The number of amusement parks (and roller coasters), water parks, and unique museums make an Ohio weekend getaway ideal for families. With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the lake views in Put-In-Bay, there are all sorts of options for a weekend getaway in Ohio with kids.
Consider these Ohio weekend getaways for your next quick family trip out of town.
Written by Courtney Elko
1/5
Cleveland
For the science and musically inclined families, a Cleveland getaway will indulge both passions.
No matter your taste in music, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is filled with six decades of rock and music history. From Jimi Hendrix to John Lennon to Stevie Wonder, the sights and sounds of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will harmonize any weekend getaway in Ohio.
The Great Lakes Science Center offers kids hands-on exhibits and live science demonstrations that will launch them into another world of enjoyment. At the International Women's Air & Space Museum, kids can learn more about Amelia Earhart and other women who changed aviation. The free museum is open daily.
When everyone is hungry, make a stop at the West Side Market, where the more than 100 vendors are sure to have something available for even the pickiest of eaters. The indoor market also offers tours if you're looking to learn more about the history of West Side Market.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Cleveland Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland
No matter your taste in music, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is filled with six decades of rock and music history. From Jimi Hendrix to John Lennon to Stevie Wonder, the sights and sounds of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will harmonize any weekend getaway in Ohio.
The Great Lakes Science Center offers kids hands-on exhibits and live science demonstrations that will launch them into another world of enjoyment. At the International Women's Air & Space Museum, kids can learn more about Amelia Earhart and other women who changed aviation. The free museum is open daily.
When everyone is hungry, make a stop at the West Side Market, where the more than 100 vendors are sure to have something available for even the pickiest of eaters. The indoor market also offers tours if you're looking to learn more about the history of West Side Market.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Cleveland Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Cleveland
2/5
Canton
Football fans will love a getaway to Canton, Ohio, where families can find the birthplace of American football at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Museum. Throw some pigskin around and explore the NFL history and hall of famers at this interactive museum that is sure to be a touchdown.
The William McKinley National Monument and the national First Ladies Library are also located in Canton, if the sports fans want to explore a little United States history, as well, during this Ohio weekend getaway.
And we can't forget car enthusiasts who may be interested in visiting the Canton Classic Car Museum on a Canton weekend getaway. The museum features more than 40 rare and unusual vehicles along with vintage toys, movie posters and photography. The museum is open daily.
Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Place Canton
The William McKinley National Monument and the national First Ladies Library are also located in Canton, if the sports fans want to explore a little United States history, as well, during this Ohio weekend getaway.
And we can't forget car enthusiasts who may be interested in visiting the Canton Classic Car Museum on a Canton weekend getaway. The museum features more than 40 rare and unusual vehicles along with vintage toys, movie posters and photography. The museum is open daily.
Recommended Hotel: Hyatt Place Canton
3/5
Put-in-Bay
For a summer Ohio weekend getaway, Put-in-Bay, located on South Bass Island off the Ohio coast and near Sandusky, is a unique place to visit. Enjoy a ferry ride over to the island and once you"ve arrived, it"s time to travel by golf cart. Golf carts are fun for parents and kids and are often used as the main source of transportation on Put-in-Bay.
Kayak, fish or swim within South Bass Island State Park or mine for gemstones in Perry's Cave. The Butterfly House in a colorful stop on a Put-in-Bay getaway. Hundreds of butterflies show off their wings as families walk through the enclosed greenhouse.
If mom and dad can find some alone time, visit the Put-In-Bay Winery. Winery tours and tastings are available to adults, and a tour of the Dollar House which was home to Valentine Dollar, one of Put-In-Bay's wealthiest residents, is a great stop while at the winery as well.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Put-In-Bay Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel and Conference Center
Kayak, fish or swim within South Bass Island State Park or mine for gemstones in Perry's Cave. The Butterfly House in a colorful stop on a Put-in-Bay getaway. Hundreds of butterflies show off their wings as families walk through the enclosed greenhouse.
If mom and dad can find some alone time, visit the Put-In-Bay Winery. Winery tours and tastings are available to adults, and a tour of the Dollar House which was home to Valentine Dollar, one of Put-In-Bay's wealthiest residents, is a great stop while at the winery as well.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Put-In-Bay Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel and Conference Center
4/5
Sandusky/Cedar Point
For a roller coaster getaway, Cedar Point is THE place for thrill-seeking families on an Ohio weekend getaway. Dubbed the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, Cedar Point is the second oldest amusement park in North America. Families will find 17 coasters at Cedar Point, but even more thrill rides, water rides and family fun can be found at the coaster capital. Try a Ferris wheel, carousel, Slingshot ride or the Snake River Falls and the whole family will enjoy this weekend getaway to Cedar Point.
When Cedar Point Amusement Park closes for the winter, Sandusky is still a great Ohio weekend getaway for families in the winter months.
Several indoor water parks can be found in Sandusky at Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resort and Castaway Bay. If the family eventually gets water logged, the Merry-Go-Round Museum also makes for a nice day trip. Ride the carousel and learn more about the history and the art of the merry-go-round.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Sandusky Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky, Ohio
When Cedar Point Amusement Park closes for the winter, Sandusky is still a great Ohio weekend getaway for families in the winter months.
Several indoor water parks can be found in Sandusky at Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resort and Castaway Bay. If the family eventually gets water logged, the Merry-Go-Round Museum also makes for a nice day trip. Ride the carousel and learn more about the history and the art of the merry-go-round.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Sandusky Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky, Ohio
5/5
Cincinnati
As Ohio"s third largest city, weekend getaways in Cincinnati offer options for all interests. Whether your family enjoys the arts, sports, amusements or animals -- Cincinnati has it all.
For the families who love animals, visit the Cincinnati Zoo or Newport Aquarium. The zoo is the second oldest zoo in the country. The highlight of your Ohio weekend getaway in Cincinnati could be feeding the giraffes at the zoo. Stop at the welcome center when you arrive to check the daily feeding times.
Catch a game at Paul Brown Stadium or the Great American Ball Park. Watch the ballet or opera. Or seek some excitement at Kings Island, the Beach Water Park or Coney Island Amusement Park.
No matter your interest, all of these family-friendly options make for great Cincinnati getaways.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Cincinnati Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel
For the families who love animals, visit the Cincinnati Zoo or Newport Aquarium. The zoo is the second oldest zoo in the country. The highlight of your Ohio weekend getaway in Cincinnati could be feeding the giraffes at the zoo. Stop at the welcome center when you arrive to check the daily feeding times.
Catch a game at Paul Brown Stadium or the Great American Ball Park. Watch the ballet or opera. Or seek some excitement at Kings Island, the Beach Water Park or Coney Island Amusement Park.
No matter your interest, all of these family-friendly options make for great Cincinnati getaways.
Looking for a place to stay? Find Cincinnati Family Hotels.
Recommended Hotel: Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel
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