15 Best Spring Break Trips in Ohio for Families
Spring break is the perfect time to take a break from routine and enjoy a family adventure. Ohio is packed with family-friendly destinations filled outdoor adventures, indoor attractions, museums, and fun places to stay.
Whether you’re looking for waterfalls, indoor waterparks, or small towns, these spring break trips in Ohio offer something for every family.
Here are 15 of the best spring break destinations in Ohio for families, plus the top things to do at each one to help make planning your trip easier.
If you’re looking for some day trips, check out this list of 18 best day trips from Columbus within 2 hours!
Table of Contents
- 1. Hocking Hills
- 2. Sandusky
- 3. Columbus
- 4. Amish Country (Berlin & Sugarcreek)
- 5. Cleveland
- 6. Cincinnati
- 7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- 8. Put-in-Bay
- 9. Kelleys Island
- 10. Dayton
- 11. Toledo
- 12. Marietta
- 13. Loudonville
- 14. Geneva-on-the-Lake
- 15. Yellow Springs
- Tips for Planning a Family Spring Break Trip in Ohio
1. Hocking Hills
One of the most popular outdoor destinations in Ohio, Hocking Hills is known for its caves, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails that families love exploring together.
Things to Do
- Hike Old Man’s Cave
- Visit Ash Cave (great for kids and strollers)
- Explore Cedar Falls
- Walk through Rock House
- Go ziplining with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
- Rent a canoe or kayak on the Hocking River
- Take a scenic train ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
Family Tips
- Rent a cabin with a hot tub, fire pit or game rooms
- Visit waterfalls after rainfall for the best views
- Bring good hiking shoes and snacks
2. Sandusky
Sandusky is one of Ohio’s best destinations for families thanks to its mix of waterparks, amusement parks , and lake activities.
Things to Do
- Spend the day at Kalahari Indoor Waterpark (larger attractions for a mix of ages)
- Explore the Merry-Go-Round Museum
- Walk the Sandusky waterfront
- Swim at Castaway Bay Waterpark (great for younger kids)
- Visit nearby African Safari Wildlife Park
Family Tips
- Stay overnight at a waterpark resort for days of games, swimming and fun activities
- Visit on weekdays for possible less crowds
3. Columbus
Ohio’s capital city has countless family attractions and make a perfect spring break trip.
Things to Do
- Visit the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
- Explore COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
- Walk through Franklin Park Conservatory
- Explore Scioto Mile riverfront
- Play at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- See a Broadway show at Ohio Theatre
- Explore the Columbus Museum of Art and Wonder Room for kids
- Climb the Scioto Audubon climbing wall
- Visit Ohio History Center
- Walk through the Park of Roses at Whetstone Park
- Attend a Columbus Crew soccer game at Lower.com field
- Catch a Columbus Clipper baseball game at Huntington Park
- Visit the Columbus Commons carousel and playground
Family Tips
- Plan a full day at the zoo
- Many attractions are close together
- Visit Franklin Park Conservatory early before 2PM to beat crowds
4. Amish Country (Berlin & Sugarcreek)
If your family enjoys slower-paced trips, Amish Country offers scenic countryside and unique experiences.
Things to Do
- Shop at Berlin Village Shops
- Visit The Farm at Walnut Creek
- See the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock
- Take a tour via buggy ride
- Try homemade cheeses, baked goods, and chocolate
- Visit Heini’s Cheese Chalet
Family Tips
- Try local bakeries for amazing pies and donuts
- Book a cabin, treehouse or farmhouse stay
5. Cleveland
Cleveland offers museums, sports, and lakefront activities.
Things to Do
- Explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
- Walk through the West Side Market
- Visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
- Relax or watch the sunset at Edgewater Park
- Tour the famous A Christmas Story House
- See marine life at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
- Explore interactive exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center
- Let kids explore hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland
- See world class art at the Cleveland Museum of Art (free admission)
- Visit the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks zoo
- Watch a baseball game at Progressive Field
Family Tips
- Many museums are located close together
- The zoo is one of the best in the Midwest
6. Cincinnati
Cincinnati has incredible family attractions and beautiful riverfront views.
Things to Do
- Visit the Cincinnati Zoo
- Explore the Newport Aquarium
- Walk across the Roebling Suspension Bridge
- Explore Findlay Market
- Check out the American Sign Museum
- See a Cincinnati Reds baseball game
- Check out the botanical gardens at Krohn Conservatory
- Learn about history and science at Cincinnati Museum Center (children’s museum)
Family Tips
- Combine the aquarium and zoo in one weekend
- Use the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar to explore downtown affordably
- Free outdoor fun at Smale Riverfront Park and Washington Park
7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Ohio’s only national park is perfect for families who love nature.
Things to do
- Bike the Ohio & Erie Canal Townpath Trail
- Hike Brandywine Falls (partially accessible boardwalk)
- Ride the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
- Explore Beaver Marsh
- Play a round of bowling or arcade games at The Workz on the Riverfront
Family Tips
- Bring bikes if possible
- Stop for ice cream in nearby Peninsula
8. Put-in-Bay
This Lake Erie island is a fun getaway for families where they can bike, fish, and enjoy lake adventures.
Things to Do
- Visit Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
- Explore Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center (mini golf, butterfly house, cave tours, gemstone mining)
- Go on a Jet Express or Miller’s Ferry boat ride
- Rent golf carts to explore the island
- Visit local beaches
- Explore the Antique Car Museum (free addmission)
Family Tips
- Rent a golf cart immediately upon arrival because they sell out fast
- Visit during the week to avoid high party crowds
- Take the tour train to get an overview of the island
9. Kelleys Island
A quieter alternative to Put-in-Bay, perfect for nature lovers.
Things to Do
- See the Glacial Grooves
- Explore Inscription Rock
- Visit Kelleys Island State Park
- Go kayaking
- Bike around the island
- Hike nature trails
- Go on a Jet Express or Miller’s Ferry boat ride
Family Tips
- Rent bikes near the ferry dock
- Pack snacks and water
- Rent a golf cart immediately upon arrival as they sell out fast
10. Dayton
Dayton is full of educational and fun attractions.
Things to Do
- Visit the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
- Explore Carillon Historical Park
- Visit the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery
- Walk through RiverScape MetroPark
- See the wood sculptures at Aullwood Audubon
- Explore the beautiful park, gardens, walking trails & tree tower at Cox Arboretum Metropark
- Visit the Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, a children’s discovery garden & play area
- Plat at the huge indoor entertainment cent at Scene75
- Enjoy a day of fun activities at Magic Castle Family Fun Center
Family Tips
- The Air Force Museum is FREE
- Plan several days to explore
11. Toledo
Toledo is an underrated destination for family trips.
Things to Do
- Visit the Toledo Zoo
- Explore hands-on exhibits at Imagination Station Science Center
- Walk through Toledo Botanical Garden
- Visit National Museum of the Great Lakes
- Catch a Toledo Mud Hens baseball game at Fifth Third Field
- Go bowling or arcade gaming at Dave & Buster’s Toledo
- Visit the Toledo Firefighters Museum
- Walk the trails at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
- View art at the Toledo Museum of Art (free admission)
Family Tips
- Plan to spend at least half day to a day at the Toledo Zoo, it’s a big one
- Imagination Station is perfect for younger kids and a great option if weather isn’t great
- Combine your Toledo trips with a visit to Put-in-Bay, Kellys Island, or Port Clinton if you want to extend your getaway
12. Marietta
A historic river town perfect for a relaxing spring break getaway.
Things to Do
- Take a riverboat ride
- Explore Campus Martius Museum
- Walk the Marietta River Trail
- Visit local antique shops
- Kayak the Muskingum River
- Take a ghost tour of historic Marietta (great for older kids)
- Visit the Henry Fearing House Museum
- Walk across the Harmar Railroad Bridge pedestrian walkway
- Explore the Ohio River Museum and riverboat exhibits
- Play mini golf at Pioneer Family Golf Center
Family Tips
- Many museums are small and easy to explore with kids, making them great short stops
- Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at Muskingum Park or along the scenic riverfront
- Combine your trip with nearby Hocking Hills or Wayne National Forest if you want to add hiking or outdoor adventures
13. Loudonville
Beautiful outdoor destinations for a perfect spring break trip for families who love nature and adventure.
Things to Do
- Hike the Mohican State Park Gorge Overlook
- See Big Lyons Falls, a beautiful waterfall located along a short trail
- Paddle or canoe the Mohican River
- Ride horses on the guided trail rides at Mohican Stables
- Climb the Mohican Fire Tower (at your own risk) for panoramic forest views
- Visit Pleasant Hill Lake Park for fishing and boating
- Go mountain biking on the Mohican MTB trails
- Play mini golf or ride go-karts at Mohican Adventures
- Browse shops and restaurants in downtown Loudonville
- Take a scenic drive through the Mohican State Scenic Byway
Family Tips
- Stay the night in a treehouse for your own private cabin
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes
- Pack snacks and water for longer hiking trails
- Reserve canoes or kayaks ahead of time during busy weekends
- Bring layers as it can get cold in the mornings and evenings
14. Geneva-on-the-Lake
A fun lakeside destination with retro vacation vibes.
Things to Do
- Walk the Geneva Strip
- Visit Adventure Zone for mini golf, bumper boats, go-karts and more
- Explore Geneva State Park
- Ride bikes on trails along the lake
- Play games in one of the many arcades on the strip
- Go ziplining or take an aerial course at Lake Erie Canopy Tours
- Swim inside at the Lodge if you are staying there
Family Tips
- Lots of great places for sunset views
- Bikes are free to use when staying at the Lodge
- Spring weather near Lake Erie is cool and breezy, bring jackets and layers
- Golf carts are available to rent to get around the strip
15. Yellow Springs
This artsy small town is great for laid-back family adventure.
Things to Do
- Explore Glen Helen Nature Preserve
- Hike in John Bryan State Park
- Visit Young’s Jersey Dairy for wagon and carousel rides, ice cream, miniature golf, corn maze and more
- Browse downtown shops
Family Tips
- Park once and explore downtown on foot as most shops and restaurants are within walking distance
- Combine with a visit to nearby Clifton Gorge to hike or Clifton Mill, one of the largest water-powered grist
- Pack water and snacks for the hiking trails
Tips for Planning a Family Spring Break Trip in Ohio
1. Book early. Popular cabins, waterparks and hotels fill quickly during spring break.
2. Check attraction hours. Some parks and attractions have seasonal schedules.
3. Mix indoor and outdoor activities. Spring weather in Ohio can be unpredictable.
4. Pack layers. Temperatures can change quickly.
5. Combine destinations. Many of these places are close enough to combine into one trip. For example: Columbus + Hocking Hills, Cleveland + Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Note: We do our best to keep attraction information and details up to date. However, hours, availability, and operations can change without notice. We recommend checking their official website or social media before visiting to confirm current hours and details.
