Places to see within 3 hour drive of Columbus, OH
#1
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Places to see within 3 hour drive of Columbus, OH
I live in Columbus, OH and I am interested in finding "day trips"... (I have already been to Cleveland and Cincinatti.) Anyplace else that might make fun places to visit within a 2 to 3 hour drive? We have a 3 year old child so I am particularly interested in family friendly activities. Thanks in advance.
#2
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Indianapolis is a 3 hour drive - and we have the top rated Children's Museum in the country! There is a vibrant downtown area - not far from the Children's Museum. There is also a pioneer settlement-type thing called Conner Prairie that is north of Indianapolis a little bit.
#3
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It's a bit more than three hours but you might think about Niagra Falls. It's spectacular. Very few people have actually seen it, because it's far from most other tourist attractions.
Toronto is about the only large city close by. Depending on where you live, you may never get another opportunity. Get up early, spend a half day, it's worth it.
Toronto is about the only large city close by. Depending on where you live, you may never get another opportunity. Get up early, spend a half day, it's worth it.
#5
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I live in Columbus also and our favorite day trip is to IdleWild Park in Pennsylvania. For whatever reason it's a huge secret here in Ohio but the place is wonderful! My kids are 8 and 10 now but when they were preschoolers they loved this place--and so did all the other families we told.
It's several parks in one including a huge Story Book Forest, a water park, an amusement park and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood (you've got to ride on Mr. Rodger's trolley even if you only do it once).
The admission price is very reasonable and I can guarantee you will have a great time. I think they have a website.
Have fun!
It's several parks in one including a huge Story Book Forest, a water park, an amusement park and Mr. Rogers Neighborhood (you've got to ride on Mr. Rodger's trolley even if you only do it once).
The admission price is very reasonable and I can guarantee you will have a great time. I think they have a website.
Have fun!
#6
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Some suggestions:
Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY
Air Force Museum, Dayton
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Put-In-Bay
Kellys Island
Toledo Museum of Art
Old Man's Cave, Hocking Hills
Hayes Presidential Museum and Home, Fremont, Ohio
Merry Go Round Museum, Sandusky, Ohio
Crane Creek State Park, between Toledo
and Port Clinton, is a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Have activities for famlies.
Any state park, Mohican, Salt Fork, Maumee Bay (nice beach) Alum Creek etc.
Amish Country
Hocking Valley Railroad
Bellevue Train Museum
Have you done all the things in Columbus?
COSI
Columbus Zoo
Ohio Caverns
Columbus Museum of Art (they have a great kids program on Sat. mornings)
Ice skating at the Chillers
Columbus Metroparks-They have activities
for preschoolers and families
Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY
Air Force Museum, Dayton
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
Put-In-Bay
Kellys Island
Toledo Museum of Art
Old Man's Cave, Hocking Hills
Hayes Presidential Museum and Home, Fremont, Ohio
Merry Go Round Museum, Sandusky, Ohio
Crane Creek State Park, between Toledo
and Port Clinton, is a bird and wildlife sanctuary. Have activities for famlies.
Any state park, Mohican, Salt Fork, Maumee Bay (nice beach) Alum Creek etc.
Amish Country
Hocking Valley Railroad
Bellevue Train Museum
Have you done all the things in Columbus?
COSI
Columbus Zoo
Ohio Caverns
Columbus Museum of Art (they have a great kids program on Sat. mornings)
Ice skating at the Chillers
Columbus Metroparks-They have activities
for preschoolers and families
#9
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Thanks everyone for your replies... You have given me several ideas! I have already been to Toronto and Niagara Falls, but may return this summer. The Indianapolis Childrens Museum does look great. The caves and caverns look like a nice "day trip" as well.
Idlewild looks like a lot of fun (although it's a little farther than I had in mind for a "day trip") I remember going to Storybook Forest when I was a child, but I had forgotten all about it until I read your post.
To answer "Buckeyemom" I have done most of the things you mentioned in Columbus. We are members of the zoo and take part in many of the activities that the metropark offers. I have been to the Columbus Museum of Art, but didn't know about their children's programs. I am always looking for new interesting things to do around Columbus, too.
Thanks again everybody for your suggestions. I would love to hear more suggestions if anyone can think of anything else!
Idlewild looks like a lot of fun (although it's a little farther than I had in mind for a "day trip") I remember going to Storybook Forest when I was a child, but I had forgotten all about it until I read your post.
To answer "Buckeyemom" I have done most of the things you mentioned in Columbus. We are members of the zoo and take part in many of the activities that the metropark offers. I have been to the Columbus Museum of Art, but didn't know about their children's programs. I am always looking for new interesting things to do around Columbus, too.
Thanks again everybody for your suggestions. I would love to hear more suggestions if anyone can think of anything else!
#16
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Sarah-There are more than enough places suggested here to entertain your child until next Christmas.
I really don't understand your compulsion to drag your three year old on "day trips" all over the place. Children need downtime and most 3 year olds are happy going to the playground, pool, the zoo or an amusement park.
Celebrate the little things your child does like finding a caterpillar in your backyard or taking them fishing. All children need are attention and love, not to be dragged around all over...
I really don't understand your compulsion to drag your three year old on "day trips" all over the place. Children need downtime and most 3 year olds are happy going to the playground, pool, the zoo or an amusement park.
Celebrate the little things your child does like finding a caterpillar in your backyard or taking them fishing. All children need are attention and love, not to be dragged around all over...
#17
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Dad is right. Far too often, parents, especially first time ones, think the best thing is to take their young children to musems etc. to bolster their intelligence. Reading to your child is the best thing you can do along with playing and spending time with your child. Most libraries have story times and family story hours for kids. Get a lilbrary card and take home books, go to the park and take a nature hike. Don't overschedule your kids, they just get burnt out. Trust me-I have been there, done that with my first born.
#18
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Sarah,There are wonderful parks for kids. In Hilliard there is the Heritage Park off of cosgray Rd.It has a water fort older kids take there super soakers and squirt each other.they have a section for preschoolers where they can play in water safely,if i remember right,they have animal themes with water hoses. They have playground area, shelter houses. Wonderful place to take a 3 yr old.It is a popular place. They have walking paths,many people rollerblade. A school in upper arlington has a wonderful play ground,and I cant thinkof the name of it.Many schools have wonderful playgrounds you could go to,eat picnic lunch.This would have to be in the summer time though! My kids loved the simple thingswhen they were young.Your child probably wont remember all the far away places you took them anyway.Too young to remeber. Save your money for when they are older and will apreciate the time and effort you took into planning. Darby creek metro has a great play ground,and hiking area. The library story hour are geared for litttle ones tooo.Good luck! my kids are teens now and I miss our adventures!
#19
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Sue--
I noticed you said you live in Columbus. I am going to be in Columbus for a concert at the Polaris ampphitheater. We are planning to stay overnight. Can you tell me about any of the nearby hotels and if you can walk to the concert? Do you know anything about the Wingate, Wesseley Suites, or Best Western Polaris? Are there any close bars or restaurants near the Polaris? Thanks very much.
I noticed you said you live in Columbus. I am going to be in Columbus for a concert at the Polaris ampphitheater. We are planning to stay overnight. Can you tell me about any of the nearby hotels and if you can walk to the concert? Do you know anything about the Wingate, Wesseley Suites, or Best Western Polaris? Are there any close bars or restaurants near the Polaris? Thanks very much.
#20
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Duh, Dad2five, and Mom: Who the hell do you think you are? Maybe Sarah was overdoing it by asking for more information after being given plenty, but you don't anything about her. Maybe she doesn't work and spends all week at home with her child, and likes to get out of the house on Saturday's with her family. She never said she was going to drag the child around day after day. Who do you think you are?