Universal Orlando Resort has shared details about how it plans to celebrate all things merry and bright during its destination-wide Holidays celebration this year, which includes a slate of festivities inspired by beloved characters and seasonal traditions from November 21 through January 4, 2026.
Bordering five U.S. states and one Great Lake, Ohio is situated comfortably in the Midwest.
No matter where your motorcoach is coming from, you'll find something interesting for your group to enjoy, whether it's lessons in history, encounters with wildlife and nature, appreciation of the arts, fun out on the water, or thrill seeking from great heights. And, of course, plenty of culinary treats along the way!
Photo courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio
The Shores & Islands region of the Buckeye State is where your group will find their "Lake Erie Love." One of the top attractions is Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky. In addition to more than 60 rides, it also features live entertainment and shows, plus a variety of dining, hotels, and marinas. And, don't leave without checking out the Merry Go Round and Cedar Point History Museums.
Continue your adventure at the free-range African Safari Wildlife Park, where you'll see and feed zebras, giraffe, bison, deer, and more from your vehicle. Or, do a Walk-Thru Safari for a deeper dive. Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island in Lake Erie is an additional group option. Tour the island by bicycle or golf cart, and enjoy exciting nightlife, delicious food, and a resort community vibe. Liberty Aviation Museum is also a must, with its displays of WWII aircraft and the 1950s-era themed Tin Goose Diner.
Photo courtesy of Journey Photography - Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Located in north-central Ohio is Marion, which is just a short distance from Columbus. Among the top things to do is Passenger & Rail Co., a venue featuring live music every Friday and Saturday in the warmer months. Dining on site at Bucci's is also highly recommended. Another draw is The Cardinal Project, a public art display with 17 statues representing Ohio as the 17th state in the Union. After viewing these creations designed and painted by local artists, wander over to their quaint downtown lined with boutiques and eateries.
Marion also has a number of museums and monuments that history buffs will appreciate. Among the most notable are the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites, Marion County Historical Society, Veterans Memorial Park, Union Station, Marion Palace Theatre, and Wyandot Popcorn Museum.
Photo courtesy of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ohio's capital and largest city, Columbus offers a wide range of year-round, group-friendly activities. Begin with Columbus Food Adventures, which was named the no. 1 food tour in the country by USA Today 10Best in 2024. Or, for a different kind of excitement, consider a guided zipline tour with ZipZone or a visit to the famed Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
There's so much variety in Columbus, no matter your group's interest! Those curious about science will want to try the interactive exhibits at COSI, while art enthusiasts won't want to miss the expansive collections at Columbus Museum of Art. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will delight nature lovers, and, as a bonus, it has an array of Chihuly glass on display. Make your last stop a guided tour of the Ohio Statehouse for a dose of history.
Cincinnati is also brimming with diverse offerings for groups. Itineraries should definitely include stops at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, and the one-of-a-kind American Sign Museum. A cruise on the Ohio River with BB Riverboats and a bus tour of area attractions with American Legacy Tours are also highlights.
For meals and shopping, there's Findlay Market with a host of vendors, local goods, and casual restaurants. The mixed-use Factory 52 that blends retail, green space, and dining is also popular. And, groups will appreciate the flexibility and ample space at Element Eatery, an upscale food hall with multiple options under one roof.
Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Lima
Just about an hour from the Indiana border is Greater Lima in Allen County, which has a bustling theatre and arts scene. Browse the rotating galleries at Artspace/Lima or take a class in pottery or stained glass. And, be sure to see a live show or production at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center or the Encore Theater. Allen County Museum has a number of intriguing exhibits, too.
Within Allen County are several veteran memorials to see honoring service members in all military branches. These include the Veterans Freedom Flag Monument, a display of military hardware at the Harrod Veterans Memorial Park, and the nation's largest permanent flag memorial. Plus, in nearby Bluffton is Schumacher Homestead showcasing the stories and period items of Swiss settlers in Northwest Ohio.
Photo courtesy of Zanesville - Muskingum
Zanesville-Muskingum County is yet another destination with broad appeal. Take a scenic riverboat cruise along the Muskingum River on the 104-foot Lorena Sternwheeler, for starters. Or, spend a day in Dresden, home of the world-famous Longaberger baskets, where groups can pick up souvenirs and view basket-themed attractions. There's also Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio in the heart of downtown Zanesville, which is conveniently near Elk's Eye Art Market—an ideal spot for shopping and group dining.
If the animal kingdom is your thing, head to The Wilds, which was recently voted the best safari park in Ohio in a USA Today poll. Or, fawn over some furry friends at The Alpacas of Spring Acres—Southeastern Ohio's largest Suri alpaca farm.
Photo courtesy of Destination Toledo
Just when you thought you couldn't find more to do in Ohio, Toledo enters the picture! Considered a "must do" is Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, which houses 16,000-plus individual animals representing more than 680 species. It also has the new ProMedica Museum of Natural History to explore. There's Toledo Museum of Art, too, with artifacts and masterworks spanning centuries, as well as daily glassblowing demonstrations.
For relaxing or recreating in the great outdoors, consider spending the day at one of the 19 parks within the Metroparks Toledo system. Each offers a different experience, from waterfront to wooded to flat rocks, and more. Or, for insight into the history of the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area, visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes. And, don't pass up Sauder Village, Ohio's largest living history destination, located in nearby Archbold.
Photo courtesy of Cody York for ThisIsCleveland.com
Last up is Cleveland, with the celebrated Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as just one reason to make a stop in "The Land." There's also the Pro Football Hall of Fame for sports fans and Cleveland Museum of Art for art aficionados. In addition, you can take a Lake Erie sunset cruise on Lady Caroline. And, finally, there's Playhouse Square, one of the largest performing arts centers in the country. A collection of 10 performance spaces, it hosts 1,000-plus events a year!
Written by Allison Kay Bannister, Contributing Writer for Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the Sept/Oct '25 issue of Groups Today.
Main photo courtesy of Experience Columbus.
Mamma Mia! Here it comes again!
Every city has a dark side: You can never quite tell exactly what lies beneath, behind or beyond. These North American cities are notorious haunts for ghost legends—where groups are likely to have their bones chilled by gruesome stories and their blood curdled by run-ins with spirits. And let's be transparent: These spirits don't just come out on Halloween; they're around any day or night of the year.
