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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Sometimes i think that our home is sea)))
I prefer to travel without my children… just with my wife
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We certainly understand your concerns because Lady Gaga's clothing and style can shock anyone of any age. However, you might not be aware that she is a champion fund raiser for AIDS Awareness, has been active in gay rights issues, actively supports our troops, and has been a philanthropist to all sorts of causes.
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As a parent of two young boys I don't find anything positive about Lady Gaga. It is sad that FTF is promoting her. Her dress and her comments do more to harm young children then help.
It is understandable that the Brits would promote her but I guess I expected better from an organization like FTF.
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It doesnt' matter whether the driver is a teen or adult when a rental car is damaged. Both are covered by your automobile insurance or extra policy from the rental company. The difference is that teens and drivers under 26 in general have to pay more to get insurance on rental cars.
However, some companies like Budget now let teens rent for regular rates if they get a letter from an employer that they are using the car for work and that the employer has extra insurance for them.
What are the charges if the car will get some damage.
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Florentina – <a href="http://www.seecolombia.travel/">Colombia Vacation </a>
to many papers for a simple trip… sometimes this situation will ruin all the fun and prefer to stay home.
wow, hi there, this is so cool, I worked in this resort in 2000, when it was Summer Camp, great memories, it is good to see that is still there and Molly and K are still running the place,
all the best to them
Gabi
Cool these small games will surely save me a lot of money.
I'd love to go on such a trip with my family!
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well the Christmas celebration is over now…
Well …..i visited Thuringia market on 24th-dec-2010 ,, yup the day before last Christmas…A huge rush was there..
sometimes I prefer to stay home… we need so many papers to travel with our child.
This is a wonderfully thoughtful concept! What a charming git for an expectant mother. I know my wife really struggled with the stress and un-comfortability of her pregnancy and I often felt myself at a loss for what to do to help her relax. Now I guess I have my answer – a pregnancy spa holiday!
A good source for information about the LF1 North Sea Route from Boulogne (Fr) to Harlingen (NL) is http://lf1northsearoute.blogspot.com
I cycled parts of the route and the provided GPS tracks followed exactly the singposted route.
Fantastic article! I would like to also add that Spain is another great destination for the entire family. In particular Barcelona, as it provides services and facilities for every taste.
this may of use if you end up in Hollywood with the kids:
http://www.familydaysoutusa.com/kids-things-to-do/hollywood
There are cheap flights to Chicago from major UK airports and the duration is nearly 10 to 11 hours.
London to Chicago is less than 8 hours if you fly nonstop.
There are cheap flights to new york city from major UK airports and the duration is nearly 10 to 11 hours.
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Now Barcelonia is screaming at the youth come and visit me. I am alive, I am bright, I am fun. This is the town for families with teenagers. Oh you will have one happy family if you visit our Barcelonia.