Summer Fun in Ohio: 30 Ways to Enjoy June

6/1: Take part in a friendly competition to find and identify 250 different species of plants, animals and insects during BioBlitz - Race to 250 at Maumee Bay State Park. The monthlong event encourages families to get out and explore the variety of habitats that can be found in this 1,336-acre park. June 1–30. ohiodnr.gov

6/2: Celebrate theater, art, music film and dance over the course of two weeks during the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. See more than 150 performances of over 35 different productions at venues across the city. Stick around for late-night fun, including the adult-oriented Kinda Weird Puppet Slam. May 29–June 13. cincyfringe.com

6/3: Since 1979, the Dairy Barn Arts Center has been hosting art exhibitions in a repurposed dairy barn in Athens County. Visit throughout the year to see rotating exhibitions. This summer features several, including one highlighting the woodcut prints of Marietta-based artist Bobby Rosenstock. dairybarn.org

6/4: See 21 colorful balloons take to the skies over Coshocton County during the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. From a balloon that looks like a giant strawberry to an Ohio State Buckeyes-themed balloon, this event is sure to dazzle onlookers. June 4–6. visitcoshocton.com

6/5: Celebrate the heritage of the Columbus Washboard Co. during the Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival. Since 1895, the company has been handcrafting these pieces of Americana. This festival celebrates the home of the nation’s only operating washboard manufacturer with music, food and fun. June 4–6. loganwashboardfestival.com

6/6: Always held the first Friday and Saturday in June, the Van Wert Peony Festival has been a longstanding tradition in this city that’s known as the Peony Capital of the World. First held in 1932, this celebration features a car show, live performances and a grand parade. June 5–6. vwpeonyfestival.com

6/7: Held in a new location this year at Bank Run Metro Park, the Central Ohio Folk Festival honors roots music at its finest. Drawing more than 12,000 visitors, this festival features workshops, kids activities, local beer and live performances by musicians from across the country. June 6–7. columbusfolkmusicsociety.org/festival

6/8: Each year, the annual Blooms & Butterflies event returns to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus. Explore the Pacific Island Water Garden to see these beautiful, delicate creatures. Watch them flit about the garden and stop to rest on flowers. Feb. 21–July 5. fpconservatory.org

6/9: Named for one of the greatest arrangers and composers of all time, the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra has been performing and touring since its second iteration formed in 1938. This legendary group currently features 18 members and brings its classic jazz and swing sounds to Columbus’ Southern Theatre this summer. capa.com

6/10: Feel transported to the African Savannah through the abstract visuals, heart-pounding music and beautiful storytelling of this six-time Tony Award-winning musical. The third-longest-running show in Broadway history, “The Lion King” comes to Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. June 10–July 5. cincinnatiarts.org

6/11: Nothing says summer like a campfire cookout. Head to Summit Metro Park’s Liberty Park in Twinsburg to participate in Campfire Cooking: Three-Course Meal. Watch cooking demonstrations and learn the proper techniques to perfect an appetizer, entree and dessert over a roaring flame. summitmetroparks.org

6/12: The southwest Ohio city of Versailles was once one of the largest poultry producers in the country. That legacy is celebrated during Versailles’ Poultry Days. The festival features live music across three days, a parade, agriculture shows and, of course, delicious chicken dinners. June 12–14. versaillespoultrydays.com

6/13: Vibrant costumed performers and human-powered floats take to Cleveland’s University Circle during the annual Parade the Circle celebration. The theme of this year’s event is “Momentum,” based on a special exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art highlighting early 20th-century textile designs. clevelandart.org

6/14: Held along the scenic Scioto Riverfront each June, the Columbus Arts Festival features 250 visual artists from across the country displaying their works. Visitors can find unique pieces to purchase, food and four stages of live entertainment to enjoy. June 12–14. columbusartsfestival.org

6/15: Between 1932 and 1944, Ben Hartman constructed a whimsical world in his own backyard. Today, travelers can visit the Hartman Rock Garden in Springfield and take a self-guided tour of the stone castles, houses, arches and other sculptures that are collectively regarded as a folk-art masterpiece. hartmanrocks.org

6/16: Fans of Fleetwood Mac will love Fleetwood Gold, one of the most followed Fleetwood Mac tribute bands in the Midwest. The group tours regularly, making a stop at Mentor Rocks to bring fans the flair of the original group as well as some of the solo work of Stevie Nicks. mentorrocks.info

6/17: A summer in Ohio isn’t complete without a visit to Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky. The first roller coaster opened here in 1892, and today, the park offers dozens of thrilling rides, including Siren’s Curse, which opened last summer. sixflags.com/cedarpoint

6/18: Have you ever wondered how Peter Pan arrived in Neverland and gained eternal youth? Find out during this theater-style adaptation of “Peter and the Starcatcher” at Columbus’ outdoor Schiller Park Amphitheater. This adaptation of the bestselling novel shares the origin stories of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. June 18–July 12. theactorstheatre.org

6/19: Gather in Gahanna for three days of live music during the Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival. Hear world-class performers playing tunes ranging from blues and rock to soul and swing, shop wares from regional artisans and enjoy delicious eats. June 19–21. creeksidebluesandjazz.com

6/20: The Nelsonville Music Festival returns to Snow Fork Event Center with a bit of a changeup this year. Now running Thursday through Saturday, this three-day event brings headliners Geese, Marcus King Band and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, plus dozens of other artists in the folk, bluegrass and country genres. June 18–20. nelsonvillefest.org

6/21: Celebrate a sunny summer fruit at the Holland Strawberry Festival. This long-running event features all the usual festival favorites like rides, games, vendors and a parade on Sunday. The highlight, of course, is all the tasty strawberry-themed desserts, including pies, shortcake and milkshakes. June 17–21. holland-strawberryfestival.com

6/22: Dayton is home to the largest military aviation museum in the world: the National Museum of the U.S. Airforce. Here, visitors can explore 20 acres of indoor exhibition space holding over 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles, as well as thousands of artifacts. nationalmuseum.af.mil

6/23: See and hear Paul Simon as he stops at Cuyahoga Falls’ Blossom Music Center while touring in support of his most recent album, “Seven Psalms.” The entirely acoustic album features Simon’s iconic vocals and guitar work in a more conceptual effort than he has ever released before. blossommusic.com

6/24: Professional floral and garden designer Luke Simon leads attendees in making a wreath, vase, and planter from materials found in and around your garden. Visit F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron to take part in Meet Me in the Garden: Crafting Gorgeous Gifts and Home Decor. summitmetroparks.org

6/25: Check out the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure as it travels through Ashland and Wooster on June 25. The route of the seven-day ride makes stops in several Ohio towns, providing participants a fun and family-friendly way to explore the state. June 20–27. outdoor-pursuits.org

6/26: Touring in support of its latest album, “Victory Garden,” Young the Giant makes a stop at Kemba Live! in Columbus. The California-based group is known for its upbeat sound, making it a great summertime experience. Cold War Kids and Almost Monday are on the bill as well. promowestlive.com

6/27: Shop from a selection of handmade ceramic, porcelain and terracotta pieces crafted by Hocking House owner Jean Magdich. The Hocking House Annual Garden Happening features the artist’s beautiful and practical works, including stepping stones, garden sculptures and watering cans. June 27–28. explorehockinghills.com

6/28: Roll into Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park for miniature and full-size train rides during the two-day Carillon Park Rail Festival. Learn about the park’s rail history, including it being home to the oldest surviving American-built locomotive, as well as historical and model train displays, live steam engines and more. June 27–28. daytonhistory.org

6/29: A trip to the Hocking Hills wouldn’t be complete without taking on one or both trails found in Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve. For a leisurely hike, opt for the Gorge Trail (an accessible 0.5-mile route), while those looking for a challenge and treetop views should try the 1.9-mile Rim Trail. ohiodnr.gov

6/30: Mentor’s annual summer concert series draws popular headliners ranging from notable cover bands to well-known performers. Held each Tuesday from June through August, Mentor Rocks hosts singer-songwriter and “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, known for hits like “Home,” “Raging Fire” and “Gone, Gone, Gone.” mentorrocks.info