Fall break is a great chance to spend time together as a family. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a quick overnight stay, or a longer getaway, here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your time off.
Experience a Museum
Make the most of your day with multiple museums and attractions under one roof at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Explore the Cincinnati History Museum, The Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, the Cincinnati History Library and Archives, and the Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio, all in one place. In Fort Wayne, Science Central, the only science center in northeast Indiana, brings science to life through hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences. Or head west to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum, with three floors of interactive exhibits, including a towering tree house. Take a road trip to St. Louis and check out the City Museum, a one-of-a-kind museum that blends art, architecture and play with massive slides, tunnels, climbing structures and imaginative installations that invite visitors of all ages to explore.
Visit an Amusement Park
Although summer is the prime amusement park season, most Midwest amusement parks are open weekends during the fall. At Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, enjoy Happy Halloween Weekends from mid September through October, offering the rides you love plus lots of Halloween-themed shows and fun. Cedar Point, on the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, remains open weekends through November 1. Also in Ohio is Kings Island, which remains open on select days through December. Don’t miss the park’s Tricks and Treats Halloween celebration!
Go Underground
Families who like adventure might love to explore the many intricate cave networks in the Midwest. The Indiana Cave Trail is a good place to start and is comprised of four caves: Bluespring Caverns in Bedford, Indiana Caverns in Corydon, Marengo Cave in Marengo and Squire Boone Caverns in Mauckport. Each features its own unique wonders of the underground world, from rock formations to waterfalls, blind cave fish to Ice Age bones. Or head to Mammoth Cave, the largest cave in the world, just a short drive away in Kentucky. The cave sprawls more than 400 miles and offers 16 different tours for all ages that cover different aspects of the natural wonder.
Escape to the Great Outdoors
Fall is made for camping in the Midwest! For a classic camping experience, visit Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana, where colorful leaves create the perfect backdrop for a weekend outdoors. Book a stay at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park on Lake Monroe, where daily family activities keep kids entertained through late October. Or head to Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio to camp near scenic waterfalls, hiking trails and beautiful rock formations. Find even more family-friendly camping spots at indyschild.com/the-best-camping-near-indianapolis.
Enjoy a Bit of Luxury
Put the “break” in fall break by heading to a resort that offers equal parts relaxation and entertainment. Located in the heart of the 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!).
Whether you want a relaxing resort escape, the excitement of an amusement park, or something in between, make the most of school-free days with a memorable family getaway.
