Allison Yates

Chicago boasts plenty of kid-friendly activities and restaurants, but if you're planning a family vacation, there are many approachable, fun and memorable destinations close by for a weekend away. Cities, state parks and lakes across the region are full of hiking for all ages and engaging, hands-on ways to learn about history, ecology and wildlife. Along the way, discover quirky shops, longstanding eateries with decadent desserts and recreational activities that kids of all ages will enjoy. From wacky and weird to active and relaxing, here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago for families. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from Chicago RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Although we adore our city’s endless restaurants, museums and attractions, a change of scenery is always nice. Luckily for us, the Midwest has plenty to offer with exciting destinations only a few hours’ drive from Chicago. You can lounge in transparent waters and hike sand dunes in the “Malibu of the Midwest,” recharge at a bed and breakfast on a farm surrounded by friendly sheep, and marvel at modernist architecture in a small southern Indiana town. Many of these places are also great for a day trip or family-friendly getaway. So if you're looking to skip town, here are the best weekend getaways from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from ChicagoHistoric Airbnbs near Chicago

Sometimes, you just want a little escape from the city. If a weekend getaway isn't possible but you're still looking for new scenery and an adventure, there are plenty of options for a day trip within a few hours’ drive of Chicago. Spend an afternoon soaking up the rays on beaches along Lake Michigan, go hiking near Chicago in a state park or sample a variety of beers and cheeses up north in Wisconsin. The attractions are endless, ranging from amusement parks and Japanese gardens to museums and historic lighthouses. And the best part? Many of these destinations are also accessible by Metra. So get to planning with our guide to the best day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips from Chicago

Chicago is full of festivals, attractions and top-notch restaurants to keep you occupied, but sometimes we all need a little escape. However, figuring out driving and lodging can often prevent that group trip from making it out of the group chat. Fortunately, a day-trip reprieve from the bustle of the city is just a short train ride away. Whether you live a car-free life or simply hate traffic, good news: Chicagoland’s Metra rail system isn’t just for suburban commuters. Shake up your routine with an adventure outside city limits, from exploring art sculpture gardens to playing games at the largest arcade in the country. So when you've had your fill of fun in Chicago, head to the nearest Metra station for an exciting suburban excursion. RECOMMENDED: The most unique day trips you can take from Chicago

When it comes to a much needed escape from the city, there are countless day trips from Chicago if time doesn’t allow for a full weekend getaway. And luckily for the adventurous and curious, there are plenty of opportunities to swap typical activities like kicking back with brews for hiking among bison or spelunking in an ancient cave. Many sites and experiences within driving distance of Chicago take you far beyond the norm, from year-round Christmas at an amusement park to (not so similar) replicas of some of the world’s most celebrated cultural sites. Midwesterners may love their weekend lake house tradition, but they also love the wacky, meaningful and unexpected. Here are the most unique day trips from Chicago. RECOMMENDED: The best lakefront Airbnbs near Chicago

Renowned naturalist and journalist Jerry Sullivan said that in Chicago, “we can enjoy the riches of life in one of the world’s greatest metropolises and connect ourselves to the natural world.” Chicago may be the country’s third largest city, but there are plenty of options for camping and exploring beautiful state parks all within a few hours’ drive. Whatever your version of connecting to the outside world—whether it’s pitching a tent or cozying up in a cabin—there are campgrounds ranging from rustic to full outdoor resort. You can camp a few feet away from the Midwest’s best hiking and biking trails or spend lazy days reading and relaxing near a lake. Here are the best campgrounds near Chicago for seasonal and year-round tent sites, RV and trailer-accessible sites, cabins and recreational activities. RECOMMENDED: The best lakeside Airbnbs near Chicago

The origins of this glorious medium between breakfast and lunch may be contested, but there’s no questioning Chicago’s admiration for brunch. From standards like pancakes and French toast to Southern staples like shrimp and grits to creative fusions such as royal breakfast pies, you’ll find brunch dishes at the best Chicago restaurants for every craving—or hangover. And whether it’s cozying up inside with close friends on a cold winter day, enjoying a Sunday Funday with a bottomless brunch or fueling up before exploring the city, there's a spot that has exactly what you need. So read on to discover our picks for the best brunches in Chicago. RECOMMENDED: Find the best breakfast in Chicago

There’s no better way to connect with others than bonding over shared passions—or in some cases, failures (ever been too tipsy at a wine and canvas class?). Plenty of organizations and centers in Chicago offer workshops and classes for every interest, whether it's learning how to make a beautiful cake like the city's finest bakeries, writing about your deepest fears in a memoir class or practicing your stand-up routine at one of the best comedy clubs in Chicago. So if you’re new to the city and want to give yourself some impressive new skills, or simply looking to meet new, like-minded people, taking a hands-on workshop or multi-week class or course with other Chicagoans is great way to turn strangers into confidants. Here are the best classes in Chicago, for every type of interest.

Chicago has no shortage of spectacular hotels—even if you’re traveling on a budget. You’ll find hip and affordable accommodations year-round in the Loop and throughout the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. While some no-frills hotels simply offer a cozy bed (with so much to explore, you won’t spend much time inside anyway), others feature social events like yoga and happy hours, ideal for solo travelers looking to mingle. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, passing through for work or you’re a local ready for a well-deserved staycation, the best cheap hotels in Chicago balance cost and quality, allowing you to get on with exploring the world-renowned Chicago museums, restaurants, summer festivals and Chicago attractions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best hotels in Chicago. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Chicago is so much more than just a “meat-and-potatoes” kind of town, but that reputation isn’t entirely without merit. Few, if any, cities in the world can boast the amount of high-quality steakhouses found here. Beef is one thing local restaurants treat with reverence and there are plenty of spots to savor a perfect cut. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, head to Maple & Ash or BLVD Steakhouse for an extravagant experience. Maybe you want to try the best meat money can buy? Then order impossibly-marbled, melt-in-you-mouth wagyu beef imported from Japan at Prime & Provisions or Roka Akor. These following places are sure to please, especially if you’re looking for the most romantic restaurants in Chicago to elevate your next date night. Pescatarians need not worry either as the menus also offer some of the best seafood selections in town. So check out our guide to the best Chicago steakhouses and start making plans to feast like royalty. RECOMMENDED: Discover more of the best restaurants in Chicago

While the quality of the food is always important, a restaurant’s design and ambiance also play a big role in the experience. That’s why at the city’s most romantic restaurants, you’ll find stunning dining rooms, dim lighting, beautiful backdrops and other intimate touches that help spark love. A perfect date night may involve a comforting meal at an Italian trattoria, a lavish steakhouse feast or an evening in an unexpected place (who knew furniture stores had so much allure?). Whatever you prefer, the most romantic restaurants in Chicago are sure to set the stage for a charming and unforgettable time. RECOMMENDED: Discover more romantic things to do in Chicago

There’s no Chicago Christmas experience more authentic than bracing the chill of winter to cut down your own Christmas tree. Though Chicago offers plenty of dazzling light displays and holiday-themed experiences, you’ll need to head outside of the city for the perfect pine, spruce or fir. Whether you want to travel 30 minutes or two hours, there are plenty of spots ranging from muddy and rustic BYOS (bring your own saw) farms with house-made cookies and hot chocolate to elaborate, Instagram-worthy holiday backdrops and tractor rides. No matter what holiday movie you’re envisioning yourself in this season, you’ll enjoy holiday cheer and beautiful scenery while cutting down your own tree.  RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Christmas in Chicago

Bringing much needed plant-based sabor to the River North neighborhood, plant-based dinrers can step into this bright, intimate space covered in colorful murals and enjoy Mexican staples. Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria’s fully-vegan menu includes tacos, enchiladas, molletes and other small bites. For brunch, grab the chilaquiles and coffee—there’s bar seating available if you’re dining solo, while small groups can snag one of the tables.

Fresh, organic and local aren’t just buzzwords at this Chicago fast-casual eatery and grocery store, which sources the majority of its food from local organic farms. Real Good Food serves both plant-based and animal meat dishes with accommodations for a variety of dietary needs. While they’re known for their hearty juices and smoothies with creative names–like the Bluice Wayne or Kale E. Kopowski–their vegan breakfast options of bagels, bowls, burritos, and sweet toasts are worth a try.

Lucy’s Cafe is great any day of the week, but it holds a special charm on slow, cheerful weekend mornings spent with family and friends. The extensive menu of American-style breakfast is exclusively vegetarian, and  most items can be prepared vegan upon request. Order standout dishes like vegan waffles or the southwest skillet—a medley of veggies, plant-based meat, black beans and cilantro—and grab a seat on the sunny front patio when weather allows.

Nothing gets closer to a home-cooked meal and a loving atmosphere than Hyde Park’s B’Gabs Vegan Scratch Kitchen. Owner Gabrielle Darvassy prioritizes organic and local ingredients to craft her healthy, aesthetically-pleasing meals, as well as the goal of a come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can be your whole self. Fill up on the Breakfast Burrito Bowl with vegan sausage, potatoes, black beans, greens, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and avocado sauce or the Breakfast Sammie with chickpea eggs, sausage, potatoes and cheese on a bun.

Last summer, Chicago couple Emma and Blair Sheade were celebrating their one-year anniversary with a camping trip. Though they’re frequent campers, they jokingly refer to themselves as amateurs because they always seem to forget something or have trouble starting their campfire. On that particular trip, “everything that could go wrong, went wrong,” says Emma. She went to bed that night thinking that there must be an easier way for people to camp. And if there were, perhaps more people would want to do it. That was the genesis of Pitch, the pair’s recently-launched on-demand camping concierge service catering to Chicagoans who want to experience nature, but might not have the tools or time to organize a camping trip on their own. Emma considers Pitch to be an authentic outdoor experience that provides a middle ground between traditional, do-it-yourself camping—which can be intimidating to novices—and the often pricier glamping. When you book a night with Pitch, the service sets up your campsite and stocks it with the essentials—a tent, sleeping pads and bags, a lantern, a welcome cooler stocked with essentials, water, snacks, games and a fire log—and tears it all down after you leave. If you have questions about the area or the equipment during your stay, a “scout” is on-call to help you. Outdoor recreation has become extremely popular as a safe and easy travel option throughout the pandemic, but it’s still not as easy an option as it could be. “So many people want to try [ca