As a mom, it’s important to take time out of your busy schedule to explore new places and create memories with your family. There is no better place to start than Ohio as you can tell with our Travel Ohio blog posts, we love discovering new family fun destinations in Ohio. One place you might not have ventured to yet is Sydney, Ohio, just 36 miles north of Dayton. Here, you’ll find over 400 acres of parkland, unique shopping, and dining destinations that evoke all the charm of small-town Ohio.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Tawawa Civic Park offers 220 acres of woodlands, waterways, and lakes to explore. The park is a popular outdoor sanctuary for family get-togethers, picnics, and cookouts, offering more than 20 shelters and play areas, along with plentiful opportunities for solo activities like fishing and hiking. Trekking along the park’s seven miles of trails, you’ll encounter Big Rock, a 12-foot-tall glacial boulder left from the Ice Age. The one-mile-long Benjamin Trail follows a millrace the length of the park which used to supply water to Sidney’s first water and electric plant located nearby on Brooklyn Avenue. Next, you’ll want to seek out the Ross Covered Bridge located in the middle of the park for postcard-worthy photo ops. Check out more Ohio Covered Bridges here.
Sidney is also home to a variety of golf clubs, perfect for an afternoon on the links. Shelby Oaks Golf Club provides a fun and challenging experience on its 27 holes for players of all skill levels. The Moose Golf Course, situated on the grounds of the Sidney Moose Lodge, is also open to the public. Originally the Shelby County Country Club, this 9-hole, 35-par course features tight fairways and smaller greens, much in the tradition of early golf course design. Established in 1965, Arrowhead Golf Club offers an eighteen-hole course layout, practice facility, and full pro shop. In addition, Arrowhead boasts an on-site restaurant, The Bunker, a favorite among visitors and locals alike for great food and cold drinks.
Hop over to Sidney’s Canal Feeder Bike-Hike Trail for even more outdoor fun. This 3.4-mile paved trail follows the former Sidney Feeder Canal and later runs parallel to the scenic Great Miami River, a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
GreatStone Castle has been an Ohio Landmark for over 10 decades.
Made from Limestone that is 18 inches thick, this castle features three turrets and a stone columns supported wrap around porch. With four floors at over 4,000 sq feet each this castle would make an idea location for many activities. They also have a spa with a wide range of services. Check out other Ohio Castles.
After your reacquaintance with nature, how about a stroll around downtown Sidney for a true taste of small-town charm? The Ivy Garland is a locally owned shop specializing in gifts and décor for all occasions. Moonflower Effect offers essential oils, custom blends, diffusers, ethically sourced clothing, and more. Greenhaus Coffee offers a unique Coffee Shop | Plant Shop concept in the heart of downtown Sidney. The retail side offers indoor plants, home décor, and locally crafted gifts. In addition, guests enjoy their café offering a wonderful selection of Purebred Coffees, made-to-order seltzers, natural fruit sodas, teas, toasts, pastries, salads, and more.
Feeling hungry? Downtown Sidney offers a number of compelling reasons to stick around for a bite to eat. Partake in a refreshing chilled beverage on one of many outdoor dining patios overlooking the idyllic town square with the majestic Shelby County Courthouse positioned at its center. During its construction in 1883, limestone, sandstone, and marble were brought in by canal boat, and the courthouse’s looming 170-foot center tower features four clocks. The Spot, an iconic diner first established in 1907, is loved by locals for its fresh-ground hamburgers, crispy onion rings, thick malts & homemade pies. Dine in or carry out to picnic like a pro in the shade of old-growth oak trees on the Shelby County Courthouse lawn.
In short, Sidney, Ohio is a great place to explore with your family. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast
