Best Family Friendly Weekend Adventures in Youngstown, OH

The Youngstown area is well served for family-friendly activities, with plenty of both indoor and outdoor adventures for young and old alike. In this article, we at Cochran Chevrolet look at some of the most popular family activities that you can try in Youngstown or nearby to give you ideas for your next exciting day out.

The Butler Institute of American Art

The Butler Institute of American Art  is a jewel in the Youngstown crown, offering a range of artworks created by American citizens in all media. It is consistently rated very highly by visitors and receives high accolades from all quarters. It was the first institution dedicated to collecting and exhibiting American art and is a piece of Youngstown history.

This is more than a collection of art; it’s a path through American history with a collection that spans over three centuries. With some dazzling temporary exhibitions, it can offer something for everyone. Additionally, the institute is free to everyone and offers a selection of activities to entertain young and old alike, including tours available to take you through the exhibits and art classes organized for budding artists. This is certainly the place to go if the weather is bad, or even if it’s not.

OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology

Located in downtown Youngstown, the Center for Science and Technology is where to come for some independent thinking and creative inspiration in the world of science and technology. It has thirteen galleries with over 65 hands-on exhibits, allowing both young and old to learn and enjoy science by allowing visitors to observe, conclude, and assess their own experiments. There’s something new every week, and recent events include exhibitions on the science of brewing, and the silly science of Sundays certainly taps into the sense of humor of younger children.

The White House Fruit Farm

The White House Fruit Farm is a great place to explore to get a fix of the countryside and a unique insight into where our food comes from. You can stroll alongside the pond, feed the fish, or relax on the lawn. At the right time of year, you can go for the sunflower experience, where you can stroll through the sunflower fields and pick a bouquet to take home. This takes place a short distance from the market, where you can buy in-season fruit and vegetables, including their homegrown apples.

It’s the fruit that really makes this experience stand out, and the freshly picked apples are well worth your attention. Different varieties are available throughout the year. The bright green Lodi gives way to the Paula Red, which leads on to the Ginger Gold and then the Blondee. This really makes you sit up and notice the different flavors and seasonal tastes, and this activity really is a feast for the mind, sight, and taste buds.

Boardman’s Sports World

Family fun is pretty much guaranteed at Boardman’s Sports World, located at 8249 South Ave., Boardman, a short 15-minute drive from downtown Youngstown. You can explore a go-kart track that’s 1.5 miles long and contains a double-over and double-under loop. For small kids, double karts are available so that everyone can join in the fun and race against each other regardless of age and experience.

There are plenty of other activities available to suit all interests. The 18-hole Myrtle Beach-style Adventure Golf Course allows you to pitch your skills against family members, and for inclement weather, there’s an indoor arcade. Have a look at the events available for special one-off opportunities for exciting new activities. Outdoor fun is sure to leave the whole family satisfied.

The Metroparks Bikeway

Kids love to ride bikes, and where better to do this than in perfect safety, surrounded by nature? The Metroparks Bikeway runs all the way from the Western Reserve Road in Canfield Township to the Mahoning County Line at Austintown Township — a full 11 miles of traffic-free adventure. Since this bikeway is built on what was originally an old railroad, it’s guaranteed to be comfortably flat and free of sharp turns, and it runs through some of the best countryside Mahoning County has to offer.

It’s not just about biking, and notable features of the bikeway include a 402-acre working farm owned by Metroparks, which offers agricultural exhibitions and an animal barn. You can glide through a 154-acre forested preserve and observe the diverse habitats. The Kirk Road Trailhead offers you parking, picnic spots, and a location for educational and other activities. You can plan a day out, take in various activities, or simply focus on cycling. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it has all the ingredients for a great day.

Extreme Air Trampoline Park

Located at 360 McClurg Road in Boardman, a short hop from Youngstown, the Extreme Air Trampoline Park is very popular with families. Offering a day out that combines extreme fun with activities that can satisfy even the most ardent daredevil, this is more than just a place to bounce. Not only does it hold 11,000 square feet of trampolines, but the park also offers a range of additional activities. For example, why not climb the 24-foot rock wall, test your aim using the hydraulic slingshots, or free-fall from 20 feet onto the inflated stunt bags?

The park caters for all ages, from teen evenings for those aged 13 to 17 to gather for music and food to senior jumps for the over-55s. You can book birthday parties, sports banquets, or youth group outings. Take a look at the special events or special offers they have available. This is one of those places that allows you to have an active, healthy day out for the whole family without worrying about the weather.

Family Fun Days Out in the Youngstown Area

This article shows that you never really have to look far for something to do around Youngstown — from picking apples to trampolining, there’s something for everyone. This is only a start, of course, so why not try some of these activities and see how you get on? These are all great ways to get to know your local area, make quality family memories, and, most importantly, have fun. Let your #1 Cochran Youngstown team know if there are other local activities that you enjoy doing with your family as well.

Youngstown Ohio ~ Butler Art Institute of American Art – Historic by Onasill – Bill Badzo –  is licensed with CC BY SA-2.0