Living in the center of the US, Chicago area families have some driving to do for weekends away at fun museums, waterparks, and great cities.
The Midwest is both the Land of Lincoln and the land of Obama, two fathers who have been celebrated for enjoying their families and family vacations. (At least we can speak for the latter.) So it stands to reason that other families in the Chicago metropolitan area would welcome a chance to escape the stress of the city and enjoy family time on a short break holiday.
This central region may not be as densely packed with resorts, campgrounds, B&Bs and other weekend getaways as the country's coasts, but there are plenty of lodging choices and vacation ideas for those who want to have fun. Whether your family is looking for a short break holiday, a cheap vacation package, a fun last-minute excursion to break up a road trip, or a weekend getaway from everyday routines, there are lots of options within a 200-mile radius of Chicago, and some other great cities within 300 miles.
The following weekend getaway roundup includes some of our family's favorite kids' destinations. There are, of course, many other choices for spending your time and money on a short break, so we'll just highlight some of the top local attractions, kid-friendly festivals and events that suit all ages. We welcome you to submit your own favorite Midwest weekend getaways.
Weekend Getaways Within 200 Miles of Chicago
Illinois Apple Farms
Great apple and pumpkin picking farms exist throughout Illinois; these are some favorites for Chicago area families that are ripe for fall weekends.
Midwest Weekend Getaway With A Tropical Vibe At KeyLime Cove
This resort's huge indoor waterpark offers an affordable family weekend for all ages — all year round — plus coaster rides at the Six Flags nearby.
Explore Indianapolis with Kids
Home to the largest children's museum in the world, be sure to check out Indianapolis, Indiana for great family fun year round
Free Travel Fun In Indianapolis
Wondering what kind of family vacation you can afford? Head to Indy for free concerts, museums, history, transportation and endless fun throughout spring, summer and fall (winter's cold!)
Springfield Illinois, Land of Lincoln
From the world's first drive-up diner to the old Capitol building where Abraham Lincoln served the people, central Illinois delights history-minded families.
Bringing Outdoor Fun Indoors at Great Waterparks
Does your family get the winter blues? Consider visiting one of these Milwaukee area indoor waterparks, where the fun continues year round.
Water Play in Wisconsin Dells Family Hotels
At these amazing waterparks in the world's capital of indoor waterplay resorts, the last thing you'll be thinking about is the long drive home.
Fun that's Only in Summer for Midwest Weekend Getaways
Great Lakes' Family Beach Areas
From New York to Wisconsin, the Great Lakes' shoreline includes hundreds of family beach getaways for watersports, fishing and outdoor adventure.
A Traverse City, Michigan Family Guide
Parasailing, skiing, ballooning and more family activities join watersports and fishing at this long-established resort area along Michigan's western shore.
City Weekends or Fun Short Breaks within 300 Miles of Chicago
Cleveland, Ohio A Family-Welcoming City
This northern Ohio city has matured from urban blight to having fine museums, parks, great art, cheap convenient hotels and the country's best pita.
Detroit, Michigan Family Attractions
There are many sides to the city of Detroit, and exploring the heritage of Michigan's Motor City is one of the best ones for a family weekend getaway.
Cincinnati & Newport, Double the Pleasure
The new Underground Railroad Freedom Center, museums and friendly mid-Westerners attract families to this Ohio – Kentucky metroplex.
Iowa Family Attractions
Iowa may be off your flight path, but when you head out Io-o-way, you'll find the trails of Lewis & Clark, Herbert Hoover, Blue Bell ice cream and that Field of Dreams.
Along the African Diaspora Trail in St. Louis
In addition to a great zoo, many fine museums, a heritage of jazz music and Missouri hospitality, families will also find a rich history of African American culture.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Big City Fun with Small Town Charm
Visit this Great Lakes city that strikes the perfect balance between small town charm and urban attitude with various attractions perfect for the whole family.
Winter Wonderland Getaways in Wisconsin Door County
Door County may be known as the summer retreat for Midwesterners and Chicagoans, but be sure to visit during wintertime for ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and beyond
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This is such a true indicator of Barcelona and Spain in general. For the family vacation or longer term family travels Barcelona is just brilliant. The Spanish adore their children and have such a fabulous fun filled approach to sharing their enthusiasm that young visitors are thrilled and enchanted by the City and the country in general.
I would also go a place like this..so beautiful and refreshing..
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thanks
I was wondering if we can be added to your recommended rental agents? We have over 50 beachfront properties, ranging form 1-10 bedrooms, specializing in homes for large groups and family reunions!
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Tips about Required Documents For Travel With Minors are great!
maurice doyle: You should certainly be in touch with the airline's Customer Support staff to get a refund for any fees you paid to have an escort, if no one was provided. However, most of the airlines don't require an escort for a child that is 14 years old, even when changing planes, therefore they may not have broken any laws by not having one available.
What a fantastic article and most importantly website. This site is a fantastic tool for families who are beginning their vacations and who may require some support in their planning to cover specific needs.
Thank you. The information is very helpful and before receiving your email, I came to the same conclusion about limiting the trip to Rome and Sicily. You just gave me affirmation. I would love to go to Venice, but that'll will need to wait for another trip.
Thanks again,
Mindy
my grandson flew from sacramento ca. to nixa mo he is 14 yrs of age.We paid for an escort to get him to the next flight out of denver co.at sacramento they told my daughter that it was the last flight out and there is nobody to escort him.can you plese help me with this i want to claim my refund.thany you
Maurice Doyle
417 724 9931
Nice Post. Looking for your next Post. Thanks
This is a normal requirement with any business who are in the care of under aged young people. I believe there is a medical consent that is required at the time of any travel plans.
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this sounds like what we're looking for, too. what area did you look at, and what is the name of the place or rental agent that you used? thanks!
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What fortunate chidlren. Not only to have a great vacation with both parents, but to experience South AMerica at such a young age. Congratulations to such thoughtful parents.
The concept of house swapping is just mind boggling. I really cannot understand why this has not become a world focus for obtaining great vacations at a very cheap cost for accommodation.
Costa Rica conjures images that I can relate to! The similarities to the beautiful island of Phuket are a reminder that we still have many Islands and locations that are thought to be paradise. The key is to care for the land and sea in order for all the benefit for ours and our childrens lifestyle.
Cebu is great
thanks to Cebu Trips Tour..i enjoy my vacation and adventure in Cebu. Visit their website at http://cebutriptours.com/
Hey, Cebu is the Queen City of The South All over the country. It is a place where you can enjoy perfectly. There are so many HOTELS for accommodations,Bars,Cafe's, Disco bar, lot of beach resorts, a lot of adventures, so many malls for shopping, a great place for everyone.
And for me, Cebu is the finest place for me all over the Country, and I have a great life here. This place is somewhat like a paradise. Cebu is the place where I experience a paradise life. So, I want you to visit and stay here in Cebu. And I assure you, you will never regret when you go here.
Thanks for a great article. The only thing I would add is that some new websites are starting to focus on relying on personalised vacation rental referrals from their own social media friends network.
This is a great step forward to avoid potential fraud attempts etc, and ensure your family vacation goes as it should!
Have a look at HolidayRentalsForMe.com – its a great new way of finding a great holiday home for your next family vacation.
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Sure Croatia's beautiful and I can offer you low cost walking tours in Dubrovnik city.
sometimes is to much and you will leave the children at home. I dont know why they want that many documents
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Ooo…Nepal…
Still i remember my first and last visit to Nepal.. that was awesome.. I love there traditional costumes and all.
every one should go there.
in my opinion is to much. Sometimes is better to stay at home.
There are so many other things to do in the Wisconsin Dells as well! You can have a visit with nature and I strongly suggest checking out Devil's Lake and Mirror Lake, the local state parks. Going for a tour on the Wisconsin Ducks is an memorable experience too!
Thanks for sharing..
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
I also recommend talking to others that have been to the place that you are going. They will have great ideas on what to see and what to avoid if you have children.
Regardless of gender, good parenting is not unique to heterosexual couples. I think this is a fantastic breakthrough as committed couple or singles do make good parents.
sometimes I prefer to stay at home my my children… there are to many documents required
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Bruges during CHristmas is a fairy-tale. I would even recommend it for a short honey-moon: it has it all: beauty, warmth, nice food, great sceneries and above all the medieval scenery.
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