Fall break: It’s the time to do just that and take a break from work, school and the day-to-day grind.
Let’s Go on Fall Break! Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight excursion you are after, here are a few ways to spend time as a family this fall:
Sleep under the stars
Fresh air, wide-open spaces, s’mores fixings melting over a fire and freedom from those mind-numbing electronic devices — these are just a few things to love about camping. Crisp temperatures and changing leaves make fall in Ohio the perfect time to get out and reconnect with nature and your family while sleeping under the stars. Whether you are looking for a rustic camping experience at Hocking Hills State Park or a deluxe cabin with all the modern amenities at Hocking Hills KOA, there’s a camping experience perfect for everyone. Learn more about our favorite campsites at cincinnati1.wpengine.com/lets-go-camping.
Head underground
Channel your inner explorer this fall and tackle one of the many intricate cave networks in the Midwest. Ohio Caverns, also known as “America’s Most Colorful Caverns” are open year-round and feature stunning rock formations in shades of blue, orange, white, red and black along the two-mile pathway.
Or head to Mammoth Cave, the largest cave in the world, which is just a short drive away in Kentucky. The cave sprawls for over 400 miles and offers 16 different tours for all ages that cover different aspects of the natural wonder. If you are looking to make this more than a day trip, there are opportunities to camp and explore what lies above Mammoth Cave. Learn more about nearby caves at cincinnati1.wpengine.com/lets-go-underground.
Discover or re-discover a Midwest city
Our location in the Heartland of America puts us in close proximity to a number of amazing cities that are constantly evolving. St. Louis is the perfect family getaway with acres of urban green spaces, a one-of-a-kind shoe factory turned surreal playscape known as the City Museum and a budget-friendly zoo. Get a view of it all from the top of the Gateway Arch.
If the hustle and bustle of the big city is calling, make the trek to Chicago, where you can explore world-class museums, get a unique perspective of the city’s architecture aboard a water taxi, shop ‘til you drop along the Magnificent Mile and dine on dim sum in Chinatown.
Find more ideas for family-friendly fun just a one-tank trip away here.
Enjoy the lap of luxury
Put the “break” in fall break by heading to a nearby resort that offers equal parts relaxation and entertainment. Nestled in the heart of Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest, French Lick resort is home to two historic hotels, three golf courses, two spas, indoor and outdoor pools and a Vegas-style casino. Activities range from horseback riding to bowling to surrey bike rentals, and there are tons of hiking trails to explore the grounds. Best of all, KidsFest Lodge offers supervised entertainment for the kiddos while mom and dad hit the spa (or the casino!).
Tackle an amusement park
Sure, amusement parks are usually associated with the summer months, but most are also open weekends in the fall, when the temps are cooler, the crowds are smaller and there is still plenty of fun to be had. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, IN, enjoy Kids World weekends through Sept. 7 plus Sept. 14. These weekends devoted to little ones include everything you love about the park plus magic shows, juggling, unicycling and balloon artistry. Or enjoy Halloween fun for the whole family during Happy Halloween Weekends, Sept. 21-Oct. 27.
Cedar Point, situated on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, OH, remains open weekends through October. HalloWeekends run Sept. 13 through Oct. 27 and feature tons of family-friendly fun by day and hair-raising frights by night.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing resort experience, the non-stop action of an amusement park or something in between, make the most of the school-free days with a family getaway.
