“In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with” – Charles M Schulz
According to the New York Times, road trips have become a popular form of travel this year, and it’s easy to understand why. Cheaper than air travel yet equally ripe with adventure, taking a road trip from Toledo with your family can be an incredible bonding experience that gets you out of the house and into the great outdoors.
Best Day Trip Destinations From Toledo, Ohio
Not all road trips need to take days or weeks to drive. There are plenty of exciting outdoor destinations close to Toledo that you can go to within day-trip distance. Leave early in the morning, spend an hour or two on the road, and enjoy a day-long excursion with the fam that you won’t forget.
One of the most popular day trip destinations from Toledo is the Sandusky amusement park. Just 65 minutes from the city center, Sandusky is nicknamed “the Roller Coaster Capital of the World”, and it is full of rides, restaurants, museums, and even boat tours that the entire family can enjoy.
If you’re not mad about adrenaline spikes, a 50-minute trip to the Marblehead Lighthouse might be more up your alley. There’s also the Cuyahoga National Park, roughly 2 hours outside of Toledo and jam-packed with beautiful hiking trails, bike trails, and two massive waterfalls. A trip to any of these places on a weekend or public holiday is bound to elicit excitement for both kids and adults.
Readying Your Car For The Road
A road trip drive is typically longer than your everyday travel, which means you’ve got to be extra cautious about the state of your car before hitting the road. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the highway with hungry kids and a grumpy driver!
There are a couple of ways to ensure your car is road-trip-ready before starting your journey. Take your vehicle to a gas station and ask them to check the transmission and oil, and ensure that all your tires are pumped and puncture-free. Maybe get a little window wash for even better scenery watching.
When it comes to gas, you can get a step ahead of the rest by taking a few spare liters in the trunk. Gas does have an expiration date; so if you keep spare gas in your car, it can stay there for between three to six months before expiring. Trust the experts – you won’t regret the feeling of safety and preparedness it brings!
Packing And Snack Prep
The last (but certainly not least) on the list of short-distance road trips is packing and snack prep. Because the destinations are close, you needn’t bring a feast. But car-friendly snacks like jerky, dried fruit, crackers, and cereal bars will likely come in handy during the drive.
Go stocked with music playlists, podcasts, and other forms of entertainment if the drive is longer than what your family is used to. And finally, remember to just have fun!
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 