After a long winter indoors, many kids – and their parents – are itching to get outside. Spring break is coming up, giving Metro Detroit families the perfect opportunity to warm up in the great outdoors.
While tropical destinations are often the goal, these trips often require long travel times and hefty budgets. Fortunately, many spring break options within driving distance of Michigan pack plenty of fun without the stress of international travel.
In five hours or less, families can motor down to the springtime attractions in Indianapolis, Indiana, Columbus, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky. Each road trip has stops along the way to break up the drive if needed.
Whether looking for relaxing family time outdoors, lively sports events or hands-on adventure, these three nearby spring destinations have something that everyone in the family will love.
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Indianapolis, Indiana
The home of the Indy 500 brings the excitement of the big race to each of the events and activities Indianapolis has to offer. There, families will find the largest children’s museum in the world, a zoo that lets visitors feed and interact with animals and unique sporting activities like fowling, a sport that combines football and bowling into one.
Spring break travelers in Indianapolis are taken care of with poolside stays and lively restaurants and cafes. With so many delicious dining options, families can try something new for each meal of their stay.
During spring, the flowers of Indianapolis bloom beautifully at the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, which hosts a Spring Blooms festival in the upcoming season. The canal that runs through downtown is another great place to take in the greenery of the city over a picnic or bike ride through the surrounding White River State Park.
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Columbus, Ohio
Columbus offers families a mix of relaxing outdoor exploration and spring sports events. The city’s walkable downtown makes for tranquil family walks through parks like the Columbus Commons and Scioto Mile. On the other hand, the Columbus Crew soccer team and Columbus Clippers baseball team both begin their opening seasons around spring break, providing high-energy outings for sports-loving families.
Hotels, shops and restaurants in the city’s popular neighborhoods, such as German Village and the Brewery District, situate visiting families close to many of the city’s attractions. Don’t miss out on a concert or comedy show at Shadowbox Live, the largest resident theater ensemble in the country.
One of the highlights of Columbus during springtime is the freshly bloomed cherry blossoms, which are showcased during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Franklin Park. Another festival to visit during the season is the COSI Spring Festival, hosting interactive science experiments and events at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI).
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Louisville, Kentucky
The Derby City hosts its namesake event, the Kentucky Derby, each spring in early May. Huge fireworks shows kick off the event, followed by two weeks of derby festival events with carnival food and live music. Along with pre-derby festivities, outdoor adventures like cavern ziplining and fossil hunting draw families from across the Midwest.
Known as the “Gateway to the South,” Louisville exemplifies southern hospitality in its hotels and restaurants. The city’s historic stays and barbecue restaurants will transport Metro Detroit families to a uniquely comforting environment.
Apart from the Derby festivities, spring in Louisville brings warmer weather that’s great for walking around the bustling neighborhoods of downtown Louisville. Seasonal events include the Louisville Arcade Expo and ThunderBlast at the Kentucky Science Center.
These three destinations bring a different way for Metro Detroit families to spend their spring break. With only a short drive to each, Metro Detroit families are that much closer to relaxing outdoor exploration and lively seasonal events this spring.
