Review: Kids Love Ohio

My first introduction to KIDS LOVE OHIO by Michele Darrall Zavatsky was at a homeschool support group meeting over 10 years ago. I was a brand new homeschool mom and some of the “veteran” or experienced homeschool moms highly suggested the book to aid in planning field trips and educational outings.

I bought a copy of the book right there. Of the thousands of dollars that I spent over the years on resources to homeschool my kids, this book (and the others I purchased in the series) were one of my best investments. Why? Because this book shares hundreds of locations to visit in Ohio broken down by region, providing what I consider to be the best type of learning experience, hands-on,  and in the process, my family created many memories.

I’ve replaced that very first edition with several newer editions over the years and when the kids and I traveled out of state with my husband’s job for extended periods of time, I always purchased a copy of a “Kids Love” book for that state. They were a life saver for me, especially at that time because I didn’t have internet access to find things on my own. Now, I appreciate the 1000’s of hours of work Michele has put towards research so I don’t have to.

I simply pick up the book, find a region I want to explore and read the short excerpts that give me some information about the attraction. The contact information, including phone number and website is right there if I have a question or need to know more.

This book does not make recommendations and though the author did visit many of the locations with her own family, you’ll find a longer intro to that attraction, but not personal experience.

While I’m mentioned how much I enjoyed using the books in this series as a homeschool mom, these books are designed for anyone that wants to explore the Buckeye State and beyond.

Kids Love Ohio opens with a brief intro on how to use the book with tips to help you plan a great outing with money saving tips. You’ll also find ideas of places found in nearly every community that may offer tour ideas.

Each chapter opens with an overview of what the author considers highlights from that region and then broken down by regions: Northwest
North Central
Northeast Central
Central West
Central East
Southwest
and South.
From there the region is indexed by city and attraction so you can find what you’re looking for in a glance. A small map will show you where those cities are located within the region.

While the book primarily shares attractions, you will find some restaurant and lodging suggestions as well, indicated by icon.

The back of the book includes a Master Index as well as an Activity Index sorted by:
Amusements
Animals & Farms
History Museums
Outdoor
Exploring Seasonal and Special Events
Science
Sports
Suggested Lodging & Dining
The Arts
and Tours.

KIDS LOVE OHIO offers those in the Buckeye State and surrounding areas, a handy reference guide, allowing them to plan a day trip or quick weekend getaway to reconnect and create new memories.

In addition to the Kids Love state series, you’ll also find interstate guides that are indispensable for road trips. Purchase Kids Love I-75 or Kids Love I-95 for your next road trip. Read my full review of Kids Love I-75.

Kids Love Travel State Guides include:

Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland & DC
Michigan
Missouri
North & South Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Tennessee
Virginia & DC
Wisconsin

Prices range from $14.95 to $17.95 with ebook options available for slightly less.

You can purchase from the Kids Love Travel website or from Amazon. Follow KIDS LOVE Travel on Facebook and the author, Michele, on Twitter for more ideas and updates.

The KIDS LOVE travel series will help you plan your next staycation, day trip or family getaway.

What is your favorite resource for finding things to do in Ohio with your family?