Where To Go for a Family Staycation Near Cincinnati, OH
If your family is experiencing cabin fever, it might be time for a vacation. But sometimes, planning long-distance travel can add more stress than fun. Vacations cost a lot, force you to take on the daunting task of packing, and require you to plan activities in an unfamiliar area. Why not consider a staycation?
Staycations remove the stress of long-distance travel by allowing you to explore and enjoy your familiar city. They can also be much cheaper than traditional vacations, which may make your holiday possible or less of a burden on your budget. Families who live in Cincinnati are lucky, as this city is the perfect spot for a staycation. Check out these hotels and other activities that will help your family create lasting memories.
Where To Stay on a Cincinnati Staycation
Some families choose to stay in their homes during staycations, but it can be exciting to check in to a hotel. Kids and adults alike enjoy the change of scenery, as it makes it seem more like a traditional getaway and can even add activities to your trip. Here are some lodging options to consider for your next staycation:
Sonesta ES Suites in Blue Ash
The Sonesta ES Suites in Blue Ash is the perfect budget-friendly hotel for a family staycation. Check in to a spacious studio suite or two-bedroom suite that offers all the comforts of home. The fully furnished kitchen in every suite lets you make homemade meals. If you don’t feel like cooking, take advantage of the complimentary breakfast and evening socials. You’ll also appreciate the guest washing machines and dryers that’ll help you keep up with laundry during all your adventures.
Additionally, your family can have fun even when you’re not out exploring the city. Kids can spend hours in the outdoor pool or on the basketball court. In the evenings, consider cooking out on the grill as your family sits around the fire pit or plays cornhole. Those who want to stick to their exercise regimen will be glad to hear that there’s a 24-hour fitness center.
Westin Cincinnati
If your kids enjoy the excitement of the city, this hotel’s location in the center of downtown Cincinnati puts your family close to all the action. It’s a short walk away from main attractions like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Contemporary Arts Center, and Fountain Square. Families can enjoy their time at the hotel thanks to an indoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness studio. Other useful amenities include self-service laundry, free Wi-Fi, and a bar area for adults. Best of all, the Westin Cincinnati is budget-friendly so that you can save money for other activities.
Red Whale Rentals
If you want to treat your family to more sophisticated lodging, consider booking a stay through Red Whale Rentals. This Mount Adams company provides high-class lodging and pampers guests via private chefs, in-home fitness instructors, and at-home beauty services. The company also provides families with accommodations like cribs, high chairs, and pack-and-plays. Properties are within driving distance of attractions like Eden Park, Khron Conservatory, and the Cincinnati Art Museum, so you can enjoy a getaway of calm luxury and still get out to play.
What To Do on a Cincinnati Staycation
Now that we’ve discussed lodging, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Here are some of the best activities in Cincinnati that will ensure everyone has a good time during your staycation:
Run Jump-n-Play
Run Jump-n-Play is an affordable indoor play area that’ll tire your kids out before you know it. Affordable day passes let your children have fun on slides, swings, and trampolines, making it the perfect spot if the weather doesn’t allow you to go to an outdoor park. Other fun activities at Run Jump-n-Play include basketball hoops and giant inflatables.
Lunken Airport and Playfield
Lunken Airport, close to downtown Cincinnati, serves commercial airplanes and private charters and is full of aviation history. You can take flight lessons here or take a scenic city tour with Stratus Helicopters. The airport is also home to family-friendly events throughout the year, ranging from classic car displays to rides in historic military aircraft.
Just next to the airport is the Lunken Playfield, which offers many recreation opportunities. There’s an 18-hole golf course and driving range, or you can bike or walk the 5-mile trail that loops around the airport and watch the airplanes come and go. And it’s home to the Land of Make Believe park, a giant and imaginative playground that your children may enjoy for hours.
Cincinnati Fire Museum
The Cincinnati Fire Museum is one of the country’s top collections of firefighting artifacts. Guided tours teach you more about the fire department’s rich history, as you view old and modern pieces of equipment. Children particularly enjoy sliding down the firefighter’s pole and running the lights and sirens in their pumper cab.
Loveland Castle
If your kids have active imaginations, take them to Loveland Castle. They’ll feel like knights and princesses as they explore this historic landmark, stroll through gardens, and enjoy picnics in the various facilities. The adventurous nature of Loveland Castle helps parents embrace their inner child, though you’ll also appreciate the unique architecture and rich history of this attraction.
Mt. Airy Forest
Mt. Airy Forest is a majestic 1,500-acr park that allows you to immerse yourself in nature. Families can enjoy miles of hiking trails, a mountain-biking trail, and a 30-acre arboretum. There’s also an accessible treehouse that’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids. If you want to try something different, consider playing a round of disc golf on the beautiful course. Perhaps the best part is that you can bring your dog, who’ll get a kick out of the Doris Day Dog Park.
Summit Park
Another fun Cincinnati park is Summit Park in Blue Ash. Kids can explore playgrounds and the park’s unique Children’s Nature Playscape. When you work up an appetite, you can try one of the four on-site restaurants for a bite to eat. If you visit in the winter months, you and your family can try your hand at ice-skating at the pop-up rink. The park also hosts seasonal festivals, concerts, and free fitness classes, so be sure to check their schedule before you visit.
Our years in the Cincinnati area have taught us that this city has so much to explore, and we know that there’s a lot more to experience. Let us know how your staycation went and if you discovered other activities that deserve to be on this list.

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