The kids get a week off of school soon (and so do you if you are currently attending college). It’s always hard for me to think of things to do with them sometimes but over the years, we’ve learned some things we love to do and I’m going to share them with you.
Some locations, I recommend either a full day trip or spending the night to get the full experience. Either way, you’ll be able to have a fun day during spring break without feeling like you need to plan a whole vacation. Make sure that your car has been serviced before taking a long trip (I always recommend that, you never know).
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
COSI is located in Columbus OH so you don’t have to make a day trip of it. Normally, during the week of spring break, they are open everyday. They are pretty good at knows all the school district’s calendars so every family can participate.
If this isn’t something you want to brave during that week, you can always get a family membership so you can get in free any day they are open. COSI Premium and Ultimate Family members receive a 50% discount on admission to nearly 200 children’s museums participating in the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) Reciprocal Network. This will help the price of some of the other museums on this
Duke Energy Children’s Museum
We’ve been to the Duke Energy Children’s museum a couple of times and the kids love it. Located in Cincinnati, OH, it has lots of interactive exhibits for the kids to enjoy. It is about an hour and a half drive for us so not necessarily a day trip but we always stop for lunch after spending some time at the museum.
This museum is part of the reciprocal membership with COSI. You’ll get 50% off each person visiting the museum and get free admission to all other museums in the building.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
Boonshoft Museum is located in Dayton, OH. We’ve been more than once and the children mostly enjoyed the climbing tower and slide. This is located in the Oscar Boonshoft science central. There is also the Discovery Zoo: where they can spend some time looking at animals inside.
It takes about an hour and 15 mins to get to the museum from Columbus. This is another museum on the reciprocal membership list with COSI. You’ll get 50% off each admission.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is more for when the kids are older so I’ve been holding off taking them there. Hayden would love it right now but the younger kids wouldn’t care as much. It is located in Cleveland OH and I recommend buying tickets online before taking the trip to visit. It is about a 2 and a half hour drive so making a day of it makes sense.
Kalahari
On to fun! Kalahari is an indoor waterpark located in Sandusky, OH. With so much to do inside, I would recommend staying the night so there is no rush to get home. This gives you and the kids time to splash for 2 days and get home refreshed. It takes almost a 2 and a half hours to get to the waterpark so make sure you pack everything you need.
Castaway Bay
Last but not least, Castaway Bay. We make sure to visit sometime during the winter but spring is a perfect time to take advantage as well. Located right on the water by the entrance to Cedar Point, you can have lots of fun in this indoor waterpark. I have a post that covers the fun to have there. You can choose to stay overnight or purchase day passes for the family.