CINCINNATI — Spring Break is almost here, and for many families, the price tag of travel is simply too high this year.
Flights, hotel stays and vacation expenses can run into the thousands — but staying close to home doesn't have to mean missing out on the fun.
From museum passes to budget movie tickets, there are plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained right here in the Tri-State without draining your wallet.
Bundle passes can save you big
One of the smartest ways to stretch your Spring Break budget is by investing in a discount bundle pass.
Local mom and content creator Nedra McDaniel, who specializes in finding Cincinnati adventures for families, said deals like the Pogo Pass are a game-changer.
Watch below to get more tips on how to save this Spring Break season:
"My goal is just to help make adventure attainable in every season of life," McDaniel said.
When it comes to saving money, McDaniel points families toward bundle options.
"The Pogo Pass is one here in Cincinnati, it covers multiple attractions and gives you access multiple times throughout the year," McDaniel said.
Here's what a $119.90 Pogo Pass gets you:
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – 1 visit
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – 1 visit
- Cincinnati Museum Center – 1 visit
- Boonshoft Museum of Discovery – 1 visit
- Cincinnati Reds game ticket – 1 game
- Florence Y’alls baseball games – 2 games
- Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum – 1 visit
- Velocity Esports – 1 visit per month
- The Web Extreme Entertainment – 1 visit per month
- Jump!Zone – 1 visit
- Fowling Warehouse Cincinnati – 2 visits
- Strike & Spare Family Fun Center – 1 visit per quarter
- D-BAT Hebron – 2 visits
- Goldfish Swim School – 1 family swim
- Recreations Outlet – 1 visit
- Timber & Bow Play Studio – 2 visits
- Deck the Y’alls Lightfest – 1 visit
That kind of value adds up fast — especially for families planning multiple outings over the break.
"It's good to find things that are more affordable, but you still get a great experience," said Tashia Bailey, a local mother.
Think outside the box
Sometimes the best Spring Break memories come from trying something new and unexpected.
"Maybe we're going to — there's the Paint Playground just outside of Old Milford — just something different," said Tess Brown, a local mother.
Gabrielle Garrett, another Tri-State mom, said her family also made the call to scale back this year.
"Opted out on a vacation this year and just did something small," Garrett said.
Small doesn't have to mean boring — it just means being a little creative.
If your kids need to burn off some energy, Recreations Outlet in Milford is worth a visit. The facility features playground equipment, trampolines, basketball hoops, and more.
The best part? Admission is just $4 per child during Charitable Play Hours, held Tuesday through Thursday mornings.
Save money at the movies
Movie tickets have gotten expensive, but there are still ways to catch a film without overpaying.
Here's how to save at the theater:
- AMC Stubs members get 50% off tickets
- Every day before 4 p.m., tickets are 20% off
- Daily discounts are available for seniors, military members, and students
- For the lowest prices overall, aim for Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Whether it's a bundle pass, a $4 play session, or a discounted matinee, Spring Break in the Tri-State can be fun, memorable and easy on your budget.
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