Need to escape your daily routine? Here in Ohio, you can do just that - and remind yourself that life can, in fact, be straight-up fun when we let it be. While a full-fledged vacation may not be in your budget (or schedule), the following are what we consider to be the best day trips in Ohio. These should help to refresh you, combat the weekday blues, and spice up your normal Netflix-and-chill-on-the-couch weekend routine.

1. Cedar Point Amusement Park - Sandusky

One of the best Ohio day trips you can take, especially if you have children, is Cedar Point Amusement Park. Also known as "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World," this truly amazing 365-acre amusement park is home to world-famous coasters such as the "Top Thrill Dragster" and "Millennium Force." It's a must-visit for every Ohioan and visitor to the Buckeye State.

One of the day trips near you might just be the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Enjoy a few tips and tricks for visiting the park in this video from Coaster Legend:

2. Put-in-Bay

Ohio's very own island getaway, Put-in-Bay, is special. Tour everything from Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial to a quirky chocolate museum. You can even spend this road trip virtually car-free after you've arrived. Golf carts, mopeds, and bicycle rentals are popular ways to get around the island.

3. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Powell

While the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is arguably the state's favorite zoo, Ohio has several other zoos that are home to all animals large, exotic, and photogenic. A trip to a zoo is one of the best day trips in Ohio you can take.

4. The Wilds - Cumberland

Don't find a zoo adventurous enough? Take your exotic animal scouting skills a step further with Ohio's own safari experience at The Wilds in Cumberland where the animals roam free.

5. COSI -Columbus

Indulge your inner mad scientist with this one-of-a-kind, hands-on science museum in Columbus, located along the Scioto Mile Loop. Kids will especially love COSI (the Center of Science and Industry). It's one of the most fun day trips in Ohio.

6. Short North Arts District - Columbus

If art galleries, coffee, retail shops, and street art are your things, you can find them all in this one-stop community in Columbus.

7. Cleveland Botanical Garden (Cleveland)

Explore what is arguably our state's most impressive garden. Cleveland Botanical Garden features ten acres of outdoor gardens and an 18,000-square-foot glasshouse.

Take a quick tour of the Cleveland Botanical Garden in this video from Wagon Pilot Adventures - it is certainly one of the favorite Ohio day trips for nature lovers:

8. Castles - various locations

Take a day to explore the Loveland Castle or several other small castles in Ohio. (If you're really ambitious to uncover these Medieval gems, take a few days to do our recommended Ohio's Most Majestic Castles road trip.)

9. German Village -Columbus

Perfect for one of the most quaint day trips in Ohio, the lovely German Village in Columbus will truly charm you with its book shop (featuring more than 30 rooms of books!), authentic German food, and a stroll through Schiller Park.

10. Ohio Amish Country - various locations

Try the Amish way for a day or two. You can experience the beauty, deliciousness, and wholesomeness of the simple life of the people of Ohio's Amish Country when you explore.

11. Hocking Hills State Park - Logan

With more than 70 state parks in Ohio, hiking trails abound. Pitch a tent or rent a cabin in Hocking Hills State Park for a classic nature getaway at one of the state's most beloved parks. Hike to Old Man's Cave, explore Conkle's Hollow, and snap the perfect photo at Cedar Falls. It's one of the most picturesque Ohio day trips you can take.

12. Trammel Fossil Park - Sharonville

Although you have to travel off the beaten path somewhat, Trammel Fossil Park is one of the Cincinnati area's best-kept secrets. Here you'll find trilobite fragments, coral, mini shells, and more. It's perfect for avid fossil hunters or even little ones that need an Indiana Jones kind of adventure. It is one of the most fun day trips in Ohio you can take especially if you have children.

13. Seneca Caverns - Bellevue

Located in Bellevue, Ohio is a geographical wonder that was first discovered in 1872. When you venture to the Seneca Caverns, you will travel through "The Earth Crack" and view the Ole' Mist'ry River.

Let's head to Seneca Caverns near Bellevue, Ohio in this video from Adventures in Ohio and Beyond:

14. Lake Erie beaches - various locations

The last of our list of day trips in Ohio is a trip to the shores of Lake Erie. The beaches here are as close as you can get to an ocean without leaving the state.

With a little pre-planned budgeting and scheduling, you'd be amazed at what a liberal dose of "Carpe Diem" and a day away from your normal life can do for you. You can try it without leaving the state! Whether you are looking to explore Ohio with the fam, or you are more in the mood for fun day trips near you for adults, there is plenty to see and do in the great state of Ohio. Head out for one of the best day trips in Ohio and truly experience our fun-filled state.