Along for the Ride – Ohio’s Best Vacation Spots with Your Parents in Town

By: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Summer is flying by and if you’re still seeking a vacation but concerned about traveling with the entire family — including your parents — you are in luck. All within a couple of hours drive, Ohio offers plenty to meet the interests and needs of everyone - from your kids to your parents.

You can successfully travel together and enjoy your vacation too.

Where to go, stay, and what to do? Ohio includes cities, serene landscapes, and offerings for thrill seekers, to those that enjoy educational and historical adventures.

Where should you start in your planning?

First, think about the interests of your family. Ohio’s slogan “The Heart of It All” is true. Within this state of 88 counties is a little something for everyone’s interests and needs.

So, once you decide where you may be headed off to, you can start planning what else you may like to do. Here’s some key highlights in each area of the state to get your summer fun Ohio-cation planning started.

Northeast Ohio is the region where Cleveland Rocks, and many other sights do as well! From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and other museums, to shores of Lake Erie to downtown Cleveland to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this area provides plenty to see and do.

Northwest Ohio provides thrill rides, beaches, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Ohio’s rich history.

Central Ohio is not only where you find Ohio’s Capital City, Columbus, it is where you will find plenty of fun for the entire family, from shopping to nationally ranked museums to a vibrant arts scene.

Southeast Ohio provides the opportunity to explore charming towns like Athens or Marietta, as well as some of the best of Ohio’s natural areas and provides great access to the Ohio River.

Southwest Ohio includes big city vibes (Cincinnati), flight adventure in Dayton at the largest Air Force Museum in the United States, and plenty of other thrills and history. As you finalize your plans, here are a few last tips for vacation success:

• Include your family in the planning of the vacation fun (though limiting choices – i.e history or art museum - may yield more efficient planning and preparation).

• Recognize the need for routine as you set the vacation itinerary (i.e. if your child/ren are still nappers, build in some down time accordingly).

• Make and communicate the daily plan.

• Recognize exhaustion and over stimulation and know when is enough. Be willing to change plans, slow down and take a respite during your travels.

• Consider each destination and how it meets your family’s interests, lifestyle, and goals.

• Be sure the vacation is representative of an activity or two that is of interest to each family member.

Though taking the entire family on an adventure may seem daunting, you may find it to be the best getaway ever. Happy travels.

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford is a mom, blogger, non-profit executive, arts advocate, writer, coffee consumer and wannabe adventurer. Contact Jeannie at fleminggifford@gmail.com.