Best Weekend Getaways from Chicago for Families

Nancy L. said:  Head to this historic amusement park near Chicago, IL, two quick states away (about 4.5 hours) to Ohio! Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. It opened in 1870. Cedar Point is known as the roller coaster capital but there is so much more to do here. There are shows, lake and beach activities, and great food. In addition, there are many other family destinations and activities in the surrounding Sandusky, Ohio, area.

Erin P. said:  This adventurous road trip from Chicago, IL, will land your family in Ohio to tackle thrill rides and water parks. The park is especially known for its family-friendly attractions, such as Snoopy Island. Tickets to the main park also include admission to waterpark portion of the park, Soak City.

Shila said:  Located about 2.5 hours from Chicago in north-central, Indiana, lays Heritage Farm, a charming alpaca farm that also hosts guests and events. There are a variety of overnight accommodations to enjoy including a 3-bedroom guest house, an 1850's log cabin, and several camping sites to pitch a tent or park an RV. Kids and families can interact with over 70 alpacas along with other friendly barn animals, take part in farm chores, and play around the 120-acre homestead!

Sarah D. said:  Looking for a family camping getaway near Chicago where you can happily unplug? Triponds Family Camp Resort brings everyone back to nature and has something for everyone in your family! The camp "resort" offers an array of lodging options from spacious camp sites to rustic cabins to family cottages with a kitchen and bath! Triponds has on-site mini-golf, a pool and three ponds (hence the name), on-site dining and ice cream and so much more! The bouncy pillow even features daily toddler hours so that even your littlest ones can enjoy themselves in a worry-free environment!

Kristy Pepping said:  From the award-winning downtown to the white sandy beaches, you'll fall in love with Holland's small town charm and big city amenities. Located in Southwestern Michigan, Holland offers waterfront dining, windmills, shopping for wooden shoes, and their famous Tulip Festival every May.

Shila said:  The charming city of South Haven, Michigan, is located about 2 hours from Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan. Fun things to do with kids in South Haven include blueberry picking, tall ship sail excursions, enjoying sunny days on the sand at South Beach, and dining on the town.

Sarah D. said:  These cozy Michigan beach towns are a must visit for Chicago families looking for a serene escape! From the charming bed and breakfasts to the vibrant art scene to the old fashioned fudge and ice cream parlors, Saugatuck-Douglas is a magical get-away for families with children of all ages. Saugatuck is especially charming in the fall when the summer beach crowds have wound down, the town falls a bit sleepy and the apple orchards fill with children.

Nancy L. said:  This family favorite vacation spot near Chicago proves, “there is more than corn in Indiana.” The Indiana Beach Amusement Resort is home to six roller coasters, three are wooden coasters. In addition, there are plenty of rides and attractions for all family members whether you choose water rides or those where you stay dry. Or you can simply relax on the sandy beach, build a sand castle, and swim in the unique pool. They have plenty of lodging options; you can stay overnight at the campsite or rent a cottage/cabin.

Erin P. said:  We are big fans of St. Joseph, Michigan, for a Chicago getaway weekend! And if you're looking for a day at the beach, you will not be disappointed with Silver Beach, featuring gorgeous sandy shores along beautiful Lake Michigan. Just a short walk from the beach, Whirlpool Centennial Park features a fun and interactive fountain where kids (and parents!) will love to play and splash! Silver Beach Center, next to the fountain, features an old-fashioned carousel and other fun activities for kids with restaurants nearby.

Shila said:  New Buffalo is about 70 miles east of Chicago, offering families a quick road trip opportunity for a weekend to relax along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. This charming city features family-friendly beaches, scenic harbors, excellent dining, wineries, and breweries.

Shila said:  Step back in time to this Victorian setting filled with modern amenities! One of the most unique road trips from Chicago is heading out to Mackinac Island, 6-7 hours in northern Michigan. Only accessible by ferry boat, families of all ages enjoy touring around this quaint 3.7-mile island by bike, horse carriage, or by foot! No cars allowed. Vacationers also love to golf, shop local artisans, dine, and relax in the cool Lake Huron breeze. There are dozens of historic hotels, premium suites and cottages for your family's accommodations.

Kristy Pepping said:  One of the most fun places to go in Chicago, Illinois, is actually over the border in Indiana! The Indiana Dunes is a registered national park along the lake shore! Located along the southern tip of Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, the Indiana Dunes attracts millions of visitors each year. While best known for its world class beaches, the Indiana Dunes offers so much more: world class cuisine, breathtaking scenery, eclectic nightlife and exhilarating biking and hiking, a drive-in movie theatre, water park, and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  Traverse City, located in northern Michigan, is known for its cherries and fabulous beaches. It's a great city for the entire family to enjoy! Things to do in Traverse City with kids include visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Great Lakes Children's Museum, and Traverse Tall Ship Company sail excursions. Don't miss its annual Cherry Festival if you can!

Sarah D. said:  Don't want to drive too far to get out of town? Visit Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, IL! Great Wolf is one of America's premier indoor and outdoor water resorts with splash-tastic activities for children of all ages! The resort makes family travel easy with an array of on-site dining options and activities for children including story time, pajama parties, visits from characters and so much more! Great Wolf sits just across the way from Six Flags Great America so your children can visit a world-class amusement park for additional thrills!

Kristy Pepping said:  Door County is an easy road trip from Chicago for families to vacation. If you are not familiar with the state of Wisconsin, Door County is the narrow peninsula finger of the state. It's surrounded by water on both sides. There are several area beaches, towns and scenic drives to take. Check out some of our favorite things to do with kids in Door County such as visiting Peninsula State Park, Wilson's Ice Cream, Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf, and Grandma Tommy's Country Store.

Kristy Pepping said:  Wisconsin's Lake Geneva has a lot to offer for kids and families. There are several area lakes, state parks and a town if you enjoy shopping. Plus, there are many hotels in and near the town if you are looking to make it a weekend trip. Enjoy Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva Riviera Beach, Lake Geneva Cruise Line and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  Vandalia, located in Southern Illinois, is a town full of history. It's the end of Cumberland Road and the beginning of Abraham Lincoln’s storied political career. There are also plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and camping. Things to do with kids near Vandalia include visiting The Farmer's Monument, Fayette County Museum, Lincoln Park and The Little Brick House.

Kristy Pepping said:  Take a road trip from Chicago to a place in Illinois often unknown to many Windy City slickers up north! Starved Rock State Park is a world apart from anything else in the state. There are 13+ miles of trails to explore, fishing (ice fishing, too), boating, extraordinary views and waterfalls. It was voted the number one attraction in the state of Illinois too. Enjoy hiking, trolley tours, horseback riding and camping.

Gina I. said:  Rockford, IL, is a quick drive from Chicago. Check out the Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens located along Rock River. It's the 3rd largest conservatory in the state with many year round activities to experience. The Discovery Center Museum, too, is one of the best children's museums near Chicago. It's a hands-on children's (STEM) science museum with more than 300 interactive exhibits and a full calendar of special events and planetarium shows. Check out the Rock River Discovery Park, too! It's an awe-inspiring outdoor playground adored by kids!

Kristy Pepping said:  There are so many things to see and do in Springfield, located in Central Illinois. This is the capital of Illinois, and it was also President Lincoln's home. Kids will love experiencing what it was like to be a pioneer and learning about Lincoln history.

Kristy Pepping said:  Only a short drive from Chicago, Peoria sits along the Illinois River in Central Illinois. It offers plenty of outdoor activities and local history. Fun things to do with kids in Peoria include the Corn Stock Theatre, watching a ball game at Dozer Park, Hornbaker Gardens and checking out the Horse and Buggy Museum.

Gina I. said:  You can find some of the most impressive nature hikes near Chicago just a couple hours away! Nestled in the Rock River Hills, Castle Rock State Park is home to stunning rock formations, ravines, and several distinct plant species. Take your family on several miles of marked trails (ranging from 1/4-2 miles), providing excellent opportunities to view woodland animals, native birds, and gorgeous scenic views. They offer several picnic areas, including playground equipment, grills, and bathroom facilities.

Kristy Pepping said:  One of the best road trips from Chicago is to St. Louis! It's a major city that sits along the Mississippi River in Central Missouri. Make a pit stop in the capital of Illinois, Springfield! The Gateway Arch has been in existence since the 1960s and honors the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America's westward expansion. The city is also known for its barbecue restaurants, blues clubs, kid friendly museums, and major league sports teams.

Kristy Pepping said:  Famous for its large-scale indoor and outdoor waterparks, Wisconsin Dells is one of the best weekend getaways from Chicago for families. Located in the middle of the southern half of Wisconsin, it has more hotel rooms and lodging options than any other destination in the state, at just over 10,000. Not to mention, 20 campgrounds with nearly 3,200 sites.

Kristy Pepping said:  Galena offers Chicago families a great weekend trip to experience. A charming city on the Galena River in northwestern Illinois, Galena delights visitors with its 19th century history and architecture, trolley rides, eclectic shopping, candy and fudge shoppes, spas, great food, local wines and a wide range of lodging, including more than 30 B&Bs. Check out the U.S. Grant Museum, The Old Blacksmith Shop, Linmar Gardens and Apple River Fort Historic Site for history and fun!

Kristy Pepping said:  The Quad Cities area consists of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa, and Moline, East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois. Located in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa, the Quad Cities region brings you all the excitement of a big city with all the hospitality of a small town. Things to do in the Quad Cities with kids include the Niabi Zoo, Backwater Gamblers Water Ski Show, Quad City Botanical Center and Twilight River Cruises.