Catherine - Savvy Family TravelSometimes, even the most enthusiastic city dwellers crave a change of scenery. Luckily, the Windy City is surrounded by an incredible variety of charming destinations perfect for a day trip.
Here’s your guide to the best day trips from Chicago, complete with travel distances and top attractions just a short drive away.
Easy Day Trips from Chicago
Endless Activity: Schaumburg, IL
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 32 miles
Northwest of Chicago, Schaumburg has lots to do for every member of the family. Start your day at the Radio Flyer Store inside Woodfield Mall, where you can browse their nostalgic wagons, but more importantly take them for a test drive. They even have a race track in the back room to test drive their battery powered vehicles. It costs $6 for 15 minutes.
In the winter, splash into the Water Works Indoor Water Park. This indoor oasis has small and medium water slides, open swim, and a lap pool. It’s the perfect spot to splash around regardless of the weather outside. Make sure to bring a towel.
Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground is a fully themed playground that entices children to engage with the natural world through play and is the perfect place to burn off energy.
More attractions:
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
- Schaumburg Township District Library (great children’s library)
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park
- Rainbow Falls Waterpark
Family Friendly: West Chicago
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 33 miles
If you’re visiting West Chicago in the summer, head to the Turtle Splash Waterpark for a half day’s worth of thrills for kids of all ages. Bring your own towel, but carry in food and beverage are not allowed. There are plenty of pool chairs and umbrellas for shade. Next to the waterpark area is an ultra fun outdoor playground complete with an in ground trampoline.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking indoor play, explore the Indoor Treetop Playground. Here, little adventurers can climb, crawl, and slide through a treehouse-themed play area. The waterfall and stream are projections making kids feel as if they are running on water, chasing leaves as they float down the stream. ($10 per child, ages 1-12)
Both of the attractions mentioned above are on the same property and run by the West Chicago Park District.
More Attractions:
- Catch a Kane County Cougars game
- Fox Valley Ice Arena
Family Retreat: Kenosha, WI
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 66 miles
Start your day with a stop at Paielli’s Bakery on your way to Simmons Island Beach, a scenic spot perfect for sunbathing, sand play, or picnicking with a great view of the lighthouse.
Visit the Dinosaur Discovery Museum, home to an excellent collection of dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits. Best of all, admission is free! Check their website before visiting as hours are limited. At the time of this post, their hours are daily 12-5pm except Mondays. You may even get to see paleontologists at work in the lab!
Finally, head to Kenosha Dream Playground, an expansive play area designed for children of all abilities. Tire out those little ones before starting the drive back to Chicago.
Agriculture: Fair Oaks Farm
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 75 miles
Fair Oaks Farm is a unique day trip from Chicago that blends education with fun.
Tour the farm to learn about sustainable agriculture, watch live animal demonstrations, and even sample fresh produce. We explored three museum buildings focused on dairy, pork, and crops. Admission is pricey at $22 per person (ages 2+), but its worth it if you can spend the day there.
Depending on the time of year you’re planning a day trip from Chicago, you may be able to partake in their U Pick orchards.
We also recommend a quick detour on your drive to or from Chicago to pickup some 3 Floyds Brewing from the source.
Beach Day: St. Joseph or South Haven, MI
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 98 miles to St. Joseph or 123 miles to South Haven
Both St. Joseph and South Haven in Michigan, are idyllic beach destinations. Watching the sun set over Lake Michigan makes it feel like you’re peering over the Gulf of Mexico.
Spend your day lounging on the sandy shores, swimming in Lake Michigan, or exploring shops and cafes downtown.
In St. Joseph, for great views of the pier (on the right below) head to Tiscornia Park Beach.
In South Haven, both North and South Beach are fantastic, but South Beach has more amenities for the kids like a Splashpad and Playground.
Between Chicago and either of these cities, you could check out southwest Michigan’s wine scene. We stopped at Tabor Hill which had plenty of space for the kids to play while we did a tasting.
More attractions:
- St. Joseph – Curious Kids’ Museum
- St. Joseph – Whirlpool Compass Fountain
- St. Joseph – Wanderlust Outfitters
- St. Joseph – Silver Harbor Brewing Company
- St. Joseph – Lion’s Park Beach
- South Haven – Coffee at The Flying Saucer
- South Haven – Taste/Shop at The Blueberry Store
- South Haven – Shop at Props
- South Haven – Eat at Clementine’s
- South Haven – Taste Wine at Gravity Tasting Room
- South Haven – The Mitten Children’s Museum
- South Haven – Michigan Maritime Museum
Adventure: Indiana Dunes National Park
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 49 miles
Indiana Dunes National Park offers diverse ecosystems and a fun day at the beach. In fact, out of over 400 US National Park Sites, this one is the 4th most biodiverse! Download the Seek app to identify species as you explore.
Hike through lush forests and trek along sandy dunes. You’ll forget you’re so close to Chicago until you see its skyline on the horizon.
Kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge, so be sure to stop at the Visitor Center.
City of Festivals: Milwaukee, WI
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 89 miles
Milwaukee is a city rich in culture, surprising cuisine, and fun for families. Attend one of the many summer festivals at the lakefront or enjoy live music at Jazz in the Park.
Families will love the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, offering interactive exhibits for young explorers and a specially baby/toddler space too.
You could also spend your day just south of Milwaukee near Grant Park. Treat your taste buds to a fancy ice cream shake at Better Together Cafe, hunt for sea glass at Grant Park’s South Beach, and explore the Seven Bridges Trail.
More attractions:
There’s so much to do in our hometown! We have full articles on our family’s favorites, here:
Lake Life: Lake Geneva, WI
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 82 miles
Lake Geneva has long been a retreat for Chicagoans. In fact, many of Chicago’s wealthiest families built mansions upon its shoreline.
You can take a boat cruise to learn about the prominent families who own property on the lake all while watching the mail jumper do impressive leaps from the boat to drop of their mail on the docks. It’s called the US Mailboat Tour. It’s offered mid June to mid September at $55 per adult and lasts 2.5 hours.
Kids will enjoy time at the beach. The one adjacent to downtown Lake Geneva unfortunately has a $10 fee per person, so you might consider sand play instead at Williams Bay Beach or Delavan Lake Community Park Beach where you’ll get a beautiful view of sunset.
Without kids, unwind at Maxwell Mansion apothecary bar or call for the password to get into their speakeasy after 9pm.
Hone your culinary skills with a cooking class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a leisurely round at one of the many esteemed courses in the area.
In the winter, catch the Annual Winterfest (January 29 through February 2, 2025) and the US Snow Sculpting National Championship February 1-4.
The ice castles unfortunately are not returning for the winter 2024-2025 season after several years in a row struggling with higher than average temperatures in January and February.
More attractions:
- Walk the Shoreline Path (It winds around the entire lake! Foot traffic only, no bikes.)
- Safari Lake Geneva
- Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures
- Topsy Turvey Brewery
- High Tea at the Baker House
- Coffee at Inspired or The Porch
- Shop (Kid friendly stores include Dust Bunny Books and Allison Wonderland)
- Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
Nostalgia: Illinois Railway Museum
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 62 miles
The Illinois Railway Museum offers a nostalgic look at train history.
They have an impressive collection of restored vintage locomotives and their events throughout the year are fantastic for families. They have a pumpkin train, bunny rides at Easter, a Holiday Railway, Day Out with Thomas, dinner trips and more. Plan your visit, here.
Nature Play: Morton Arboretum
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 25 miles
Morton Arboretum is filled with gardens, trails, and art installations. We’ve returned multiple summers in a row, being drawn especially to their Children’s Garden. There’s a canopy playground, nature playscapes, a tadpole pond (wonder pond), and my kids favorite part is playing in the stream and rearranging rocks to route the water or create dams with new friends.
Just outside the Children’s Garden is a hedge maze that’s great for kids as well.
You’ll want to bring a change of clothes, sunhat, snacks, and sunscreen. The bugs weren’t bad in the children’s area, but if you want to explore any of the trails in the woods you’ll want to have insect repellant.
The art exhibitions rotate every few years, but make sure to check out the art map so you don’t miss any while you explore the grounds.
On your way back to Chicago, indulge your competitive spirit with a slot car race at Chicagoland Raceway. Little kids will love their Hot Wheels ramp track too and may like racing their cars from home, so consider packing a few!
Theme Park Thrills: Santa’s Village
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 45 miles
When you’re ready for a change of pace from days at Six Flags, check out Santa’s Village Amusement Park, Petting Zoo, and Waterpark. This park features rides, shows, and seasonal attractions that predominantly cater to children. You’re allowed to bring in food (no alcohol.)
Natural Beauty: Starved Rock State Park
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 93 miles
Starved Rock State Park is a nature lover’s paradise.
The whole family will enjoy a 2.3 mile hike to LaSalle Canyon for one of the park’s most picturesque waterfalls and rock formations. Bring a change of clothes for little ones to splash in the water on a hot day. Don’t forget snacks too and a bag to carry out your trash.
Other top, easy hikes included Saint Louis Canyon (2.1 miles) and Ottawa Canyon (1 mile).
There is no fee to visit Starved Rock State Park.
Weekend Trips from Chicago
If you want to explore a bit further away, we think you’ll enjoy our articles on Weekend Getaways and Midwest Road Trips.
Here are a few ideas though, to get you started:
High Speed Family Fun: Indianapolis, IN
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 207 miles
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum alone is enough reason to visit as a family, with its extensive exhibits and interactive displays. If you go in the summer, kids will be enamored with the outdoor sports complex.
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing. You may even catch some Indy Cars on the tracks if racers are practicing or someone booked the Indy Racing Experience.
Nature lovers should definitely explore the Cool Creek Nature Center, where trails and educational programs provide insight into local wildlife.
More attractions: Check our our full guide to Indy with Kids.
History and Charm: Galena, IL
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 164 miles
A scenic drive for a weekend trip from Chicago, Galena offers historic charm, golf, modern dining, and lots of shopping opportunities.
Unwind at the Spa at Eagle Ridge or shop along Main Street, filled with boutiques and antique stores.
For a unique adventure not far away, try a Hoof It Galena Goat Trek, where you hike a trail with the comical company of a trip of goats. You can read more about it in our Itinerary for the Dubuque area.
More attractions:
- Alpine Slide
- U.S. Grant Home
- West Street Sculpture Park
- Galena Taphouse
- Jail Hill Inn
- Old Blacksmith Shop
- Galena Bakehouse
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Savory Kitchen
- Geneva Roasters
Big Things: Casey, IL
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 210 miles
South of Chicago, Casey is famous for its “big things in a small town.”
This quirky destination is home to oversized attractions like the world’s largest rocking chair and wind chime. It’s a whimsical town where the family will have fun acting silly and snapping memorable photos. Download or print the map before you go.
The World’s Largest Teeter Totter operates on Saturdays throughout the summer.
More attractions:
- Stay at Eighteen Ninety Sleepover
- Shop at the Olive Tree Marketplace
- Coffee from The Traveling Mug
- Snack at Tetzel Prime
- Find Treasures at Rock Hounds Rocks
- Eat at Whitling Whimsy Cafe
New Discoveries: Peoria, IL
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 160 miles
I’ll never forget watching the curiosity in my kids’ eyes as they explored the many interactive museums in Peoria. There are a great mix of indoor and outdoor learning opportunities.
Start at the Caterpillar Visitor Center, where you can explore the history and innovations of this renowned company. Kids can climb into some of their favorite machines, operate a simulator, and even watch a movie in the bed of a mining dump truck!
Kids can get hands on at the Peoria Riverfront Museum’s art and science exhibits too.
More attractions:
- Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
- Peoria Zoo
- Forest Park Nature Center
- Eat at Thyme Kitchen and Craft Beer
Art Escape: Sheboygan, WI
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 144 miles
Sheboygan is getting a lot of recognition lately for their art scene.
Explore the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, showcasing contemporary art in innovative exhibits, live performances, and a maker’s space. There is no charge to explore the exhibits or use the maker’s space.
For a delicious meal, dine at Trattoria Stefano, a local favorite known for its authentic Italian cuisine. Or, for lunch, check out Field to Fork.
Enjoy the beaches while watching surfers and kite surfers catch waves at the “Malibu of the Midwest”.
Families can enjoy the Children’s Museum and should not miss Bookworm Gardens.
More attractions: Find our guide to Sheboygan Family Fun, here.
Water Wonderland: Wisconsin Dells
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 201 miles
Wisconsin Dells is dubbed the Waterpark Capital of the World.
Spend the day at Noah’s Ark, America’s largest water park, or enjoy an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge, Kalahari Resort, or Wilderness Resort which offer indoor water parks perfect for thawing out in the midst of winter.
More attractions: We’ve compiled our favorite spots for year round family fun in Wisconsin Dells.
History and Education: Springfield, IL
Distance from Downtown Chicago: 202 miles
If you’re bringing the kids, begin your visit to Springfield at the Kidzeum, where interactive exhibits educate and entertain children about health, wellness, and the environment.
For a quirky lunch, stop by Charlie Parker’s Diner.
History buffs will appreciate the Presidential Library and Museum, where they can learn about Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy.
Abraham Lincoln’s Home is now a National Park site offering free tours and a Junior Ranger program for kids.
More attractions:
- Buzz Bomb Brewing
- Old State Capitol State Historic Site
- Custom Cup Coffee
- Ergadoozy Indoor Playground
Pin These Day Trips from Chicago for Later
I hope you enjoyed browsing these gems just a short drive from the Windy City. Don’t miss our other content on Midwest Family Fun.
Catherine – Savvy Family Travel
My favorite pastime is finding fun, interesting experiences to share with family and friends.
I’m a mom of two energetic and curious boys who have endless patience with my tendency to over plan activities on our family vacations. My tireless husband, Troy, provides comic relief, is our favorite photographer, and expert navigator.
I’m a firm believer that travel with kids doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. It can be affordable, epic, and, dare I say, even relaxing!
Are you a travel loving parent too? I’d love to meet you, please reach out via Messenger and say “hi!”