Vacation Destinations from Columbus OH (Cleveland, Cincinnati: rentals, amusement parks, hotel)

[Ireanna]

Hi, We are new to OHIO and are looking for ideas on "where people go for a short vacation by car" from here. We are located outside of Columbus (NW). We are thinking 3-5 hour max driving time. We hoped to go to the beach but can't afford to drive or fly south this year. Any ideas outside of Kings Island? Or places to stay/rentals? Our kids are in the 4-8 age range.

[LASam]

Well, you have the Hocking Hills, Put in Bay, Cincinnati (Newport Aquarium, Union Terminal), and Cleveland (Rock Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center) for starters.

[badasbuckeye]

I would say

Ceder Point (Sandusky Ohio, 2.5 hrs)

Niagara Falls (just under 6 hrs)

Erie Pa (never been but heard they have great sand up there 4 hrs)

Lambton shores (If you have a passport Canada is great 5 hrs)

Marblehead, oh (under 3 hrs)

Kelleys Island (you have to take a boat out there from Marlehead)

You can check out places on any of the Lakes (Lake michi*an, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie all are within 6 hrs drive.

Have fun looking around, and let us know where you went when you get back

[NewToCA]

The top destination in the 3-4 hour range in my opinion is the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn Michigan. Your kids will love it, and you will likely find it very interesting too.

The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, Dearborn, Michigan
The Henry Ford: America's Greatest History Attraction
Greenfield Village Home

Plenty of decent and safe motels in the general area too. Downtown Detroit is fairly close by, and though I personally wouldn't recommend it, to each their own. If you acquire a passport card, you can also visit the nearby Canadian city of Windsor. The older residential area adjacent to downtown is very interesting, especially in contrast to Detroit, and they have a large casino too.

[badasbuckeye]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

The top destination in the 3-4 hour range in my opinion is the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn Michigan. Your kids will love it, and you will likely find it very interesting too.

The Henry Ford, America's Greatest History Attraction, Dearborn, Michigan
The Henry Ford: America's Greatest History Attraction
Greenfield Village Home

Plenty of decent and safe motels in the general area too. Downtown Detroit is fairly close by, and though I personally wouldn't recommend it, to each their own. If you acquire a passport card, you can also visit the nearby Canadian city of Windsor. The older residential area adjacent to downtown is very interesting, especially in contrast to Detroit, and they have a large casino too.

I stayed in a Marriott hotel across the street from The Henry Ford Musium. Very nice people and an old style hotel. My wife loves the sented lotion that they have.

[Zippy7fo]

You have to take advantage of Lake Erie during the summer especially with kids...Hit Cedar Point...one of the best amusement parks in the world. Try the beaches at Cran-Creek...hit one of the islands and check out vineyards....

[Cherron]

There are lots of cabin rentals in the Hocking Hills region, some of them right on the water. Hiking trails abound, and there is horseback riding and canoeing too. Send for a free Hocking Hills guide or view it online.

There are cottage rentals up near or on Lake Erie.

Ohio's Amish Country (Holmes County) is a destination in itself, but more for the adult than child, though your children might enjoy a buggy ride and a chance to taste many different kinds of cheeses.

[chris93]

My wife and I do the following mini-vacations from time to time:
1. Put-in-Bay (take a boat from Port Clinton or Sandusky)
2. Toledo Zoo. I think it is the best zoo in the state.
3. Amish County.. Berlin, Ohio area
4. For indoor water parks, Fort Rapids in Columbus, Cherry Valley lodge in Newark and Great Wold Lodge in Sandusky and Mason are all awesome.

[Midwest girl at heart]

We have been going for a few years now to South Haven Michigan. A little on the far side (5 hours) but very worth it!

[Daytonnatian]

One word: Chicago