With the kids out of school you might find yourself scrambling for ways to keep them entertained and also to have some family fun at the same time. Summer can also be a busy time and sometimes it can be hard to find the time or budget for a full-fledged family vacation. That’s why I love taking mini vacations – a weekend or even just a day to take time out with your family to explore something new. Even just a day out of the ordinary can leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
We have compiled a list of our favorite, family-friendly day trips from Columbus – all within a 2-hour drive from downtown. Many of these are in close proximity to each other and can be combined to make a full day of fun! {Be sure to use the links to check days, times and pricing before you go.}
Day Trips from Columbus
The Wilds – Cumberland
Highlights: Experience a safari tour at this non-profit wildlife park and conservation center. Tours include open-air safari, wildside tour, fishing safari, horseback safari, sunset safari and more!
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 35 minutes
Hours: Open Daily May – September, 10am – 4pm
Cost: Open-Air Safari – $30, Free for Wilds members (other tours offered). Receive 50% off an Open-Air Safari with a Columbus Zoo membership.
More Information: The Wilds Website
Little Buckeye Children’s Museum – Mansfield
Highlights: Hands-on kids museum for ages 2-10
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour
Hours: Varies by day
Cost: Ages 2 and up – $8
More Information: Little Buckeye Museum Website
Ohio Bird Sanctuary – Mansfield
Highlights: Sanctuary with 30 different species of birds, 90-acre preserve with hiking trails
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 5 minutes
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am- 4pm, Sunday noon – 4pm
Cost: For bird display – Adult $3, Child $1; visitor’s center, play area and hiking trails are FREE
More Information: Ohio Bird Sanctuary Website
Ohio Caverns – West Liberty
Highlights: Largest caverns in the state filled with filled with crystal stalactites, stalagmites and other amazing formations.
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour
Hours: May 1 – September 30, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last tour starts at 5 p.m.)
Cost: Adult – $17-29, Kids 5-12 – $9-$15, Kids 4 and under are FREE
More Information: Ohio Caverns Website
Hocking Hills Canopy Tour
Highlights: They’ve won several awards for being a great experience. In addition, there’s an off-road Segway Tour, Canopy Tour and more.
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 45 minutes
Cost: Prices vary on the tour
More Information: Hocking Hills Canopy Tour Website
National Museum of the US Air Force – Dayton
Highlights: Over 360 aerospace vehicles and missiles on display plus exhibits that illustrate military aviation history plus flight simulator and 3D theater
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 10 minutes
Hours: Open daily throughout the summer, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Admission to the museum is FREE.
More Information: National Museum of the US Air Force Website and Ohio Road Trips
Entertrainment Junction – Dayton
Highlights: The World’s Largest Indoor Model Train display, Children’s Interactive Play Area, American Railroading Museum, Rides
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 40 minutes
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 6pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm
Cost: Adult – $13.95, Senior (65+) $11.95, Children (3-12) $9.95, 2 and under are FREE. Rides have an additional charge.
More Information: Entertrainment Junction Website
Young’s Jersey Dairy – Yellow Springs
Highlights: Ice cream, mini golf, giant slide, kiddie corral
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 50 minutes
Hours: Summer Hours (May 27th to Aug 14th) – Sun-Thur 7am-11pm, Fri & Sat 7am-Midnight
Cost: Varies by activity; Family Fun Wristband for $14.95 or $20.95
More Information: Young’s Jersey Dairy Website and A Day Trip To Yellow Springs
Velvet Ice Cream Factory Tour – Utica
Highlights: Petting zoo, ice cream, mini golf, rides, food
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 5 minutes
Hours: Weekdays 11am to 3pm (May 1st – October 31st)
Cost: FREE
More Information: Velvet Ice Cream Factory Website and Ohio Road Trips
The Farm at Walnut Creek – Sugarcreek
Highlights: Working farm with exotic animals and horse-drawn wagon ride
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hr 55 min
Cost: Adult $11.75, Children (3 – 12) $8.75, Seniors $8.75 (not including wagon ride)
More Information: The Farms at Walnut Creek Website
Hocking Hills State Park – Logan
Highlights: Hiking, mountain biking, camping
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 10 minutes
Hours: Trails close at dusk in summer
Cost: FREE
More Information: Hocking Hills State Park Website and Hocking Hills Hiking
King’s Island – Mason
Highlights: Amusement park with rides for children and adults, water park, shows
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 20 minutes
Hours: Varies by day
Cost: Adults – $49.99, Junior/Senior (under 48″ tall or 62 years and older) – $39.99; Multi-day tickets, passes and other discounts often available; Parking – $15.00
More Information: King’s Island Website
Newport Aquarium – Newport, KY
Highlights: Fish, penguins, rays, sharks and more! World of the Octopus, touch pool and shark bridge.
Approximate Drive Time From Downtown Columbus: 1 hour 40 minutes
Hours: Varies by day
Cost: Ages 13 and up – $24.99, Ages 2-12 – $17.99 {On certain days and times from now until July 8, one kid gets in free with a paying full-priced adult when purchased online. Find out more: One Kid Free at Newport Aquarium
More Information: Newport Aquarium Website
Check out these guides for even more great day trip ideas:
