Need some family trip recommendations in the midwest

[forgop]

I originally planned to go to Chicago next Monday-Friday with my wife and 3 children (10, 8, and 6), but after looking more into it, I will likely cancel it. I didn't give a thought of traffic being so bad that the hotel I booked would be a 90 minute drive no further than it is from downtown. I just don't have an appetite to spend $400+/night for a hotel downtown and turn a 5 day/4 night trip to see the museums and other attractions up there turn into a $2500 vacation which is what it would be after hotel, food, passes, etc.

Anyway, looking for some suggestions within driving distance of Indy-prefer within ~ 4 hours with something to do with the kids. I took my oldest 2 to Cincinnati this year for spring break already, but that might be a last minute option. Gatlinburg was a thought by my wife, but not so sure I want to extend it to a 6 hour drive each way as I have to be back at work Friday evening.

Would give consideration to trips that would have options for activities, relaxation, you name it, but without a huge price tag.

 

[patricktjms]

Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, $150ish a night and has indoor water park, there is also a Model train museum 20 min from there that is great for young kids (train-o-rama) and you can even take a fairy to Put in Bay from Marblehead and rent a golf cart and drive around the island. Lots of parks on the mainland that my kid loved too. Toledo is an hour from there and has a zoo that is nice ive heard. Also Ohio state parks are free admission remember.

 

[spencer rifle]

Fort Wayne! Cheap, great parks and bikeways, great museums downtown and nearby, easy to get to, no throngs of tourists to avoid. And did I mention cheap?

 

[jerryv]

There's a lot to do in St Louis .. including a great zoo, the Jewel Box, lots of restaurants, Grant's Farm ..

 

[jontheturboguy]

Cedar point

 

[terrehautian]

Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, $150ish a night and has indoor water park, there is also a Model train museum 20 min from there that is great for young kids (train-o-rama) and you can even take a fairy to Put in Bay from Marblehead and rent a golf cart and drive around the island. Lots of parks on the mainland that my kid loved too. Toledo is an hour from there and has a zoo that is nice ive heard. Also Ohio state parks are free admission remember.

If you go to Sandusky, forget Great Wolf Lodge, Kalihari is the worlds largest indoor water park (it might have outdoor elements also) .

 

[DustyDawg48]

There's a lot to do in St Louis .. including a great zoo, the Jewel Box, lots of restaurants, Grant's Farm ..

I'd vote St Louis, too. Plus Missouri honors Indiana LTCH so that is always a plus. There is a Cabela's in Hazelwood, the zoo is awesome, maybe hit a Cardinal's game... we will be in St. Louis here in about 4 weeks for a quick weekend get-away.

 

[KittySlayer]

Train

I originally planned to go to Chicago next Monday-Friday with my wife and 3 children (10, 8, and 6)...
to see the museums and other attractions up there...

Just north of Valporaiso take the South Shore train into Chicago from Dunes State Park. I have done this a few times for meetings in downtown Chicago and it beats parking and fighting traffic. You could commute into Chicago each morning and back to Indiana each night relatively cheaply. Also take a day to head to Lake Michigan.

Check the Chicago Museums as I think some of them may have discount days that vary different days of the week.

 

[D.B.]

Henry Ford Museum in Michigan. It takes a whole day to see the museum and a second to see the living village next door. One of the best 3 day weekend trips we ever took. We stayed in a hotel only a few miles away. An older hotel painted pink.... Very reasonable, very clean, nice pool and offered discount tickets to the museum.

 

[mayor al]

Rural and scenic- Try Southern Indiana...Holiday World on I-64 and Patoka Lake area. then French Lick for the Spa and Casino and RR train ride.

2nd would agree with St Louis for a 'new' experience in an urban area. Do the arch and museum at the base of it.

Louisville...Ft Knox and the Patton Museum and gold depository (from a distance...and the Bourbon trail tours of major distilleries.

Henderson, KY has a 10 day long BBQ and Blues Festival in June..tons of free food and concerts all over town.

Plus 1 for the Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. and come home thru Dayton and the (free) USAF Museum !

 

[NavyVet]

St Louis City Museum is a must see/do for kids. Budweiser brewery tour is cool as well.

 

[Barbell]

French Lick or West Baden in southern Indiana is an easy drive with lots to do and see.

Several places to stay. Be sure to go inside the Dome! It is first class and although not cheap to sleep there, it is not super expensive. Visit the dome and relax inside in comfort....costs nothing to just visit.

Lots of activities in the area for family and kids.

 

[jtbriles]

I agree with your wife - Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. I go several times a year and I don't think the drive is really that bad. There is plenty to do, especially if your family likes the outdoors because of the Smokey Mountains. If outdoors isn't for everyone in your family, there is still tons to do.
Good luck and have fun whatever you do.

 

[IndyUSMC]

I always use Hotwire.com for hotels when I stay downtown Chicago. You can see the rates right away, but you do not know the exact hotel in the location you choose. Last time I did it I got the W hotel downtown Chicago. We were walking distance to most everything, Navy Pier, The Bean, etc...

Downside also is they are nonrefundable.

 

[hornadylnl]

Indiana Beach.

 

[forgop]

Indiana Beach.

I think I'd stare at a cornfield first.

 

[bankerken]

Springfield, IL. Visit the Lincoln tomb, Lincoln museum, old state house & Lincoln law office. Cheap trip and lots to see & do.

 

[church]

Would you consider the huntsville space and rocket center in huntsville alabama the midwest? Or deep south? It is about 5ish hours out (depending on who is driving) but worth the trip.

 

[tsalazar]

I enjoy taking the family to Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area for camping trips. Great fishing and a nice place to camp out. (You can also hunt as well.)

 

[IndyND]

We have always been very impressed with the family friendly atmosphere at Holiday World in southern Indiana. Go when its warm enough to enjoy the amazing and plentiful water rides.