Family-friendly day trips from Chicago

Good for train lovin’ tots
1 hr 20 min by car

You can spend tons of time on Chicago beaches, but there is something to be said about a cute little town near the water like this one. New Buffalo has beaches and is also close to Warren Dunes State Park for hiking and playing in hills of sand. Visit during berry season—you'll find plenty of great farms, like Mike’s Blueberries on Farina Road. For lunch, Redamak’s is the popular burger joint (it's made many a “best burger” list) in the area, filled with fun activities for kids, including a mini firetruck. And what would a visit to a beach town be without ice cream? Don’t miss funky and fun Oink's Dutch Treat Ice Cream & Yogurt Shop, serving up local Sherman’s ice cream on your way back to the city.

If you're looking for water fun or thrilling rides, this short drive is a great one for the whole family. The two main attractions are Six Flags Great America and Key Lime Cove. (If you want to do both we recommend making this an overnight excursion). The famous theme park has plenty for even the littlest kids to do, with the return of some classic kiddie rides for the 40th anniversary in addition to KIDZOPOLIS and Camp Cartoon. On a hot day, take advantage of the water attractions as well. Key Lime Cove is perfect for a rainy day (or year-round fun), as the waterpark is completely indoors. It has more than 65,000 square feet of adventure for both the thrill-seeker and slightly reserved child.

Good for time in the great outdoors
1 hr 30 min by car

There are plenty of great reasons to head up to Lake Geneva year-round—just check out Grand Geneva Resort & Spa—but it's especially fun to make the trip in summer. Just 10 minutes from Lake Geneva is Animal Gardens, open May–October 31 (hours and attractions vary so check the website), home to Echo the talking bird, who was recently seen on America’s Got Talent. Kids will love the baby animal petting farm, where they’ll have the opportunity to hold and feed both exotic and farm animals. The area is also home to a deer park and pond, where you can paddleboat with swans. After your visit, spend some time riding bikes and renting kayaks as a family while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Good for nature-loving families
1 hr by car
 
Pack a bag and head to Indiana for a day exploring nature. The expansive dunes sprawl across more than 2,000 acres and are home to many animals and plants. Start your visit at the nature center, where you can learn about the various programming, from making butter at one of the historic sites to bird scavenger hunts. On a sunny day, check out the plenty of places to swim or just hang out on the lakefront. For lunch, bring a picnic or hunt out The Rolling Stonebaker, a wood-fired pizza oven truck that is usually stationed within proximity of the dunes.