Family Travel • Consistently Curious

Life can get hectic with children and before you know it another weekend has come and gone. Avoid wasting another weekend by planning a few fun road trips throughout the year. You don’t have to travel far to have breath-taking hikes, world-class museums, and extraordinary experiences. We have compiled our most notable expeditions to date that is within two and a half hours from our hometown. Here are our top ten weekend trips from Cincinnati for families that will be sure to put a smile on your children’s faces.

The Indianapolis Children Museum

Located only two and a half hours away from Cincinnati is the World’s Largest Children’s Museum. With over 10 exhibits and 12 sports experiences in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legend, there is something for everyone in the family. We have your comprehensive guide to the museum to help navigate your day. Indianapolis is full of unique family experiences from getting up close to Orangutans at the Indianapolis Zoo to testing out hundreds of instruments at the Rhythm Discovery Center. Start planning your Indy adventure today!

Take a Balloon Ride at Conner Prairie

Hamilton County, Indiana is a great retreat for families who enjoy outdoor adventures. A visit to Conner Prairie will have you stepping back in time as you set sail on their iconic 1859 Balloon Voyage. Explore their four-story tree house or make a few new friends while discovering what life was like back in 1836. Don’t forget to hit the Monon Trail or try a treetop obstacle course during your family retreat. Carmel’s Porchfest is one of the many festivals that make this an ideal family getaway!

Visit the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington

Southern charm is closer than you think! Located less than a two-hour drive from Cincinnati, Lexington makes the ideal day or weekend trip! Families have endless opportunities to experience history, culture, indoor and outdoor adventures and naturally, horses. Take flight at the Kentucky Aviation Museum, discover the Explorium Interactive Children’s Museum or saddle up at the Kentucky Horse Park. Here are five reasons why you need to bring your family to Lexington!

Explore, Play and Learn in Columbus, OH

Columbus is bursting at the seams with endless family fun attractions! COSI is a constant hit among families along with Columbus Zoo. The new addition of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center adds even more allure to the area. Being only an hour and a half from Cincinnati this is a classic weekend trip from Cincinnati for families. Check out more fun options in Columbus on their website.

Take a Spin on the Historic Carroussel in Mansfield, OH

This small town is an ideal getaway for young families and offers more than meets the eye. An easy two-and-half-hour drive up I-71 will land you in this quaint farming community that is full of pleasant surprises. Little ones will go crazy over the Little Buckeye Museum, while older children will love the chance to sleep in an actual treehouse. Don’t forget to check out Splash Harbor, an indoor water park that will make the perfect home base during your journey. Here are a few more reasons why you need to make Mansfield your next weekend trip.

Hocking Hills, OH

Hit the trails with your family as you explore the serenity of Hocking Hills State Park. This is an ideal spot to camp, get a cabin and take in the beauty of nature. Peek inside Old Man’s Cave or rent a canoe on Lake Hope. Thrill-seekers can hop on the ziplines or take on a few rugged trails. Whatever your adventure level is there is plenty to do and explore at Hocking Hills.

Go down under at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Park

This adventure zoo located in Horse Cave, Kentucky allows guests to pet kangaroos, feed Lorikeets and explore a cave all in the same day. Rent a golf cart and spend the day exploring, seeing exotic animals, taking in unique shows and caving. Kentucky Down Under is located roughly 15 minutes from Mammoth Cave, a National Park which makes this the perfect weekend caving expedition.

Hop on a Trail in Dublin, OH

Whether it is discovering the exceptional public art, chasing waterfalls or hunting down resident fairies, Dublin has the perfect trail for your family. A trip to Dublin would not be complete without a visit to the Columbus Zoo located only minutes from downtown Dublin. Don’t forget to read about these other great reasons visit Dublin, OH!

View the Trains in La Grange, KY

Round up the train lovers in your family and hit the road for the small town of La Grange, Kentucky. La Grange is the perfect place for families to explore since it is just over an hour from Cincinnati. Stay the day or overnight in one of their quaint bed and breakfasts, either way, you will enjoy visiting this historic town. Watch the trains roll directly down the main street in one of the few cities in the US that allow trains to street run. This is an experience not to be missed! Check out these other cute spots during your visit.

Celebrate Christmas in Santa Claus, Indiana

It’s Christmas every day of the year in the small, charming town of Santa Claus, Indiana. Explore Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, get a history lesson at Lincoln’s boyhood home, or sip on some frozen hot chocolate at the Santa’s Candy Castle. Learn more about why this Christmas town is bound to keep your family in good spirits.