Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Places to see within 3 hour drive of Columbus, OH

Places to see within 3 hour drive of Columbus, OH

Old Jan 16th, 2002, 06:07 AM
  #1  
Sarah
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 06:25 AM
  #2  
mary lewis
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 06:41 AM
  #3  
Barbara
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 08:39 AM
  #4  
Susan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Ohio Caverns is a fun place and it's only an hour from Columbus. I don't know if it's suitable for a 3-year-old, though.

When it gets a bit warmer -- Old Man's Cave is quite lovely.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 09:50 AM
  #5  
julie
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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!
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 09:54 AM
  #6  
BuckeyeMom
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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

 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 10:17 AM
  #7  
Ginny
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Might be a little longer than 3 hours, but the Kentuck Horse Park north of Lexington, Kentucky is a must if you have a horse lover in the family.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 12:33 PM
  #8  
micia
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Sorry to change the subject, but just to curious, any of you that said you are in Columbus, by any chance do you know anything or have anything to do with a particular jet company?
I didn't mention the name so to not advertise.
 
Old Jan 17th, 2002, 05:59 AM
  #9  
Sarah
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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!
 
Old Jan 17th, 2002, 06:07 AM
  #10  
Sandi
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hi Sarah: Check out Columbus Parent Magazine. It comes out once a month and has listings in the back for fun things to do. You can usually find it at your library or any Kroger.

Their url: www.columbusparent.com
 
Old Jan 17th, 2002, 08:32 AM
  #11  
top
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
topping
 
Old Jan 17th, 2002, 12:30 PM
  #12  
laurie
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.
 
Old Jan 18th, 2002, 06:30 AM
  #13  
Sarah
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Thanks. Does anyone have any more ideas?
 
Old Jan 18th, 2002, 07:17 AM
  #14  
Idea
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Sarah-Call 1-800-Buckeye for tourist info in Ohio. I am sure they have more places plus you can get discount coupons if you ask for literature etc.
 
Old Jan 18th, 2002, 07:19 AM
  #15  
xx
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, MI.
Malabar Farms in Mansfield.
 
Old Jan 18th, 2002, 07:53 AM
  #16  
Dad2Five
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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...
 
Old Jan 18th, 2002, 08:12 AM
  #17  
Mom
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 
Old Apr 18th, 2002, 08:43 PM
  #18  
Becky
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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!
 
Old Apr 25th, 2002, 02:50 AM
  #19  
sue
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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.
 
Old Apr 25th, 2002, 04:26 AM
  #20  
unbelievable
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
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?
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -