List of museums in Ohio facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Ohio is a state full of amazing places to explore, especially if you love learning new things! This list will tell you about some of the coolest museums in Ohio. Museums are special places where people collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. They are then shown to the public so everyone can learn and enjoy them.

You'll find all sorts of museums here, from big art galleries to small historical homes. Get ready to discover some awesome spots!

See also List of museums in Cincinnati
See also List of museums in Cleveland
See also List of museums in Columbus, Ohio

Awesome Museums to Explore
Regions of Ohio
See also

Awesome Museums to Explore

Ohio has many fantastic museums. Here are some that kids your age might find super interesting!

Science and Discovery Museums

These museums are packed with hands-on fun and amazing facts about the world around us.

Boonshoft Museum of Discovery

Located in Dayton, this museum is perfect for curious minds. It's a children's science museum with lots of interactive exhibits. You can even visit the Apollo Observatory here to look at the stars!

Imagination Station

In Toledo, the Imagination Station has over 300 hands-on science exhibits. You can experiment and learn about science in a really fun way.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Head to Bay Village to see live animals and learn about natural history. This center has cool science exhibits that teach you about nature.

OH WOW! Children's Science Center

This museum in Youngstown is also known as the Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology. It offers hands-on science and technology exhibits just for kids.

The Works: Science and History Fun

In Newark, The Works combines science, glass art, and history. It's a great place to see how things work and learn about the past.

Aviation and Space Museums

Ohio has a special connection to flight! These museums celebrate the history of aviation and space travel.

Armstrong Air and Space Museum

Visit Wapakoneta to learn about Ohio's role in space flight. This museum also celebrates the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon.

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

This park in Dayton has four sites dedicated to the Wright brothers and local aviation history. You can see where they worked to create the first successful airplane.

National Aviation Hall of Fame

Also in Riverside, this museum is inside the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It honors amazing people who have contributed to aviation.

National Museum of the United States Air Force

Located at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, this is one of the largest and oldest military aviation museums in the world. You can see tons of different airplanes and learn about air force history.

Tri-State Warbird Museum

In Batavia, this museum restores World War II aircraft. It's incredible to see these historic planes up close.

WACO Aircraft Museum

Visit Troy to learn about the Waco Aircraft Company. This museum focuses on the history of Waco airplanes.

History and Heritage Museums

Step back in time and discover how people lived in Ohio's past.

Campus Martius Museum

In Marietta, this museum tells the story of Ohio's first settlers. It's operated by the Ohio History Connection.

Carillon Historical Park

Dayton's Carillon Historical Park has historic buildings and exhibits. You can learn about technology and the history of Dayton, including the famous Newcom Tavern.

Fort Ancient: Ancient Native American History

Near Lebanon, you can explore ancient Native American mounds and a museum. It's a fascinating look at early cultures in Ohio.

Fort Meigs: War of 1812 History

In Perrysburg, this museum has a reconstructed early 19th-century fort. Learn about the War of 1812 and life during that time.

Hopewell Culture National Historical Park

Located in Chillicothe, this park features ancient Native American mounds and a museum. It teaches you about the Hopewell Culture.

National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center

In Wilberforce, this museum shares the experiences of African Americans. It covers their history from African origins to today.

Ohio River Museum

In Marietta, this museum focuses on the transportation and natural history of the Ohio River. Learn about steamboats and river life.

Schoenbrunn Village: A Reconstructed Village

Visit New Philadelphia to see a reconstructed 18th-century village. It shows what life was like for early settlers and missionaries.

SunWatch Indian Village

In Dayton, this museum is a recreated 13th-century Native American village. It's a great way to experience ancient life.

Underground Railroad Museum

In Flushing, this museum tells the important story of the Underground Railroad in Ohio. It teaches about slavery and the brave people who sought freedom.

Zoar Village: A Historic Community

In Zoar, you can explore a historic village. It was founded by German religious separatists in the early 1800s.

Art and Culture Museums

Discover beautiful artworks and unique cultural collections.

Akron Art Museum

In Akron, this museum focuses on art created since 1850. You'll see many different styles and artists.

American Sign Museum

Located in Cincinnati, this museum is super unique! It collects and displays historic commercial signs. It's like a colorful trip through advertising history.

Butler Institute of American Art

In Youngstown, this museum is dedicated to American art. You can see paintings, sculptures, and more.

Canton Museum of Art

Visit Canton for a great art experience. This museum features a variety of art exhibits.

Dayton Art Institute

In Dayton, this is both a museum and a school. It has a wide range of art from different cultures and time periods.

Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books

In Findlay, this museum is part of the University of Findlay. It celebrates the amazing art found in children's picture books. It's a colorful and imaginative place!

Museum of Ceramics

In East Liverpool, this museum showcases ceramic items made in the area. East Liverpool was once a major pottery center.

National Museum of Cambridge Glass

In Cambridge, this museum displays beautiful glassware made by the Cambridge Glass Company.

Toledo Museum of Art

In Toledo, this museum has a huge collection of glass art. It also features many European and American paintings.

Zanesville Museum of Art

In Zanesville, this museum offers a variety of art exhibits for everyone to enjoy.

Unique and Special Interest Museums

These museums cover all sorts of interesting and sometimes quirky topics!

America's Packard Museum

In Dayton, this museum showcases classic Packard cars and memorabilia. If you love old cars, this is the place to be!

Bicycle Museum of America

Head to New Bremen to see a collection of bicycles and related items. Learn about the history of bikes!

Merry-Go-Round Museum

In Sandusky, this museum is all about carousel horses and animals. It's a fun and colorful place to visit.

Motorcycle Hall of Fame

In Pickerington, this museum celebrates motorcycles, riding gear, and important figures in motorcycle history.

National Construction Equipment Museum

In Bowling Green, you can see all kinds of construction vehicles. It's operated by the Historical Construction Equipment Association.

National Packard Museum

In Warren, this museum has exhibits about the Packard family, the Packard Electric Company, and Packard cars.

Pencil Sharpener Museum

This museum in Logan has the largest collection of pencil sharpeners in the United States! It's a surprisingly cool place.

Pro Football Hall of Fame

In Canton, this is a must-see for football fans! It honors the greatest players and coaches in professional football history.

Toy and Plastic Brick Museum

In Bellaire, this museum features amazing Lego projects and other toys.

Warther Museum: Wood Carvings and More

In Dover, this museum displays incredible wood and ivory carvings, especially of steam trains, created by Ernest “Mooney” Warther. It also has Swiss gardens and a button collection.

Wyandot Popcorn Museum

In Marion, this museum is all about popcorn! You can see old popcorn poppers and peanut roasters.

Regions of Ohio

To help you find museums, Ohio is often divided into these regions:

Central—This includes the capital city, Columbus.
Northeast—This area includes Cleveland.
Northwest—This region includes Toledo.
Southeast
Southwest—This area includes Cincinnati and Dayton.