Interesting Facts About Ohio
These interesting facts about Ohio for kids include the first airplane, the world’s largest horseshoe crab, and the rubber capital of the world.
This is part of the 50 states unit study as we travel around America, learning about the history of each state. Check out these Arkansas facts for kids below! Find some fun crafts, activities, and books for each state that will engage kids of all ages.

Ohio is a midwest state with Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the east, and Michigan to the northwest. The capital is Colombus and is known as The Buckeye State. It became the 17th state in 1803 and has close to 12 million residents.
Ohio State Facts
Fact One: The first airplane was invented by Dayton natives the Wright Brothers.
On October 5, 1905, the Wright brothers proved the theory of controlled flight when they flew for 24.2 miles in Dayton, Ohio.
Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:
- Make these fun Pool Noodle Planes with your kids.
- This kid-sized DIY Cardboard Airplane will provide fun for days.
- Read Going on an Airplane: A Toddler Prep Book.
- Make these Dolly Peg Airplanes in this STEM craft.
- These Clothespin Airplanes are perfect for grade-school kids.
Fact Two: The world’s largest horseshoe crab statue is in Ohio
This horseshoe crab art installation is 67 feet long and is located in Hillsboro, Ohio and was built in 1997.
Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:
- Make this fun Pipe Cleaners and Paper Crab Craft with your little ones.
- This cute Crab Toilet Paper Roll Craft is fun for kids of all ages.
- Read The Brave Little Crab with your littles.
- This Handprint Crab Craft is a great activity for toddlers.
- Make these Styrofoam Cup Sea Crabs for a day on the beach.

Fact Three: Akron, Ohio is the rubber capital of the world
Many well-known tire companies are located in Akron, Ohio making it the rubber capital of the world.
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Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:
- Make these Rubber Band Bracelets with your kids.
- Build a Rubber Band Car in this STEM activity.
- Read Sesame Street – Rubber Duckie Bath Time Tunes Sound Book with your toddlers.
- Use rubber bands to make a Rubber Band Powered Boat.
- Make a Rubber Band Ball made only from these elastic bands.
Fact Four: John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth in space
Ohio senator John Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth on February 20, 1962. In October of 1998, at age 77, traveled back into space making him the oldest man in space.
Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:
- Make reading fun with these DIY Rocket Corner Bookmarks.
- Play Solar System Bingo for a fun afternoon activity.
- Read My First Book of Planets with your kids.
- Learn How To Make A Planet ( With A CD) in this craft.
- This Space Themed Wreath is easy and fun to make.
Fact Five: Seven United States Presidents were born in Ohio
Seven United States presidents were born in Ohio including Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, William H. Taft, and Warren G. Harding.
Here are some fun crafts and activities to do with your kids:
- Have your kids think about being president in this President Writing Craft.
- Make this Abraham Lincoln Paper Plate Craft with your little ones.
- Read The Story of Abraham Lincoln with your grade school kids.
- Try these Kids Crafts For President Day.
- Make a book about being president in this Presidents Book For Kids.

More Ohio Resources:
- Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Cincinnati, Ohio
- Ohio State Books For Kids
- Ohio Crafts For Kids
- Ohio State Fact File Worksheets