Best Weekend Getaways from Columbus for Families

Katie G.:  The Hocking Hills Region in Southeast Ohio features a variety of cliffs, gorges, rock shelters and waterfalls. Although most popular in the summer, visitors can enjoy this beautiful area during any season. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking, boating, camping, canoeing, bird watching, rock climbing, fishing and ziplining. Be sure to visit Old Mans Cave with its massive gorges that lets you see beneath the earth's subsurface. After a long day of activity, relax in a cozy cabin, hotel or under the stars at a campsite. Restaurants to try: The Ridge Inn, Pizza Crossing.

Katie G.:  See what it was like to live in the old times in the town of Roscoe Village. Located a little over an hour East of Columbus, you will learn about the history of the canals in Ohio back in the 1800s. Hop aboard the Monticello III and enjoy a smooth horse-drawn boat ride along an old canal. Afterwards, take a self-guided living history tour where you can visit a general store, blacksmith shop, leather shop and more as they were back in the 1830s. Enjoy lunch at the Medbery Cafe or the Warehouse Stein n Stein & Lock 27 Pub. Afterwards grab a sweet treat at one of the local bakeries.

Katie G.:  Located about two hours Northeast of Columbus, Amish Country populates the second largest Amish community in the world. The Amish people are known for their simple way of living, plain clothes and artisanal products. Families can learn about the history of the Amish at the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center or visit the Yoder Amish Home. You won't want to miss out on one of the many shopping establishments filled with fine hand-made Amish furniture, soaps, antiques and baked goods. Restaurants to try include Der Dutchman, Chalet in the Valley, Berlin Farmstead.

Katie G.:  Kings Island is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest. With a combination of thrill rides, attractions and shows, Kings Island offers something for everyone. Big kids can experience one of the 16 roller coasters, including The Beast, Banshee and Mystic Timbers. Little ones won't want to miss Planet Snoopy with smaller size roller coasters and rides and a chance to meet your favorite Peanuts characters. A daily admission to the park also allows access to Soak City Water Park with over 50 water attractions. Spend the day or weekend at Kings Island. There's plenty to do!

Katie G.:  Experience the thrills and fun at Cedar Point. As one of the largest amusement parks in Ohio, Cedar Point is located right along the beach of Lake Erie. There are 18 roller coasters along with thrill rides, family rides and kid rides for the little ones. Spend one day of your vacation at the 18 acre water park, Cedar Point Shores, when you're ready to cool off. Spend your time away from the park relaxing on the beach or take a boat ride out on Lake Erie. There are several hotels to choose from and special package deals and offers. It will be a weekend to remember!

Katie G.:  Located in southwest corner of Ohio, along the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati offers plenty of family fun no matter the season. Pet a shark or stingray at the Newport Aquarium, visit the giraffes, lions, polar bears or baby Hippo Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo or take in the Cincinnati skyline from the Carew Tower Observation Deck. Sports fans can catch a Reds game at Great American Ballpark or Bengals game at Paul Brown Stadium. Grab a chili dog or famous Cincinnati chili at Skyline Chili or enjoy a homemade ice cream cone from Cincinnati based Graeter's.

Katie G.:  Cleveland is located along the shores of Lake Erie in Northern Ohio. Home to several attractions, Cleveland makes the perfect weekend getaway for families. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or Great Lake Science Center. Take in a sporting event any season you visit with the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns or Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Kids will love to visit the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Greater Cleveland Aquarium. And be sure to take a tour of the house where the famous family holiday movie, A Christmas Story, was filmed.

Katie G.:  If you have a horse lover in the family, then you won't want to miss out on a getaway to Lexington. Known as the Horse Capital of the World, several Kentucky Derby bound horses train and retire at the 1,200 acre Kentucky Horse Park. Visit museums, galleries, exhibits and of course, horses at the park. Get up close and personal with horses on a Horse Farm Tour where you will meet with Thoroughbred horses, visit Keenland Race Course and tour working horse farms. Walk around downtown Lexington to shop and play. Restaurants to try include Parkette, Joe Bologna's, Stella's Kentucky Deli.

Katie G.:  As true Ohioans, we don't always like to talk about our "friends" up North. After a quick trip to Ann Arbor with the family, you'll not only want to talk about it, but you may want to visit again. Take a walking tour of the University of Michigan where you can visit one of the several museums. Kids will have fun exploring the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum or searching for tiny fairy doors hidden throughout downtown. Grab a bite to eat at one of these restaurants: Zingerman's Delicatessen, Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery, The Lunch Room.

Katie G.:  Known as "The Steel City," Pittsburgh is a down-to-earth city offering several family-friendly attractions and some beautiful scenery. See the stunning sites of the city's skyline atop the observation tower of the Duquesne Incline or learn about the city by land and boat on board the Just Ducky Tours. Let the kids run, learn and explore at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh or the Carnegie Science Center. When it's time to eat, be sure to visit the Primanti Bros and grab a world famous sandwich with french fries on it. Every kid's dream!

Katie G.:  You can't visit Indianapolis (also known as Indy) with kids without checking out the top rated Children's Museum of Indianapolis, where kids of all ages will enjoy learning about history, art and science in the many exhibits. Take a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where the world famous Indy 500 race takes place every May. Enjoy a walking tour through downtown Indy at White River State Park. Along the way stop at the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions and Indianapolis Indians. Be sure to check out our complete list of Best Things to do with Kids in Indy before you hit the road!

Katie G.:  Louisville offers plenty for families to do and see. Enjoy a great view of the city by riverboat on the Belle of Louisville or Mary M Miller boat tours. Learn all about the history of horse racing and the famous Kentucky Derby at the Derby Museum. Take a hike at the Jefferson Memorial Forest, the largest urban forest in the country. If you have baseball fans in the family, check out the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory or catch a minor league baseball game of the Louisville Bats. Restaurants to try: Havana Rumba, Captains Quarters Riverside Grill, Mike Linnig's.