Grande coffee, full tank, lengthy playlist, and empty bladders, its road trip time, baby!! There is something so welcoming, comforting, dare I say, relaxing, about taking a day trip with the kids. Planning is minimal, packing is slim, and the fact that you still get to come home to your own bed at the end of the day is very appealing. Here are 5 fun day trip destinations (in order to make the most of your trip note the, “while you are here you might want to check out”, at the bottom of each) that will have you enjoying the novelty and excitement of the day and sleeping like a baby in your own bed at night.
5 Fun Day Trip Destinations for Spring Break
1. Children of all ages will enjoy the Willy Wonka Experience at the South Bend Chocolate Company Factory Tour
There are two factory tour options offered. Visitors who take the basic factory tour (free, 20 minutes) are treated to a history lesson of chocolate and its origins, as a guide leads guests through all of the factory processes, including panning, enrobing and more, including a test sample at the end. For those wishing to take the extended “Inside Scoop” tour/Go behind the scenes—where few have gone before, except those with golden tickets (run at the top of each hour, last 45 minutes or more depending on whom you meet and where you go! Expect chocolate surprises). For Wonka-wannabes only! You will dip a chocolate spoon and walk through the Chocolate Museum.
And be sure to hit up the “almost perfect” area after your tour, this is where the chocolates that are slightly less than perfect are sold for a discount, like, pecan clusters (AKA turtles), mint-meltaways, chocolate covered tart cherries, etc.
Address: 3300 West Sample Street in South Bend, Indiana
Phone: 574-233-2577 to schedule a tour
Website: https://sbchocolate.com/tour/
Hours: Tours are at the top of every hour. Mon – Fri 9am-4pm & Sat 9am-2pm (Closed Sundays & major holidays).
Cost: the ‘Basic Factory Tour’ is FREE and the ‘Go Behind the Scenes’ tour is $5.00 adult/$2.00 children (11 & under)
While you’re in South Bend you might also want to check out:
- The Studebaker Museum https://studebakermuseum.org/
- St. Patrick’s County Park at, 50651 Laurel Rd, South Bend, IN 46637- with wooded trails, play equipment & picnic sites
2. This isn’t Just for the Kids! Fort Clarkston is a relaxing adult environment that just so happens to provide unique & fun activities for kids too!
Finally a place that understands what moms’ really!! This is the #1 hot spot for children entertainment & adult relaxation combined!! Parents can enjoy free wi-fi, sipping on coffee or tea from the café, or just cozying up with a magazine or book with a tasty treat. You may not even notice your kids as they will be completely mesmerized by the astounding 2,400 square foot playstructure standing 3 levels tall and the 2 level bitty playstructure for the tots. Twisty, bullet and wavy slides will take the children from peaks to valleys, meanwhile the maze, bumper balls and rope climbs engage children of all ages. They also offer redemption games and arcades! Be sure to redeem your tickets at their ticket redemption desk for valuable prizes.
Fort Clarkston offers a bar where moms can grab a glass of wine or beer and visit with other moms (or enjoy a little solitude), as well as feed the kiddo’s dinner/lunch at the café; it really is a mini vacation for moms!!
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-9pm, & Sunday 9am-6pm
Address: 7127 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, MI
Phone: (248) 297-5453
Website: http://fortclarkston.com/
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-9pm, & Sunday 9am-6pm
Cost: Mon-Thurs. $10 for the entire day!! Fri-Sun. $12 for the entire day!! Parents are $5
While you’re in the area you might want to check out:
3. Airstream Factory Tour
Ever wonder how an Airstream is made? See how they craft every piece of the Airstream Travel Trailers, and how they really do put every one of those rivets in by hand.
TOUR INFORMATION: The Airstream Factory Tour is held every Monday through Friday beginning at 2PM EST in the lobby of the Service Center (located on the north side of 274, next to the gas station). Cost is free. Please arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of time to check in. Late arrivals may not be permitted to join the tour. (Please note Friday tours are held after normal hours meaning you may not see the plant in full production. If you plan to attend around a holiday, please call in advance to verify our tour schedule).
The tour lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours, requires a one-mile walk, and is divided into two parts. The first part highlights the building process of the travel trailers while the second part focuses on the touring coach process.
Hearing and eye protection is required and will be provided for you. They ask that you wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals or open toes). Reservations are not required except for groups of 10 or more or if you have any special needs requests.
Address: 419 W Pike St, Jackson Center, OH 45334
Phone: (937) 596-6111
Website: https://www.airstream.com/company/tours/
Hours: Monday through Friday beginning at 2PM EST
Cost: FREE
While you’re in the area you might want to check out:
The Bicycle Museum of America https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2017/07/17/the-bicycle-museum-of-america/
4. Merry-Go-Round Museum
Enjoy a fun and relaxed atmosphere while you tour the Merry-Go-Round Museum and learn about the history and art of the carousel. The “oom pa pa” of the band organ, and the “painted ponies” on display will thrill and enchant you.
Have your smiles ready as you relive your childhood excitement when you climb aboard the working “fully restored” Allan Herschell Carousel with the band organ playing. Watch carvers bring neglected carousel pieces back to their full beauty.
Address: 301 Jackson St Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: (419) 626-6111
Website: http://www.merrygoroundmuseum.org/
Hours: Wed-Sat: 11am-4pm & Sundays 12pm-4pm
Cost: Adults: $6.00, Senior Citizens: $5.00, Children (4-14): $4.00, (under 4): FREE (The cost Includes 1 Ride Token)
While you’re in the area you might want to check out:
African Wildlife Safari http://www.africansafariwildlifepark.com/
The Maritime Museum https://www.sanduskymaritime.org/information
5. Great Lakes Science Center
The Great Lakes Science Center invites visitors of all ages to “learn by doing” with their 400 hands-on exhibits. You’ll find permanent installations on technology, the environment, the body, and the Great Lakes themselves as well as interesting temporary shows and an adjacent OMNI-MAX theater—you can easily make a day of it!!
Address: 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 694-2000
Website: http://greatscience.com/about/who-we-are
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm & Sunday noon-5pm
Cost: Adult $16.95 and Youth (2-12)* $13.95 Theater tickets cost extra
While you are in the area you might want to check out:
https://momonthegoinholytoledo.com/2016/04/07/campbells-sweets-factory-tour/
Have a favorite road trip destination? Please share! We are always on the lookout for fun day trip destinations.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 