Fall break is a great time to take a break from the day-to-day grind. Whether you’re looking to plan a day trip, an overnight excursion or a multiple-day getaway, here are a few ways to spend your time off as a family.
Go on a Camping Adventure
Fall is the perfect time to go camping in the Midwest. The crisp temps and changing leaves mean you can expect a more comfortable (and beautiful) camping experience. Brown County State Park in Nashville, Indiana, is a great location to set up a tent if you are looking for a more rustic camping experience. S&H Campground in Greenfield offers tent camping, RV hookups and primitive cabins, plus a Family Fun Park that includes more than a dozen activities where families can play together. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park on Lake Monroe is an all-in-one campsite with daily activities for kids, and is open through October 27.
Head 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, Marengo Cave, Indiana Caverns and Squire Boone Caverns. 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 for more than 400 miles and offers 16 different tours for all ages that cover different aspects of the natural wonder.
Enjoy a Bit of Luxury
Put the “break” in fall break by heading to a nearby 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!).
Explore a Museum
Make the most of your time and visit multiple museums and attractions all in one spot at the Cincinnati Museum Center, which houses 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 new Cr(eat)e Culinary Studio all in one building. Science Central in Fort Wayne is northeast Indiana’s only science center, and it’s where you can learn about physical, natural and applied sciences in the best way: with hands-on displays. Or head west to Terre Haute Children’s Museum, with three floors of interactive fun for all ages, including a huge tree house to explore.
Visit an Amusement Park
Most Midwest amusement parks are open weekends during the fall. This is actually a great time to visit, because 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, Indiana, enjoy Happy Halloween Weekends from Sept. 21-Oct. 27, 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 the first weekend of November. Also in Ohio is Kings Island, which remains open through Oct. 27. Don’t miss the park’s Tricks and Treats Halloween celebration!
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.
