Family Vacation Within Driving Distance of Chicago with 2 Year Old

We're big fans of Lake Geneva which is 90 minutes from Chicago. We have stayed at Lake Lawn resort most often because of the indoor pool and large grounds. But, Timber Ridge has an indoor water park, so that's also a good option. The prices are a little high, in my opinion, but vacations don't seem to be getting any cheaper, despite the economy. Good luck!

Hi L.,

Try Key Lime Cove...it's a great place across the street from Great America! We loved it, just go online and check it out for yourself!

All the Best!

I like the Raintree up in the Dells. The website it www.dellsraintree.com It is a smaller hotel which is nice for the two year old, but still has an indoor waterpark.

Timber Ridge in Lake Geneva is great! It has an indoor Water Park. It's a lot closer than the Dells and they have a very friendly little kids area inside the Water Park. They have kitchens in the rooms (no ovens) but a stove top, microwave, toaster, full size fridge, pots, dishes... You can bring whatever you want and eat in the room or eat at one of their places.

How about Starved Rock State Park? There is a fantastic lodge with nice rooms and a swimming pool. You can go exploring in the caves, see the waterfalls, and there are hiking trails that are paved for a toddler or a stroller. The Sunday Brunch in the Lodge is fabulous too!

A toddler favorite is the JG Shedd Aquarium. and it is also very close to the museum of natural history which has some great kid type exhibits.

My bro likes to go to Great Wolf Lodge in the Dells for weekend trips. The first time he went, his d was 2 and they had a great time. You could also check out Michigan. They have a bunch of harvest festivals and there are a number of kids museums and such. We went to St Joseph in August and visited the Curious Kids Museum. All the kids had fun there. There are also lots of things within 40 miles--quick to get to since I94 is a straight drive through. There is a festival this coming weekend and they will have petting zoos and such. YOu can check out stuff at www.puremichigan.com and do a search by towns and things to do. St Joe is only about 1 hour and 45 minutes away.

We just took a mini vacation to Wisconsin - right over the border to Apple Holler. It has apple & pumpkin picking, games, animals, restaurant, etc.. We spent about 4 hours there, then stayed at a local hotel with a pool. On the way home, we went to Fright Fest at Great America. We were lucky with the weather last weekend though.