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Got a case of wanderlust that won’t quit? Your next Midwest family holiday is a click away. Our moms have bounced around the globe testing out family vacation spots from campgrounds to African safaris and they’re dishing the dirt on what works, what doesn’t and what you need to know before you go. Get all the family travel information essentials you need (from a traveling mom's perspective, natch!) to dive into your next Midwest family vacation.
Here you'll find family holiday ideas for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, and Missouri.
While planning a recent vacation to the Live Music Show Capital of the World (aka: Branson, Missouri), my husband and I couldn’t make up our minds on where to stay. He’s more of a "off the beaten path" and "non-popular" type of guy when it comes to accommodations. While I’m more of a "spa/relaxation/bottle of wine in the fridge" and a "big, plush, king size bed" kind of gal. To settle our debate, we bent down and asked our toddler, "Christopher, where do you want to stay when we go to Branson?" His reply: "wa-wa" (aka: water). So we threw our hands up in the air and decided to stay at three resorts.
Chicago has no shortage of great dining options and both local residents and visitors look forward to Chicago Restaurant Week for the chance to try some new dishes and restaurants. This year marks Chicago Restaurant Week’s 6th annual culinary celebration and features more than 250 restaurants throughout the Chicago area, 10 percent of which are new participating restaurants.
Children’s museums close to home often provide a respite to cabin fever and a safe and engaging place for young children to enjoy. Last year we discovered the Discovery Center in Rockford (pun intended because it truly was a discovery for us). Chicago Children’s Museum and Kohl Children’s Museum in nearby Glenview are great for last minute decisions but like the Discovery Center, about an hour west of Chicago’s city center is another hidden children’s museum gem: DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville.
Once upon a time, in a land far, far, away, children’s theater consisted of neighborhood kids putting on small-time productions, often in church basements or school auditoriums. Alas, those days are no more. Today, high-quality children’s theatres are thriving throughout the country. My home town of Chicago has several great children’s theatres, including suburban Lincolnshire Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences, a half hour north of Chicago and O’Hare Airport. Located on the 168 acre grounds of the Marriott Resort, it’s known for presenting Broadway musicals like Annie and Mary Poppins, as well as classic fairy tales.
Lights play a big part in a celebration of Christmas and the Holidays. From wacky homes displaying the cheesiest displays to professional over-the-top spectacles … once we see that first strand of lights go up, it’s hard NOT to be in the Christmas spirit. Even if it’s that kooky neighbor next door with his blow up Santa Claus and 25 of his other blowup friends.
From the moment you arrive to long after you depart … Kansas City’s holiday vibe and scene is sure to make a lasting impression. Just like its mouthwatering barbecue, Kansas City has earned a bold reputation for its impressive holiday light displays and can’t miss events and attractions. I’ve already told you all about the holidays happenings in Crown Center. But Crown Center isn’t the only place in Kansas City that offers Holiday fun. Here are the rest of my suggestions on what to do during the holidays in Kansas City.
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