26 Family Weekend Getaways from Chicago

Kings Island is the largest amusement and water park in the Midwest. With a combination of thrill rides, attractions and shows, there's plenty for all ages. Big kids can experience the thrilling roller coasters, and little ones won't want to miss the Snoopy-themed attractions. A daily admission to the park also allows access to Soak City Water Park with over 50 water attractions.

First opened in 1870 right along Lake Erie, Cedar Point is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the U.S. 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, great food and Cedar Point Shores water park. In addition, there are many other family destinations and activities in the surrounding Sandusky, Ohio area.

Shila:  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!

In the heart of Indiana is a fun place for the family on Lake Shafer! There are forty different rides and attractions for you and your kids to enjoy for the day along with a water park to cool off!

Sarah D.:  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!

Located on Lake Michigan, South Haven is home to tasty eateries, quaint shops and plenty of natural scenic surroundings. Fun things to do with kids in South Haven include blueberry picking, tall ship sail excursions, the Michigan Maritime Museum, and enjoying sunny days on the sand at South Beach.

St. Joseph, along the shore of Lake Michigan, offers some of the most beautiful views in all of Michigan. Kid-friendly amenities throughout St. Joseph include an old-fashioned carousel, an interactive splash pad and the Curious Kids' Museum. Silver Beach has been ranked among the top family beaches.

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.

These cozy Michigan beach towns are a perfect getaway for 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 spot 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.

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.

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 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.

Sitting on Grand Traverse Bay off Lake Michigan, Traverse City is known for its cherries and fabulous beaches. 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 the annual Cherry Festival if you can!

Whether your children need towering water slides, baby pools or anything in between, Great Wolf has an impressive array of watery fun. Great Wolf offers day passes as well as a hotel for a weekend escape, and sits just across the way from Six Flags Great America.

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.

Shila:  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.