Make the Most of Summer Fun in Ross County, Ohio
Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy some last-minute summer fun and make a few more family memories in Ross County. From outdoor theater and historic attractions to hiking trails, unique indoor experiences, and family-friendly restaurants, the final weeks of the season are packed with opportunities for summer fun.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, looking for a fun day trip with the kids, or simply want to make the most of the last days of summer, Ross County has plenty of ways to enjoy some family fun before fall arrives.
Here are some of the best family-friendly things to do in Chillicothe and throughout Ross County when you’re looking for summer fun before the season officially comes to an end.
See Tecumseh! for an Unforgettable Night
One of Ross County’s biggest summer traditions is still going strong through Labor Day weekend.
Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama returns to the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre for another season, with performances continuing through Labor Day weekend. The outdoor production tells the story of the legendary Shawnee leader Tecumseh and his struggle to defend his homeland in the Ohio country during the late 1700s.
The experience is about much more than watching a play. The enormous outdoor stage, horses, military cannon fire, battle scenes, and nighttime setting make Tecumseh! a memorable experience and a unique way for families to enjoy summer fun together.
Shows begin at 8 p.m. and typically conclude around 10:20 or 10:30 p.m., making this an especially good option for families looking to turn their summer fun into an overnight getaway. Instead of rushing home after the performance, spend the night in Ross County and enjoy breakfast and more local attractions the following morning.
With the season ending Labor Day weekend, this is one seasonal event you’ll want to put on the calendar soon.
Step Inside the Historic Majestic Theatre
For family summer fun with a little history mixed in, visit the Majestic Theatre in downtown Chillicothe.
Built in 1853 and continuously operating ever since, the Majestic Theatre is one of Chillicothe’s most recognizable historic landmarks. Today, the theater continues to host a variety of performances and events throughout the year.
From live music and theatrical performances to movies and special events, there is always something new happening on stage. Check the upcoming schedule when planning your visit to see what family-friendly entertainment may be taking place during your trip.
The historic setting also makes the Majestic a great addition to any itinerary. Catch a show, grab dinner, visit a few local shops, and make an evening of it.
Take the Kids to the First Capital Hologram Zoo for Indoor Summer Fun
Looking for something completely different?
The First Capital Hologram Zoo offers an immersive summer fun experience right in downtown Chillicothe. Instead of traditional animal exhibits, visitors step into holographic environments featuring life-sized animals and interactive experiences.
Families can explore worlds ranging from dinosaurs and kangaroos in Australia to African wildlife, Arctic animals, ocean adventures, and more. It’s an experience that allows visitors to come face-to-face with animals and creatures from around the world without ever leaving Chillicothe.
The Hologram Zoo is also a great option for family-friendly summer fun when Ohio’s late-summer heat makes an air-conditioned activity especially appealing.
And there is even more to look forward to as fall approaches. The First Capital Hologram Zoo will soon begin its Halloween experience, giving families another reason to plan a visit as the seasons change. Check the zoo’s upcoming schedule and social media for details about Halloween-themed experiences and events.
Located in downtown Chillicothe, the zoo is also easy to pair with local restaurants, shops, and other attractions for a full day of family summer fun.
Explore Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
For families who want their summer fun to include a little history, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a must-see.
The park preserves ancient earthworks created by Indigenous people roughly 2,000 years ago. Today, the sites offer families a chance to walk through some of the most remarkable archaeological landscapes in Ohio while learning about the people who created them.
Even more impressive, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks became Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. The designation includes monumental earthwork sites throughout southern Ohio, including several sites preserved within Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
Families can visit the Mound City Group Visitor Center, explore the earthworks, learn more about Hopewell culture, and discover the stories behind these incredible ancient landscapes.
It’s an especially good choice for families looking for an activity that combines education, history, and time outdoors.
Make a Downtown Chillicothe Food-and-Fun Day
One of the easiest ways to plan some end of summer fun in Ross County is to combine several downtown attractions into one itinerary.
Start with a visit to the Chillicothe Railroad Museum to learn more about the area’s railroad history. Then head over to Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop for a sweet treat and some old-fashioned candy-store fun.
When everyone is ready for lunch or dinner, downtown offers several local options.
Fire & Stone Pizzeria is a family-friendly choice for pizza, while Lievita gives pizza lovers another reason to stop in Chillicothe. Lievita has earned impressive recognition in the pizza world, including placing in the top three for pizza in the Midwest and earning recognition for its cheese pizza at the International Pizza Expo Challenge.
For something beyond pizza, check out The Pour House at Machinery Hall, Chillicothe’s only gastro pub. Its rooftop patio gives visitors another place to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the atmosphere of downtown.
A downtown food-and-attractions itinerary is an easy way to spend several hours enjoying yourself without having to drive from one attraction to another.
Explore the Trails and Scenic Views of Great Seal State Park
If your family’s idea of fun involves spending the day outside, head to Great Seal State Park.
The park is a favorite destination for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Ross County. Its trails wind through the rugged landscape surrounding Chillicothe, offering opportunities for recreation, exercise, and scenic views.
Great Seal State Park is a great choice for families with older children and teens who want to stretch their legs and experience a different side of Ross County. Whether you’re planning a longer hike or simply looking for a peaceful way to spend an afternoon outdoors, the park offers plenty of opportunities for summer fun.
Just remember that late-summer hiking can still get hot, so bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and plan your hike around the hottest part of the day.
Take in the View at Buzzard’s Roost
For another opportunity to enjoy summer fun in the great outdoors, head to the Earl H. Barnhart Buzzard’s Roost.
The Lookout Trail leads visitors to a magnificent view overlooking the surrounding landscape. From the overlook, visitors can see dramatic vertical cliffs of sandstone and shale descending into the Paint Creek Gorge.
The scenic destination offers a memorable experience for families who enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring the outdoors. It’s also a great option for visitors looking to add a little adventure and summer fun to their visit while discovering some of the region’s lesser-known natural beauty.
Like any outdoor adventure, be sure to wear appropriate shoes, bring water, and take extra care near overlooks and steep terrain.
Turn the End of Summer Into a Ross County Weekend
One of the best things about planning a late-summer trip to Ross County is that you don’t have to choose just one way to enjoy summer fun.
Spend the afternoon exploring the ancient earthworks at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, grab dinner downtown, visit the First Capital Hologram Zoo, and catch an evening performance of Tecumseh!. Or spend the day hiking, exploring local history, enjoying family-friendly restaurants, and discovering everything downtown Chillicothe has to offer.
For families coming from outside the area, the combination of daytime attractions and evening entertainment makes Ross County an easy destination for a summer fun getaway rather than simply a quick day trip.
Make One More Summer Memory in Ross County
The end of summer always seems to arrive faster than expected. Before school schedules, sports, and fall activities take over, take advantage of the final weeks of warm weather and plan one more day of summer fun.
Whether your family wants to watch a live outdoor drama, explore ancient earthworks, hike through the scenic landscapes of Ross County, experience holographic animals and dinosaurs, or grab pizza and explore downtown Chillicothe, there are plenty of ways to enjoy summer’s last seasonal events and make the most of the season.
From indoor attractions and historic landmarks to hiking trails, family restaurants, and unforgettable evening entertainment, Ross County offers summer fun for families of all ages.
And with Tecumseh! continuing through Labor Day weekend and fall experiences beginning soon at attractions like the First Capital Hologram Zoo, there’s still plenty to experience in Ross County as summer begins to transition into fall.
Ready for more summer fun? Explore more things to do, places to eat, events, and places to stay throughout Ross County and Chillicothe and start planning your next family adventure.