10 Kid-Friendly Road Trips from Chicago Your Family Will Love
Are you planning a family road trip from Chicago but struggling to decide on a destination that your kids will enjoy? Look no further than this list of ten kid-friendly road trips that will make your family vacation unforgettable.
1. Milwaukee, WI
Just an hour and a half drive from Chicago, Milwaukee offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and the Milwaukee County Zoo are must-visit attractions that will have your kids learning while having fun. For the adults, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum are worth a stop.
2. St. Louis, MO
A four-hour drive from Chicago, St. Louis has everything from the iconic Gateway Arch to the City Museum, which is an indoor-outdoor playground that will keep your kids entertained for hours. The Saint Louis Zoo is also a great spot to visit, where your children can feed stingrays and sea lions.
3. Mackinac Island, MI
Take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, which is known for its old-fashioned charm and natural beauty. You can tour the island by horse-drawn carriage or bike and enjoy delicious treats like fudge and fresh dairy products at local shops. Your kids will also love visiting Fort Mackinac, which takes you on a journey back in time.
4. Traverse City, MI
Located in the northwest corner of Michigan, Traverse City is a great destination for a family road trip. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan and visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where your kids can climb sand dunes and hike scenic trails.
5. Indianapolis, IN
A three-hour drive from Chicago, Indianapolis offers many attractions for families. Your kids will love visiting the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Zoo. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum is also a must-visit for car enthusiasts.
6. Great Smoky Mountains, TN
For a more extended road trip adventure, drive eight hours to the Great Smoky Mountains. Your family will enjoy hiking, camping, and visiting Gatlinburg, which is a unique mountain town with plenty of attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not and a mountain coaster.
7. Madison, WI
Madison has plenty of outdoor activities for families, including boating on Lake Mendota, visiting the Henry Vilas Zoo, and exploring Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the exhibitions at the Madison Children’s Museum, which features hands-on learning experiences.
8. Minneapolis, MN
If you don’t mind going further north, Minneapolis in Minnesota should be on your list. It is home to the Mall of America, which is one of the largest malls in America with over 500 stores and 50 restaurants. Also, your kids will love visiting the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park for wholesome kids entertainment.
9. Michigan City, IN
Located on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Michigan City is a great place to spend a weekend with the family. You can visit Indiana Dunes National Park, which features miles of trails and sandy beaches, and the Washington Park Zoo, which is home to over 90 species of animals.
10. Kansas City, MO
A seven-hour drive from Chicago, Kansas City has plenty of attractions that will make your road trip worthwhile. Your kids will love seeing the fountains in the city and visiting the Kansas City Zoo and Worlds of Fun amusement park.
Conclusion
So there you have it – ten kid-friendly road trips that will provide your family with unforgettable experiences. Whatever your budget and interests are, there’s something on this list that will suit your family’s needs and preferences. All you need to do now is pack your bags and hit the road for a memorable adventure.
