The Ultimate 5-Day Ohio Road Trip with Kids: Columbus, Hocking Hills & Cleveland
Ohio is one of those places in the Midwest that you don’t really think about when it comes to epic outdoor adventures. But this itinerary might just change your mind.
Filled with waterfalls, unique adventures and epic hikes, this 5-day Ohio road trip with kids itinerary is the ultimate family adventure that you need to take this year.
We spent a long weekend exploring some of the best spots in the state, starting in Columbus, making our way down to Hocking Hills State Park for some epic outdoor adventure, and then wrapping it all up in Cleveland with a mix of city exploring and a day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park before flying home.
It was simple, kid-friendly, and had some of the most epic spots in the entire Midwest. If you’re looking for a unique getaway idea, I highly recommend taking this Ohio road trip with kids.
Day 1: Arrive + Explore Columbus
Depending on where you are traveling from, Columbus is a great place to start this road trip. We took an early morning flight into the Columbus airport (CMH) – which isn’t overwhelming huge – and grabbed our rental car before starting our day.
Spend the whole day exploring this fun city – it has so much to offer!
If you’re looking for outdoor & nature activities, check out:
- Blacklick Woods Metro Park
- Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
- Topiary Park
- Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for museums or indoor adventures, head to:
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
- Ohio History Center
- Legoland
Day 2: Hocking Hills State Park
Start your morning by heading 1 hour southeast to Hocking Hills State Park. One of the most epic state parks in the entire country, this place alone is worth a trip to the Buckeye state.
Once you arrive, head straight to Old Man’s Cave – the most iconic area in the park.
The trail winds through waterfalls, rock formations, bridges, and narrow passageways, and it’s one of those hikes that keeps kids engaged the entire time. There’s so many fun spots to stop and explore.
And the best part – you can customize the distance. A shorter loop works great for younger kids, while older kids can handle a longer route that includes Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, and Lower Falls.
After a morning of exploring, head to check into your hotel or cabin and spend the afternoon relaxing.
There are tons of great spots to stay in the area, so pick whatever fits your family’s needs the best. We stayed at the Hocking Hills Lodge and loved its proximity to the park, plus it had an amazing indoor & outdoor pool.
Day 3: More Hocking Hills
This is your day to really spend some time exploring everything Hocking Hills has to offer.
There are so many incredible spots to explore, and you can choose based on your family’s skill and energy level.
Some of our favorites:
- Ash Cave – one of the easiest and most accessible hikes
- Cedar Falls – a short but rewarding hike
- Rockhouse – one of the most fun spots for kids in the entire park
Plan to take your time, pack snacks, and let your kids explore.
Read my full guide to Hocking Hills State Park here
After a full day of exploring, head back to your cabin or hotel to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Hocking Hills to Cleveland
After breakfast, head north to Cleveland, where you will spend the rest of your trip.
The drive is about 2.5–3 hours, so you should arrive by early afternoon.
Once you get into the city, there are so many kid-friendly options!
Take a hike at Rocky River Reservation, head to Euclid Beach to let the kids swim in Lake Erie, or stop by b.a. Sweetie Candy Company—the largest candy store in North America. Whatever you decide, there are so many fun things to do in Cleveland with kids!
Day 5: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
For your final day on this Ohio road trip with kids, head just outside the city to Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
This park is incredibly family-friendly and easy to explore in a single day.
Start with:
- Brandywine Falls – the park’s most famous waterfall
- Ledges Trail – a more adventurous, kid-favorite hike
- Or try another of these kid friendly hikes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
The trails here are manageable – but still awesome – which makes them perfect for families.
I highly recommend taking a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in the afternoon. This is one of the most unique ways to explore the park, and so much fun for any train loving kiddo.
Also, don’t miss a stop in the Boston Mills Visitor’s Center to earn your Junior Ranger badges.
You can find my full guide to exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park with kids here.
Where to Stay Along The Route
There are tons of options of where to stay along the route, but here are some of my top suggestions:
Columbus
Look for:
- Downtown hotels near attractions
- Family-friendly chains with pools & breakfast
Hocking Hills
This is where I recommend finding a cabin, lodge or VRBO. These will give you the ultimate outdoor experience with:
- more outdoor space for free time in the evenings
- kitchen for cooking meals, as there are limited dining options in the park
- fire pits for nightly s’mores
Search for Hocking Hills cabins here
Cleveland
I recommend staying downtown for easy access to food options and attractions.
Tips for Planning This Ohio Road Trip
- Don’t overpack your days—this itinerary works because it’s balanced
- Book lodging early, especially cabins in Hocking Hills
- Bring hiking gear + water shoes for outdoor days
- Bring layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Plan for a mix of movement + downtime
Final Thoughts
This 5-day Ohio road trip with kids is the perfect mix of outdoor adventure & city exploring, and is perfect for families with kids of all ages.
It’s not rushed or overwhelming, and it gives you a mix of everything Ohio has to offer.
From exploring waterfalls in Hocking Hills State Park to hiking through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, to ending your trip along Lake Erie, it’s the kind of trip that is sure to be a family favorite.
