10+ Things to Do in Mansfield Before Summer Ends
By Tonya Prater
As summer winds down and school starts, there’s still time to squeeze in some last-minute fun and memories.
Picture the kids feeding songbirds from the palm of their hands on a cool summer morning and eating famous apple donuts at Apple Hill Orchards. For adults, wind down and just breath with an upscale meal at Hudson & Essex in the elegant dining room or on their rooftop patio with incredible views. Sip an after-dinner flight of craft beers on the patio of The Phoenix Brewing Company followed by ax throwing next door at Axe Social Lounge. Sound fun? It’s all here in Mansfield and Richland County.
Things to Do Before Summer Is Over
Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly fun with the kids or a relaxing adults-only weekend getaway, Mansfield offers 10 options to put on the calendar now before another season slips away!
1. Take a Bike Ride on the Richland B & O Bike Trail.
The bike trail stretches 18 miles from North Lake Park to Butler, offering a perfect blend of nature and exercise for families and cyclists of all levels. Along the way, you can start, stop, or hop on and off at various spots. Take a break at Kingwood Center Gardens, grab a coffee at Nickel & Bean in Lexington, or eat cheesecake or explore the charming shops in downtown Bellville. Bring your bikes, or rent them at Y-Not Cycling, which even offers kid-friendly pull-behind options.
2. Stroll the Endless Paths at Kingwood Center Gardens.
Along with the Storybook Trail – a family favorite, Kingwood Center Gardens features a charming café where you can enjoy lunch or a glass of wine. Stroll through the formal gardens, feed the ducks, spot the peacocks, and tour the historic home of Mr. King.
TIP: Stretch your dollars and enjoy free admission on the first Monday of each month.
3. Discover the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
Learning about birds has never been more exciting! The Ohio Bird Sanctuary rehabilitates injured birds and offers engaging educational programs and events with their resident birds. Some bird talks and events are held in their accessible Treehouse classroom, crafted by the Nelson Brothers from Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters. The sanctuary also features hiking trails and the songbird aviary for you to explore. See all the new upgrades and additions.
TIP: For the best experience feeding the birds in the aviary, arrive early before birds have had too many visitors and too much food. You can purchase mealworms at the visitor center.
4. Explore Mansfield’s One-of-a-Kind Museums.
When it’s rainy or too hot to be outside, indoor fun becomes essential. The Buckeye Imagination Museum offers the perfect escape, with two floors of interactive activities for the whole family. You can also explore Ohio’s only wax museum or admire the world’s largest collection of woodcarvings by a single artist at Biblewalk. Afterward, visit the Mansfield Art Center to see the latest exhibits, take a fun class with a skilled artisan, and dive into Mansfield’s rich aviation history at the Frank P. Lahm Aviation Museum.
5. Take a ride on the Richland Carrousel Park.
The Richland Carrousel, the first hand-carved wooden carrousel built and operated in the U.S. since the 1930s, features 52 figures designed, carved, and painted in Mansfield. Pick your favorite and enjoy a ride or two, then press a penny for a souvenir. This is an indoor/outdoor spot, so good with all weather.
TIP: You’ll find free parking across the street so you can take your time to browse the gift shop and explore the murals, shops, and restaurants in the Carrousel District.
6. Enjoy a Cinematic Adventure at the Drive-in.
Step back in time at the Springmill Drive-In, a nostalgic gem that’s been showing movies since 1950. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, you can catch first-run double features on four screens, with the occasional triple feature at no extra cost.
7. Play Putt-Putt.
Enjoy a round of putt-putt at Roselawn in Shelby or Der Dutchman in Bellville, where you can challenge yourself on fun, family-friendly courses. Both spots offer a great way to spend some time outdoors and add a little friendly competition to your day. Quick bites available close by also.
8. Check out an Alpaca Farm.
Explore the fascinating world of alpacas at Alpaca Meadows or Shady Lane Alpaca Farm, where you can watch alpacas roam the fields, tour the barns, and learn about the animals and the various uses for their fiber. Call ahead for tours and shopping information.
9. Play a Round of Disc Golf.
Buy an inexpensive set of starter discs and you can play rounds of disc golf at Clearfork Reservoir, Marshall Park, and Shelby Putt & Approach for free. These shaded courses provide a perfect way to get active while keeping cool out of the sun.
10. Enjoy Outdoor Dining
Every winter we long for the lazy days of outdoor dining. Don’t let the weather over the next couple of months slip away. Whether you’re dining upscale on the rooftop patio of Hudson & Essex, the raised deck overlooking the trees and golf course at Black Dog Tavern, or sitting among blueberry fields next to a fire pit at 1285 Winery, make the reservation today.
Kid-Friendly Dining, Parks & Lodging Options
Wrap up your day with a visit to Buckeye Express Diner in Bellville, where kids (including teens) will love meeting Chef Jacques, the world’s largest bobblehead, and dining in a real train car. You’ll find other local options or food trucks as well.
Head to the Park! There’s plenty of space to soak up the fresh air and explore the outdoors. Join a hands-on program at Gorman Nature Center, let the kids play at our many playgrounds, and cool off at the splash pads at the YMCA, Marshall Park, or Shelby’s Black Fork Commons. Then, end the day with a gorgeous sunset at Mt. Jeez in Malabar Farm State Park.
For an overnight stay, consider the Comfort Inn Splash Harbor for waterpark fun, a Deluxe Cabin at Pleasant Hill Lake Park with the option to rent a pontoon boat for an afternoon sail, or enjoy camping at the Shelby/Mansfield KOA, Pleasant Hill Lake Park, or Charles Mill Lake Park campgrounds. You can find other accommodation options here.
Adults Want to Have Fun Too!
While we’ve shared plenty of activities for the kids, we know adults need fun too. How about dining on those amazing patios you dream about all winter? Explore the Wine & Ale Trail for wine, ale, and bourbon spots, each infused with a batch of history.
Indulge in fine dining at Hudson & Essex, where you can enjoy the best rooftop patio and the unique “Prohibition at The Caverns” experience. This includes a deliciously curated eight-course meal with optional wine pairings, served in an unforgettable speakeasy atmosphere.
Dine surrounded by a blueberry farm on the expansive covered patio at 1285 at The Blueberry Patch. Savor a glass of Blueberry Wine, then browse the large gift shop after your meal. And don’t forget to grab some blueberry donuts for the kids or breakfast the next morning.
Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast & Winery is renowned for its sweet wines and exceptional cheesecake. This is one spot where skipping dessert is simply not an option.
Spend a day on the course before grabbing a bite to eat at Black Dog Tavern at Deer Ridge Golf Club. The rear deck of this A-frame log cabin clubhouse provides a gorgeous view of the course while you savor delicious burgers and other entrees.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration of The Shawshank Redemption has passed, but there’s still plenty to experience on the Shawshank Bucket List. You can tour the iconic prison, enjoy a relaxing bus tour, or take a self-guided drive along The Shawshank Trail.
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