Planning a long trip can take a lot of time
and energy. Think of how much easier it is to throw the
kids in the car and get out of the house for a day. In
the Dayton area there are a lot of places that a family
can go to get away from the everyday routine that can get
you down. Summer is on the way and it's time to decide
what to do with the family. The places that will be
suggested are no more that three hours away from the
Dayton area, but will prove to have something to offer
for every member of the family.
Columbus Zoo
One place to go that always seems to be a favorite
is the Columbus Zoo. The zoo has so much to offer to any
age group at any time of the year. The children will be
able to enjoy the petting zoo or the various displays of
animals. There are many areas set aside for picnicking
or a food court, depending on you own personal
preference. There are buggies to rent if the children
are getting tired of walking and a tour is offered on a
trolley to get a complete overview of the park. The
Columbus Zoo enables you to spend a relaxing day outside
with your family that will not cost you an incredible
amount of money.
This summer, the zoo is going to hold activities
that everyone can participate in. A Walk for Wildlife is
going to be held in May, which people can sign up for in
advance and an event is going to take place in June
called the "Zoofari." It will include an all night
party with entertainment and food. People can call the
Columbus Zoo for more details and to make reservations.
At different times you may be able to experience special
exhibits and even walk by a peacock every now and then.
Another attraction at the zoo would include a boat ride
on the Scioto River. Overall, you can never have a dull
moment when you are at the Columbus Zoo.
Wyandot Lake
An attraction that is exciting and fun is Wyandot
Lake, located right next to the zoo. It is a perfect
place to take your family for a day in the sun and the
water. Located here are numerous water rides and a wave
pool. These are all carefully monitored by highly
trained life guards at all times. Next to the water
rides is a roller coaster and other amusement park rides
for all ages. It also has a concession area for people
to buy snacks and beverages.
Chillicothe
Another great stop that can't be missed when traveling
in the Dayton area is the city of Chillicothe. This is
only two hours from Dayton and is a great place to learn
about the Native Americans. The town has a museum which
details the history of the indian reservation and you can
even do a little shopping while you're at it. When
moving further into the city you will be able to view
different Indian burial mounds, one actually being in the
shape of a sea serpent. There is an area allowed for
families to picnic and the children to run around. One
of the biggest attractions is an outdoor performance of
the story of Tecumseh, a great Shawnee Indian leader who
spent his life protecting his homeland. This performance
includes live horses, great sound effects, and bright
costumes.
This summer, the town of Chillicothe will be
celebrating its bicentennial by holding parades and a
walk through the city that all people can partake in.
The Strawberry Festival, which will be held June 17-20,
will include entertainment, rides, a flea market, and
games, is just one of the various festivals that will
take place throughout the summer. Other attractions such
as tours of the Thomas Worthington Museum can be viewed
for a small fee. You can spend a whole day in this town
without spending any money or may choose to pay the small
fees to the few museums located in this town, but
whatever your choice, you can be assured that you will
have a pleasant and educational day.
King's Island
King's Island is an attraction that is probably more
well known than any of the above attraction, however it
is always a great place to go to get your stomach turned
up side down for the day. This theme park usually
attracts a younger crowd, but can accommodate any age.
There is a section with smaller rides for children, but
the main part is geared towards teenagers and young
adults. There are numerous roller coasters such as The
Beast, rides that will spin you around, and water rides
that will take you for a plunge. Different concession
stands are set up across the park so that you can
purchase food and beverages, plus there are picnic tables
sporadically set up for your connivance.
The newest attraction to this amusement park is called
"License to Thrill." It is an adventure ride that takes
you through a scene with James Bond. There is a video
screen in front of you that gives you the feeling of
flying down the road in the car with 007 while the
compartment car shakes you back and forth. An attraction
that you can't miss when visiting King's Island is a
miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower. You can ride up
the tower and have a breath taking view of the park and
the land around it. This is a great ride for parents to
go on while their kids go on the rides that spin them
around.
COSI
One last place on the must see list is COSI. This
stands for Columbus Ohio Science Institution. This is a
wonderful place to take your children for the day to
learn without them ever realizing it. It provides "hands
on" exhibits that can aid children in learning about
science. You can experience how the inner body works or
talk to someone across the room while you are standing on
the other side of the room whispering. Shows in the
planetarium are available plus other educational events.
COSI is a wonderful place to spend a day with your family
while also helping your children to learn.
GLANCE BOX
Columbus Zoo: 614-645-3550, 9am-5pm, $6 adult-$5
senior citizen-$4 child (age2-11), Parking $2,
I270-exit 20 Sawmill Rd. Follow signs.
Wayndot Lake: 1-800-328-9283, Fri-Sun 10am-9pm,
Mon-Thru-10am-8pm, $16.99 adults- children under 42
inches- $13.99 senior citizen-$10.50 under age 3-free,
I270-exit 20 Sawmill Rd. Follow signs.
Chillicothe: 614-773-5025, Worthington Museum-$5
adult-$1.25 Child, US 23 South. Follow signs.
King's Island: 1-800-288-0808, Only opened weekends
right now at 9am, Full season starts May 25, $32.95
adult-$18.95 children and seniors, US75 to 275 east.
Get on I71 north and it is the third exit (exit 24).
Follow signs.
COSI: 614-228-2674, Mon-Sat-10am-5pm, Sun-12am-5pm,
US75 north to 270. Get on 670 north and follow signs.
Located in downtown Columbus.