Family outings are more fun when you can accommodate every member of your family, including pets. This summer, consider one of these pet-friendly destinations in Ohio.

 

What better way to spend a lazy afternoon than drifting down Hocking River with Fido? Take a five-mile excursion with the Hocking Hills Canoe Livery (12789 S.R. 664) in the heart of Hocking Hills in Logan. Pets are welcome on canoe rides but must remain leashed when mingling with other guests in public areas. More information is available by visiting www.hockingriver.com or calling the livery at 800-634-6820.

 

Good music, fresh air and sunshine are a perfect combination at the Goodale Park Summer Music Series. Throughout July and August, Goodale Park (120 W. Goodale St., Columbus) welcomes an eclectic mix of entertainment for all ages. Spend time walking the trails and then stay for the show. Pets are welcome. For additional information, visit www.goodaleparkmusicseries.com.

 

If your dog loves swimming (and what dog doesn't?), consider a visit to Bow Wow Beach in Stow (located within Silver Springs Park at 5070 Stow Road). It's a dog's dream with more than seven acres of grassy area, a three-acre lake, jumping dock and separate areas for large and small dogs. Amenities for dog owners include picnic tables, shady areas and swings. For more information, visit www.bowwowbeach.org.

 

Enjoy a piece of history and walk the old canal path tow trail of the Maumee River. Begin your eight-mile hike at the Farnsworth metropark (8505 S. River Road) in Waterville. Head south and visit the Bend View and Providence parks, both managed by Toledo Metroparks. If you have time, stop for some fishing or a picnic at one of many designated areas along the way. Trail maps and more information can be found at www.metroparkstoledo.com.

 

With 83 state parks in Ohio, there's sure to be one near you. Pets are welcome at most daily-use parks and all state park camping areas (on a leash, of course). Pets are not permitted in human swimming areas, however several locations, including Alum Creek, Grand Lake St. Marys, Mosquito Lake, Portage Lakes, and Salt Fork, provide fenced dog parks or dog swimming areas. Check the Ohio state parks website (www.dnr.state.oh.us) for more details.

 

This summer, ramp up the family fun by including all the members of your family on your day trips. Not only will you have fun on your adventures, your pets will too.