The best things to do in Ashland

Whether you want a lazy tube float, a kayak workout, or to let the kids burn energy on go-karts, mini golf, or the Aerial Adventure Park, Mohican Adventures River Trips & Fun Center keeps the fun close to home. Family-owned since 1961, with camping and cabins if your day turns into a stay.

From the Millersburg newsletter, October 23, 2026

Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony or a big family bash, Willow Creek Farm pairs an 1899 barn with breezy countryside and flexible indoor-outdoor spaces, minutes from Mansfield and Lexington, so Galion couples can keep it personal, pretty and actually affordable.

From the Galion newsletter, October 23, 2026

Looking for an easy night out close to home, Lex Lanes brings family-friendly vibes with cosmic bowling, an arcade and claw mania, Hwy 66 mini-bowling, pool and darts, plus a multi-sport simulator, hot food and cold drinks. Family owned since 1974... still where the good times roll.

From the Galion newsletter, October 20, 2026

When it’s sticky outside, Loudonville Public Swimming Pool is the easy splash close to home, a low key spot to cool down, let the kids burn energy, and catch up with neighbors without turning it into a road trip. Bring a towel, come home calmer.

From the Millersburg newsletter, October 14, 2026

Whether you’re there for IndyCar, vintage iron, or shrieking Superbikes, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course packs a full season of noise and nostalgia, plus on-site camping if you want to make it a weekend. Feeling brave, sign up for The Mid-Ohio School and actually learn to tame that commute.

From the Galion newsletter, October 13, 2026

Skip the crowds and book a private, hands-on visit at Westmeister Farm, where you can meet capybaras, hang with a sloth, and even swim with otters. It’s the kind of feel-good, learn-a-lot outing locals recommend when friends ask what to do around Shelby.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 8, 2026

Whether you're cheering on the Whippets or just chasing that small-town adrenaline, Whippet Athletic Complex brings the action with a turf football/soccer field, a big video board, and expanded concessions.

From the Bucyrus newsletter, October 18, 2026

Between throwback chaos like The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 24 and special events like Women Who Rock You, The Ashland Theatre keeps things lively with movies, concerts, and the occasional cult singalong. Perfect for a low-stress night out that still feels proudly Ashland.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 20, 2026

” Grab a putter, trade some friendly chirps, then keep the park day rolling.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 14, 2026

Luray Lanes has been Ashland’s bowling hangout since 1957, with leagues forming for Fall 2026, youth bowling on Saturday mornings, an expanded arcade, and Slush Puppie slushies you can even make boozy, plus Gionino’s pizza delivered right to your lane.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 13, 2026

Ashland University Catering & Conferences brings one-stop planning to life with the largest facility between Cleveland and Columbus, award-winning chefs, licensed bar service, high-quality A/V, and linens and decor you can customize.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 6, 2026

Memphis Kiddie Park, America’s oldest kiddieland and a Cleveland landmark, has been celebrating kids since 1952 with pint-sized rides they can actually ride, mini golf for bragging rights, classic concessions, plus birthdays and group outings welcome.

From the Parma newsletter, October 22, 2026

Swap the couch this week for a quick wander through the rainforest, kid-friendly interactive zones, and animal encounters at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, then refuel at dining spots or poke around the gift shop. Perfect midweek reset... basically a mini escape without the I-480 traffic.

From the Parma newsletter, September 27, 2026

Fin Fest is on through August 11, so Greater Cleveland Aquarium is an easy win this week... wander the walk-through experience, check out the mock research vessel, and get face time with stingrays and other locals of the deep without leaving town.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 21, 2026

Playhouse Square is Cleveland’s home for the big stuff, from touring Broadway hits and opera to stand-up, dance and those jaw-dropper set pieces you can feel in your seat. The Lion King is roaring right now through August 16, so snag a night and treat your inner theater kid.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 22, 2026

Oak Tree Golf Club brings 18-hole championship vibes to Mansfield with rolling hills, forests and lakes, plus a proper practice range and green. Open to the public, friendly staff, and a PGA Associate ready to sharpen your swing. Grab a tee time and treat yourself.

From the Mansfield newsletter, October 4, 2026

419 Golf is where Mansfield-area golfers get serious results without taking themselves too seriously. Four TrackMan bays, three coaches, purposeful practice plans, winter leagues and tech like AimPoint and Smart2Move make it easy to train, play or grab a New Student Assessment and start shaving strokes.

From the Mansfield newsletter, October 3, 2026

Grab the brochure, cue up the playlist, then cruise The Shawshank Trail Self-Guided Driving Tour to 16 authentic filming sites at your own pace. Start wherever, snap the selfie spots, and see Mansfield through the lens of the movie you’ve quoted a thousand times.

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 30, 2026

Family-friendly place featuring optical illusions, holograms and interactive exhibits, plus gift shop.

Twin Lakes is a classic 18-hole, par-71 track in Mansfield designed by Jack Kidwell and Dr. Michael Hurdzan back in 1960, stretching 5,587 yards that play friendlier than they look until your short game wakes up. Grab a buddy and chase a personal best this week.

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 29, 2026

Forest Hills Golf Course is a no-fuss, show-up-and-play spot with no tee time required, plus putting and chipping greens to tune up before you head out. Easy to sneak in nine or stretch to 18 when the mood hits.

From the Ashland newsletter, October 24, 2026

If you need a quick mood reset, Richland Carrousel Park is an old-school whirl with 52 hand carved animals, a toe-tapping band organ, and a cozy gift shop. It’s a sweet pit stop for kids or nostalgia-prone grownups, plus they host birthdays and community events.

From the Shelby newsletter, October 9, 2026

Capitol Theatre keeps the calendar stacked with buzzy studio releases, under-the-radar indies, and the occasional cult chaos, all inside a lovingly restored neighborhood landmark. It’s the kind of place where film feels like an event... perfect for a midweek reset or low-key date night.

From the Euclid newsletter, September 27, 2026

From a 1930s Eliot Ness investigation to a fantasy quest and a sneaky clockwork heist, Perplexity Games Escape Room - Cleveland builds multi-room adventures that actually feel like adventures.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 2, 2026

Little Met Golf Course is Cleveland Metroparks first course, a 1925 classic tucked in Rocky River Reservation with a straightforward mix of par-3s and par-4s plus a par-5. It’s perfect when you want a relaxed walk, league night vibes, and tree-lined fairways that keep your swing honest.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 3, 2026

If you’ve been itching to tune up your game this week, The Woods at Possum Run brings nearly 6000 yards of rolling hills, forests, and lake views that play friendly for beginners yet still test the regulars, all on a classic Richland County track in pristine shape.

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 27, 2026

Cleveland Cinemas lines up fresh releases alongside special screenings, including The Metropolitan Opera and other stage productions on the big screen, so your queue feels classy without any extra effort. Feeling extra this week, you can even rent a whole theater and make it your own.

From the Salem newsletter, October 10, 2026

If you’ve been meaning to catch a buzzy new release or something a little artsier this week, Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6 has you covered with first-run hits, indie and foreign picks, plus the occasional local film fest. All in an art deco setting that makes movie night feel special without trying too hard.

From the Cleveland newsletter, September 29, 2026

Towpath Trail Mural turns Cleveland’s Canal Basin Park bridge into a color splashed homage to the Ohio & Erie Canal, mapping the Towpath’s past and future. There’s even a 15 foot tall illustrated trail map and themes of water, work, and change... a solid little adventure from Warren.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 14, 2026

Mastick Woods Golf Course serves up a relaxed, executive length loop with an Appalachian forest feel, perfect for new golfers, juniors, or anyone who just wants trees and sky with their swings this week. Or skip the sticks and play FootGolf, then remember this spot when snow arrives for sledding.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 1, 2026

Destination Mansfield - Richland County pulls together the best local stuff to do, from the Shawshank Trail and Wine & Ale Trail to live shows, motorsports, and kid-pleasers like Kingwood Center Gardens. Check their ever-changing events calendar, save picks to “My Trip”, then go actually do the things.

From the Ontario newsletter, October 16, 2026

Springmill Drive-In Theater has been Mansfield’s movie night since 1950, now with bright digital projection across four screens and first-run double features. Bring your crew, tune the radio, and let the concession stand be dinner... because dishes should get the night off this week.

From the Mansfield newsletter, October 23, 2026

From one of Ohio’s longest go-kart tracks to 18-hole mini golf, kiddy karts, and batting cages tuned for baseball or softball, Infield, LLC delivers easy, low-stress fun that actually wears kids out. Rally the crew this week and settle bragging rights on the track or the green.

From the Galion newsletter, October 7, 2026

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

Westbrook Country Club pairs a historic Donald Ross championship course with a resort-style pool and dining worth coming back for, so this week can feel a little like vacation. The vibe is genuine hospitality and small thoughtful touches, the kind that make it feel like a second home.

From the Mansfield newsletter, October 21, 2026

Painted with Ohio City neighbors and a nod to the Browns palette, the Greetings from Cleveland Mural packs local landmarks, RTA love, and big postcard vibes. Quick stop this week for that instantly cheerful shot and a reminder of why Northeast Ohio still hits you right in the heart.

From the Cleveland newsletter, October 6, 2026