Hello All,
Well, it appears that I no longer have an original idea of my own anymore. I just run right out here and post a question. I read through a few other posts about good toddler friendly vacations but really didn't see much that pertained to us.
Hubby and I will have four consecutive days off coming up here in a few weeks. We are from the Plainfield area and would love to take one or two day trips (no overnighters) with our 2 yr old. We can go to the zoo or into the city anytime so we were thinking that we could maybe visit another state. We are not looking to be on the road for hours and hours at a time, but would be willing to travel 1- 1.5 hours each way to a destination. We are fairly new to this state and are pretty unfamiliar with the places on the Illinois and Indiana travel sites. There are some museums and all but we are not sure how much our daughter would really get out of a museum at this age.
Any recommendations for a good short day-trip maybe somewhere in Indiana or somewhere in Illinois?
Thanks for the ideas ladies.
Have you thought about going to Grizzly Jack's Resort (Utica, IL - Starved Rock)? They have a great indoor water park for toddlers and adults.
Dear Mommy, I see someone posted about blackberry historical museum. There is also a childrens museum called scitech in Aurora. it is great. it has a lot of hands on stuff. my grandchildren love it. my own children loved it when they were small. its good for a couple hours of fun. Across the street from it is a stone fountain of spinning rocks. pretty cool also phillips park has a small zoo attached. its free to get into so no cost. has a beautiful memorial and lake. really great way to spend a day when i was a child there was a waterfall. not sure if thats still there but if it is your little one will love it.
separate spot. my son goes to school in kenosha wisconsin. its pretty up there and they have a lot of stuff to do. only about an hour and 45 minutes away. just past 6 flags which also has a new indoor water park called key lime cove.
Indiana Dunes State Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan is a fun place to run around. Fair Oaks dairy farm in Indiana has daily tours and an ice cream shop. If that's too far, any 2 year old boy would love a tour of the local fire dept.! Call ahead to check their policy on visitors.
Grizzly Jack's Resort is about 1 1/2 hours southwest from Plainfield...in Utica, IL and Starved Rock State Park. It's a really small town that built this nice, but not too large resort with an indoor water park and separate amusement park area. It's all in a wooded area away from the hustle and bustle of the city and urban life. We went in the winter when they first opened and didn't have the amusement part open yet, but we still had a good time. Great atmosphere.
In Aurora, there is the Blackberry Farm Historical Village. They have animals, a carousel, a train ride. you can see a blacksmith shop, etc. It is run by the Fox valley park district. there is an admission charge. you might want to check the fox valley park district website for more info. but I think you would enjoy it. plus, it is not too far from home! you can bring a picnic or eat from their concession stand. Also, further north up the fox, you might check about the st. charles belle riverboat that runs(at least it used to) from potawatomie park in st. charles. it was always a fun thing to do too. There is also the sci-tech museum in downtown aurora. I have not been there, but hear it is good.
Milwaukee, WI. I had never been and we did a 3 day trip before taking the ferry over to MI. They have some nice beaches, a children's museum, zoo, family friendly resturants, shopping. We went to a Brewers game. The stadium caters to kids/families! The city was nothing like I thought it would be! We stayed in a great Residence Inn right on the river.
Just a thought...
Most cities have science museums. They have lots of hands on activities for chidren of all ages.
I was also thinking of the Indiana Dunes. Also, Starved Rock in Lasalle(ish), IL. They have an indoor waterpark there, too, if that interests you. The Morton Arboretum has a nice little children's garden and lots of trails if you are into walking/biking. My mom and I are taking my 2 y/o and infant to New Buffalo, MI next month. Lots of shopping and the beach, as well as the casino and wine tours, tho the last two are probably not goint to happen with the little ones in tow. Have fun whatever you decide to do!
