more bang for your bucks.
Museum, the historic Conner Prairie, and more.
scarecrow, cows, a roadside produce stand, etc. You can also throw in some fun pitstops along the way (I mean, who doesn’t love a Buc-ee’s moment?). If you’re feeling really generous, let each child choose one stop. Other fun ways to embrace the fall season on your roadtrip is to create a fall playlist or listen to a spooky audiobook together (or a story set in autumn, like Rip Van Winkle). You can also bring disposable/in- stant cameras for older kids to snap pictures along the way, or have everyone vote on the best fall display they see. 4. Splurge Here, Save There Budget travel doesn’t mean saying no to everything—it’s about picking the one or two experiences that are actually worth paying for. For example: SAVE: Pack sandwiches. SPLURGE: Stop at the famous local bakery. SAVE: Choose a free hike. SPLURGE: Buy tickets for the scenic train. SAVE: Skip the hotel. SPLURGE: Let everyone pick a souvenir. It’s all about balance! Sometimes you have to say no so you can say yes. After all, you don’t have to travel far—or spend a fortune—to make a trip feel unforgettable. So fill up the tank, pack some snacks, and get ready to make a few fabulous fall memories—without emptying your wallet.
Here’s a few things to do in whatever city you visit: Explore downtown: Walk the main streets, browse local shops, and try to find murals! Visit a museum (especially the children’s museum or science center). Go to the zoo or aquarium: Look for dis- counted days, reciprocal memberships, or late-afternoon admission. Find the best city parks: Think playgrounds, botanical gardens, and scenic overlooks. Ride local transportation: If they have streetcars, a train, or even a downtown trol- ley, it can become an attraction for kids. Visit a local farmers market: Let each kid get a treat to make it extra fun! Find a quirky local landmark: Giant statues, unusual museums, roadside attractions, fa- mous signs, historic buildings, or other “only in this city” stops… there’s some in every city! Attend a local event: Festivals, outdoor movies, concerts, art walks, markets, and seasonal celebrations can make the trip feel much more magical and local. If you’re hitting the road from Cincy, here are a few cities to consider: Indianapolis, IN: (~2 hours) The largest city of Indiana, “Indy” has everything from the world’s largest children’s museum to the new- ly reopened Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Lexington, KY: (~1.5 hours) Explore horse and historic attractions, race down a Na- scar-style go-kart speedway, pick fresh apples at the orchard, or even ride the old-fashioned paddle wheel ferry! Louisville, KY: (~1.5 hours) The largest city in the state of Kentucky, you can let the kids test the batting cages at the Slugger Museum & Factory, ride rollercoasters at Kentucky Kingdom, experience underground zip-lining at Louisville Mega Cavern, or get hands-on at the science center. Columbus, OH: (~1.5 hours) Get hands-on with more than 300 interactive exhibits at COSI, meet animals from around the world at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, explore the children’s garden at Franklin Park Conser- vatory, or spend the afternoon building and playing at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Dayton, OH: (~1 hour) Take the kids through aviation history at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, get hands-on with science and animals at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, explore Dayton’s history at Carillon Historical Park, or head outside for miles of parks, trails, and family-friendly adventures. Make the Drive Part of the Fun Spice up your drive with some car ride games, like fall road-trip bingo: See who can spot a pumpkin patch, red leaves, a
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