Family vacation spots between OH and MO

[Moxie]

We're driving from Cincinnati to southern MO and we have an extra week to do a family vacation. My kids want to go to a beach, womp womp. Give me your best ideas!!

[MEmama]

We liked the Indianapolis zoo for a break during that drive. Perhaps there is more to check out in that area?

 

Oh, duh. Just saw you are leaving out of Cincy. Not sure if that would be on your route.

Edited June 8, 2016 by MEmama

[regentrude]

If you go to Southern MO, why not go to a river? Current River National Scenic Riverways is beautiful. And has beaches. And can be floated.

And there is always Lake of the Ozarks. Although I personally am not a fan. Many tourist attractions, popular vacation destination for in state people

 

Edited June 8, 2016 by regentrude

[BarbecueMom]

This article was just in the St. Louis paper last week, saved it to read later, maybe some of them are along your drive? Best beaches in Missouri: http://m.stltoday.com/travel/best-beaches-in-missouri-that-s-right-we-said-missouri/collection_b0ae4f24-81b2-5036-8567-1c691c060f14.html (Sorry, on mobile, may need to Google that)

[Guest]

I should have added that we are willing to go off our route. We just need to stay in that general area of the US.

[klmama]

Table Rock Lake (Branson area) is lovely.  We stayed at the Still Waters Resort.  I don't recall if there is an actual beach, but there are several pools, kayaks, paddle boats, etc.  Our family loved it.  Here's a link to the amenities: http://www.stillwatersresort.com/#!resort-amenities/crgg

 

ETA:  Silver Dollar City is very close.  I think the resort had discounted tickets.  Also, be sure to check the "specials" tab on the site, as you may find a better resort rental deal there. 
 

 

 

Edited June 8, 2016 by klmama

[MercyA]

The Indianapolis Children's Museum is excellent. I highly recommend it.

 

I personally don't care for the Indy Zoo. They don't have adequate space for some of the larger animals, the dolphin show is just awful (for the animals, I mean--think strobe lights and heavy metal music), and there is little shade. The Fort Wayne Zoo is very nice, though.

[hellen]

It's not exactly on the way but you could do Mammoth Cave. On the way you could do some stuff in Louisville. There are several interesting things there.

[SquirrellyMama]

I should have added that we are willing to go off our route. We just need to stay in that general area of the US.

 

I must.change.my.contacts! I keep reading titles and other things wrong. I swear you said, "We just need to stay in the general area of the US." I was thinking you'd have to go way off course to get out of the US if you were only trying to go between OH and MO.

 

Did I mention I had a little mom break with a friend today that included Sangria and chocolate :leaving:

 

Kelly

 

[Meadowlark]

Not "beachy" but we just spent a week in St. Louis and there is TONS to do-and lots of it is free. Pm me if you're interested in hearing specifics.

[MrsMommy]

There's tons of stuff to do in St. Louis...and much of it is free! And Carlyle Lake in southern Illinois has beaches. 

[SquirrellyMama]

If you find yourself in Southern Illinois you could stop at Cahokia Mounds.  Kelly

[Guest]

Table Rock Lake (Branson area) is lovely. We stayed at the Still Waters Resort. I don't recall if there is an actual beach, but there are several pools, kayaks, paddle boats, etc. Our family loved it. Here's a link to the amenities: http://www.stillwatersresort.com/#!resort-amenities/crgg

 

ETA: Silver Dollar City is very close. I think the resort had discounted tickets. Also, be sure to check the "specials" tab on the site, as you may find a better resort rental deal there.

 

What time of year were you there? I think Still Waters looks great but DH is worried it would be super crowded in July and we dislike people, lol!!

[Teresa in MO]

Table Rock Lake (Branson area) is lovely.  We stayed at the Still Waters Resort.  I don't recall if there is an actual beach, but there are several pools, kayaks, paddle boats, etc.  Our family loved it.  Here's a link to the amenities: http://www.stillwatersresort.com/#!resort-amenities/crgg

 

ETA:  Silver Dollar City is very close.  I think the resort had discounted tickets.  Also, be sure to check the "specials" tab on the site, as you may find a better resort rental deal there. 

 

We have stayed at Still Waters Resort the past two years.  We love it!  Booking through Expedia is cheaper.  They are adding a free mini-golf course this summers.  I believe Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake is pretty close.  Lots to do in Branson.

[arliemaria]

We went to Patoka Lake in IN last summer for a long weekend.  Sadly there was not much to do unless you went out on a boat to see the lake.  

 

We have friends that LOVE Johnson's Shut Ins in MO.  It can get busy during a hot spell, but there are so many "holes" you can find one solely for your family.

 

Also as a quick mention... the beach isn't too far away *honestly* from STL if you head due south to Gulf Shores.

[Mom22ns]

What about a water park with a wave pool? Branson, MO has White Water. St. Louis has Six Flags which has an attached water park.