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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Great advise and said in very simple language in order for a range of readers to process. I must add that the symptoms and solutions are equally as important in adults who suffer from abdominal illness.
the family market is indeed very important and very lucrative. Focosing on the Family market is what Wal-Mart made big.
Thank you for posting this comparison. I've been looking for something like this but so far I've found only comparisons of individual plans not family ones. This will help me a lot while I'm budgeting for next year's gap holidays.
This place is awesome. We have delivered baby equipment rentals there a couple times and love it. It seems to work great for families traveling with young kids because the age range is usually between 2-8 years old when we deliver. Great beach and location. Thumbs up!
I am planning for a visit of Columbia …. Lets see When i wills be able to visit the same scene..
Orlando, is a perfect place for the kids to explore about Disneyland. A good feature post.
Love your brother in law! Would love to drive cross country with him and his brood!
Another great travel search engine is http://www.travelmarket.com/ it gives you a list of the cheapest flights and hotels. Try it and see what you think.
Good tips all – they sure beat my brother-in-laws advice for dealing with kids on long haul drives, which was, "Tie em to the roof!"
I too would be interested in viewing a list of apartments for the budget traveler.
Great article. I always, and still believe, if you feed a cold you will starve the fever.
I through my own experience, would advise against air travel with any ear, throat or nose infections. It is difficult to move through the change of air pressure, without adding a cold to it.
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It's a shame more airports don't take steps to make travel for families more convenient and fun. I'm sure they are focused on the core income stream of business travelers, which makes sense. Still, why not try and appeal to both?
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I would like to visit every day, thanks for your sharing.
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really a great info which much more useful to lot of them
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That place totally awesome. A perfect place for family vacation. That waterfall really make me jealous. It shall be refreshing to soak up under that waterfall. The beach also really charming, I wonder how much it cost to go there?
I want to go their. Really that is a great place.
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You are so right Banfos, thanks for the heads up. Mystic CT is quite remarkable and has much to see besides the aquarium. We have made the change.
Thank you for such a fantastic blog. Where else could anyone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Mystic Seaport is a world-renowned maritime history museum. It is not an aquarium as stated in your article.
Jennifer:
There are enough fun activities for the whole family to spend either as a day trip or overnight.
I wish I could have went to the play lab – sounds like Fisher Price is really doing a great job of keeping up with today's trends – and of course smart kids! Great update!
Wow…cannot wait to have a visit there!
Well, I think kids can enjoy some special joys there….
hey this is a great source for my cousin…..
How long would you allow for this excursion? It sounds like a fun side trip while visiting San Diego.
thanks for the <a href="http://ecoblublog.com/2011/02/10/ecotourism-green-vacations">eco vacation</a> ideas. don't know if i'll be able to afford overseas yet but always good to know the options 🙂
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It is bound to be more scenic than the A1,
Nice post,
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Really? That idea sounds pretty amazing….
Wow..I really cannot wait to make a trip to Italy…sounds very great!
hey thanx for the top 10 resorts…I will Surely look forward during my last visit.
When you mentioned "flashes" that people were starting to see, I first thought that you were gonna say that you were experiencing the northern lights! But what amazing "flashes" you did see! The whales are one of my favorite parts of Alaska.
Nice points but my baby is too much stubborn.
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Holidays are managed mostly for kids. They get know new places with different weather and cultural attractions. It is good.
wow, this would be a great journey..
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It is admirable that this hotel employs locals and also promoting the local culture. This is something that is lacking in many big name hotels today.
Sounds very romantic. I was thinking about a trip with family for a long time but when I landed here my problem is solved.