11 Family-Friendly Fun Things to Do in Licking County

Lynd Fruit Farm

Looking for fun things to do in Licking County? You’ll be spoiled for family-friendly options in this region, which offers a wealth of exciting places to explore. From ice skating in the winter to living it up on the lake in the summer, there’s so much to do in Licking County all year long.

For your next family outing, consider these 11 escapades in Licking County, which promise a good time for everyone. 

1. Lynd Fruit Farm 

From raspberries to elderberries, with a few blackberries sprinkled in, there are berry fun times to be had in Pataskala while dabbling in the agricultural experience of picking fruit. And in the fall, be sure to check out the corn maze and apple orchard, tried-and-true seasonal traditions. 

2. National Trail Raceway 

Start your engines and get revved up for this vroom-tastic, humming hub for motor enthusiasts. The quarter-mile drag strip is located off U.S. Route 40 and attracts racers and racing enthusiasts from miles around to Hebron. Take the whole family to the epic Night of Thunder, National Trail’s largest drag racing show of the year. 

3. Velvet Ice Cream and Ye Olde Mill 

Serve yourself a taste of history and ice cream, all in one go. Visit Ye Olde Mill, the historic building in Utica that was originally a grist mill and still features a large turning wheel on the exterior. Sample delicious flavors, meander through the ice cream museum and enjoy the gorgeous grounds on which this decades-old family business sits. 

4. Buckeye Lake 

Licking County lays partial claim to Buckeye Lake, a hot spot for boaters and lake-life enthusiasts. Whether you’re enjoying water sports, eating along the waterfront or biking the adjacent Buckeye Lake trail, it’s impossible to have a bad time at the lake. 

5. Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena 

Whether you’re looking for a fun daytime activity or a regular after-school sports program, Lou & Gib Reese Ice Arena in Newark is the place to go. Here, they offer figure skating, hockey and broomball – plus, they even have an academy specifically designed for home-schooled students. Outside, there are seven pickleball courts that provide a place to play one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

6. Food Festivals 

Throughout the year, you’ll find a wide range of fun festivals to attend across Licking County. One major event is the Newark Strawberry Festival, an annual community gathering in Newark that celebrates the agricultural spirit of the city, featuring a delightful array of family-friendly activities, delicious strawberry treats and live entertainment from local talent. Other food festivals include the Downtown Newark Food Truck Festival and the Ice Cream Festival in Utica. 

7. Dawes Arboretum 

The Dawes Arboretum in Newark is an ideal spot for fostering a love of Ohio’s natural beauty. With almost 2,000 acres to explore, enjoy trails, gardens and other natural areas. Be sure to check out the Japanese Garden, which includes a serene meditation area and a reflecting pond. 

8. Licking County Libraries 

When in doubt, go to the library. With plenty of branches across the county, Licking County Libraries are open most days of the week, making it an easily accessible activity any time of year. Plus, going to the library is completely free – always a plus – and the calendar is chock full of programs that cater to the needs and interests of the community. 

9. The Works 

The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark is more than just a museum – it’s an interactive space that sparks learning and creativity. With hands-on activities that encourage scientific exploration – not to mention a glassblowing studio – The Works promises hours of entertainment and magical memory-making for the whole family to enjoy. 

10. New England-Esque Village 

This charming village of Granville encapsulates New England charm without ever having to leave Ohio. With stunning architecture and a plethora of unique, local businesses, it’s a great destination for a day trip. Downtown is home to two historic inns and offers plenty of places to eat and shop, while the historic Bryn Du Mansion hosts polo matches on the Great Lawn on summer Sunday afternoons.

11. Newark Station 

While it does offer lofts for renting, this hybrid space in Newark is also a fun place to hang out with the whole family, thanks to the cafe and yard that are publicly available. Grab some delicious food and drinks at the Earthworks Cafe & Lounge, play some corn hole at the Yard or listen to some live music on select Wednesday and Saturday nights.