5 NE Ohio Places to Visit for Day (that are also kid-friendly!)

Northeast Ohio can sometimes be a treasure trove of daytrips that won't break the bank. Below are 5 things I have done lately that I truly enjoyed, and you might too. The good news too is that all of them are also kid-friendly, should you be looking for a place to entertain the kiddos!

 1. Ride a Train or a Trolley- Who would think of this area being a plethora of places to catch a unique ride?  ...but there are actually several options for this nearby. 

Right here in Youngstown is a train museum, the J&L Narrow Gauge Railroad, with short, and I mean short, train rides on a small gauge train... while the trip isn't long, any train enthusiast would enjoy it. Hours are limited though so be sure to check their website prior to making the trip. 

If a bit of a longer train ride would be your thing, head up to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway in Independence, where you can ride a true passenger train for over an hour through the scenic MetroParks area outside of Cleveland. They run weekends and host some special events as well. Tickets can be bought ahead on their website. 

If trains aren't your thing... there is also a restored trolley that you can ride throughout Mill Creek Metroparks in Youngstown as well! Dates vary throughout the summer so be sure to search the programs tab on the website for dates and reservations. 

2. Kid Friendly Winery- For something to unwind and relax more, there are so many wonderful wineries throughout Northeast Ohio as well. Almost any given weekend you can find a special event occurring at a winery in the area as well from music to floral/pumpkin picking to tastings and even grape stomping in the early fall... One winery in particular though has to be the most kid-friendly of all, Maize Valley in Hartville. Not only do they host numerous events throughout the year, they also have a huge play area for the kiddos and goats wondering the property keeping the grass maintained. While there, right down the road is also a huge Amish area and a weekend flea market to visit as well. 

3. Burton Village- For a more educational day out, try visiting Burton and its Century Village. They also offer many special events on weekends that can be found on their website and guided tours. On any given day though, you are welcome to stroll the property on a self-guided tour and even bring a picnic for free!

4. Animal Parks- While Northeast Ohio has several zoos... Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Akron Zoo, and even the Pittsburgh Zoo (while technically PA, not much of a drive) ... I mean more hands-on animal parks. There are several petting zoos, and probably even more that I do not know about... such as Wagon Trails in Vienna (though 2022 will sadly be their last year as the owners are retiring). There is also an exotic animal zoo in Berlin Center called Noah's Lost Ark. Even more of a hidden gem though again is the free MetroParks Farm in Canfield... they also hold many special events and hayrides which can be found on the Mill Creek Metroparks website again under the programs tab. However, even on days with no events the Farm is open to explore and pet the farm animals during daylight hours with a picnic area and a walking/ biking trail on the property as well. I often find myself visiting here often to walk and stop by to see the goats myself. 

We also cannot forget Happy Trails animal farm as well that serves as a rescue for abused and neglected farm animals. Visit their website for pricing and tour times or to volunteer. They hold special events throughout the year as well, I have even done goat yoga here before as well. 

5. Little Italy- Of course we could not forget a day well spent in Mayfield outside of Cleveland, our Little Italy! The town hosts Italian Fests as well as other events. Even a day with no events though can be full of culture, shopping, and delicious food along the Murray Hill strip! 

Just because other areas aren't labeled as "Little Italy"s though does not mean there is not Italian culture to be found on almost any given weekend of the summer at smaller Italian festivals. One of the largest in the area and the only one with a spectacular Baby Doll dance show nightly is of course Lowellville!

If you need a place to stay for your visit try a VRBO instead of a cramped hotel room. Comment below, what places do you love to visit in NE Ohio? Have you been to any of my picks? Also be sure to hit the subscribe button to receive notice of new posts! 

Little Italy Art Walk

I absolutely LOVE visiting little towns and exploring but even more so when that town is a Little Italy... so when my friend asked me to accompany her up to Mayfield, OH, outside of Cleveland, for an art walk I was all in... I must admit though, I was far more enamored with the quaintness and heritage of the town that I was with the actual art walk. 

Images and statues of the Madonna adorned shop windows with protection and love. 

Street cafes bustled with customers enjoying cannoli and expresso.  Delicatessens served up made to order lunches with outdoor seating as well. We actually had lunch here at Presti's and the panini were divine.... of course, so was the tiramisu!

I just love how the Italian American heritage is always on full display in little Italy towns. 

The main street through Mayfield is Murray Hill and it was littered with little Italian shops and antique stores. 

Of course, no little Italy would be complete without a statue of Christopher Columbus. 

Through my browsing I found a hidden gem that I brought home with me as well... a memento to always remember my day and watch over me at home as well. Granted he needs a little love, maybe some starch to hold his garments in place but for $35 what a find! These dressed Infant of Prague statues sell new in the hundreds and clothes sold separately. This find is a genuine antique as well as being made from chalk plaster. Baby Jesus is definitely going to a good home... I found him a spot of prestige on top of my China cupboard, facing the front door with a mercury dime underneath of course.

What kind of towns do you like to explore? What are some recent treasures you have found in out of the way places? Comment below and don't forget to subscribe for updates.