From outdoor escapes at Mosquito Lake to storybook trails, drive-in movies, arcade games, and local museums, there’s something for all ages to discover. Just an hour from Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Trumbull County is packed with affordable, family-friendly activities that promise plenty of memories, rain or shine.

Explore Mosquito Lake

There’s no limit to the fun to be had at Mosquito Lake State Park. The lake is one of the largest in Ohio, with more than 7,000 acres of surface area. The surrounding park covers around 2,500 acres and offers plenty of recreation opportunities.

The lake is a great place to boat, with boat launches located off Durst Drive in the park and near the intersection of State Route 88 and 46. Don’t own a boat? No worries – you can rent one at Mosquito Lake Marina & Boat Rental. You can also buy live bait and tackle for fishing there.

By the way, there’s no shortage of spots for fishing at Mosquito Lake. There are plenty of trails that offer public lakeside access.

Birdwatchers can also stop at Lakeview Recreation Area, known for being a great spot for birdwatching. Additionally, birders have good luck at the north end of the lake in the Wildlife Area. You’ll find plenty of waterfowl, as well as raptors like hawks, eagles, and osprey, along with many species of songbirds. Warblers are a particularly popular sight during their migration.

The State Park has a family-friendly beach as well as a dog park with a swimming area, so man’s best friend can take a dip, too. It’s also home to Squirrel Run Disc Golf Course, a woodsy 18-hole course that mostly sticks close to the lake. And, of course, there are plenty of great spots to picnic.

If one day at the lake just isn’t enough, you can reserve a spot at the Mosquito Lake State Park Campground, located off Hoagland Blackstub Road. It offers pet-friendly, full-service electric and non-electric sites, as well as two yurts.

Not far from the campground is a Nature Play Area with a canvas teepee, rope course, and wooden cabin. This rustic playground is a great place for kids to safely explore and get in touch with nature. If you don’t come back a little dirty, you’re doing it wrong!

Across the street from the Nature Play Area is an archery range, which is free and open to players with their own equipment. The park also sometimes offers children’s archery lessons.

Park rangers and naturalists lead a variety of activities throughout the year, from guided hikes to wildlife presentations, lake-to-plate fishing events, and more. There’s always something going on at Mosquito Lake!

Storybook Trails

While you’re at Mosquito Lake, you’ll want to check out the Mosquito Lake State Park Storybook Trail at 3372 Warren Meadville Road. Stroll through the woods on this easygoing trail while the kids read a short story laid out on panels along the path.

And if you love the experience, great news! Trumbull County has two more storybook trails. You can visit the Stevens Park StoryWalk in Niles or the Perkins Park StoryWalk Trail in Warren. The tales at all three walks are changed out regularly, so you can keep coming back for more fun!

Other Great Parks

Trumbull County has plenty of other popular parks, too. Here are a few that are worth checking out:

Howland Township Park on Rosegarden Drive in Howland features a large, circular walking track, a playground, sports fields, and the Howland Wildlife Preserve Trail, a boardwalk trail that cuts through Howland’s beautiful wetlands.

Warren’s Packard Park on Mahoning Avenue is home to a picturesque Japanese tea garden, a duck pond, a skateboard park, and a splashpad for those hot summer days. You can also walk a loop around the park and catch views of the Mahoning River.

If you’re in Cortland, make sure to check out Pearl Park. This local favorite features basketball courts, a playground, and open fields perfect for a game of catch or a family picnic. It’s also home to the city’s popular splashpad, a go-to spot for kids to cool off during hot summer days.

If you’re a fan of small-craft boating but want to get off the lake, you can launch a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or small motorboat at Canoe City MetroPark in Leavittsburg. There’s no better way to take in the scenic Mahoning River than from the water itself!

If strolling is more your speed, Thomas A. Swift MetroPark is the place for you. This open meadow park in Braceville Township is relatively flat and bordered by the Mahoning River. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors at an easy pace.

Movies Under the Stars

Trumbull County boasts not one, but two drive-in movie theatres. Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre on Elm Road in Warren and Skyway Twin Drive-In Theatre on North Leavitt Road in Warren mix nostalgia with today’s hit movies. Enjoy a wide selection of snacks and the most recent releases, as well as some old favorite flicks, at either of these local drive-in theatres.

Pro tip: Remember to bring blankets and some bug repellent!

An Evening at the Ballpark

Of course, nothing says outdoor family fun like baseball. Catch the Mahoning Valley Scrappers at Eastwood Field at the Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles. Grab a hot dog or an ice cream cone and tuck in for nine innings of fun and fast-paced baseball!

And be sure to say hello to Scrappy the Bulldog. The Scrappers play from late May through September.

Indoor Fun for all Ages

Spring showers got you down? Don’t worry – Trumbull County has plenty of indoor fun as well. Check out these spots to keep the ball rolling:

Do you love bowling? Has it been a while since you’ve been bowling? Well, Champion Lanes is the perfect place to toss some balls with the family. They even have games that put a fun spin on typical bowling.

Past Times Arcade in Girard brings the nostalgia and promises an afternoon of laughs with its array of classic arcade games.

If you’re feeling a little extreme (or you want to wear out the kids), spend an hour bouncing at Extreme Air Trampoline Park at the Eastwood Mall in Niles. As they say, the sky’s the limit!

While you’re at the Eastwood Mall, you can also swing by the newly opened Dave & Buster’s for the latest and greatest in arcade fun and interactive games that are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Big movies are still in. If it’s too wet for the drive-in theatre, you can see what’s playing at Regal Cinema in Niles – and grab some popcorn while you’re at it.

Looking for some fry pies and all the odds and ends you could possibly need? Swing by End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia to see what’s in stock and pick out some saltwater taffy for the kids (or, let’s be honest, for yourself). While you’re in the neighborhood, you can also stop by Between Two Rivers Trading Post for more unique finds and handcrafted items.

Or, if you love art, culture, and history, check out one of Trumbull County’s great museums: the National Packard Museum in Warren, the McKinley Memorial Museum in Niles, the Medici Museum of Art in Howland, or the Ernie Hall Aviation Museum in Howland.

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There’s certainly no shortage of fun to be had in Trumbull County – whether you’re 5 or 85. Adventure, nostalgia, nature, and good times await!