Ohio Day Trips: The Benefits of Exploring as a Senior Adult
Day trips are the perfect way to unleash your inner explorer and see things you normally wouldn’t. The mental and physical benefits of traveling are crucial for aging well as a senior. Our guide for Ohio day trips and the benefits of exploring as a senior adult are sure to spark your sense of adventure.
Benefits of Day Trips
Movement
Traveling for a day trip is the perfect way to move your body. Whether you’re exploring hiking trails or enjoying a walk around a new town, physical activity is important for disease prevention and benefiting overall health.
Mental Stimulation
Learning new things and seeing new sights are important for overall brain health. Because exploring things like museum exhibits and spending time in nature lower cortisol, your mood improves, isolation decreases, and overall wellbeing is improved.
Social Connection
Exploring new places with your loved ones is a great way to foster intergenerational relationships. Ohio day trips are the perfect excuse to try something new together. Social connection is crucial for depression and loneliness prevention, which can lead to further health complications.
Shift of Perspective
Time to embrace your inner adventurer—whatever that looks like. Following your sense of adventure by trying new things and visiting places outside your usual routine is a great way to discover different perspectives.
Places to Visit
Museums
Learning shouldn’t stop once you leave school—studies show that being a life long learner increases cognitive health and reduces the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Take advantage of museums to explore interesting exhibits, learn more about history, and embrace your inner explorer!
- Air Force Museum – Dayton
- COSI – Center of Science and Industry – Columbus
- Cincinnati Art Museum – Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Museum Center – Cincinnati
- Cleveland Museum of Art – Cleveland
- National Museum of the Great Lakes – Toledo
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – Cincinnati
- Otherworld – Columbus
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland
- Toledo Museum of Science – Toledo
Nature, Zoos, and More
One of the best ways to explore Ohio is through nature! Whether you’re an avid hiker, a birding enthusiast, or exotic animal-lover, Ohio has amazing opportunities to explore nature and animals. Being outside and how it affects our mental health is crucial to the benefits of exploring as a senior. Some of our favorite spots include:
- Aullwood Audubon Farm – Dayton
- Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens – Cincinnati
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Columbus
- Cleveland Botanical Garden – Cleveland
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden – Columbus
- Greater Cleveland Aquarium – Cleveland
- Hocking Hills State Park
- Schedel Gardens – Toledo
- Toledo Zoo and Aquarium – Toledo
Festivals and Fairs
We are known for our festivals in Ohio! Festivals bring together communities, foster intergenerational connections, and preserve local traditions and culture. You can attend niche festivals like the Cleveland Garlic Festival or Ohio Pawpaw Festival or explore larger outings like county fairs, the Ohio Renaissance Festival, and the Ohio State Fair. Every county offers something interesting, so be sure to look here for a full list!
Popular Towns for Day Trips
Visiting local towns is a great way to explore with your loved ones. Ohio is full of quaint, fun places that are unlike anywhere else.
- Yellow Springs
- If you’re looking for an eclectic and artsy town with access to beautiful nature, Yellow Springs is calling your name! Be sure to check out the interesting indie shops downtown and Young’s Jersey Dairy for a scoop of fresh ice cream. Glen Helen Nature Preserve is just blocks away from downtown and the perfect way to explore nature trails in the area.
- Chagrin Falls
- If you want to feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie, Chagrin Falls is the perfect day trip. Admire the Chagrin Falls Waterfall, which is right in the middle of town! Enjoy boutique shopping and restaurants downtown while taking in the picturesque architecture.
- Sugarcreek
- Famously nicknamed “Little Switzerland of Ohio”, Sugarcreek is known for its unique attractions, such as The Farm at Walnut Creek, the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock, and Amish influence. Enjoy eating at the local Amish restaurants—tip: avoid travelling on Sundays to avoid any closures!
- Put-in-Bay
- Ready to take a ferry? Put-in-Bay is a great option for a family friendly day trip. Enjoy the boardwalk and local nature offerings such as Scheef East Point Nature Preserve and South Bass Island State Park. Follow the Put-in-Bay Foodie Trail to explore the island’s culinary scene.
- Geneva-on-the-Lake
- Another great options for family friendly adventures, Geneva-on-the-Lake offers beautiful access to nature and Lake Erie! Be sure to visit Geneva State Park, explore Lake Erie Canopy Tours, and take in the nostalgic lakefront charm.
Travel Safety Tips
Even if you’re going on a short trip, it’s important to be travel prepared. Taking a few moments to make sure you’ll be safe and comfortable will make your trip even more fun.
Fuel Your Body
Make sure to pack water and drinks to stay hydrated. Bring healthy snacks for the drive and throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
Stretch
Whether you’re taking a break on a car ride or pausing after a long walk, make sure to stretch throughout the day. Stretching keeps you feeling refreshed by improving circulation, preventing muscle stiffness, and relieving muscle tension.
Remember Medications
If you take medications throughout the day, be sure to plan and organize what you need to bring with you. Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about traveling.
Keep Valuables Secure
The nice part about day trips is packing light. Make sure to bring necessities, but feel free to skip packing things if you don’t need them. For valuables like purses, wallets, and electronics, be sure to pack them in a bag that you can carry on your person and avoid leaving them in your car.
Rest
Don’t be afraid of resting during your adventure! Day trips are usually brimming with things to do but try not to over-schedule yourself. After all, resting is important to keep energy levels up and not overwhelm yourself.
Our sense of adventure is how we stay young at heart. Day trips are the perfect way to travel Ohio, connect with others, and learn something new. Above all, the benefits of exploring as a senior help you improve mental, physical, and social wellness.
We love Ohio—it’s home for us! At The Ohio Masonic Communities, our senior living communities help residents thrive and confidently age in place. We offer maintenance-free living and engaging amenities across our three campuses—Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.
We are your number one stop for senior living options. Wherever you are in your journey, we’re here to help. Give us a call at (877) 881-1623, contact us, or check out our Here to Help guides for senior living resources.