Listed below are five-day trips from Columbus, Ohio that include a baseball game, hiking, touring a museum, looking at classic cars, and riding a ferry. The trips are 2 to 3 hours away from Columbus, Ohio. I enjoyed each activity and would go back in the future. I would wear good walking shoes, bring my camera and bike, and take a picnic lunch.
Cincinnati, Ohio is about 2 hours away from Columbus, Ohio. Attending a Cincinnati Reds baseball game is family fun during baseball season. Tailgate prior to the game to save money. Tickets range from $235 to $5 and parking is 5 to 10 dollars. I enjoyed this outing with friends.
Sandusky, Ohio is about 2.5 hours away from Columbus. Instead of doing the usual and heading to Cedar Point head a little farther north to Marblehead and take the ferry across to Kelleys Island. The ferry is $9.50 for adults and $6.00 for children older than 4. The ferry’s schedule is from 7 AM to 8 PM depending on the day of the week, time of the year, and weather permitting. The family can ride bikes, swim on the beach, kayak, and shop. There are glacial grooves to view. There is a lighthouse to view at Marblehead.
Indianapolis, Indiana is about three hours from Columbus. Go to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and tour the Hall of Fame Museum and then take a bus ride around the track to see the Pagoda and the line of bricks that race winners kiss. Admission prices to the museum and the track lap are $5 a piece for adults, children 6-15 are $3, and children under six are free. Eat your lunch at White River Park and walk or bike along the canal that is near the Indiana Historical Society, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, and Eiteljorg Art Museum. Attend these events any time of the year.
Gas City, Indiana is about 3 hours away from Columbus. September 22 – 25, they have the Ducktail Run Car Show. There are a couple thousand classic cars to view and shopping at the swap meet known as “Jerry’s Junk Yard.” The car show is free to attend and parking is about 5 dollars. There are plenty of choices from food vendors or eat your picnic lunch. It is a quacking good time. I love the vast variety of color and style from the vehicles.
Clifty Falls State Park, near Madison, Indiana is about 3 hours away from Columbus. There is $7 dollar entrance fee for out of state. There are hiking trails, caves to explore, and waterfalls. Go in the fall to enjoy the scenery of the foliage changing color while eating your picnic lunch. Dogs are welcome on the trails. My dog was just a puppy at the time and would not enter the caves.
Those five-day trips from Columbus are not very expensive except for the baseball game and not more than 3 hours away.