So we just recently moved to this new parsonage in W. Portsmouth, OH and they want to remodel the kitchen. They want us to go away for about a week and my husband is taking vacation. We have four boys 10mos., 3, 5, 7y/o. We can't spend a lot of money, don't want to sleep on the ground, and don't want to travel too far. We are very close to Kentucky and West Virginia. Any ideas? I'm googling and it's overwhelming!

Check the HI Hostel at the Malabar Farm near Lucas Ohio. The boys could learn how to feed animals. HI Hostels are great for cheap lodging. They usually have a kitchen so that you can save money by preparing your own food.
http://www.hiusa.org/

How about Hocking Hills in SE Ohio? Ohio also has some beautiful state parks, Salt Fork, Burr Oak, Mohican, etc. You could viit a couple of those? Visit Cincinnati, the children's museum is very good, take in a Reds game, see Mt. Adams, Eden Park, the aquarium. Any of this sound interesting? What is your budget?

I'll second the Hocking Hills suggestion -http://www.hockinghills.com/
Some good older trip reports on here re: HH as well

Thanks all of you! These are some great ideas! I'll let you all know what we decide. I practically grew up in Hocking Hills so it's not really vacation there for me.