26 Family Weekend Getaways from Chicago

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.

Starved Rock State Park has 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. 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.

Wisconsin Dells is like a vast playground for families, with indoor and outdoor amusement parks and the epic waterpark resorts that earned its title of "The Waterpark Capital of the World." There's plenty to do in between splash sessions: spot exotic animals at Timbavati Wildlife Park, catch a lumberjack show, and have your meal delivered by train at Buffalo Phil's.

Be sure to check out all our other recommendations for things to do with kids in Wisconsin Dells, too.

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.