Do you want to take a vacation but don’t want to travel far? You can still have a great time close to home when you plan a staycation near Westerville, Ohio. Staycations are a great option for families who can’t or don’t want to take a long journey. You can stay in or near your city but with a vacation mindset that lets you explore places you may not ordinarily go to.

With its proximity to Columbus and the great variety of things to see and do, Westerville is a wonderful place to be when you want to escape the everyday routine. Read on to find out about some great places to stay with your family.

Most Unique: Schwartz Castle

If you want a truly unique spot for your staycation, the Schwartz Castle in German Village has what you’re looking for. Frederick Schwartz built this home in the 1800s for his fiancée, but when she called off the wedding, he was driven mad with grief and made some interesting changes to the home, such as adding secret passageways. 

Rest assured that though this home is historic, it’s been completely modernized and will offer you all the comforts you desire. You’ll have internet service, and you and the kids can enjoy playing pool, darts, and video games. This is a large home with five bedrooms, so you can spread out and enjoy all the space or invite another family to join you on your staycation at the castle. Some things to visit nearby include:

  • Bicentennial Park.
  • Ohio Theater.
  • Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum.
  • Columbus Museum of Art.
  • COSI.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus.
  • Schiller Park.

Hilton Columbus

A boy in glasses smiling through a small hole in a window

With an array of rooms and suites to choose from, the Hilton Columbus is a fantastic choice if you want an upscale vacation feel for your staycation. You can choose from a room with two queen beds or a suite with a bedroom and a sofa bed. Both options will give you a mini fridge and coffee maker in the room, so you’ll be able to store the kids’ snacks and have your morning pick-me-up in the convenience of your own space. 

Best of all, when you stay at the Hilton Columbus, you’ll be just steps away from some great attractions near the city center. Here are some fun places to explore nearby:

  • Short North Arts District.
  • North Market.
  • Nationwide Arena.
  • Center of Science and Industry (COSI).
  • Ohio Stadium.

Renaissance Columbus

The Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel has plenty of amenities for families to enjoy. From the swimming pool to the hot tub, your kids are sure to be pleased with all this place has to offer. There are luxury toiletries in all rooms, and the views are amazing. It is even pet friendly, so you can bring along the family dog if you would like. There are a variety of rooms to choose from for families. You can go with the standard double queen room or, if you need more space, upgrade to a suite.

Another great feature you will love about this hotel is its restaurant. If you and your family want to enjoy breakfast before you head out on the town, the hotel’s restaurant, Latitude 41, serves up what you need. You can also stop here for lunch if you happen to be taking a mid-day break with the kids at the hotel. This hotel is in a great location near some exciting places to explore with your kids, including:

  • Central Ohio Fire Museum.
  • Nationwide Arena.
  • COSI.
  • Columbus Museum of Art.
  • The Museum of Catholic Art and History.
  • Ohio Statehouse.
  • Pearl Market.

Log Cabin on the River

Spending time in nature might be exactly what you’re craving for your staycation. This log cabin on the Olentangy River offers just that, with beautiful views, natural recreation, and plenty of room for your crew. The home is situated in a woodland and is right on the river, so you and the kids can enjoy a walk in the woods or splashing in the water.

This place has a fully stocked kitchen with all you need to prepare your family’s meals if you wish to cook during your trip. If not, there are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding area for you to enjoy. You’ll also be able to make use of a fire pit, a washer and dryer, Wi-Fi, and a TV while you’re here. There are also lots of things to do in beautiful Delaware, Ohio, during your staycation. Here are some places you’ll want to check out in the area:

  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
  • Olentangy Caverns.
  • The Arts Castle.
  • Perkins Observatory.
  • Boardman Arts Park.

Modern House

If you want a home away from home for your staycation, this modern house near Columbus would be perfect. It has all the amenities you need, including a washer and dryer, a fully stocked kitchen, and linens, and it even has toys and games for the kids. This home backs up to a park, so you and the little ones will be able to get out to play without having to get in the car. 

The real crowd-pleaser of this modern house is the hot tub off the master bedroom. The kids will have so much fun here and at the park that they may not even want to go anywhere else. Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss all the exciting activities in the area. You’ll be close to many fun places, including:

  • Magic Mountain Fun Center.
  • Sharon Woods Park.
  • Westerville Mini Golf.
  • Olentangy Indian Caverns.
  • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 

Family Fun in Westerville

You don’t have to go far to enjoy a vacation when you live in Westerville. There’s so much to see and do right in our area. At Crème de la Crème of Westerville, our goal is to make your life as a parent easier. We hope this list of places to stay near Westerville for a family staycation has simplified your trip planning. A staycation is the perfect opportunity to enjoy all the amazing attractions nearby. We know you and your family will have a great time exploring and discovering why Westerville is such a great place to call home. 

boy taking picture on window by frank mckenna is licensed with Unsplash License