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Looking for a quick weekend family getaway from Chicago but not sure where to go?
Chicago is a bustling and lively city known for its deep-dish pizza, iconic skyline, and museums. However, sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle for a relaxing weekend with your family.
If you’re looking for a quick getaway weekend destination, here are five great weekend destinations that are all within driving distance from Chicago.
10 Quick Weekend Family Getaways from Chicago
10. Starved Rock State Park (Best In-State Weekend Family Getaway Destination)
Located about 90 minutes from Chicago in Oglesby, Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is a great place to hike, camp, and explore. There are 13 miles of hiking trails, numerous waterfalls, and stunning views of the Illinois River. Starved Rock State Park is a great place to get away from it all and explore the great outdoors with your family! For families looking for a cheap family weekend getaway, Starved Rock is a great choice that won’t break the bank.
9. Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a peninsula located about two hours from Chicago in northeastern Wisconsin, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination. It’s a popular destination for its lighthouses, cherry-picking, fishing, and beautiful scenery. Door County is home to a variety of family and kid-friendly attractions, including the Door County Maritime Museum, the Shipwrecked Antique and Artisan Center, and the Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Campus.
8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Just a short drive from Chicago, Milwaukee is a great destination for a weekend getaway. The city offers a variety of activities for families to enjoy, including the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Henry Maier Festival Park.
There are also a number of kid-friendly attractions in the city, such as the Milwaukee Children’s Museum and the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum. Families here can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, fishing, and canoeing.
7. St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is another great option for a weekend getaway from Chicago. The city has a number of family-friendly attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the St. Louis Art Museum. Families can also enjoy the city’s many parks, such as Forest Park and Tower Grove Park.
6. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is a great option for families looking to get away from Chicago for the weekend. The city has a number of family-friendly attractions, including the Minneapolis Zoo, the Walker Art Center, and the Mill City Museum.
Families can also enjoy the city’s many parks, such as Lake Harriet Park and Minnehaha Park.
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor is a great option for families looking to get away from Chicago for the weekend. The city has a number of family-friendly attractions, including the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and the Detroit Zoo. Families looking for a quick weekend family getaway from Chicago with lots of attractions and activities to offer should definitely consider spending a few days in Ann Arbor.
4. Madison, Wisconsin
Madison is another great option for families looking to get away from Chicago for the weekend. The city has a number of family-friendly attractions, including the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Madison Children’s Museum, and the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Families can also enjoy the city’s many parks, such as Olin-Turville Park and Tenney Park.
3. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is another great choice for families looking to get away from Chicago for the weekend. This bustling Indiana city is full of family-friendly attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art.
Families can also enjoy the city’s many parks, such as White River State Park and Garfield Park.
2. Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, NY is known for being the “City of Good Neighbors” – making it the perfect place for a weekend family getaway. This family-friendly city offers a number of attractions for families, including the Buffalo Zoo, the Erie Canal Aquarium, and the Niagara Falls State Park. Families can also enjoy the city’s many parks, such as Delaware Park and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. Buffalo is an ideal location for families looking for an adventurous vacation mixed with a bit of fast-paced city life.
1. Toronto, Canada (Best International Weekend Family Getaway from Chicago)
Looking for a quick international getaway? Toronto is a great choice! For families looking to get away from Chicago for the weekend and wanting to explore the culture and attractions of another country, Toronto’s for you. This vibrant Canadian city offers a number of family-friendly attractions, including the Toronto Zoo, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Ontario Science Centre. Families can also enjoy the city’s many parks, such as High Park and Trinity Bellwoods Park.
Take a Family Weekend Trip from Chicago
If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway from Chicago with your family, there are plenty of great options within driving distance. Depending on what you’re looking for, you could head to one of Wisconsin’s many state parks or take a drive down to Missouri to explore all that Branson has to offer.
No matter what you decide, you’re sure to create some great memories with your family on any weekend family getaway destination you choose. What are you waiting for? Start packing!
