Columbus is a mecca for family friendly travel. There’s the Center of Science and Industry, German Village, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay to name just a few of the places that are worth a visit. But where should you go after you tire of city activities? Here are five of the best family friendly day trips from Columbus, Ohio.
Visit Amish Country
If you are looking for an escape from texting teens and zombie-like video game stares, a day trip to Amish country may just do the trick. Central Ohio is home to the world’s largest Amish community. Families can have fun on the farm feeding livestock, ride in a horse drawn wagon at Walnut Creek Farm or watch artisans craft furniture or make cheese. Those with a religious bent should not miss the Biblewalk wax museum where more than 70 Bible scenes come to life using over 300 life size wax figures.
See Sandusky
About 110 miles north of Columbus, Sandusky has small town charm with many fun family activities. Sure, you could take the kids on a day trip to Cedar Point, but Sandusky has so much more to offer than just big time amusement park thrills. How about splashing around in Lake Erie or visiting the Merry-Go-Round Museum. Older kids are sure to enjoy the self guided Underground Railroad Tour or the Sandusky Maritime Museum. When hunger pangs hit, nosh on gigantic sandwiches at the Silver Dollar or cool off with a cone or sundae at Toft’s Dairy, a local landmark since 1900.
Idlewild and Soak Zone
If you have preschool aged kids or just don’t enjoy the big roller coasters at Cedar Point, then Idlewild is the perfect amusement park day trip for you. Located near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, the park is actually several parks in one including the Soak Zone water park, the Raccoon Lagoon featuring the Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood of Make Believe trolley ride and the enchanting Story Book Forest. If you’re visiting in early September, be sure to check out the Ligonier Highland Games, an annual Scottish athletic and cultural festival. Adult admission is reasonably priced and kids two and under get in free.
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Are your kids mad about pumpkins? If you are in Columbus in October, then a day trip to the pumpkin show is a must. The four-day festival includes two daily parades, the world’s largest pumpkin contest, loads of pumpkin food, the crowning of Miss Pumpkin, performance artist demonstrations, sculpting of giant pumpkins, Irish dancing, egg toss competitions, big wheel races and of course a pumpkin pie eating contest.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
Established in 1925, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum is the largest children’s museum in the world. Boasting engaging hands-on exhibits, a merry-go-round, walk-in kaleidoscope, a planetarium and a rock climbing wall, this educational day trip from Columbus is fun for the whole family. Kids can dig for dinosaur fossils and see dazzling light shows while mom and dad marvel at the 43-foot Fireworks of Glass tower or design their own railroad and race trains.