If you know me at all, you know that one of my greatest joys is my five grandchildren: Blake, Clayton, Raelynn, Olivia, and Evelynn. There are so many things I enjoy about living in Ashland, Ohio (Central Ohio) and love that I get to experience it all with my young grandchildren. They are all under the age of five, so having activities close by that are age appropriate is wonderful.

Locally in Ashland County, walking trails in the area provide a scenic and healthy way to explore the outdoors. The Ashland County Parks District is made up of 20 different parks close to home. These various parks include hiking trails, playgrounds, fishing, access for canoeing, and much more to explore. The beautiful Mohican State Park is a great option for hiking and camping, and it is also just a short drive to the southern part of Ashland County. Local parades are also a fun way to experience community events.

Another great part of living in Central Ohio, is that we are only a short hour drive to reach many other locations that offer a diverse range of activities for families with children or grandchildren. The Columbus Zoo is one of our favorite destinations. Being only an hour drive south, with its many exhibits and animal encounters, it's close enough to make having an annual zoo pass a must. We visit the zoo many times throughout the year, even during the winter where we can see the annual zoo lights.

For those who love Disney magic, Columbus and Cleveland offer both Disney on Ice and the Disney Immersive Experience. Plus, being so close to these larger cities, the opportunity to go to other shows, concerts, and events are endless. My husband and I have enjoyed going to see the characters from our grandkids' favorite movies come to life right in front of them. I love watching my grandchildren's faces as they sing along to those familiar songs.

For a more educational experience, families can visit COSI: The Center of Science and Industry in Columbus. The Cleveland Aquarium is another popular attraction, featuring a variety of marine life exhibits. The Mansfield Buckeye Museum and Mansfield Carousel offer a glimpse into our area's history.

For more fun, the Kroc Center in Ashland is a great option for indoor play on a rainy day. And for the colder months, Kalahari Waterpark is perfect for a day of aquatic fun. For thrill-seekers, Cedar Point Amusement Park is only a short drive away and provides so much fun for all ages.

We certainly are blessed to live in a beautiful area surrounded by so many places where we can make life long memories! 

Written By Realtor: Vicki Young