Family Fun and Learning in Ohio (continued)

17) Paul L. Dunbar House – The prolific author and poet is often called the African-American poet laureate; during a life that was tragically cut short by tuberculosis, he wrote novels, plays, short stories and over 400 published poems, plus a newspaper that was published by the printing company owned by the Wright Brothers. Consequently, his Dayton home (carefully preserved by his mother until her death in 1934) is part of the Aviation Heritage Park.

18) Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – This zoo is the nation’s second-oldest, and has a careful focus on youthful visitors. There is a Children’s Zoo with areas for sea lions and wolf conservation, a meet-the-animals Discovery Center, a please-touch barnyard animals exhibit, a Nursery where kids can watch the staff care for injured or sick creatures and finally a playground for burning off that extra energy. An extensive set of children’s and family educational programs are carefully calibrated to specific age levels, some as young as 18 months. 

19) Roscoe Village – In the early 1800s this was a prosperous town along the Ohio and Erie Canal; now it’s a living history village. In the summer (and weekends through October) ride the horse-drawn Monticello III canal boat while the captain tells stories about village life and commerce. There are hands-on crafts workshops in tin punching, candle dipping, weaving and printing. Special seasonal events include the big autumn Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival and a rollicking musical Dulcimer Days Festival in May.