25 Best Things to Do Near Ravenna, Ohio With Kids

Quick Answer

The Ravenna, Ohio area offers families a surprising mix of outdoor adventure, classic small-town fun, and easy day trips. Within a 30-mile radius you'll find West Branch State Park's swimming beach, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre, the Akron Zoo, the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair, the Portage County Randolph Fair, and miles of family-friendly hiking and biking trails. Most of these are an easy drive from Country Acres RV Park in Ravenna, which makes a perfect family base camp from May through September.

Why Ravenna Is a Great Family Base Camp

Most travel guides skip Ravenna. That's their loss.

Ravenna sits at a kind of magic intersection of Northeast Ohio — close enough to Cleveland and Akron to access big-city attractions, but rural enough to have a real lake, a state park, a national park nearby, classic Ohio festivals, and the kind of small-town main street where you can park easily and walk to ice cream.

For a family planning a long weekend or a full week of activities, the Ravenna area gives you about 5-7 days of content without anyone driving more than 45 minutes in any direction. That's rare.

Here's the full list of family-friendly things to do, organized by what your kids actually care about.

Outdoor Adventures

1. Swim at West Branch State Park Beach

The 700-foot sand beach at West Branch State Park is the area's main family draw. The lake (the 2,650-acre Michael J. Kirwan Reservoir) is calm enough for swimming, and the beach has a snack bar, shower house, and changing area. Pack a cooler and plan to stay all day. We have a full West Branch State Park camping guide if you want the deep dive.

2. Rent a Pontoon at the West Branch Marina

The West Branch marina rents pontoons, fishing boats, and kayaks. A half-day pontoon rental with the kids is a top-tier family memory — bring sandwiches, swimsuits, sunscreen, and let everyone take turns at the wheel.

3. Hike the Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Inside Cuyahoga Valley National Park (about 30-40 minutes from Ravenna), the Ledges Trail is a 2.2-mile loop through massive sandstone cliffs and hidden caves. Kids love scrambling on the rocks. Wear good shoes.

4. Walk to Brandywine Falls

Also inside CVNP, Brandywine Falls is a 65-foot waterfall reached by a short, stroller-friendly boardwalk. It's the most photographed spot in the park, and you can be there from the parking lot in 5-10 minutes. Easy win for families with younger kids.

5. Bike the Portage Hike and Bike Trail

The Portage Hike and Bike Trail is a paved, ADA-accessible 7-mile trail running through Kent and Ravenna. Flat, smooth, and safe for kids. Perfect for an afternoon bike ride.

6. Hike the Buckeye Trail Through West Branch

A spur of the Buckeye Trail (Ohio's statewide hiking path) cuts through West Branch State Park and connects to the campground. Pick a 1-3 mile section for an easy family hike with lake views.

7. Go Fishing at Wingfoot Lake State Park

About 25 minutes from Ravenna, Wingfoot Lake State Park is smaller and quieter than West Branch — great for a half-day fishing trip with kids. Disc golf, a playground, and trails round out the visit.

8. Visit Towner's Woods Park

A quieter local park run by the Portage Park District, Towner's Woods Park has hiking trails, picnic areas, and great bird watching. Lower-key than West Branch, but a beautiful spot for a morning walk.

9. Disc Golf at West Branch State Park

West Branch has two disc golf courses, one of them right inside the campground. Even kids who've never played can fling frisbees at baskets and have fun.

Iconic Family Experiences

10. Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is the single best family activity in the region. The historic train runs the length of the national park, with stations in Akron, Peninsula, Brecksville, and Independence. Buy tickets in advance — popular runs sell out.

11. Watch a Movie at the Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre

The Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre on State Route 59 in Ravenna is a classic Northeast Ohio drive-in showing first-run double features. It's the kind of family experience kids today don't usually get — bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks.

12. See the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair

If you're visiting in September, the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair (September 24-27, 2026) is one of Ohio's best family festivals. Hot air balloon launches and night glows, parades, live music, fireworks, and tons of kid-specific zones. We have a full Ravenna Balloon A-Fair camping guide if you're planning this trip.

13. Spend a Day at the Portage County Randolph Fair

The Portage County Randolph Fair (August 25-30, 2026) at the Portage County Fairgrounds is a classic county fair — rides, animals, live music, fair food, demolition derby, the works. A full day of family fun for very little money.

14. Visit Mila's Hope and Rowun's Dream Playground

Located in Atwater, Mila's Hope and Rowun's Dream Playground is an all-inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities. A great stop for families with kids of varying ages.

Animal & Farm Adventures

15. Hand-Feed Alpacas at Pure Passions Farm

In Kent, Pure Passions Farm lets families hand-feed alpacas and visit other farm animals. The farm also hosts goat yoga and special events throughout the year. About 20 minutes from Ravenna.

16. Visit Noah's Lost Ark Animal Sanctuary

About 30 minutes from Ravenna, Noah's Lost Ark Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit sanctuary where families can see lions, tigers, bears, and exotic animals up close. It's not a zoo — it's a true rescue facility, which makes it an educational experience as well as a fun one.

17. Spend a Day at the Akron Zoo

The Akron Zoo (about 35 minutes from Ravenna) is a great mid-sized family zoo, well-shaded and stroller-friendly. Highlights include lions, jaguars, river otters, red pandas, and a Komodo dragon. Easily a half-day visit.

Indoor & Rainy-Day Backups

18. Battlegrounds Game Center

In Ravenna, Battlegrounds Game Center is one of Northeast Ohio's biggest board game and hobby stores, with playing space for tabletop games. A great rainy-afternoon option for families with older kids.

19. Ravenna 7 Movies / Ravenna Cinemas

Local first-run movie theaters in Ravenna. Easy backup plan when the weather doesn't cooperate.

20. AAA I-76 Antique Mall

A 30,000-square-foot antique mall with 200+ vendors. Older kids and curious adults love hunting through the aisles for vintage toys, comics, and oddities.

21. Cleveland Museum of Natural History

About an hour's drive, but worth a full-day trip. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has dinosaurs, a planetarium, an observatory, live animals, and traveling exhibits. One of the best museums in Ohio for families.

Small-Town Fun

22. Mini-Golf at Birdie Shack Putt-R-Golf

Birdie Shack Putt-R-Golf in Ravenna is a classic family-friendly mini-golf course with whimsical holes. Inexpensive, fun, and a great evening activity.

23. Ice Cream in Downtown Ravenna

Downtown Ravenna has a creamery a few blocks from the courthouse. After a long day at West Branch or CVNP, an ice cream stop is the easiest parenting win in town.

24. The Portage County Historical Society Museum

For families with older kids interested in history, the Portage County Historical Society Museum has a 12-acre site with pioneer-era buildings, agricultural exhibits, and local artifacts. Free admission and a quiet, low-stakes hour or two.

25. Beckwith Orchards

Outside town, Beckwith Orchards offers seasonal apple picking, fresh cider, and a country market. Best in late summer and fall.

How Country Acres Fits In

Country Acres RV Park is in Ravenna itself, which means every attraction on this list is within an easy drive. We're open May through September — exactly when families are looking for things to do — and we offer:

• Full-hookup RV sites — electric, water, and sewer
• Big-rig pull-throughs for larger Class A coaches and fifth wheels
• Partial and no-hookup sites for budget-friendly options
• Tent and primitive sites for traditional family camping
• Cabins and rentals if you don't have an RV
• Long-term and seasonal sites for families who want to come back every weekend

A three-day weekend in Ravenna with kids can hit five or six of the items on this list without anyone getting tired of the drive. A full week and you can do almost everything.

Check availability and book your family stay →

Suggested Itineraries by Trip Length

Weekend Trip (3 days, 2 nights)

• Friday afternoon: Arrive at Country Acres, evening at the campsite
• Saturday: West Branch State Park beach and marina
• Sunday: Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Scenic Railroad + Brandywine Falls)

Long Weekend (4 days, 3 nights)

Add: Mini-golf at Birdie Shack, dinner downtown, and a movie at the Midway Twin Drive-In.

Full Week (5+ days)

Add: Akron Zoo or Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Pure Passions Farm, the Ledges Trail, and one slow day at the campsite for swimming, biking, and downtime.

Plan Your Ravenna Family Trip

Ravenna is the kind of place that punches above its weight. Most families who come once come back. There's enough to do in a long weekend, enough variety for a full week, and the kind of unhurried small-town pace that's increasingly hard to find.

If you're planning a family trip, Country Acres RV Park is your easiest base camp. Whether you have an RV, want a cabin, or are bringing a tent, we have space for you.

Reserve your Ravenna family adventure at Country Acres →