By Colleen Weinkam
With the snow beginning to melt and the promise of warmer weather bright on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about spring break.
Maybe you usually pile the kids in the car and head to Florida, or maybe you like to go north to Michigan for the week. Whatever your usual plans, many local residents are looking for more wallet-friendly, close-to-home alternatives this year.
Luckily, the Tristate is brimming with family fun opportunities just a short drive away. From local museums to laser tag, you can find a great spring getaway for you and your family, and one that won’t be spoiled by that unpredictable spring weather.
CoCo Key Water Resort
At the CoCo Key Water Resort, it’s always 84 degrees and sunny. Get away to the tropical islands without leaving the Tristate when you visit the more than 50,000 square feet of indoor water park fun.
Crowne Plaza Cincinnati North, 11320 Chester Road, Sharonville. (513) 552-6255 or cocokeywaterresort.com.
Lazer Kraze
Lazer Kraze is a fun way to let off some steam and learn leadership skills at the same time.
During spring break, kids can participate in a two- or three-day camp (the length is still to be decided) that’s centered around team activities. Kids take turns as team captains and play laser tag in a variety of game formats.
Lazer Kraze to GO! is another option. You can rent Lazer Kraze’s portable laser tag system, which includes 14 tactical laser tag rifles, starting at $250 an hour.
3187 Western Row, Maineville. (513) 339-1030 or lazerkraze.com. 1335 Donaldson Road, Erlanger. (859) 371-5729.
Cincinnati Museum Center
The Museum Center has plenty of events planned that are sure to interest kids (and adults) of all ages.
1301 Western Ave., West End. (513) 287-7000 or cincymuseum.org.
Cincinnati Observatory Center
Since 1873, Cincinnati has been studying the stars from the Observatory on Mount Adams. The first and biggest telescope of its kind was imported from Germany in 1842 by Ormsby McKnight Mitchel — an amazing figure in local history who was a friend to presidents, a graduate of West Point, a stirring speaker and a Civil War general.
The historic observatory still operates with two telescopes: the original, and a more recent (1904) model. Free lectures and star viewing through the revolving observatory are offered on most Thursday and Friday evenings. The Observatory is also open for public stargazing one Saturday night per month at the Mount Lookout landmark.
3489 Observatory Place, Cincinnati. (513) 321-5186 or cincinnatiobservatory.org.