Family vacations in the Midwest can be rewarding experiences or absolute disasters -- it all depends on pre-trip homework. To make planning easier, we've done all the preparation. As part of a Huffington Post Travel series on traveling with children, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Midwest family vacations.
Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair is more than just rides, cows and cotton candy. National acts such as the Harlem Wizards basketball show, top musicians and specialty shows make up the bulk of the 12-day annual event. Over 2 million visitors attend, making it one of the largest state fairs in the United States.
Address: 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211Phone: 614-644-3247Hours: The fair is held in early August each year for 12 days, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; dates vary from year to year.Price: General admission, $10; children ages 5 to 12, $8; children under 5, free.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, is a fascinating museum located on the shore of Lake Erie. It is dedicated to archiving the history of the most influential artists, producers and engineers in the music industry. The museum is part of downtown Cleveland's redeveloped North Coast Harbor.
Address: 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44114Phone: 216-781-7625Hours: The hall of fame is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. most days and open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.Price: General admission, $22; Greater Cleveland residents, $18; children ages 9 to 12, $13.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers more than just swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan. Adventure seekers can fish, canoe or hike the area. The dunes themselves attract visitors; peaks spike up to 400 feet and look as if they belong in the mid-Atlantic region, not the Midwest.
Address: 9922 Front St., Empire, MI 49630Phone: 231-326-5134Hours: The park is open year-round.Price: Vehicle pass, $10.
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoological Park is a recognized leader in animal management, research, conservation and education. A featured exhibit is the "Flight Cage" purchased from the Smithsonian Institution following the 1904 World's Fair. The children's zoo portion has many other educational features, too, including the otter pool, snakes and frogs.
Address: 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110Phone: 314-781-0900Hours: The zoo is open Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Price: General admission, free; children's zoo pass, $3; train, $5.
Cedar Point
Cedar Point, located in Sandusky, Ohio, is known as the roller coaster capital of the world. It boasts 17 roller coasters, six thrill rides and three water rides. It also has 19 family rides and 28 kid's rides, for a grand total of 73 rides. Planet Snoopy is the park's special children's section.
Address: 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, OH 44870Phone: 419-627-2350Hours: The park is open June through August, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours and months vary throughout the rest of the year.Price: Guests over 48", $47.99; juniors $22.
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is home to 14 major exhibits, hands-on adventures and a 185-acre nature preserve. The museum has a historic carousel built in 1927 and a 55-ton steam engine. The 130-seat planetarium is another highlight of the museum.
Address: 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208Phone: 800-208-5437Hours: The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays from Labor Day through February. It is also closed Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.Price: Adults, $16.50; children ages 2 to 17, $11.50.
Center of Science and Industry
COSI, the Center of Science and Industry, is full of hands-on exhibits for all ages. Young children can explore Little Kidscape with a health clinic, tree house and power plant. Six different shows are put on daily, including a fun show where rats shoot hoops and multiple stations to try experiments.
Address: 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215Phone: 614-228-2674Hours: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.Price: Admission, $13.75; children ages 2 to 12, $9.75.
What are your family's favorite vacation destinations in the Midwest?
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Photo: MiriamPoling; FlickrPhoto: Paparutzi; Flickr