Columbus

October: Circleville Pumpkin Show

The Circleville Pumpkin show is Ohio's largest and oldest harvest celebration. Held yearly since 1903, the pumpkin show is scheduled in late October every year from Wednesday through Saturday.  The festival literally shuts down Circleville to give way to giant pumpkins over 1,500 pounds, concerts, cooking contests, parades, beauty pageants, and pumpkins cooked every way imaginable such as: pumpkin pies, donuts, pancakes, cookies, burgers, taffy, ice cream, cake, waffles, cream puffs, fudge, brownies, pumpkin blossoms and many other concoctions that can be made with pumpkin. Other festival type foods are readily available as well. Admission to walk the streets of the fair is free.
Circleville, OH.

August: Ohio State Fair

The Ohio State Fair lasts 12 days, beginning the first week in August.  You almost need that much time to take in all the entertainment options! In addition to more fried foods than you could ever consume, the fair also offers petting zoos, rodeos, tractor pulls, horse shows, fishing and lumberjack shows, and concerts from big name entertainers.
717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211 800-324-3337

April through Labor Day: Huntington Park/Columbus Clippers

The newly refurbished Huntington Park stadium makes attending Columbus Clippers game a real treat. There is not a bad seat in the house, and the food concessions are top notch, including local favorite City BBQ. As the most expensive ticket is $15, this is a fantastic spring and summer family activity. Many games feature a post-game concert and fireworks.
Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Lane, Columbus, Ohio 43215

October through April: Blue Jackets Games at Nationwide Arena

Columbus's NHL team has home games at the Nationwide Arena. This is high energy fun for the entire family and you'll be cheering “Let's Go Jackets” days later, even if you don't know the first thing about hockey.
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215-2564 614-246-4625. Tickets range from $20 to $185.

August: Dublin Irish Festival

Every August, Irish fans from around the world pour into Dublin, Ohio for the Dublin Irish Festival. The three-day festival features bands, dancing, crafts, food and drink all celebrating Irish heritage. Visitors will forget they are in the center of Ohio as men in kilts speaking in brogue file by them. Kids will find plenty to do in the daytime, but at night the festival has plenty of entertainment for adults.
5600 Post Road, Dublin, OH, 43017. Daily admission is $10 for individuals 13-59. Seniors are $7. Children 12 and under are free.

Cleveland

March and April: Maple Tapping Festival

Ohio is the third largest US producer of Maple Syrup. Every March and April, for the fleeting early weeks of spring when the trees freeze at night and thaw during the day, the sap of maple trees flow into metal buckets throughout the state. Maple farms predominantly located in northeastern Ohio hold maple sugaring demonstrations and will teach families how the delicious syrup is boiled down from rivers of sap. The Geauga County Festival takes place over four days in late April and is a sweet celebration of all things maple.
Main Street, Town Square,  Chardon, OH.

June: Hot Air Balloon Festival in Coshockton

Every June, the skies of Coshocton are transformed for three days into a colorful display of hot air balloons. Head over to the festival which has free admission for country music, fireworks, crafts, food, and, of course, the thrill of dozens of colorful hot air balloons.
Coshocton, OH.

July: Civil War Raid Train

Board a train in Jefferson, Ohio for a stunning ride back through time to the experience the battles of the civil war. As you peek through your coach's windows, you'll watch Union and Confederate soldiers battle for control of the railroad. You'll further be able to explore the period at the civil war encampment and period merchants when you de-board the train. Advance paid reservations are highly recommended.
122 E. Walnut Street, Jefferson, OH 44047

August through December: Cincinnati

Attending a Cincinnati Bengals game

All of Cincinnati turns out to either tailgate or attend the Cincinnati Bengals games from August through December, decked out in orange and black. The stadium is located in the fun downtown waterfront area of Cincinnati. Tickets range widely. Kids who join the Bengals Kids Club will receive great novelty items.

April through September: Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati is the proud home of the Cincinnati Reds, a major league baseball team. Home games are played at the Great American Ball Park, right on the river. There are several family friendly ticket days and fun promotions for kids on game days. Tickets begin at $5. The season runs from April through September.