Family Outing Days
I'm sure you can tell by now that we enjoy getting out and doing things as a family. I think it stems from how I grew. My parents took us on all sorts of adventures. My childhood was filled with trying new things, seeing new things, and tasting new things so I'd like to pass that along to our girls. We would "lovingly" refer to these outings as FOD's (Family Outing Days). Sometimes there would be grumblings from the peanut gallery (I have 3 brothers) but once we got to where we were going, we'd all have a good time.
Clifton Mill & Clifton Gorge
It's time for a road trip! A trip to Clifton Mills & Clifton Gorge is well worth it. Set a day aside to enjoy the biggest pancakes you will ever eat. Then you can walk off those pancakes with a beautiful nature walk to see Clifton Gorge. Of course, you may need a sweet treat after all that walking so be sure to stop at Young's Jersey Dairy for some delicious homemade ice cream.
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Clifton Mill - beautiful grounds and you will eat breakfast or lunch in a historic mill.
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Clifton Gorge - enjoy nature and a hike with the family.
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Young's Jersey Dairy - delicious ice cream awaits.
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Yellow Springs - if you have extra time, visit the quaint town of Yellow Springs. It is filled with eclectic shops and restaurants.
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John Bryan State Park - if you want to enjoy more scenic beauty, then visit this state park.
Lebanon, Ohio
Even though Lebanon, Ohio has that small town charm, it's filled with some great family-friendly fun.
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LM&M Railroad
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Flavors Eatery
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Royce Cafe
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The Breakfast Club Cafe - yum!
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Double Dip Ice Cream - handmade ice cream - yum!
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Whit's Frozen Custard
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Village Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor
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Warren County Historical Society - Glendower Mansion
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The Lebanon Theatre Company
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Local farms - The Black Barn, Irons Fruit Farm, Hidden Valley Fruit Farm
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The Golden Lamb
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Antique shops
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Colony Square Cinemas - catch a new release movie for a bargain in this smaller movie theater located in a strip mall.
Boonshoft Museum of Discovery & The Spaghetti Warehouse (Dayton, Ohio)
Boonshoft is about a 40 minute drive from Mason but it's well worth the trip. I love this museum and so do my girls. I like it because it's on the smaller scale. You can really see most of the museum in one day and the interactive exhibits keep kids entertained. Attractions include mini zoo, planetarium, bird watching area, and more.
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After the museum, we drove to the Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Dayton (maybe a 5 minute drive from Boonshoft). The Spaghetti Warehouse was hopping. Even though we arrived at 4:30pm, we still had to wait 30 minutes for a table. But once we were seated, the delicious hot bread with garlic butter seemed to melt our wait away. Spaghetti and my girls go hand in hand so this restaurant was a good fit for all of us. The fun decor (who doesn't love seeing a trolley car inside a restaurant) and slightly elevated decibel level is a great combo for families. We all enjoyed our meals and gave it a thumbs up (meaning we'd return for another spaghetti adventure).
Krohn Conservatory/Eden Park
Begin your day with a visit to the Krohn Conservatory (part of Cincinnati Park District). Remember to bring those cameras. If it's a nice day, pack a picnic lunch and then head to the playground/park at the top of the hill to check out some amazing views of Cincinnati. Let your kids get some energy out at the playground. Take a walk around the duck pond and enjoy being outside. From there, head to Mt. Adams for dessert and go to United Dairy Farmers for an ice-cream cone (you can also do Cincinnati Art Museum/Eden Park/Mt. Adams FOD).
Fountain Square/Downtown/Carew Tower
This is a must do if you visit Cincinnati. Head downtown (park in the Fountain Square parking lot or under the Westin Hotel). Then visit Fountain Square and see our famous Lady in the Water statue. After, get a full view of Cincinnati by going to the top of the Carew Tower: (441 Vine St.). You will see the most amazing views of Cincinnati so make sure you bring the cameras (admission is a minimal charge). After, stop by Hathaway's diner (in the same building) and sit at the counter - order a coke and a burger and enjoy the old-style diner (it's been there forever). If you're not too full, head back over to Fountain Square and go to Graeter's for a delicious ice-cream treat.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Currently undergoing a major rennovation so some of the museums are closed. Visit their website to check their progress and see what exhibits are open. When the museums re-open, visit the Museum of Natural History & Science first - do the sand pit if you have little ones (5 and under), walk through the cave, see the ice-age exhibit and the dinosaurs. Then, head up to the rotunda, have lunch (bring your own drinks to save money or pack your lunch). After you are fortified, head to the Children's Museum for all the fun things it has to offer. Or if you have older kids, take them to the Cincinnati History Museum. Kids of all ages will love seeing the mini replica of Cincinnati in the early 1900s. We also love strolling through Cincinnati's Public Landing and boarding the steamboat. To get your kids to leave the museum, tell them it's time for ice cream and head back up to the rotunda and visit the beautiful ice cream parlor.
If you have more time, see an OmniMax show or do a FREE behind the scenes Cincinnati Union Terminal Rotunda tour (offered on Saturday and Sunday but check before going since tours may be currently cancelled). If your'e a train buff, another fun place to visit is Tower A (also FREE).
Cincinnati Museum Center
at Union Terminal
1301 Western Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45203
(513) 287-7000
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge Walk
Cincinnati is filled with history and you can actually walk across a piece of history and enjoy amazing views of not only Cincinnati but also Kentucky. The John A. Roebling Bridge was first used in 1866 connecting Covington to Cincinnati. We did a FOD once by parking on the Covington side and eating lunch at Keystone Bar & Grill. After lunch, we walked over the bridge (bring those cameras) and headed to Cincinnati. During the summer season, have the kids wear a bathing suit under their clothes so they can run through the fountains at Smale Riverfront Park. Or take them along the riverfront to enjoy the swings with peaceful views of the Ohio River. Enjoy the playground and Carol Ann's Carousel. After they get some energy out, head over to Orange Leaf at The Banks for a frozen yogurt treat. They should be well fortified to walk back across the bridge so you can get your car. Or you can reverse your FOD and start on the Cincinnati side and have lunch at one of the restaurants at The Banks.