13 Family Weekend Getaways from Columbus

Deer Creek State Park surrounds a beautiful lake near Columbus, Deer Creek Lake, located only about 30 minutes southwest of the city. The Deer Creek reservoir has a 1,700 foot public swimming beach equipped with picnic tables and grills, with an adjacent boat-swim area and other areas designated for boating in the reservoir. If you and the family are looking for a great weekend getaway, there's a lodge with swimming pool, cottages and a campground at the park along with fishing, boat rentals, golf course and hiking trails.

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.

Kings Island is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest. With a combination of thrill rides, attractions and shows, there's plenty for all ages. Big kids can experience the thrilling roller coasters, and little ones won't want to miss the Snoopy-themed attractions. A daily admission to the park also allows access to Soak City Water Park with over 50 water attractions.

First opened in 1870 right along Lake Erie, Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. Cedar Point is known as the roller coaster capital but there is so much more to do here. There are shows, lake and beach activities, great food and Cedar Point Shores water park. In addition, there are many other family destinations and activities in the surrounding Sandusky, Ohio area.

Cincinnati is a fantastic destination for families! Visit the animals at the Cincinnati Zoo, catch a Reds game or visit the Reds Hall of Fame, or check out the world's largest train display at Entertainment Junction. Another crowd favorite is Jungle Jim's International Market, with 20,000 square feet of market space for groceries, tastings and demos. 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!

Your family could spend a day or a weekend exploring this great city. 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. Be sure to check out downtown for their underground zip lines housed in a former limestone mine under the city- the only underground zip line in the world!