The middle of the country is far from boring. As a lifelong Midwesterner, I know that the top Midwest vacation spots offer everything from low-key freshwater beaches to high-energy attractions, meaning you don’t have to settle on just one vibe. You can choose from big cities and idyllic lakes to jaw-dropping theme parks and water parks of the indoor and outdoor variety, often all in the same vacation.
Whether you’re planning a getaway with little ones, traveling with opinionated teenagers, or looking for a multigenerational family vacation including grandparents, here are my top picks for the region’s best vacation spots for family bonding.
Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
1. Madison, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s capital serves up Midwest vacation fun in the form of an interesting downtown, five glistening lakes, a children’s museum, and plenty of outdoor activities. Home to the University of Wisconsin, Madison is an active community—and is one of five platinum-level bike cities in the U.S. You’ll find Madison BCycle electric-assist bikes across the city and pedal with ease around town.
No matter the weather, Madison’s lakes offer a variety of activities, from water skiing to ice fishing, and even quirkier options like log rolling. See how long you can balance on a spinning, floating log with Madison Log Rolling. My record was five seconds, but the laughs lasted a lot longer.
Olbrich Botanic Gardens dazzles with its ornate Thai Pavilion (a gift from the Thai government), tropical Bolz Conservatory, and holiday model trains. Pop over to Garver Feed Mill for Ian’s mac and cheese pizza, Ledger Coffee Roasters, and Calliope Ice Cream’s creative flavors (my favorite was corn—yes, corn ice cream!). Parents love Kosa Ayurvedic Spa and Perennial Yoga.
Madison Children’s Museum offers three floors of interactive and education exhibits for kids ages 12 and under, plus a café. Henry Vilas Zoo is one of the few free admission zoos in the country, plus a new giraffe exhibit will debut in spring 2025. And the Children’s Theater of Madison performs shows geared to kids throughout winter and spring.
Where to stay in Madison
There are plenty of great family friendly lodging options in Madison, but standouts include the AAA Four Diamond The Edgewater hotel on Lake Mendota, which has its own ice rink and spa; and Hotel Indigo, is a hip hotel housed in a former paint factory that’s within walking distance of Capitol Square. Families with pets can stay at The Concourse and walk to Madison’s Children’s Museum.
2. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is widely recognized as an incredible summer vacation destination, but the truth is it’s great any time of year. With numerous diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, exceptional dining, exquisite architecture, and oodles of things to do, you should never hear your children say they’re bored in Chicago.
I love Maggie Daley Park because it’s free and, in my opinion, one of the best playgrounds in the entire country. With climbing towers, innovative slides, saucer swings, a skating ribbon, and mini golf, this 20-acre park is set amongst the beautiful backdrop of downtown skyscrapers near Lake Michigan. Millennium Park is also close for pictures of your family at The Bean or splashing in the fountain towers, a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer vacation day.
Also free is Lincoln Park Zoo, which is perfect for those who go wild for wildlife. Families also love Navy Pier. Take a spin on the Centennial Wheel, watch the free fireworks show, go on a boat tour or visit the Chicago Children’s Museum. See if you squeal as you lean out over 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile on TILT, the unique 360 CHICAGO way of taking in the skyline.
Twenty-two miles southwest of the city, The Forge: Lemont Quarries is an outdoor adventurer’s dream with ziplines, climbing towers, biking, ice skating, laser tag and more. Take advantage of snow globe dining if you go for a winter vacation.
From the Shedd Aquarium to the Museum of Science and Industry, there is fun (and learning, shhh) to be experienced all around. Broadway in Chicago offers opportunities to see incredible shows. And in winter, I highly recommend a visit to the Christkindlmarket and Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights. In summer, you can take Fireboat or architectural boat tours.
Where to stay in Chicago
For overnights, wow your family with a stay at the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Not only will you feel pampered from the moment you enter, but you’ll be within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile for shopping and the Gold Coast for great restaurants. For an immersive winter experience, stay in the Nordic Night Lights decorated suite at Loews Hotel Chicago. Tweens and teens interested in the arts might be enamored by a stay at 21C Museum Hotel Chicago, where you can find exhibits that ignite their curiosity.
3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lakes, historic mansions, and a charming downtown with a shoreline walking path make Wisconsin’s Lake Geneva area a fabulous year-round vacation spot.
In summer, Geneva Lake, Lake Como, and Delavan Lake are lovely places to rent a boat, swim, tube, or sun the day away. You can take an Ice Cream Social Cruise and see impressive homes surrounding the water, or get your thrills at Lake Geneva Ziplines, which also offers a heart-pounding high ropes challenge course and mountain biking. I also recommend feeding giraffes from the comfort of your car at Safari Lake Geneva.
When the weather turns chilly, Winterfest features a snow sculpting challenge with a downtown ice sculpture walk and bonfires on the beach. And you’ll find many cozy options for heated igloo dining during winter as well.
Where to stay in Lake Geneva
The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is exceptional, with lavish buffets, golf, skiing, and a spa. Its adventure center offers archery, disc golf, e-bike rentals and more. Another good option is the splashtastic Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark, with its 50,000-square-foot indoor water park featuring a lazy river, tube slides and cabanas. And with onsite lodgings, you can rest easily in your suite after a day of water play.
Rent a cottage or suite at Geneva National for cozy accommodations with room to spread out, plus a marina with water sport rentals, indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining and more.
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
I have loved every trip I’ve ever taken to Mackinac Island. Hop on the ferry and escape to the slower pace of a place where there are no cars (except for emergency vehicles). Horse-drawn carriages and bikes carry blissed-out vacationers around the eight-mile island surrounded by cobalt waters, and if life seems a little slower here, that doesn’t mean it’s less exciting.
For starters, you can kayak or parasail in the surrounding waters. Visit Fort Mackinac for live demonstrations or a butterfly house to be enchanted by fluttering wings. Hike to wondrous spots such as Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf. Swing for golf or putt-putt. Take a sunset cruise and watch the sun dip into the sky as your worries wash away. And be sure to sample as much Mackinac Island fudge as you can from over a dozen different fudge shops.
Where to stay on Mackinac Island
One the most kid-friendly family resorts in the entire country, the Grand Hotel features the world’s longest porch, perfect for rocking chair views of the Straits of Mackinac and afternoon tea in the parlor (pinkies up!). Mission Point Resort is also great for families, with complimentary kids activities. Plus kids under age 12 eat free at this stunning Lake Huron retreat.
5. Traverse City, Michigan
The beaches, hiking trails, and bike paths of famously beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore lure families to Traverse City, and it’s well worth the trip. In the summer months, cherries are ripe for the picking, and you can also celebrate the National Cherry Festival (June 28 to July 5, 2025) with amusement park rides, turkey legs, and, of course, cherries galore.
In Traverse City, nature beckons. Trek to the top of the towering Sleeping Bear sand dunes then race to the bottom. Book a brunch or dinner tall ship cruise. Kayak and paddleboard in the lake’s serene waters. Try your luck on a big catch with charter fishing.
Beyond the water, there’s plenty to do on a vacation in the Traverse City area. The Great Lakes Children’s Museum can help get the kids’ energy out a rainy day. Wineries, microbreweries and farm-to-table restaurants please parents as well as kiddos. When the snowy season comes, skiing, ice skating and spa services are all great reasons to visit Crystal Mountain ski resort.
Where to stay in Traverse City
Stay at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for golf vacations, spa days, outdoor swimming pools, and an indoor water playground. Or choose Pointes North Beachfront Resort Hotel. Located on East Grand Traverse Bay, it’s a place where you can stretch your toes in the sand of the private beach, then stretch out in your room or suite, many that have two-person spas.
6. Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hiking is the name of the game in Hocking Hills, Ohio. A cluster of state parks, forests, and nature preserves are nestled within this scenic area of southeastern Ohio. Even if your crew isn’t super outdoorsy, you’re sure to swoon over the natural beauty within easy reach. Seven major hiking trails lead you to gushing waterfalls, awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs, grottos, gorges, and curious recess caves.
While you may think that warmer weather is best for outdoor exploration, my family was blown away by the winter beauty of Hocking Hills. Frozen waterfalls and snow-covered hemlocks were well worth layering up for. Our favorite spots include Old Man’s Cave, where my kids learned (and will never forget) the story of the hermit who lived there. There’s also Ash Cave, a quick hike to a large, horseshoe-shaped cavern with a trickling waterfall and natural sandbox for the kids to play. And Cedar Falls boasts one of the most stunning waterfalls and makes a great place to skip rocks.
Year-round, there’s plenty to do in addition to all that hiking. Visit Jack Pine Studio to make a glass heart, pumpkin or paper weight out of molten glass. Learn about butterflies, moths, and other pollinators at Butterfly Ridge. At Lake Logan, rent a pontoon boat or a paddle boat in the shape of a rubber duckie or purple dragon. If you’re looking for more thrills, try zip lining (kids will love the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours Dragonfly course) or a rock challenge with High Rock Adventures. My family squeezed in some great memories crawling, climbing, and crossing boulders with the help and encouragement of a friendly guide.
Where to stay in Hocking Hills
From cozy cabins to unique glamping options, fun accommodations dot Hocking Hills, making it a great stop on Midwest vacations. Cedar Grove Lodging offers modern cabins with covered outdoor hot tubs perfect for staring up at the stars and front porches with swings meant for sipping morning coffee. The Conestoga Wagon at Hilltop Resorts and Campgrounds is an 18-foot covered wagon with a king bed and twin bunks. Talk about a memorable way to stay!
7. Black Hills, South Dakota
Natural wonders, kitschy roadside attractions, historic monuments, abundant wildlife, and impressive parks make the Black Hills of South Dakota a top family road trip destination in the Midwest. There’s so much to do, like seeing the faces of great American presidents carved in granite at Mount Rushmore; spotting bison, elk, and antelope in the rolling plains of Custer State Park; and being wowed by the geological formations of Badlands National Park, where colorful hills rise out of rugged terrain that includes some of the world’s richest fossil beds.
Budding paleontologists will dig the Mammoth Family Adventure at The Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the world. And Wind Cave National Park was the first cave to be designated a national park. You can get a dose of Wild West history in Deadwood, home of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok, where you can take a stagecoach ride, tour a gold mine, or visit a saloon.
Big and bold spots abound in the Black Hills. Crazy Horse Memorial will be the largest mountain carving in the world when it’s complete. You can’t miss Wall Drug, a huge roadside attraction with free ice water, five-cent coffee, and souvenirs.
Where to stay in Black Hills
Just a five-minute drive from Deadwood, the Town Hall Inn in Lead, South Dakota, earns high marks for its comfortable history-infused suites. This town-hall-turned-boutique-hotel offers daily continental breakfast and a great location that puts the sights of the Black Hills within easy reach. And the Bavarian Inn in Custer stretches over five acres and includes both indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, pickleball and basketball courts, and a playground for kids.
8. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis is home to Mall of America, museums, a riverfront with boating options, and family-friendly restaurants. While some kids might not be intrigued by the idea of visiting a mall, trust me on this one: Mall of America is so much more than what you would typically imagine. This humongous space (bigger than nine Yankee Stadiums!) houses an amusement park, aquarium, stages for concerts and celebrity appearances, dining, and, of course, stores.
There are 55 museums in the Minneapolis metropolitan area. Among them, Bakken, the Bell Museum, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and Mill City Museum (“the most explosive museum in the world”) offer enriching experiences for all members of the family.
Water Works at Mill Ruins Park features a Nature Play Lab, playground, indigenous restaurant, and lawn overlooking St. Anthony Falls. Along the river, boating rules. Vacationers on Midwest vacations rent kayaks, canoes or pedal boats, or take a boat cruise on the Mississippi River. Hiking, biking and Segway tours offer more fun outdoors. Indoors, the Children’s Theatre Company entertains with shows like Frozen, which is always a hit.
Where to stay in Minneapolis
Renaissance Hotel Minneapolis, The Depot features an indoor swimming pool and interesting art. It’s walking distance to the Mill City Museum. Hotels in close proximity to the Mall of America include the Radisson Blu, JW Marriott, and The Fairfield Inn and Suites. Or, opt for one of the Midwest’s best Great Wolf Lodge locations in Bloomington to add a heaping dose of waterpark fun to your hotel stay.
9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dells is the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” which is why so many Midwest vacations start or end here (especially winter family vacations when spending entire days indoors at heated water parks is extra appealing). With the biggest and fastest water slides offered at indoor resorts and outdoor water parks, you’ll find numerous ways to splash the day away. Plus, there’s family-friendly dining, tons of attractions and outdoor adventures.
Wilderness Resort is America’s largest water park resort, with four indoor water parks, four outdoor water parks, three arcades, golf, and other attractions. Book a free-standing cabin for your crew and have access to all the amenities. African-themed Kalahari Resort boasts Wisconsin’s largest indoor water park plus a huge indoor theme park, virtual reality and escape rooms. Wisconsin Dells’ Great Wolf Lodge is ideal for young wolf packs (littler kids).
Mt. Olympus offers tons of fun with its water parks and theme parks, batting cages and go-karts. In 2024, Mt. Olympus opened America’s tallest waterslide, “Rise of Icarus”. Ride it if you dare! They also opened a new outdoor children’s water play area with 10 slides perfect for kids up to age 12. Land of Natura is America’s Largest Floating Waterpark, featuring tons of inflatables and challenges outside. The 60-foot waterslides off Mount Natura are an absolute blast.
Moosejaw Pizza and Dells Brewing Co. is a family favorite with fresh-made pizzas, Wisconsin brews, moose antler hats and an arcade. The Grateful Shed is a food hall with restaurants and games that will satisfy all members of the family. Stop by Goody Goody Gum Drop, the largest candy store in Wisconsin with over 1,000 different treats, to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Hike the Ice Age Trail at nearby Devil’s Lake State Park. You’ll definitely get your steps in climbing up 500-foot quartzite bluffs. The views of the aquamarine lake below are worth it. You can rent kayaks and canoes with Dells Watersports or say “happy trails” on a horseback ride with Woodside Ranch Riding Stables.
Play 90 holes of mini golf at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. Zip line or test your balance on the Dells Zipline Adventures aerial park. Original Wisconsin Ducks Boats Tours are amphibious vehicles that explore the surrounding wilderness. Knuckleheads Trampoline Park is a great place to bounce kids’ energy out. Take a short drive to Christmas Mountain for downhill skiing or snow tubing. There’s snow way you won’t have a tubular time.
Where to stay in Wisconsin Dells
Of the Wisconsin Dells water parks, Wilderness Resort, Kalahari, and Great Wolf Lodge offer accommodations onsite so you can unwind between thrill rides. Kalahari Treehouse Collection debuts in 2025 with luxury treehouses. While you might be going out on a limb to stay there, the chances it will be memorable will be high.
10. Branson, Missouri
In the Ozark Mountains of Southern Missouri, Branson is brimming with live shows, amusement parks and all sorts of family attractions. The Shepherd of the Hills offers live theater, a historic farm and playland, an aerial ropes course, zipline and mountain coaster. My family’s best memories from our trip were gliding down the attraction’s Copperhead Mountain Coaster in a fit of giggles.
Open mid-March to late-December, Silver Dollar City is an 1880s theme park that’s home to world record-breaking rollercoasters, a water park, shows, shopping, dining and American craftsmen demonstrations. Time Traveler is the world’s steepest, fastest and tallest spinning roller coaster. PowderKeg, meanwhile, shoots to a start from 0 to 53 miles per hour in mere seconds. Fireman’s Landing and the Grand Exposition feature rides for kids 36 inches and up.
Missouri’s deepest cave, Marvel Cave, is located at the entrance of Silver Dollar City and tours are included with your ticket price. Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas was voted the #1 Best Theme Park Holiday Event in America by readers of USA Today and 10Best.
Snowflex Tubing at Wolfe Mountain is super fun tubing, just minus the snow. The 400-foot synthetic tubing hill will have your kids jumping up and down with joy as they see how many runs they can make in their allotted hour. Beyond the Lens was one of my tween son’s favorite attractions. Arcade games like Skee-Ball and Pac Man provided classic entertainment. We also virtually soared on FlyRide’s “Take Flight Across America.” Our seats moved and dipped in an immersive theater as we sailed over and around amazing landmarks while wind blew in our hair and the scent of evergreens surrounded us.
The Aquarium at the Boardwalk will grab your attention with its Submarine Adventure 5D experience, the Jelly Infinity Room with bioluminescent jellyfish, the Kelp Forest kids can climb through, and a water tunnel with sharks swimming overhead. The Branson Ferris Wheel, formerly Chicago’s Navy Pier Ferris Wheel, takes you high above the entertainment corridor and offers views of the Ozark Mountains.
The Titanic Museum enamored us even more than expected. With over 400 artifacts in a collection valued at over $4.5 million, this permanent interactive exhibit draws you in with first-hand experiences. From the moment you enter, you are given a boarding pass with the name and information from a real passenger or crew member. Walk the Grand Staircase, touch a real iceberg, try to balance on the sloping deck and judge how long you can dip your hand in 28-degree water. See if your passenger survived in the Memorial Room and learn so much more than you could have imagined about the world’s most famous luxury liner.
Get your sugar fix at The Yard Milkshake Bar, where colorful milkshakes are topped with so many treats they’re like works of art.
Where to stay in Branson
Stay at Chateau on the Lake, close to Table Rock Lake, which has a marina and spa plus pet-friendly packages.
11. Door County, Wisconsin
It’s easy to see why Door County is a popular Midwest family vacation destination. Located on a peninsula in the “left thumb” of Wisconsin, Door County is made up of more than 19 communities surrounded by Lake Michigan and Green Bay. Explore the ecological wonders, maritime history and tempting flavors of cherries, cheese, whitefish, and Swedish delicacies.
Get outside for grand adventures. Kayak into a cave with Peninsula Kayak Company at Cave Point Park. Hike Peninsula State Park—Eagle Tower’s accessible canopy walk offers panoramic views of the park and islands. Eleven lighthouses dot the coastline, making this the highest concentration of lighthouses in the country. My crew thoroughly enjoyed walking through the water to tour the Cana Island Lighthouse. You can also access Cana Island Lighthouse via tractor ride. The 97 steps to the top reward you with beautiful views of the serene blue waters.
Take a ferry to Washington Island, where you can visit Schoolhouse Beach and Fragrant Isle lavender farm. One of five beaches in the world with smooth, white stones, Schoolhouse Beach is an otherworldly escape. Visit Fragrant Isle during summer to be enchanted by 20,000 blooming lavender plants. The scene is magical for photos and the shop features lavender toiletries and treats.
The kids will get a kick out of goats grazing on the roof of Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and Butik. Take in the spectacle of a Door County fish boil at White Gull Inn. You can’t visit Wisconsin without trying cheese curds. Renard’s Cheese is handcrafted in Door County and offers free wine and cheese tastings seven days a week.
Door County is a prime cherry growing destination. Pick sweet, juicy cherries at Soren’s Valhalla Orchards, where they also hides fairies amongst the fruits. See a double feature at one of the last drive-in movie theaters in Wisconsin, Skyway Drive-In Theatre. Farms, orchards, beaches, classic hamburger-and-ice-cream joints round out a great family vacation.
Where to stay in Door County
Stay at Dorr Hotel, which celebrates Door County’s Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian heritage. From the bright common areas, balconies with beautiful views and convenient location, it’s sure to be a family favorite. The Fresh Coast Motel opened in 2024 as a dog-friendly boutique motel with direct access to a public beach. Harbor Village Resort is a campground and water park your family is sure to love. With mini golf, basketball, a jump pillow and themed weekends, every member of the family can find something they enjoy.
12. Indianapolis, Indiana
The Circle City makes for an entertaining and educational family vacation. The world’s largest children’s museum is four floors of inspiration and exploration. From dinosaurs to cars to sports, plus new exhibits like Take Me There Peru and Mikey Mouse Clubhouse, this museum will engage kids for hours.
Downtown, you’ll find America’s only cultural urban state park, White River State Park. This sprawling green space along the river can be explored via boat or bike or by simply strolling. Cultural attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, and the IMAX Theater circle the park. In April 2025, Indiana Motor Speedway Museum will re-open with a kids zone featuring racing simulators and pit crew challenges.
Beyond downtown, find more great things to do. Conner Prairie is an outdoor living history museum that’s about a 30-minute drive away, and is a place where kids can voyage a hot-air balloon and feed livestock. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is located on the 152-acre Newfields campus. During the holidays, you can enjoy more than 1.5 million glittering lights of Winterlights in the Newfields gardens.
Families with older kids (over age 10) can try a mashup of football and bowling at the Fowling Warehouse. Indulge in bruch at Milktooth. There will likely be a line for a table, but you’ll soon see why.
Where to stay in Indianapolis
Rest in the cool digs of Bottleworks Hotel. A former Coca-Cola bottling site has been reimagined into a boutique hotel in the fabulous Bottleworks District. When you’re hungry, pop over to The Garage Food Hall for all sorts of tasty food and beverage options plus live entertainment.
13. Sandusky, Ohio
Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky is one of my favorite spots fdor family vacation thrills. Cedar Point boasts record-breaking rollercoasters like Millennium Force, which thunders to a top speed of 93 mph, and Steel Vengeance, a hyper-hybrid coaster that delivers almost 30 seconds of airtime. There’s also family-friendly rides like the twisting, spinning Wild Mouse and Gemini, a twin car racing coaster.
You can find plenty of water parks near Sandusky for wet and wild fun. Kalahari scores top-ratings for its indoor and outdoor water parks, outdoor adventure park with rock climbing and zip lining, and experiences like becoming a mermaid/ merman. Be one of the first to try the new Dawn Breaker indoor attraction that opened in December 2024. Great Wolf Lodge is an excellent choice for families with younger kids. With an indoor water park, arcade, bowling, gemstone mining, on-site dining and suites to sleep in, families can find everything they need for an action-packed getaway.
What vacation is complete without ice cream? Toft’s Dairy started in Sandusky in 1900 and is still serving up delicious ice cream flavors like Lake Erie Cookie Island Monster, which is a blue cake batter-flavored ice cream packed with cookie dough and chocolate cookies with cream. Find it at their original store, Cedar Point and other outlets.
Where to stay in Sandusky
Kalahari is a huge hit with families because there are so many activities. From indoor water slides to outdoor pools and on-site restaurants, an arcade and spa, Kalahari keeps everyone entertained. A new mac and cheese shop and modern Tex-Mex restaurant opened in December 2024. Great Wolf Lodge is a great choice for families with children under age 10 as it features smaller water attractions, story time, and character interactions.
