17 Spring Break Vacation Ideas From Cincinnati
Are you looking for Spring Break vacation ideas from Cincinnati, Ohio? Whether you are looking for affordable family destinations within a few hours of Cincinnati or hope to escape to the beach, we have spring break ideas for all types of travelers.
Flying or Driving?
One of the most important questions in determining where you are heading for spring break is whether you plan on flying or driving. Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) offers various carriers, including budget carriers such as Allegiant Airlines and Frontier Airlines, that offer direct flights to popular beaches and big city destinations.
One of Cincinnati’s beauties is that you can admire a completely different landscape in only a few hours of driving. In five hours, you could be soaking up mountain views in Smoky Mountain National Park, exploring the St. Louis Arch, or sitting on the beaches of Lake Michigan.
This article will not highlight popular Spring Break destinations such as Disney World and Universal Studios.
Our Top Spring Break Destinations From Cincinnati For Families
Discover the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, Michigan
Grab a cold beer at Michigan’s oldest brewery, tour a working historic farm or visit Brommers, the world largest Christmas Store. Don’t forget to stay at Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark. There are tons of fun things to do in Frankenmuth, MI.
Check out our top things to do in Frankenmuth, MI!
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 5 hours
Visit an Indoor Waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky is Ohio’s indoor waterpark capital. With three different indoor waterparks to choose from, guests can find the best one to fit their family’s needs, whether it is Castaway Bay geared towards twelve and under, or Kalahari Resort offering more slides and thrills.
Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky is another popular indoor waterpark offering attractions for guests of various ages. Don’t stop exploring at the waterparks, though! Spend on of your days exploring Ohio’s Islands such as Put-IN-Bay or Kelleys Island.
Tip: The only way to get to Ohio’s Islands is by ferry or personal boat. When visiting Ohio’s Islands, check the ferry schedule, as it varies by season. Miller Ferry services Put-In-Bay and Middle Bass Island, and the Kelley’s Island Ferry services Kelley’s Island.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Spend the Weekend in Indianapolis
Are you looking to put together the perfect Indianapolis 3-day weekend getaway itinerary with your family and discover the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids?
Known for the Indy 500, this racing town has more to offer guests, including the world’s largest children’s museum! With this Indianapolis weekend itinerary, you’ll enjoy the best of Indy with kids and leave with incredible memories.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 2 hours
Head to the Smoky Mountains
A popular spring break spot to visit during Spring Break is the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Cincinnatians, particularly love Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as it s a quick 5 hour drive from the city.
While the Smoky Mountain National Park is a huge draw for tourists, the nearby towns have become a hot spot of endless attractions, restaurants and hotels. Plan a visit to Dollywood, see one of the many dinner shows, or take the Ober Gatlinburg on a scenic lift to the Ober Mountain Adventure Park.
Pigeon Forge is full of family attractions including the Island, Magi-Quest, various putt-putting courses and go-carts.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 5 hours
Plan A Trip To Gulf Shores, AL
One of our favorite, drivable beaches is Gulf Shores, Alabama. With sugary soft sandy beaches, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, the Wharf, the possibilities are endless of all the family-fun that one can enjoy. Don’t miss the popular Gulf State Park with its diverse ecosystems or restaurant scene over in nearby Orange Beach.
Get our list of the Top 27 Things To Do With Kids in Gulf Shores, and start planning your vacation.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 11 hours
See The Sights In St. Louis
Known for its iconic Arch symbolizing the Gateway to the West, St. Louis offers a weekend full of adventures that extend to the unique City Museum, cold Budweiser beers, and top-notch attractions. Get our full 3-day St. Louis itinerary to plan the perfect spring break escape!
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 5 hours
Relax at French Lick Resort
The historic French Lick Resort was established in 1845 as a mineral spring resort. Through the years it was evolved into the luxurious getaway it is today. Guests can enjoy fine dining, indoor pools, a spa, a bowling alley, and many other fun amenities.
Don’t forget to hop on the trolley to go back and forth between the two on-site hotels or rent a bike to explore the grounds.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 3 hours
Spring Break Vacation Ideas From Cincinnati For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Adventure To New River Gorge National Park
One hidden gem, that really isn’t so hidden is New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. Outdoor adventure is around every corner, from whitewater rafting and hiking to exploring abandoned ghost towns. Thrill seekers can even sign up for the New River Gorge Bridge Walk, a guided tour of the bridge from the catwalk underneath it!
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 4 hours 30 minutes
Discover Hocking Hills
One of Ohio’s most popular outdoor getaways is to Hocking Hills. This area is becoming a travel hot spot with unique lodging options, luxury cabins, and beautiful hiking trails. Peer inside Old Man’s Cave, grab a glass of wine at Hocking Hills Winery, or zipline through the forest.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Go Hiking at Red River Gorge
For a secluded getaway, rent a cabin in Red River Gorge for the weekend. Hike to the popular Natural Bridge, go glow-kayaking underground, and indulge in a slice of pizza from Miguels.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 2 hours
Overnight at Ohio State Park Lodges
One of our daughter’s favorite getaways is to an Ohio State Park Lodge. So much so that we have visited nearly all of them. The Ohio Lodges make ideal family getaways as they offer plenty of space for families to gather, indoor pools, game rooms, and various family-friendly amenities.
One of our favorite lodges is Maumee Bay Lodge that sits along Lake Erie, catching the sun dip below the lake every evening was a treat. Many of the Ohio State Park Lodges offer cabin rentals with a pet-friendly option.
Tip: Toledo has a great Zoo, the Sandpiper River Cruise and incredible Glass City Metropark. Discover all the cool things to do in Toledo during your visit to Maumee Bay Lodge!
Drive Time From Cincinnati: To Maumee Bay Lodge is 3 hours
Explore Mammoth Cave
Did you know that the longest cave system in the world is only a few hours from Cincinnati? Venture down to Mammoth Cave National Park to explore the underground caverns, miles of trails, and nearby attractions.
Dip down into Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the boat tour of Lost River Cave, restaurants, and the charming downtown area.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 3 hours
Brews and Views in Asheville, NC
The breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountain Range pairs perfectly with Asheville’s lively food and brewery scene. Make reservations for popular restaurants like Rhubarb while listening to live music at a local brewery. Plan a tour of Biltmore Estate and take off on a few hikes for those jaw-dropping views.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Head To The Emerald Coast
The sparking emerald waters of Destin, Florida, are calling! Destin made the list because not only are there direct flights out of CVG to Destin, but it can be reached within an 11-hour drive. Destin is full of outdoor adventures such as exploring Crab Island, deep sea fishing, kayaking, and lying on the beautiful sandy beaches.
Drive Time For Cincinnati: 11 Hours
See Dayton’s Forest Trolls
Trolls have invaded the forests of Aullwood Audubon in Dayton, Ohio. Guests can visit the three trolls made from recycled materials that tell the story of birds, flight, and why it’s important to preserve habitats.
Hikers get to meet Bo, Bodil, and Bibbi and explore their troll-sized bird nest while experiencing the beauty of the preserve. The trolls are not all together but scattered throughout the park.
Tip: Have a troll-themed day by grabbing lunch at Dayton Troll Pub.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 45 minutes
Unique Spring Break Destinations
Stay Overnight In A Treehouse
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping among the trees? Make your dream a reality with an overnight stay in a treehouse! While there are many treehouse options throughout Ohio, we have really enjoyed our stay a the Mohican Treehouse Resort.
Mohican State Park offers incredible hiking trails, scenic overlooks, picnic areas, and various outdoor activities.
Tip: Consider getting a day pass to the Mohican Lodge to use their indoor swimming pool and amenities.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 3 hours
Hide Away In A Hobbit House
Hobbit Houses have made their way into Ohio! That’s right, live like a hobbit in the shire by renting a cute Hobbit Home from Nature Mystique Retreat in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Each underground retreat has a full bath, a kitchenette, and a wood-burning cedar hot tub.
Drive Time From Cincinnati: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Hit The Bourbon Trail
Handcraft your own bourbon adventure by planning a trip to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Experience behind-the-scenes tours at distilleries, sample rare bourbons or even create your own bottle of bourbon.
Hit bourbon hot spots such as Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey, and Maker’s Mark while discovering smaller craft distilleries such as Willett Distillery and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. along your journey.
Planning Tip: Many distilleries require advance reservations for tours and experiences. Many are booked out weeks to months in advance.
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