Canoe trips to safaris: Plenty of options for summer day trips

TUSCARAWAS VALLEY ‒ The start of school is just weeks away, but there's still plenty of time this summer to enjoy the many attractions that can be found close by or within an hour's drive of Tuscarawas County.

An enjoyable afternoon for the family can be spent at a nearby amusement park, canoeing on the Mohican River or seeing exotic animals from around the world.

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Here are a few suggestions for a quick summer getaway:

Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park

Families will be sure to enjoy a visit to the Sluggers & Putters Amusement Park , 333 Lafayette Drive NW, Canal Fulton. The park offers more than 20 rides and attractions for people of all ages, including outdoor laser tag, F-22 Raptor go-karts, water bumper boats, flying chair swings, rock climbing, batting cages and Lil' Dipper Rollercoaster. Park hours are typically noon to 8:30 p.m. during the week in the summer and noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. A Super All-Day Action Pass is $40 per person.

Families with older children would have a good time at Downtown Canton Escape Rooms, located at the corner of Market Avenue S and Second Street SW. Visitors will work as a team to find clues and solve puzzles before time runs out. The escape room is best for children over age 8. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www.escaperoomdowntown.com .

Outdoor adventures

Nearby Loudonville in Ashland and Holmes County offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities. It is known as the Canoe Capital of Ohio because of the number of canoe liveries that operate along the Mohican River. Among the companies that rent canoes are River Run Campground , Loudonville Canoe Livery and Mohican Adventures .

Looking to go on a safari without leaving Ohio? Plan a visit to The Wilds, 14000 International Road, Cumberland, in Guernsey County. The conservation center is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, including cheetah, giraffe, greater on-horn rhino, zebra, ostrich and southern white rhino. The center offers open-air safaris in a customized tour bus, off-road visits in a customized truck and a behind-the-scenes safari where visitors can learn about the daily routines of the animal care team. Advance reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.thewilds.org/tours-wilds .

A visit to the past

In Coshocton, visitors can step back in time with a visit to Roscoe Village. Children can watch a blacksmith practice his craft and try their hand at the many unique crafts of the time at the activity center. Stop at the Hay Craft & Learning Center, the Toll House, Dr. Maro Johnson’s Office, Dr. Maro Johnson’s Home and Kitchen Pantry, the Caldersburgh Pearl Canal Boat Exhibit, the Craftsman’s House and the Roscoe School. Self-guided tours are available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $13 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students. Children aged 5 and under are free. For more information, visit roscoevillage.com .

While in town, take a ride on the Monticello III, a 1830s-era canal boat. During the 45-minute ride, you can listen to the captain describe 1800s life on the Ohio & Erie Canal. Board the boat at Coshocton Lake Park, 23253 State Route 83, Coshocton. The Monticello III runs at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 18. Then rides will be available on Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 20. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children 5 through 12 and free for children under age 5. For more information, visit www.coshoctonlakepark.com .

Amusement rides

A fun place for kids is Richland Carrousel Park, 75 N. Main St., Mansfield. Experience old-fashioned charm in a fun, modern setting as you venture on a chariot or ride one of the dozens of colorful, hand-carved animals. The carrousel is the first new, hand-carved carrousel to be built and operated in the United States since the 1930s. The figures were carved in the style of G. A. Dentzel, one of the most revered carvers of the early 1900s. All 52 figures were designed, carved and painted by Carousel Works of Mansfield. A Stinson Band Organ, made by the Stinson Pipe Organ Co. of Bellefontaine, Ohio, provides music for carrousel riders. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $1 per ride, $5 for six rides and $35 for 50 carrousel rides. For more information, visit richlandcarrousel.com .

Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Canoe trips to safaris: Plenty of options for summer day trips