There are a number of options for an enjoyable day trip from Cincinnati with kids, which are within drivable distance, about two hours away. Depending on the activity you are looking for, whether indoors or outdoors, there are many fun places to visit.
Perfect North Slopes
This is a perfect location for skiing and snow tubing which is not that far from Cincinnati. The place has trails of skiing for all levels, ranging from advanced, and expert to beginner. They offer lessons for all levels. Snow tubing is equally fun at this location. It’s a great winter activity to do with young kids. We went with our 8-year-old for a weekend of fun. This place also provides skiing lessons during the winter season. They have food and drink locations in three different areas offering hot and cold food and beverages, making it a convenient place to spend an entire day.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
This is a must-visit museum, especially for dinosaur lovers. The design of the museum is very interesting with the figure of a dinosaur popping out of the structure. The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is about a couple hours’ drive away from Cincinnati. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, exhibits, and things to do for kids of all age groups. Some of the exhibits are seasonal and temporary and some year-round. My son enjoyed the Hot Wheels exhibits a lot, which they had at the time of our visit.
Dayton Air & Space Museum
This museum located in Dayton is a great spot to visit with your family. It is a day trip from Cincinnati and the parking is free too. It is the official museum of the United States Air Force. This indoor exhibit features more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles and thousands of artifacts. Young kids who are attracted to aircraft and spaceships enjoy the visit, and people who are interested in Air Force also appreciate it a lot. They also gave a couple of fun rides. My son who was 6 years old at the time enjoyed it a lot.
Hocking Hills State Park
A state park in Hocking County Ohio is famous for its natural sculpture-like rock formations & caves, different-level hiking trails, and waterfalls. They are about a little over 2 hours from Cincinnati. It is a great destination for a family outing. We even took our dog with us. However, it is best to check the difficulty levels of the trails you will be visiting. Some of the popular destinations are the horseshoe-shaped ash cave, the old man’s cave, the waterfalls, and the devil’s bathtub. Hiking at the Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle’s Hollow Nature Preserve, and Hemlock Bridge Trail are some great options for nature enthusiasts.
Yellow Springs
This is a small village in Ohio, a day trip from Cincinnati. There are a lot of opportunities for hiking for families, with kids of all ages. However, it is always recommended to stay on the trail and watch the kids. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve & Glen Helen Nature Preserve are two of the popular spots among many more. We enjoyed the hike with our family in different age groups.