Contributions to Hopewell Archeology
  • Travel or Trade?
  • A Penny for Your Thoughts
  • PB & J Archaeology

– Distance Learning Program

Looking for ways to supplement your American Indian curriculum or you can’t make it to the park for an on-site field trip? The Hopewell Culture NHP Distance Learning program is now available to classrooms around the globe with a distance learning program.

This would be great for a homeschool group and the programs are free. Distance Learning programs may be scheduled mornings during January, February and March when staff is available.

8. Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site

Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site is located in Maumee, Ohio. This historic site preserves three important sites in the history of the United States, tied to early Native American and U.S. relations and military conflicts.

  • Fallen Timbers Battlefield – The site marks the location of the Battle of Fallen Timbers, which took place on August 20, 1794. Fallen Timbers Battlefield consists of 187 acres of open field with a wooded area near the center.
  • Fallen Timbers Monument – The Fallen Timbers State Monument is a 9-acre site approximately 0.25 mile south of the battlefield. Here you will see a 10-foot bronze statue of General Wayne, with an Indian guide to the right and a settler to the left, which is mounted on a 15-foot granite pedestal.
  • Fort Miamis – The British fort, located several miles away on River Road, played a role in the Battle of Fallen Timbers and, later, the War of 1812. The park is open, and much of the earthworks used to create the fort are still visible.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the monuments – There are monuments that honor American forces and Native American warriors who fought in the battle.
  • Trails and Interpretation – Visitors can walk trails across the battlefield and read interpretive signs that explain the historical significance of the events that took place there.
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9. First Ladies National Historic Site

First Ladies National Historic Site is located in Canton, Ohio. This historic site honors the contributions of the First Ladies of the United States.

There are two building here: the City National Bank Building built-in 1895, and First Lady Ida Saxton McKinley home built-in 1841. The heart of the park is the childhood home of Ida Saxton who would become the wife of President William McKinley. The house has been authentically restored with period furnishings.

Things to Do:

  • Saxton House Tour – Take a guided tour through the former home of Ida and William McKinley. Through this tour, you’ll not only learn the story of this former first lady, but also understand the difficult public position put upon many of our nation’s first ladies.
  • Visitor Center – This center is located in the historic City National Bank. Here you can explore the museum of rotating exhibits, watch a film and earn Junior Ranger Badges.

Free Homeschool Resources at First Ladies National Historic Site

– Junior Ranger Program

Digital and in-person Junior Ranger activity booklets for both kids ages 8 and under as well as 9+ are available allowing students to learn more about the First Ladies of the US.

– Distance Learning Programs

You can email the distance learning programs to set up a program for your homeschool group! Here are some of the subjects that are covered in these virtual field trips:

  • Discover Ohio’s National Parks
  • Exploring the Past – Learn about the historic home and compare their lives to a young girl in the 1800s.
  • First Ladies and Technology
  • Decorating With a Purpose – Learn about how First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of first ladies choosing a theme for the White House Christmas decorations.

10. James A. Garfield National Historic Site

James A. Garfield National Historic Site is located in Mentor, Ohio. It was the home that the 20th President of the United States: President Garfield bought for his family in 1876. After President Garfield was assassinated, his wife built a wing onto the house to become a memorial library in honor of her late husband. This was the first ever presidential library.

Things to Do:

  • Guided Tours – Take a guided tour of the Garfield home and learn about the history of President Garfield an the first presidential library.

Educational Resources for James A. Garfield National Historic Site

There are many educational resources available for this national historic site.

– Junior Ranger Program

A James A. Garfield National Historic Site Junior Ranger activity book is available in person or there is also the ability request one online.

Junior Ranger Railroad Explorer – The railroad played a huge part in President Garfield’s campaign and kids can learn more about the history of the transcontinental railroad with this fun activity book.

– Ohio History Programs for 4th Grade

Where was Garfield? Timeline Program – Students use investigation skills in the museum exhibits to find facts about Ohio’s history, and use those facts to create a giant timeline. Classes will also take a tour of the Garfield home, and compare and contrast what life was like for the Garfield children in the 1880s and students today.

GarfieldMan of Many Hats – Students use investigation skills to find information in the museum exhibits about James A. Garfield and the many jobs he held.  A compare/contrast tour of the Garfield home is also included.

11. William Howard Taft National Historic Site

William Howard Taft National Historic Site is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The National Park Service restored the home where President Taft lived from his birth until he left for Yale in 1874.

The house is restored to its appearance in the mid-19th century. There is an animatronic robot named Charlie that looks like William Taft’s youngest son.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the Taft Educational Center and learn about the legacy of William Taft.
  • Take a guided tour of the restored home to view antique furniture from the mid-19th century.

William Howard Taft National Historic Site Free Curriculum for Your Homeschool

The Curriculum Materials page has free lesson plans to learn about: The Volstead Act, the career of William Howard Taft and the many hats he wore, old toys from William Taft’s childhood, and Taft family values.

There are also a couple of fun and free activities from the park’s Junior Ranger booklet available for kids to enjoy if you can’t visit in person.

12. North Country National Scenic Trail 

North Country National Scenic Trail – This beautiful national scenic trail is located in 8 states including Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin.

The Ohio part of the trail begins in eastern Ohio and then heads south and then back up to northern Ohio and into Michigan. This trail connects historic, cultural and scenic areas. It is the longest National Scenic Trails in the United State and is 4,600 miles long.

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