Looking for vacation ideas in the Midwest (that we can drive and economical) for children ages 1, 4, & 8. We like to swim, water parks, amusement parks, go carts etc. We have been to the dells a few times and while we always have a great time we would like to try somewhere else.
Three years ago my sister rented an RV so where ever they chose to go they would not have to deal with hotels or moving items from car to hotel. They went to New Mexico and she said it was nice because their daughters had all there games, video, etc. right in the RV with them. Many RV also allow you to attach a small car to the back so you don't have to drive the RV to explore or sight see.
Just an idea.
What about camping? Or Door County? Or driving to a local "festival" - like the IL or WI state fair?
If you are considering local camping, we were very happy with Happy Acres Campground just over the WI boarder. It's very family friendly. Has a pool, a local lake, animals to visit, and events that are all appropriate for kids. They do rent out cabins too if you lack camping gear.
Door county has tons of rentals. There is a local petting zoo just outside of town. And the Penninsula State Park has an awsome beach, complete with a sandbar close to shore and rentals for boats. The town is very nice. It's very scenic to drive around. Depending when you go I think you can pick strawberries or blueberries also - the kids tend to eat more than they pick.
As for the state fairs, we haven't been, but we have been to several county fairs. The kids LOVED seeing all the animals and rides. We rented a lakeside cabin in WI, then went to the county fair one day. It was a lot of fun. And then we went "home" to cool off in the lake. The kids love fishing, canoeing, water skiing, etc. Even if they were too small, it was fun to go on the boat ride.
I hope the suggestions help. I'd find a fair, festival or attraction you want to see, then work backwards from there on accommodations. BTW - you can usually "hold" a hotel room without having to put down a deposit. The rates usually increase as the event nears and rooms are booked.
Sara
My family enjoyed Branson,MO. They have a variety of shows, water parks, theme parks, 2-story go karts and a dinosaur museum. my children enjoyed themselves. ages 3,5,8 and 36(husband) :)
Door County, Wiconsin (Fish Creek, Ephraim) is a lovely area to, either camp or find a hotel or b&b. Saugatuck/South Haven Michigan is an awesome driving area. Love the beaches in Saugatuck. There's great little shops, lovely parks, nice eateries and you can rent a home, go to a hotel, camp or B & B. St. Joseph, Michigan is much closer. They have a lovely lighthouse pier, nice beach, nice eateries, shopping (although not as expansive as the other Michigan locations that I mentioned) and they have a nice park, right on the beach. Easy drive (I-355 s to I-80/94 and head east-less than 2 hours from your home)
Enjoy.
