And of course no visit to the Dells would be complete without a trip to the 51 water slides at Noahs Ark Waterpark the largest waterpark in the country. If you loved this post on travels with family, check out these other vacation ideas with younger kids. And theres so much to do. Fantastic family vacations in the Midwest you should take this season Is there a crib or baby-proofing in every room? This city is on the shores of Lake Erie. 1. Renards Cheese is handcrafted in Door County and offers free wine and cheese tastings seven days a week. If you buy an item through a link on our website, we may earn a commission. Best Brunch in Harrisburg, PA 15 Top Places! Or, opt for one of the Midwests best Great Wolf Lodge locations in Bloomington to add a heaping dose of waterpark fun to your hotel stay. Conner Prairie is an outdoor living history museum thats about a 30-minute drive away, and is a place where kids can voyage a hot-air balloon and feed livestock. 12 Winter Vacation Ideas in the Midwest For Families - Time Out Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Take a ferry to Washington Island, where you can visit Schoolhouse Beach and Fragrant Isle lavender farm. You'll also be signed up for my monthly newsletter where I share tips and tricks along the way! Located along 399 Indian Point Road, Branson MO, Silver Dollar City offers the opportunity to let the youthfulness in you come alive. This town-hall-turned-boutique-hotel offers daily continental breakfast and a great location that puts the sights of the Black Hills within easy reach. that offers classes to both kids and adults (for an additional sum, though). The premier midwest ski resort with its whopping 58 downhill slopes (28 lit so you can hit the slopes under the stars), multiple kid-friendly carpet lifts, and 25 km of cross country ski trails, Crystal Mountain is the perfect midwestern winter weekend getaway for any family. One of White Birch Lodges most attractive Stay at the unique Fort Harrison State Park Inn for about $150 per night, which sits inside the Fort Harrison State Park and is just 9 miles away from the Childrens Museum. Downtown, youll find Americas only cultural urban state park, White River State Park. Book a brunch or dinner tall ship cruise. Four Seasons Chicago 5. Home to over 10,000 animals and famed Zoology Conservationist Jack Hanna, the 583 acre Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is reason enough to make Columbus our family getaway destination. Walk the Grand Staircase, touch a real iceberg, try to balance on the sloping deck and see how long you can dip your hand in 28-degree water. A Midwest road trip offers the best choices for family vacations, from friendly big cities perfect for a Midwest weekend getaway to unique natural wonders you can only find in the middle of America. Vacationers on Midwest vacations rent kayaks, canoes or pedal boats, or take a boat cruise on the Mississippi River. Mackinac Island, Michigan. Mission Beach, Coronado Central Beach and La Jolla Shores are the . Are there kid-friendly menus or buffet-style dining at the resort? The Midwest delivers great family getaways in destinations like Branson, Missouri; Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota; the Black Hills of South Dakota; Traverse City, Michigan; Indianapolis and more. However, it isnt just about the views at the Homestead; families can have a ton of fun at the resorts golf course, pools and tennis court, or even go kayaking and windsurfing. So do we! Grab an obligatory Millenium Park Bean selfie which is just blocks away before catching a birds eye view of the city from the top of the Navy Pier ferris wheel (you will be shocked by how big Lake Michigan actually is). Also See:Luxury Family ResortsBest Northeast Resort for Families, 23521 Nokomis AveNisswa, MN 56468(218) 963-2234Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. In this article, I will compare and review the best Midwest family resorts. Open mid-March to late-December, Silver Dollar City is an 1880s theme park thats home to world record-breaking rollercoasters, a water park, shows, shopping, dining and American craftsmen demonstrations. This lake shore city has more than a weekends worth of family activities from catching a Brewers games or a Sprechers Brewery and Soda Pop Tour to visiting the Betty Brinn Childrens Museum and relaxing on the 15-acre Bradford Beach. Keeping the tykes and tots engaged wont be a problem at the White Birch, with its super-fun range of complimentary daily kids activities organized by the staff (mostly college-age) such as art-and-craft sessions, scavenger hunts, soccer, basketball and volleyball. The many outdoor pools, indoor pools and sports courts seem to promise some wholesome family fun time, as does the 18-hole golf course. Osthoff is home to a spa of national recognition and a Nascar racetrack (Road America) with races, vintage-car displays and a specialized driving school. MAKE MEMORIES: 50 Family Vacation Ideas for a Trip Theyll Never Forget. Dining Options: This evaluates the dining options at the resort. Does the resort offer airport transfers? Make sure to book an open air safari at the Wilds where giraffes roam free and bring your swimsuits to cool off at the Zoombezi Water Park. Plus, theres family-friendly dining, tons of attractions and outdoor adventures. But their popularity can sometimes lead to crowded areas during peak seasons. Indoors, the Childrens Theatre Company entertains with shows like Annie and Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical. Planning midwest family vacations with kids may not be the most popular choice for some families, but don't discount what this beautiful land has to offer. Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Co. is a family favorite with fresh-made pizzas, Wisconsin brews, moose antler hats and an arcade. Another fun option is the Snowed Inn in-room tent and campfire playset for kids offered by the Loews Hotel Chicago. This unique Wisconsin Dells property features a natural water park lagoon and sleeping quarters to accommodate any familys needs from tiny houses and full treehouse cabins to standard guest rooms with bunks for the littles (prices start as low at $50 per night depending on time of year and accommodations). internet accessibility, a private balcony that plays host to some spectacular In summer, you can take Fireboat or architectural boat tours. Cortney Fries is a seasoned travel journalist, with her writing and expertise appearing in Redbook, MSN, Parents, Family Vacation Critic, Chicago Parent, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and several AAA magazines. Mansfield, Illinois. Hotels in close proximity to the Mall of America include the Radisson Blu, JW Marriott, and The Fairfield Inn and Suites. Thousand Hills Resort and Golf Club 4. Its easy to see why Door County is a popular Midwest family vacation destination. PARENTS GUIDE: Traveling with Food Allergies: How to Plan, Pack, and Enjoy Your Vacation. Try your luck on a big catch with charter fishing. No cars allowed on the historic Mackinac Island, where visitors are met at the ferry by bike rentals galore and horse-drawn carriages. This sweet space is decked out with five bedroom tents along with swings and stools for a unique and memorable stay. These are all of the places that are on our bucket list before our kids head off to college! When youre hungry, pop over to The Garage Food Hall for all sorts of tasty food and beverage options plus live entertainment. 17 Best Beaches in The Caribbean Top Public Beach Spots! 10 Best Vacations for Toddlers That Parents Will Love Too (2023 The resort follows a lodging system thats tiered, with rooms to suit different tastes, preferences and family sizes! Considered one of the nations top zoos, The Henry Dorly Zoo & Aquarium is known for the immersive habitats and interactive experiences (like stingray beach) that allow visitors to get up close to their animal residents. Wisconsins capital serves up Midwest vacation fun in the form of an interesting downtown, five glistening lakes, a childrens museum, and plenty of outdoor activities. Are there lifeguards at the swimming pools? Dont forget to wander through the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden before diving into the educational Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (which was voted Americans best aquarium). In Traverse City, nature beckons. Tiny Medora offers big fun with the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame and the boot-scootin Medora Musical which is always live and outside at the Burning Hills Amphitheater. Related: Best Midwest Ski Resorts for Families, 4600 Milan RdSandusky, OH 44870(800) 641-9653Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Stroll the sidewalks of the famed Easton Town Center where shopping, nightlife, and dining merge next to the Marriott Courtyard Columbus Easton (where a nights stay starts around $150 for four people). Take a break from the road and reward yourself with a much-needed relaxation time. Families love Navy Pier. 58881 46th StLawrence, MI 49064(269) 674-8228Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison is an active communityand is one of five platinum-level bike cities in the U.S. Find Madison BCycle electric-assist bikes across the city and pedal with ease around town. Close to the two-family vacation no brainers (a zoo and a childrens museum), The Omaha Marriott Downtown is the perfect vacation hub for the family (and prices start at just around $127 per night). Horse-drawn carriages and bikes carry blissed-out vacationers around the eight-mile island surrounded by cobalt waters. The beaches are gorgeous and all have their reasons for visiting. But the February Fish Creek Winter Festival is a real winter highlight with loads of hot chocolate to warm visitors on their candle-lit hikes through the ice carvings on display. At Lake Logan, rent a pontoon boat or a paddle boat in the shape of a rubber duckie or black swan. These are VRBO's that I've seen others post around Rogers, Arkansas that you should definitely check out and consider for your next stay. With climbing towers, innovative slides, saucer swings, a skating ribbon, and mini golf, this 20-acre park is set amongst the beautiful backdrop of downtown skyscrapers near Lake Michigan. Shop the Magnificent Mile, hit up the windy city art scene (the Art institute of Chicago is free for kids under 14) or cheer on the Bears at famed Soldier Field. Wisconsin Dellss Great Wolf Lodge is ideal for young wolf packs (littler kids). But when there isnt snow on the ground the Crystal Mountain is open to hikers and trail bikers, with outdoor yoga and even a 38-hole championship golf course. With regard to rooms, guests can choose among family suites, double queen suites, queen sofa suites, family fireplace suites, wolf den suites, whirlpool fireplace suites, KidCabin suites, loft fireplace suites, and royal bear suites. Sleep in an old rail car, watch trains roll past, and peruse the Riley private collection of railway antiques and memorabilia. Dig for dinos in the Dinosphere or play among the legends in the Outdoor Sports Experience. We get it, you need a weekend getaway. Visit Fragrant Isle during summer to be enchanted by 20,000 blooming lavender plants. The Harbor Grand is a beautiful, luxury resort located on the shores of Lake Michigan. For a cozy, laid-back resort experience, TownePlace Suites Bowling Green is an excellent alternative to The Abbey Resort and Osthoff Resort. Sign up for Scary Mommy's daily newsletter for more stories from the trenches. Door County is a narrow peninsula (just 10 miles wide) sandwiched between Green Bay and Lake Michigan with tons to do and see. Beyond downtown, find more great things to do. Claire Allard is a writer for Family Destinations Guide. The hotel also offers kid-specific amenities such as Suave Kids 2-in-1 Shampoo, Scooops Body Wash and Boogie Wipes. See family vacation photos and get tips from other families to plan your Midwest trip. All accommodation comes equipped with fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi and multiple bedrooms. Your email address will not be published. We also indulged in a spa treatment, pampering ourselves with massages and facials. But exploring the peninsulas picturesque coastal towns famous for community shrimp boils, art galleries, a not-be-missed maritime museum, and of course, cherry pie, is the real treat. by Megan Hungerford Updated: July 15, 2021 Originally Published: Sep. 29, 2020 We get it, you need a weekend getaway. The Circle City makes for an entertaining and educational family vacation. Next to an active train line in a converted 1914 freight station, Rileys Railhouse Bed and Breakfast is a train lovers dream come true. Scream your way down the brand new Orion Rollercoaster or introduce your littles to junior roller coasters on the Great Pumpkin Coaster or the Woodstock Express. Given all that the lodge has to offer, though, I wouldnt say theres much cause for complaint! I ask myself these questions to rate the value for money provided by the resort. The famously beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore, beaches, hiking and biking trails lure families to Traverse City, Michigan. Outdoor enthusiasts love the expansive Interstate State Park where swimming and hiking around gorges is just as popular as snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The Abbey Resort in Wisconsin and The Homestead in Missouri are popular cheap Midwest family vacation destinations, offering a range of affordable, family-friendly amenities. Play 90 holes of mini golf at Pirates Cove Adventure Golf. Plus kids under age 12 eat free at this stunning Lake Huron retreat. We love to share inspiration and advice with readers, and we do not sell our list. GO WEST: 7 Best West Coast Vacations for Families. 18 Top-Rated Midwest Vacations | PlanetWare 30 Top Family-Friendly Destinations in the Midwest Finding something for everyone shouldn't be a chore The Midwestern U.S. is filled with family-friendly attractions that make it one of the best areas to visit for any family looking to enjoy a vacation. This is the summer destination for all families in Kansas City and Saint Louis, and it could be yours too! 12 Best Midwest Vacations for Families (2023) - FamilyVacationist Swing by town to learn about President Roosevelts legacy of conservation before heading to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park (which is totally bike, horseback, car, and hiker friendly) to experience the simple beauty of the Badlands. It has 300 miles of shoreline and known for all of its orchards, cherry pie and 11 amazing and historic lighthouses. The resort also offers babysitting, cribs and child programs, cementing the resorts spot on every list of kid-friendly resorts in the Midwest! Navy Pier has multiple family attractions (including a Ferris wheel and a Children's Museum), as does Lincoln Park (with its free zoo and children's zoo, beach, and nature museum) but these two top tourist areas are just the start. Enjoy an evening of family entertainment at one of Bransons live shows or walk through history at the Titanic Museum. The White Birch Lodge is the place to be for all water-sport enthusiasts; this Northern Michigan family resort boasts an almost-unparalleled range of water activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to sailing and tubing. Though simple pleasures are the way of life for the good folk of Elkhart Lake, it isnt necessarily so in this Victorian-looking resort. Lucky then, that the resort offers some great family dining options, such as the Waterfront Restaurant and Bar for casual dining, the Fontana Grill for fancy dinners and some great Saturday-night prime ribs, and the seasonal Gazebo Grille. Approximately 2 hours away from the Twin Cities, dont let the stuffed-animal decor fool you into thinking that this is another Schrute farm; the Grand View Lodge not only offers horse rides and pontoon boats but world-class spa treatments, complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV as well! Learn about butterflies, moths, and other pollinators at Butterfly Ridge. There are so many places and things to do in between those BIG vacations. This humongous space (bigger than 9 Yankee Stadiums) houses an amusement park, aquarium, stages for concerts and celebrity appearances, dining, and, of course, stores. 1. South Bend, Indiana. Stop by Goody Goody Gum Drop, the largest candy store in Wisconsin with over 1,000 different treats, to satisfy any sweet tooth. Best Midwest Family Vacations | Where to Go in 2023 - Indy with Kids In winter, Ice Castles dazzle visitors with frozen creations bedecked with sparkling lights starting in January. Editors Note: Prices listed are per night. Nothing says getting nature like a treehouse cabin at the Natura Treescape Resort. Spot bison, elk, and antelope in the rolling plains of Custer State Park. Constructed in 1959, the Chestnut Resort retains a vintage feel with its decor though its amenities are all up-to-date. Talk about a memorable way to stay! Ill talk about my personal experience and insights Ive gathered from locals and other guests during our trips. The ultimate indoor waterpark resort will make a splash with kids of all ages. The full course has 9 ziplines, 5 sky bridges and 4 spiral staircases. With a prime location overlooking the Mississippi, the Chestnut is open through the year to visitors but especially captures your heart and fancy in the winter months. Don't try STL BBQ, Kansas City BBQ is way better. Theres snow way you wont have a tubular time. And be sure to sample as much Mackinac Island fudge as you can from over a dozen different fudge shops. Door County main streets continue to bustle all the winter with ice fishing and winter hiking. The resort completely understands that its not possible to fully wean yourself off the pleasures of the city, which is why they also have a world-class spa, 5 on-site restaurants, and 287 fancy accommodation options split between hotels, villas and cottages. The Great Lakes State has another family-friendly ace up its sleeve the Oak Cove Resort, a proudly old-school South Michigan paradise where laid back is the keyword. (Photo by Terry Ward/The Points Guy) Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Port St. Lucie, Florida, is the only stateside location of the popular all-inclusive resort brand. Take advantage of snow globe dining if you go for a winter vacation. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is located on the 152-acre Newfields campus. PACK WELL: 10 Best Luggage Brands for All Types of Travelers. Also See:Family Reunion DestinationsBest Family Resorts: New England, 1 Woodridge RdGlen Arbor, MI 49636(231) 334-5000Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. In the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri, Branson is brimming with live shows, amusement parks and all sorts of family attractions. There are just as many indoor-game offerings as there are outdoor, with big-screen movie nights and fun games such as Bingo to up the healthy competition. We also virtually soared on FlyRides Take Flight Across America. Our seats moved and dipped in an immersive theater as we sailed over and around amazing landmarks while wind blew in our hair and the scent of evergreens surrounded us. I ask myself these questions whenever I rate this resorts kid-friendly activities. The best family winter vacation ideas in the Midwest Beat cabin fever with these winter vacation ideas for families, all just a short drive away Written by Samantha Lande & Erin Yarnall. Back on dry land, kids can conquer the climbing wall, bowl a strike at the ten paws alley, or tackle the Howlers Peak Ropes Course. If youre a golf enthusiast, youll love staying at Thousand Hills Resort and Golf Club. I consider these factors when rating the propertys safety and security. From the bright common areas, balconies with beautiful views and convenient location, its sure to be a family favorite. White Birch Lodge Elk Rapids, Michigan 6. Best Midwest Family Vacations With Toddlers - Traveling Cheesehead The 13 Best Midwest Vacations for Families - U.S. News Travel 1. 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Families also have a variety of accommodation options, such as studios (with one king-sized bed and a sleeper sofa or two queen-sized beds) or one/two-bedroom suites (the former features a queen-sized bed and a sleeper sofa whereas the latter features a sleeper sofa and a queen-sized bed in each bedroom). Learn how your comment data is processed. Time Traveler is the worlds steepest, fastest and tallest spinning roller coaster. With a spring, summer, or fall festival almost every weekend why not plan your visit to Wichita around the annual Blocktoberfest (beer, food, and games for the kids), the alfresco Autumn & Art Fair, or Wichitas most famous event the June Riverfest. Just a five-minute drive from Deadwood, the Town Hall Inn in Lead, South Dakota, earns high marks for its comfortable history-infused suites. Best Overall: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Orlando, FL. pick among one, two or three-bedroom condos, a cottage, a studio or log cabins; For those days of self-indulgence, head to the resorts classy spa or enjoy some downtime in the resorts log cabins and luxurious hotel rooms in any of the 3 lodges. Olympuss indoor water park debuted a $23 million expansion, including Americas first rotating water slide called Medusas Slidewheel. For those looking for a relaxing time, the lakes half-mile beach is the perfect spot to kick back and breathe in the fresh air. 12 Midwest Family Vacations That Are Packed with Fun, 7 Best Baby Carriers for Traveling the World with Little Ones, 13 Best All-Inclusive Mexico Resorts for Families, For families of all sizes looking to have the full, These gorgeous overwater bungalows make perfect dr, Mendocino's Little River Inn @littleriverinn has o, 11 Best Family Road Trips in the U.S. See the link, 10 Most Romantic Hotels in Florida for Couples Get, 20 Best Family Beaches in New England (and Where t, Skip the been-there-done-that destinations. Springfield is home to Henson Robinson Zoo, Knight's Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure and the Dana-Thomas House! 12 Best All Inclusive Caribbean Resorts With Water Parks. My daughter loved it so much, she slept in the cozy play tent that night. Beyond the water, theres plenty to do Midwest vacations in Traverse City. When shes not hiking, sleeping in an ice hotel, or soaking up different cultures, she can be found cooking and creating with her husband and two children in the Chicago area. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Its prime location on the shores of the beautiful Elkhart Lake sets the stage for a memorable vacation. MORE INFO: Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Take in the spectacle of a Door County fish boil at White Gull Inn. There's always something fun to do on a Mexico family vacation. The program, for kids between the ages of 4 and 12, is included in the resorts rates and is chock-full of dusk-to-dawn activities that will make the tykes never want to leave! This is an alternative to Lake of the Ozarks. See if you squeal as you lean out over 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile on TILT, the unique 360 CHICAGO way of taking in the skyline. most of these come equipped with spacious bathrooms, spacious bedrooms, Club Med Sandpiper Bay in Florida. What to Do: Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Mark Twain Cave, Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse, Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours and Riverview Park. Durham, New York 6. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for ideas, tips, and inspiration. Along the river, boating rules. If you are heading to St. Louis or Kansas City on a road trip, Chicago is one of the cities you can pretty much get lost in.