With its lovely streets, parks, and lakes where both locals and tourists can go swimming and engage in other enjoyable activities, Lima is a city full of adventures.
The city of Lima is a hidden gem to visit, while it might not as well-known as some of the other popular cities in Ohio it is worth visiting on your next vacation to Ohio.
In light of this, if you enjoy being outside, you can be sure to have a great time as you enjoy the lovely outdoors of the city and engage in exhilarating activities.
Secondly, the city offers fantastic family entertainment options. There are lots of things to do in Lima Ohio. The city boasts a staggering number of places to have fun, whether you’re looking for daytime activities or a buzzing evening.
Here is a list of 20 best things to do in Lima Ohio that will make you want to extend your trip by 1 or 2 more days.
Things to do in Lima Ohio
1 Visit the Hidden Creek Golf Club
Located on Sugar Creek Road in Lima, Ohio, the 18-hole Hidden Creek Golf Club is open to the public.
There has never been a better time to check out one of Ohio’s best-hidden golf courses if you haven’t gone to Hidden Creek recently or if you haven’t been at all.
The Hidden Creek Golf Club is the ideal place for travelers to have fun and make new friends.
Families can enjoy great meals and leisurely dining at a particular restaurant.
Check out the fantastic golf equipment shops, the bar, or both if you want to relax and make sure you have everything you need for a nice experience. The huge group pavilion is available for rent by people who want to host parties, and it has enough space for any celebration.
2 Enjoy the Outdoors at Faurot Park
Do you adore the outdoors and everything that nature has to offer in terms of beauty and tranquility? Do you desire to enjoy Lima at its finest during the ideal weather? On your list of fun things to do in Lima Ohio, make sure to include a visit to Faurot Park.
The open-air park is bursting with green spaces that are welcoming to all guests. Together with these amenities, numerous trees offer plenty of shade and recreational buildings. Spend a relaxed day outside with a picnic lunch and let the kids run about.
Hikers can find plenty to do in the park as well. In addition, the park features baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, and a skate park.
Be sure to see the annual Star-Spangled Extravaganza if you are in Lima in July. Locals and visitors may enjoy stunning fireworks show to commemorate the Fourth of July. This day is filled with numerous family-friendly activities as well.
3 Visit the Allen County Historical Society and Museum
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the city is probably the Allen County History Society and Museum. It is one of the locations that maintain and highlights the region’s rich history, particularly the thriving industry from long ago.
The most important exhibit is Locomotion in Lima, which illustrates the importance of trains and the railroad industry in shaping the majority of the city’s history.
Some of these train engines are still functioning, so there are regular train rides where children and adults can get a first-hand experience of riding a traditional train.
The MacDonell Mansion is another noteworthy display at the museum.
The house is a Victorian home with intricately carved furniture, stained-glass windows, and other antiquities from the past. There may always be fresh information to discover even if you spend an entire day exploring the museum.
4 Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District-Office
The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District Office is the headquarters of naturalists and rangers who run the various parks dotting Lima and the surrounding areas.
The building is surrounded by trees, pathways, natural displays, and other parks.
Whatever your age, you’ll have a great time discovering information about local flora and fauna, rescue animals, and the parks they are responsible for.
There are also exceptional occasions where unique subjects are highlighted and addressed.
Make sure to stop and check out all the nature-related locations the area has to offer because the facility also serves as a gateway to all the other outdoor leisure areas in Lima.
5 Shop at Alter Ego Comics
The Alter Ego Comics business is a favorite among both locals and tourists. You should include this on your list of things to do in Lima, Ohio.
Children and adults can browse many sections at Alter Ego Comics. They include movies, comic books, and TV shows. The store features a sizable selection of toys, posters, games, memorabilia, and even action figures.
And to make matters better, the staff is constantly there to offer advice on which products would be the greatest to buy. Also, you can use the free WiFi to conduct research before deciding.
6 Allen County Farm Park
Consider including a visit to Allen County Farm Park on your list of family-friendly activities in Lima. The Allen County Farm Park is a fun area for the whole family to explore and have a great time. There are several activities suitable for all ages.
At Allen farm park, visitors can ride horses or take hayrides, or they can just wander about and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Tourists and locals visiting the Allen County Farm Park also get to experience the Biennial Apple Festival. This is a must-attend event where you can enjoy apple products from local Lima farms.
For those seeking a fantastic place for their event or special occasion, the barn at Allen County Farm Park is the perfect setting.
You’ll experience a hassle-free and pleasant stay thanks to the roomy and lovely furnishings and the attentive personnel.
7 Unwind at Schoonover Park
Another perfect outdoor setting to visit in Lima is Schoonover park. It’s one of the most charming spots in the city to relax and unwind. Also, you may take in the breathtaking view of the 25-acre lake that is right in the midst of the park.
The whole family will have a great time in Schoonover Park. Since swimming is permitted at the lake, bring your swimsuits.
Also, people like to fish from the banks or relax and watch different water animals swim. Â the park offers a swimming pool that is free to tourists if you’d rather not swim in the lake.
You can have a picnic there and paddleboard there as well. You may enjoy some of the most tranquil moments in the picnic areas, which are surrounded by large shady trees and other local flora.
8 Visit Lauer Historical Farm
Visit Lauer Historical Farm for a leisurely experience learning about Lima’s agricultural heritage and methods.
Since World War II, it has been operating constantly and has been around since the 1830s. This facility is a superb illustration of the Midwest’s flourishing agricultural tradition with its stoic silos and vast farming grounds.
The lush grounds are open for exploration, and you may stop by the restored buildings and snap photographs among the planted gardens and sunflower fields.
9 Westgate Entertainment Center
Visitors may have a blast with their family and friends in this amusement area.
The center has roughly 24 lanes total, 6 of which are made of wood and 1 of synthetic material. Due to price subsidization, the center is accessible to a large number of people.
The lanes have available bumpers that are in place to keep the bowling balls out of gutters, putting smiles on your kid’s faces. Ramps are available to help the ball go down.
10 Ottawa Metro Park Campground
Set up camp at Ottawa Metro Park Campground if you intend to remain in Lima for an extended amount of time.
There are 30 sites in the roomy complex, and each one offers a wealth of facilities for a practical and relaxing stay.
While you’re at the park, you can swim with your family at Ottawa Metro Park beach or hire a boat and go fishing at the Lima Lake reservoir. It’s also perfectly safe even for kids, as there are park rangers and lifeguards on duty at all times.
11 Buttonbush Wetland Preserve
Among the fun things to do in Lima Ohio as a visitor is to explore the Buttonbush Wetland Preserve. The Buttonbush Wetland Preserve is located west of St. John’s Avenue along the Central Point Parkway.
The wetland preserve is a great leisure area with attractive natural features. It is the perfect vacation spot for those who enjoy the outdoors.
It contains a 700-square-foot observation deck and more than 5 acres of conserved land. The terrace is used by guests for bird watching, stunning nature viewing, and book reading.
12 Piatt Castles
The Piatt Castles are two magnificent Logan County homes called Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee. Having been around for centuries, the castle has always been a popular tourist destination in Ohio. The Piatt is the 6th generation of the family living on the land.
Whether you live down the street or across the country, you will find something special nestled in the beautiful countryside of Logan County, Ohio.
All tours at Piatt Castle are facilitated by self-guided journeys through historical artifacts, photographs, exhibits, and explanatory text. Guest chairs are located in every area so visitors can relax and enjoy the setting or engage in hands-on activities.
13 Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit
Another enjoyable spot in Lima that appreciates the historical activities of the rails and honors the locomotives is the Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit.
Visitors of all ages are welcome to the Exhibit, which is open every day from 8 am to 8 pm. Here, visitors may take in an outdoor exhibit featuring fascinating aspects of the rail business, including passenger carriages, cabooses, steam engines, and other railroad antiques. Furthermore, if you remain late, you may see the display come to life under the spotlights.
You ought to make sure to include going to the Lincoln Park Railway Exhibit on your list of things to do in Lima, Ohio.
14 Watch a Movie at the Regal Cinemas 12
Seeing the movies is one of the best nighttime activities for children and one of the best places to do so in Lima is at the Regal Cinemas 12.
This theater, also known as the Regal American Mall, has wonderful service, is constantly spotless, and the chairs are also quite comfortable. Thus, you won’t feel uncomfortable watching your children’s favorite animated film or the newest blockbuster.
Hence, if you are in the area, pick up your ticket and some popcorn and get ready for an amazing experience. The cinema has 12 screens where viewers may see a variety of movies. Don’t forget to sample the variety of snacks and beverages served at the theater’s concession stand.
15 Edgewood Skate Arena
Visitors of all ages are sure to have a great time at the Edgewood Skate Arena. Even after more than three decades, this roller skating rink hasn’t lost any of its appeals.
In the ice skating rink, you may rent skates of any size. However, if you like, you are always welcome to bring your skates and safety equipment.
Even better, visitors to the skating rink who have never used skates before should not be afraid. The team is always on hand to assist you in learning and having fun.
In addition to offering roller skating instruction, this location is fantastic for birthday celebrations. With the variety of decorations available at the stadium, birthdays may have any theme.
16 Hang Out in Vino Bellissimo
Vino Bellissimo is one of the best places in Lima to go for loud, exciting evening entertainment. This club and bar serves high-end alcoholic drinks including cocktails and beer and doubles as a vineyard.
It’s a great location to meet and hang out with friends and drink the night away after a hard day of traveling.
You’ll feel perfectly at home thanks to the fantastic ambiance, energetic dance floor, delectable beverages, and welcoming locals.
It’s one of Lima’s undiscovered jewels, so be sure to put it on your schedule!
17 Toledo Zoo and Aquarium
The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium is quite a place with adventure, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Lima Ohio. Located at 2700 Broadway, Toledo, Ohio, and 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio.
The Toledo Zoo and Aquarium are home to over 10,000 unique creatures from 720 different species. Visitors can closely look at the animals from an indoor viewing area.
Cougars are mostly found in North America, but it has been sighted in Ohio for more than 100 years. The Toledo Zoo is a great daytime activity that will liven up your day.
18 Lima Mall
Shopping at the Mall is among the top things to do in Lima Ohio. It is an enclosed shopping mall that offers retail services to communities in the counties of Allen, Putnam, and Augazie.
Lima Mall is the ideal location for dining, shopping, entertainment, and more and is conveniently situated at the junction of Cable and Elida Road.
There are more than 40 stores there, including JCPenney, Aeropostale, The Children’s Place, Old Navy, and several others. This location has clothing to suit all tastes.
You may enjoy a delicious supper at Lima Hall after your shopping spree by going to eateries like Chopsticks Express or Golden Corral.
19 Dine at Old City Prime
A vacation to Lima wouldn’t be complete without dining at one of the city’s many reputable eateries. It boasts of being a contemporary American steakhouse, with a variety of traditional dishes to appease anyone’s desire.
Old City Prime is among the most renowned eating places. Taste their fresh oysters, gourmet appetizers, USDA prime-aged steaks, warm bread made in-house, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres.
To accompany your meals, a variety of high-end wines and specialty beverages are also available.
Their Upstairs Lounge has live bands, piano ballads, country music events, and various other performances by gifted regional performers.
A visit to Old city prime is the ideal way to end a memorable day of sightseeing in Lima.
20 Visit Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill
On our last list of things to do in Lima Ohio is to visit the amazing Beer Barrel Pizza & Grill with friends.
The restaurants’ welcoming and giving character, great food, inviting atmosphere, and strong sense of community service as proud definitions of who they are and what they do.
Their complete menu is now equally widely known, even though their cherished original Beer Barrel-style pizza has been there since 1965.
They provide cooked family dinners, popular snacks, seasonal specials, and their brand of hospitality in their separate dining rooms and bar areas.
The restaurant is a wonderful spot for meeting up with loved ones and enjoying some refreshing beverages.
Best time to visit Lima Ohio
The finest months to travel to Lima, Ohio are May, June, and July. But, tourists may still visit the city from September through November.