وجهات الغرب الأوسط للزيارة مع الأطفال في عام 2022

هل تريد (لا ، تحتاج ) للهروب ، ولكن ليس لديك فكرة إلى أين تذهب؟ يقدم الغرب الأوسط العديد من الوجهات - الجزء الصعب هو محاولة معرفة إلى أين تذهب. لقد سهلنا الأمر عليك باختيار بعض من أفضل الإجازات العائلية التي يمكنك مضاعفتها كرحلة برية.

لكل وجهة ، قدمنا ​​مخططًا صغيرًا مناسبًا للأطفال حول ما يجب القيام به وأماكن تناول الطعام ومكان الإقامة. إليك بعض الأفكار لمساعدتك في التخطيط لعطلتك العائلية القادمة في عام 2022.

ملاحظة:نحن نقوم بتحديث موقعنا الإلكتروني بأسرع ما يمكن ، ولكن قد تحدث تغييرات بسبب COVID-19 . يُرجى التحقق جيدًا قبل التوجه للحصول على أحدث المعلومات حول احتياطات السلامة وإرشادات السفر وأي عمليات إغلاق في آخر لحظة. ابق آمنًا!

بحيرة جنيف ، ويسكونسن

ماذا ترى

• في Lake Geneva Canopy Tours ، انطلق في مغامرة ممتعة. تحدى نفسك في دورة الحبال العالية مع 16 عائقًا معلقًا.
• القيام بجولة في Big Foot State Beach Park أو محمية فور سيزونز الطبيعية الملائمة للحيوانات الأليفة.
• هل تؤمن بالسحر؟ حتى لو لم تفعل ذلك ، فإن الحيل التي يؤديها المخادع Tristan Crist Magic Theatre ستجعلك مؤمنًا.
• شاهد أداء الخيول في مسرح The Dancing Horses. إذا سمح الوقت ، شاهد عرض الطيور الذي يعرض ببغاء صدى من America’s Got Talent أو الذهاب في جولة وراء الكواليس.
• هل تعلم أنه يمكنك الذهاب في رحلة سفاري في بحيرة جنيف؟ بدلاً من جولة واحدة بصحبة مرشد على متن عربة ، تقدم Safari Lake Geneva الآن تجربة قيادة مع الكثير من فرص التغذية.
• خلال فصل الشتاء ، استمتع بالتزلج والتزلج على الجليد بأمان في The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva أو تحقق من قلاع العجائب الشتوية الجليدية (الأقنعة المطلوبة) مع عروضها الجليدية المذهلة.

أين تأكل

• أوك فاير
• Popeye’s on Lake Geneva
• مقهى بسيط
• Next Door Pub &Pizzeria
• مقهى ملهم

أين تقيم

• Timber Ridge Lodge &Waterpark
• منتجع جنيف الوطني
• منتجع ليك لون
• في The Lake House
• خليج بحيرة جنيف
• بحيرة ريدج جنيف

بحيرة إلكارت ، ويسكونسن

ماذا ترى

• احصل على الماء! إذا كانت السباحة وركوب القوارب على جدول الأعمال ، فإن بحيرة Elkhart Lake هي المكان المناسب للتواجد مع مجموعة متنوعة من الأنشطة بما في ذلك الرحلات البحرية العائمة وقوارب الكاياك وألواح التجديف والقوارب والزوارق وقوارب الصيد.
• نظرًا لأن Elkhart Lake هي قرية صغيرة بها مناطق سكنية غريبة ، فسوف تشعر بالأمان أثناء التجول في الشوارع على الدراجة مع صغار الأطفال. توجه إلى 4 Miles of Fitness في Road America لممارسة الرياضة أثناء تجربة دورة Road America Road Course المعترف بها دوليًا.
• انطلق في نزهة سيرًا على الأقدام واستكشف الممرات الطبيعية في متنزه June Vollrath Park أو Ice Age Trail Heads.
• من خلال تاريخ حافل بسباق السيارات ، سترغب في معرفة الحاجة إلى السرعة بنفسك. شارك في سباق أو حدث في Road America. والأفضل من ذلك ، اشترك في أحد برامجهم المثيرة مثل Karting Adventure و Geocaching Adventure و Off Road Adventure.
• شاهد كيف كان شكل نزل الحنطور خلال خمسينيات القرن التاسع عشر في Wade House. يأتي التاريخ إلى الحياة من خلال الجولات والأحداث بالملابس المصحوبة بمرشدين. أثناء وجودك هنا ، شاهد أكبر مجموعة من العربات في ويسكونسن.
• احصل على خريطة وقم بالقيادة عبر الطرق التي كانت ذات يوم جزءًا من دائرتين للسباق في المنطقة. تخيل أن أفضل سائقي السيارات الرياضية في العالم يتنقلون عبر الزوايا وفوق التلال بمجرد السفر. أربعة عشر علامة تاريخية تخلد ذكرى الأسماء الكبيرة لسباق الطرق المفتوحة في بحيرة Elkhart Lake من 1950-1952.
• يحتوي متحف هنشل الهندي ومزرعة سمك السلمون المرقط ، الواقعان في موقع تنقيب أثري ، على مجموعة من النحاس والفخار الهندي والتحف الأخرى التي يعود تاريخها إلى 8000 قبل الميلاد
• جرب لعبة الجولف والقدم في Marsh Park و Road America.

أين تأكل

• جبن ويسكونسن في هينينج
• نادي البادوك

مكان الإقامة

• منتجع أوستوف
• نادي ذا شور ويسكونسن

جالينا ، إلينوي

ما يجب تحديده ه

• تنزه سيرًا على الأقدام أو بالدراجة في المسارات ذات المناظر الخلابة في كاسبر بلاف التي توفر إطلالات رائعة على نهر المسيسيبي على أكثر من 85 فدانًا فوق منحدرات نهر المسيسيبي. أثناء وجودك هنا ، اكتشف علم آثار الأمريكيين الأصليين. للحصول على مناظر بانورامية للمدينة ، توجه إلى Horseshoe Mound Preserve. سيحب الأطفال مغامرة الأطفال ، وهي خمسة ألغاز تتبع توأمان ومغامراتهما.
• استمتع بالجمال الخلاب لمتنزه Apple River Canyon State Park. تضم الحديقة أكثر من 300 فدان ، وتوفر رياضة المشي لمسافات طويلة وصيد الأسماك والتجديف بالكاياك وحتى الشلالات.
• انطلق في نزهة فريدة مع الماعز! للحصول على تجربة لا مثيل لها (مع حافز للحصول على خطواتك) ، قم برحلة إلى Hoof It - Galena حيث يمكنك التنزه مع هؤلاء الزملاء الصغار الممتعين لمدة ساعة. يتم تقييد الماعز في البداية ، ثم بمجرد الخروج على الدرب ، يكونون أحرارًا في التجول. يتم تشجيع الزوار على التفاعل مع الماعز ويمكن إطعام الماعز على طول المسار. خلال فصل الشتاء ، يقدمون خدمة تأجير الأحذية الثلجية لإضافتها إلى التجربة. عندما يبدأ الربيع ، يمكن للضيوف الاستمتاع بجلسة فردية مع الماعز.
• تجول في وسط مدينة جالينا الساحر مع المحلات والمطاعم.
• سيرغب المتزلجون والحدود في الوصول إلى جبل تشيستنات بأكثر من 25 سكة و 19 مسارًا مثاليًا لجميع مستويات المهارة. خلال الأشهر الأكثر دفئًا ، يفتح Alpine Slide للمتعة.
• ابحث عن التزحلق على الجليد والمشي بالأحذية الثلجية وغيرها من الأنشطة الشتوية في مركز الشمال في إيجل ريدج.
• استمتع بالطبيعة أثناء استكشاف جالينا الريفي على ظهر حصان. يقدم مركز Shenandoah Riding Center جولات على الطرق لجميع المستويات.

أين تأكل

• فيني فانوتشي
• Elle and Becks
• الطماطم الخضراء المقلية
• مكان أوتو
• مطعم بيتزا كانوفا

مكان الإقامة

• أروهيد تريهاوس
• منتجع وسبا إيجل ريدج
• روكي هيل ريتريت

مقاطعة الباب ، ويسكونسن

ماذا ترى

• إذا كان الأطفال يحبون التفاعل مع حيوانات المزرعة مثل حلب الماعز أو مشاهدة الكتاكيت وهي تفقس أو تغذية الأبقار بالذرة ، فإن زيارة المزرعة هي الرحلة المثالية. للحصول على درس في الزراعة ، اطلع على الحدائق في الموقع.
• الأماكن الخارجية المغرية في متنزه Peninsula State Park الذي يوفر الشواطئ ومسارات التنزه ومركزًا طبيعيًا. إذا كنت تحب المشي لمسافات طويلة مع إطلالة ، فإن Cave Point County Park أمر لا بد منه! مع مناظر الصف الأمامي لبحيرة ميشيغان وهي تتصادم مع المنحدرات والحجر الجيري المنحوت ، فهذه مغامرة رائعة للعائلة. للاقتراب من المنحدرات والكهوف التي تشاهدها المياه فقط ، قم بجولة بقوارب الكاياك مع Door County Kayak Tours.
• يوفر متحف The Door County البحري ، المخصص للتاريخ البحري للمنطقة ، تجربة تفاعلية وتعليمية. تعرف على العديد من حطام السفن وعمليات الاسترداد في المنطقة ، وتاريخ بناء السفن وتاريخ الحرب العالمية الثانية في خليج Sturgeon.
• قم بزيارة جزيرة واشنطن القريبة عبر Washington Island Ferry لتخطي الصخور على الماء ، والتوقف وشم حقول اللافندر في Fragrant Isle ، أو الاستمتاع بنزهة في الطبيعة. للحصول على مناظر رائعة لبحيرة ميشيغان ، تسلق 186 درجة إلى قمة برج لوك أوت. زيارة إلى شاطئ Schoolhouse الفريد من نوعه أمر لا بد منه. بدلاً من الرمل ، ستجد صخور الحجر الجيري والقلاع الرملية قد تم استبدالها بأطفال يتخطون الحجارة ويكدسونها ويتناثرون ببساطة في الماء.
• عندما يحل الصيف ، ليس هناك ما هو أكثر مرادفًا لـ Door County من قطف الكرز. اختر من بين Orchard Country في Lautenbach و Meleddy Cherry Orchard و Valhalla Orchards من Soren.
• لا يمكنك الذهاب إلى Door County بدون أن تعاني من غليان السمك. يدعو التقليد إلى غلي السمك الأبيض الذي يتم اصطياده محليًا في غلاية ضخمة على نار مفتوحة. توجه إلى مطعم Rowleys Bay ، ومطعم Pelletier’s &Fish Boil ، و White Gull Inn في Fish Creek.
• توجد إحدى عشرة منارة في المنطقة. قد تكون منارة جزيرة كانا واحدة من أكثرها شهرة. للوصول إلى الجزيرة ، يجب على الزوار المشي عبر الماء سيرًا على الأقدام أو ركوب الجرار. للاستمتاع بالمناظر المذهلة ، تأكد من تسلق 97 درجة من البرج إلى الأعلى. احفظ موعد عطلات نهاية الأسبوع في مهرجان Lighthouse للذهاب في المزيد من الجولات. قدمت منارة جزيرة كانا مركزًا جديدًا للزائر والتفسير في جزيرة كانا.
• توجه إلى Anderson Dock ، المعروف أيضًا باسم The Hardy Gallery ، وهو مستودع قديم على رصيف الميناء حيث كان الزوار والمقيمون يتركون بصماتهم من خلال توقيع أسمائهم على المبنى. بالتأكيد مكان ممتع للصور!

أين تأكل

• PC Junction
• بيتزا وايلد طماطم
• كاسترد غير ملحم مجمّد
• آل جونسون
• Big Easy Bagel and Beignet
• Door County Coffee and Tea
• White Gull Inn

Where to stay 

• Landmark Resort
• Robertson’s Cottages

Saugatuck, Michigan

What to see

• Horseback riding is offered year-round at Wild West Ranch. In the winter, get on a sleigh ride.
• Climb the 300 steps up Mount Baldhead and relish the views provided by Mother Nature.
• Year-round fun for the family is always available at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Choose from cross country skiing, hiking and dune riding. Check out Landshark’s for all your rental needs.
• For fun in the sun you can’t beat Oval Beach. In the winter, there are ice volcanoes and ice balls that form.
• Take an exhilarating ride on the dunes with Dune Rides.
• Relax and cruise down the Kalamazoo River on the paddlewheel boat, Star of Saugatuck Cruise
• For the coolest thing you’ll do on water, rent a donut boat with Retro Boat Rental. Bring your favorite people, some tunes (they provide a Bluetooth speaker) and your swimsuits. You’ll want to stop by one of the beach areas and take a dip.
• Challenge each other at Saugatuck Mini Golf , a new 18-hole mini golf course with a nice mix of challenging and easy for all ages.
• Love animals? The Critter Barn offers a fun and educational petting zoo experience.

Where to eat

• Fenn Valley Winery
• The Farmhouse Deli
• Crane’s Pie Pantry
• Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions
• Isabel’s Market and Eatery
• Virtue Cider
• The Mitten Brewing Company

Where to stay 

• Hop &Vine Inn
• Saugatuck Retro Resort Motel
• Kingfisher Cove Cabin

Fox Cities, Wisconsin

What to see

• High Cliff State Park offers wide open spaces — all 1187 acres of it! Take a scenic hike overlooking one of the Midwest’s largest freshwater inland lakes, Lake Winnebago. Choose from any of the seven historic trails from its sacred Indian Burial Ground trail to its Limestone Cliff trail.
• Combine nature and education at Bubolz Nature Preserve. Here you can explore the 725 acres of habitat and take seasonal guided tours. Winter fun includes candlelit ski and snowshoe hikes (rentals available), learning about the process of making maple syrup in a hands-on way.
• Add the Heckrodt Wetland Preserve, a 76-acre nature reserve, for an easy kid-friendly hike with an opportunity to play. After taking a stroll on the boardwalks, “reward” the kids with time at the awesome nature play area, the Children’s Canopy Walk.
• Walk the halls of the historic Hearthstone House Museum, the first home in the world to be incandescently illuminated by water-powered Edison light bulbs. Exploring this house is like taking a step back in time with its Queen Anne Victorian architecture and furniture.
• With Lake Winnebago, the Fox River, and many more waterways, it’s easy to paddle your worries away from the comfort of your kayak or canoe. Look to The Fox River Kayaking Company for all your rental needs.
• The Children’s Canopy Walk at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve will sure to be a kid’s favorite with a slide, rope bridge, and raptor nest.
• Learn the secrets of Houdina, an Appleton native, at the cool History Museum at the Castle.
• Explore the area by bike (rent from family-owned The Appleton Bike Shop or The Recyclist.) Try the 3.2-mile Loop the Lake Trail consisting of railroad trestle and pedestrian bridges.
• Kids can be kids at the two-story Building for Kids Children’s Museum located right in the heart of downtown. Find water and imaginative play, art opportunities, and more!
• Murals and art are located everywhere in Appleton. Follow the Fox Trot Trail that highlights Appleton’s rich history and the beautiful Fox River.

Where to eat

• Stone Arch Brewpub
• Fratellos Waterfront Restaurant
• Bagelicious
• Good Company
• The Cozzy Corner
• Bona Fide Juicery
• Copper Rock Coffee
• Chubby Seagull
• Crazy Sweet

Where to stay

• Copperleaf Hotel &Spa
• Franklin Street Inn Bed and Breakfast
• Downtown Modern Loft in Historic Paper Mill
• Comfort Suites Appleton Airport

St. Loui s

What to see

• With more than 13,000 creatures and six innovative galleries, the Louis Aquarium pays homage to the local region by focusing on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
• Hang out at the Louis Union Station. Instead of steaming locomotives, you’ll now find The St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot high observation wheel. You’ll also find a carousel, mini golf, maze and ropes course.
• The City Museum is a must stop for families. Consisting largely of repurposed architectural and industrial objects, the museum has no shortage of Instagram-worthy opps.
• Visit the iconic Gateway Arch with its new museum. To truly experience the Arch, head up to the top in a tram and take in the beautiful views. Explore the rest of the grounds including the historic Old Courthouse.
• During the warmer months, stop at Kiener Plaza, the square in front of the Old Courthouse, featuring a fountain garden with a splash pad, a children’s play garden, and picnic tables.
• The Saint Louis Zoo is not one to be missed … plus, it’s totally free! Watch sea lions frolic around as you walk, or take a walk on the wild side and spot some elephants.
• Surround yourself with the flowers at Missouri Botanical Garden. Take a stroll through the various gardens including a Chinese Garden, Woodland Garden, rose garden and more. Stop and reflect at one of the largest Japanese gardens in North America.
• With more than 70 outdoor sculptures located on 105 acres, it’s easy to social distance at Laumeier Sculpture Park.
• Enjoy a fusion of sculpture and landscape architecture at Citygarden.
• Adventure seekers will be happy to learn there more than 1.5 miles of zip lines Adventure Valley. Their attractions include an 1,100-foot “super-zip” that travels 50 mph and rides in an six-seater dune buggies.
• Take a guided tour with Big Moody Adventures down the Mississippi River. Choose from canoes (including their signature Quapaw Canoe company-designed and hand-built voyageur canoes), kayaks and paddle boards.
• Birds and bison? Stop by the Wild Bird Sanctuary to learn about some of the rescued residents. Combine the trip with Lone Elk Park (literally located minutes away) to spot wild bison and elk roaming around. Both attractions are totally free.

Where to eat

• Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
• Fitz’s Root Beer
• Balkan Treat Box
• Salt + Smoke
• Pappy’s Smokehouse
• Gourmet Soul

Where to stay   

• Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
• Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station
• The Inns at St. Albans

Southern Illinois

What to see

• Nature lovers will be in their element when exploring the Shawnee National Forest. Must-sees in the area include Garden of the Gods, the cave at Cave In Rock and Rim Rock Trail.
• Take a horseback ride with Lake Glendale Stables through the trails offering scenic views of the forest, streams, waterfalls, caves and more.
• Rent a kayak on and get on the water at Pounds Hollow Lake.
• Calling all superhero fans — a stop to see Superman’s hometown of Metropolis is a must with photo ops galore throughout town including a huge statue of the man himself and a museum dedicated to all things Superman.
• When you need a break from hiking, the alpacas at Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch are sure to be the perfect diversion.

Where to eat

• Cave In Rock State Park Restaurant
• The Red Onion
• The Kitchen on Lafayette
• 17th Street Barbeque  

Where to stay

• Timber Ridge Outpost and Cabins
• Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins
• Big Sky Cabin
• Cave Creek Cabins

Traverse City, Michigan

What to see

• Drive through the tip of the peninsula (passing by a dozen wineries) all the way to Mission Point Lighthouse. Scope out the other lighthouses in the area — the Grand Traverse Lighthouse on the Leelanau Peninsula and Point Betsie Lighthouse in Benzie County.
• Dune it up by conquering the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. During the winter, bring your sled and zip down! You also can’t go wrong by cruising Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
• Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the World and host of the National Cherry Festival. If you can’t make it, no worries. Find all things cherry at Cherry Republic. Don’t leave without cherry wine or cherry sour patches!
• Cruise on the Tall Ship Manitou, a replica 1800s schooner that takes you around Traverse City’s beautiful bays. الأقنعة مطلوبة. Seating assigned.
• Visit The Dennos Museum Center to see one of the largest collections of Inuit art in the country along with rotating exhibits.
• Kids can learn about maritime life at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.
• Explore Traverse City by bike. The paved Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trail makes it easy as it stretches east-west across the city. Find restaurants and attractions along the way.
• Skiing and snowboarding on your list? Crystal Mountain and Shanty Creek Resorts beckon with excellent downhill tracks for every skill level.

Where to eat

• Jolly Pumpkin Brewery
• The Little Fleet
• The Filling Station
• Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
• North Peak Brewing Company
• Taproot Cider House
• Red Spire Brunch House
• Grand Traverse Pie Company
• Mama Lu’s Taco Shop

Where to stay

• Great Wolf Lodge
• Cherry Tree Inn and Suites
• Grand Traverse Resort

Mackinac Island, Michigan

What to see

• At Fort Mackinac, you’re free to roam the barracks, hospital, bathhouse and other historical structures at this military outpost. Check the schedule for live cannon blasts and live demonstrations like rifle firing or musical concerts.
• Since the island is mostly closed off to vehicles, exploring by bike is one of the best and memorable things to do. Visitors have the option of riding the relatively flat 8-mile bicycle trail circling the island or biking the island’s hilly interior paths.
• Right off the ferry, you’ll find Main Street, the hub of activity on Mackinac Island. Follow the sweet smell to any of the fudge shops for a sample, or peruse the many souvenir and boutique shops.
• Visit Doud’s Market, Michigan’s oldest family-owned grocery store, for necessities, a picnic lunch, or even regional wines and beers.
• A visit to Mackinac Island is not complete with stopping by America’s Summer Place, Grand Hotel. Even if you can’t stay here, there’s an entrance fee of $10 to see the hotel’s fabulous interior and have access to explore the grounds.
• The Mackinac Island Carriage Tours is a great way to familiarize yourself with the island and in under two hours you’ll quickly understand why people fall in love with it.
• Lounge in an Adirondack chair and soak in the views at Mission Point Resort’s Great Lawn. Stop by bright and early to see one amazing sunrise.

Where to eat

• Doud’s Market
• Island Slice Pizzeria
• The Chuckwagon
• Round Island Bar and Grill
• Bistro on the Greens
• Boxwood Coffeeshop and Cafe

Where to stay

• Mission Point Resort
• Grand Hotel

Minneapolis/Northwest Minneapolis, Minnesota

What to see

• With an indoor amusement park, the Crayola experience and an aquarium, the Mall of America is much more than a mall. Other activities include mini-golf, climbing through an adventure course, driving go karts, and of course, shopping.
• Families love the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Younger kiddos can explore a town area made just for them.
• Cross the Stone Arch Bridge for fantastic views of St. Anthony Falls as well as city views.
• Get ready for selfies galore at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Home to the Spoonbridge and Cherry, the 11-acre park highlights the city’s greenspace and culture.
• Water Works at Mill Ruins Park is the newest spot for families to gather. Find the Nature Play Lab, a playground by the garden, plenty of green space, views of the waterfall, as well as walking and bike paths.
• Head to the great outdoors to Theodore Wirth Regional Park and the Trailhead just a few miles outside downtown Minneapolis. Both are open year-round with plenty to do for families of all ages.
• Need more nature? Visit Minnehaha Regional Park for a spectacular view of a 53-foot waterfall. During the winter, find it beautifully frozen.
• For a unique ice-skating experience, head to Maple Grove’s Central Park for Minnesota’s first ice-skating trail.
• Elm Creek Park Reserve is a hot spot for winter activities:Try fat biking, tubing and skiing with Maple Grove Cycling. During the warmer months, find an archery range, hiking and biking trails, and a swim pond.

Where to eat

• Graze Provisions and Libations
• Surly Brewing Company
• Crepe and Spoon
• Crave
• Malone’s Bar &Grill
• Frankie’s Pizza

Where to stay

• Venetian Waterpark at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Maple Grove
• Rand Tower Hotel, Minneapolis
• Omni Viking Lakes Hotel
• Radisson Blu
• Great Wolf Lodge

Hocking Hills, Ohio

What to see

• A hike through the Hocking Hills State Park is the main star here. With more than 10,000 acres of unbroken forest with miles and miles of hiking trails featuring soaring cliffs, stunning waterfalls and deep recess caves, this is undoubtedly a nature lover’s dream.
• The area is a dark sky region and the John Glenn Astronomy Park is one of the many free experiences the area offers families. Take advantage of the free programs offered that allow families to check out high-powered telescopes and learn about astronomy.
• Outdoor adventures await such as horseback riding, off-road Segway and canopy tours. At The Dragonfly, kids can participate in ziplining, traverse bridges and a sky tunnel.
• Explore Lake Logan by pontoon boat or paddle boat.
• If you love all things quirky, a stop at the Pencil Sharpener Museum is a must!

Where to eat

• Millstone BBQ
• Hocking Hills Diner
• Pizza Crossing
• Laurelville Fruit Farm

Where to stay

• Hocking Hills Caboose
• Cedar Grove Cabins
• Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins

Omaha/Nebraska City, Nebraska

• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has the largest indoor aquarium in a zoo, North America’s largest indoor rainforest and the world’s largest indoor desert.
• Take a breather at Fontenelle Forest, a 1400-acre forest featuring hiking trails and a nature center. With a stroller-friendly boardwalk, this is a perfect way to enjoy nature with littles. Kids ages 4 and up can enjoy TreeRush Adventure Park, climbing and zip lining fun with bridges, zip lines and swings made from wood, cable and rope.
• Explore First National’s Spirit of Nebraska Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Park, featuring more than 100 large bronze statues (weighing between 400 pounds and six tons) telling the pioneer’s westward journey.
• Squeeze in a little history at The Durham Museum. Housed in an old art deco train station in downtown Omaha, the museum has lots of hands-on history exhibits for kids. Reserve tickets online.
• Besides offering free general admission, the Joslyn Art Museum has other perks for families. Their interactive space Arts Works provides nine hands-on activity stations for kids.
• Stop and smell the roses at the beautiful Lauritzen Gardens, then take a stroll through the many gardens. Train fans will adore the model train railroad encircling miniature Omaha landmarks made out of natural materials.
• Spread out at the 250-acre Arbor Day Farm, a national historic landmark that is home to the preservation orchard and Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure. The highlight here is a Treetop Village, complete with 11 treehouses, bridges and a 50-foot slide.
• Located across the street from Arbor Day Farm, find the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, home to a 52-room mansion and arboretum. Stroll the grounds and surround yourself by the beauty of flowers and greenery.
• Check out the River Country Nature Center, a wildlife center where families can observe Nebraska’s diverse environmental areas, along with a variety of exotic and local wildlife.

Where to eat

• Inner Rail Food Hall
• Saddle Creek Breakfast Club
• The Hunger Block
• Ted and Wally’s
• Zio’s Pizzeria
• Coneflower Creamery
• Timbers
• The Keeping Room

Where to stay

• Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel
• Lied Lodge and Conference Center
• Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast
• Hidden Falls Cabins and RV Park

Rapid City, South Dakota

What to see

• In the spring, see the 1,300-head herd of bison and the newborn babies at Custer State Park. If you truly want a different perspective, book a trip with Buffalo Safari Jeep Rides for an off-road experience in a custom-built open-air vehicle.
• You can’t miss saying hello to the presidents at the awe-inspiring Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
• Drive through the loop at Badlands National Park for jaw dropping scenery that includes Mars-like buttes, canyons and bluffs. With plenty of hiking trails, you have opportunity after opportunity to get a closer look.
• With hands-on activities, the Journey Museum also has impressive exhibits on Lakota Native American culture as well as various programs for children. And yes, they have dinosaurs!
• Need to stretch your legs? Head to the kitschy yet super fun attraction Dinosaur Park. Consisting of seven larger-than-life dinosaurs, you can walk the trails, climb on the dinosaurs and take all the pictures. Another plus? The location is right on a ridge overlooking Rapid City.
• Find fossil replicas at the active dig site, Mammoth Site of Hot Springs.

Where to eat

• Murphy’s Pub and Grill
• Firehouse Brewing Company
• Colonial House
• Tally’s Silver Spoon

Where to stay

• The Hotel Alex Johnson
• The Rushmore Hotel

Medora, North Dakota

What to see

• Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a must-see spot with buffalo, wild horses and the Maltese Cabin. The rugged 70,000-acre park honors our “conservation president” with outdoor opportunities for all levels include hiking, mountain biking and fantastic scenic views.
• You can’t visit the Wild West without a horseback ride. Medora Stables offers a chance to do just that.
• North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame gives you a look at western heritage.
• The Chateau de Mores State Historic Site has History Live! presentations to hear from local residents in the past.
• If you’re visiting during summer months you can’t miss watching the outdoor Medora Musical dedicated to Medora’s history.

Where to eat

• Little Mo Saloon
• Boots Bar and Grill
• The Farmhouse Cafe
• Pitchfork Fondue

Where to stay

• The Roughrider
• Boots Campground and The Crossings Campground

Cleveland

What to see

• A trip to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is great for animal-loving families. See elephants cross, feed giraffes, and the watch the silly monkeys. Plan to spend the whole day here as there is a lot of ground to cover and tons of animals to see.
• At the Greater Cleveland Aquarium take a walk through the 175-ft long glass-enclosed tunnel and come face to face with sharks, stingrays and other fishy friends. The 11,000-gallon Touch Pool is sure to be a hit with the kids.
• See where A Christmas Story House was filmed. During the hour-long tour, learn tidbits about the movies, peruse the house and the grounds, and see the museum.
• Science lovers will feel at home at the Great Lakes Science Center. The NASA Glenn Visitor Center located at the Science Center is home to the actual 1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module as well as a real moon rock from Apollo 15.
• Hike and explore one of the Midwest’s National Parks, Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With so many waterfalls, caves and caverns, you won’t believe you’re in the Midwest. Some notable trails include Brandywine Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and The Ledges.

Where to eat

• Colossal Cupcakes
• Cathy’s Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches
• Saucy Brew Works
• Melt Bar and Grilled

Where to stay

• Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
• Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade

Indianapolis

What to see

• Art and nature lovers will be in heaven at Newfields with plenty of art and nature to see including the original Love statue by Robert Indiana. During the warmer months, they even offer a beer garden. Currently, the immersive Van Gogh experience The Lume Indianapolis is showing.
• Spend the entire day (trust me, you’ll need it) at the largest children’s museum in the world, Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. They have everything kids love, like dinosaurs, trains, water play, as well as ample learning opportunities. If you want to get a work out in, the outdoor Sports Legend area is amazing and can easily fill up your day. Let this guide help you plan your day here.
• Cruise around on a shuttle tour around the iconic 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and get a chance to “kiss the bricks.” Continue the experience afterwards and head to the museum to find cars, trophies, and other memorabilia.
• Sculptures galore at the free Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park including Funky Bones and a neat tree branch swing. Take a hike around the lake in search of the cool yellow benches that also double as art.
• Jam on at Rhythm Discovery Center where guests are encouraged to make music with drums and other percussion instruments.
• Explore the canal located right in the middle of downtown. At White River State Park, you can rent a surrey bike and cruise around the canal or better yet take it to the water in a paddle boat and paddle away. While exploring, you can enjoy the many murals throughout or even a pit stop at the super cool Colts Canal Playspace.
• Also located within the White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo welcomes animal lovers. Don’t miss a chance to watch orangutans around at the world’s largest orangutan center. Enhance your visit with special animal encounters like feeding a flamingo, a bird or a giraffe.
• Spend the day exploring Hamilton County just outside Indy. Here you’ll find Conner Prairie, a Smithsonian-affiliated outdoor history museum, lets you imagine life as it was back in the day (and take a tethered hot balloon ride!) or hop on a train ride on the Nickel Plate Express and chug through the forest. Visit during the fall to see the beautiful changing colors of leaves. Check their schedule for fun themed events. If you love kayaking, get on the water and take a relaxing kayak ride down the scenic White River with White River Canoe Company.

Where to eat

• Cafe Patachou
• The Garage Food Hall
• Gallery Pastry Bar
• Trader’s Point Creamery

Where to stay

• Bottleworks Hotel Indianapolis
• Conrad Indianapolis
• Omni Severin Hotel
• JW Marriott Indianapolis
• Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station