Awesome Ideas For Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations In The Midwest: 2024 Edition
Looking for Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations? Get ready for a summer of family fun in the Midwest with these kid-approved vacation spots! 🌞👨👩👧👦 #MidwestVacation #FamilyTravel #SummerFun
Minneapolis, MN – Summer is the perfect time for a family getaway, and the Midwest offers plenty of kid-friendly destinations that will create lasting memories. From thrilling amusement parks to stunning natural wonders, there’s something for every family in this diverse region. Pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in America’s heartland!
Ideas for Fun, Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations in the Midwest
Illinois
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Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
Get up close and personal with fish, sharks, and even beluga whales at this huge aquarium. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and watching the aquatic animals swim around.
Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby
Take a hike through the lush forests and explore the cool, misty waterfalls at this beautiful state park. Pack a picnic and enjoy the fresh air and stunning views.
Legoland Discovery Center, Schaumburg
Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they build and play with millions of Lego bricks. They can even go on fun rides and watch exciting 4D movies.
Indiana
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Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
This massive museum has tons of interactive exhibits that kids will love, from dinosaurs to outer space. They can even dig for real fossils!
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus
Spend a thrilling day riding roller coasters and water slides at this family-friendly amusement park. Don’t forget to cool off in the wave pool or lazy river.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter
Build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and hike through the sandy dunes at this beautiful national park along Lake Michigan. You might even spot some cool birds or wildlife.
Iowa
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Adventureland Park, Altoona
Scream with excitement on the roller coasters, get soaked on the water rides, and play fun carnival games at this classic amusement park. There’s something for everyone in the family.
Blank Park Zoo, Des Moines
Come face to face with lions, giraffes, and more at this cool zoo. Kids can even feed the parakeets and ride the train around the park.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque
Learn all about the mighty Mississippi River and the animals that call it home at this fascinating museum and aquarium. Touch real sturgeons and crawl through a beaver dam!
Kansas
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Tanganyika Wildlife Park, Goddard
Get up close and personal with lemurs, kangaroos, and even pygmy hippos at this unique wildlife park. You can even hand-feed giraffes and ride camels!
Strataca, Hutchinson
Venture deep underground into a real salt mine and see how workers used to extract the salty mineral. Kids will love riding the train and seeing the huge crystal formations.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Overland Park
Step back in time to an old-fashioned farm and feed baby goats, ride ponies, and fish in the pond at this delightful farmstead. Kids will love the hands-on activities and learning about life on the farm.
Michigan
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire
Climb the towering sand dunes, splash in the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan, and hike through the lush forests at this breathtaking national lakeshore. You might even see a bald eagle soaring overhead!
The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Explore the fascinating history of American innovation and ingenuity at this huge museum complex. Kids will love seeing real Model T cars, riding in a real Ford Model AA bus, and even exploring a replica of Thomas Edison’s lab.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the incredible sculptures at this one-of-a-kind park. Kids will love the interactive children’s garden and the tropical conservatory filled with butterflies.
Minnesota
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Mall of America, Bloomington
Shop till you drop, ride thrilling roller coasters, and even visit an aquarium all under one roof at this massive mall. There’s endless fun for the whole family.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul
Get up close to polar bears, giraffes, and more at this free zoo, then explore the beautiful gardens and conservatory. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and playground.
Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul
Experience the ultimate summer festival with thrilling rides, live music, and endless food options (don’t miss the famous cheese curds!) at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Kids will love the petting zoo, butterfly house, and daily parades.
Missouri
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Silver Dollar City, Branson
Step back in time to the 1880s at this unique theme park with thrilling rides, live shows, and artisan crafts. Pan for gold, ride the steam train, and chow down on delicious comfort food.
St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis
See lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) at this world-class zoo, consistently ranked one of the best in the nation. Don’t miss the penguin exhibit or the interactive stingray pool.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Middle Brook
Slide down natural rock waterfalls and swim in crystal-clear pools at this unique state park. Hike the scenic trails and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
Nebraska
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Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha
Explore the world’s largest indoor desert, largest indoor rainforest, and one of the largest aquariums in the country at this incredible zoo. Kids will love seeing the gorillas, tigers, and penguins up close.
Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Bayard
Step back in time to the Wild West and see the iconic rock formation that guided pioneers along the Oregon Trail. Visit the museum to learn about the history and geology of the area.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Ashland
Spend a day or a weekend at this family-friendly park with a water park, mini-golf, horseback riding, and more. Hike the trails, fish in the lake, or just relax and enjoy nature.
North Dakota
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Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora
Explore the rugged badlands, spot bison and wild horses, and learn about the 26th president’s conservation legacy at this stunning national park. Kids will love the ranger-led programs and scenic drives.
Scandinavian Heritage Park, Minot
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Scandinavian immigrants at this fascinating park with a full-scale Gol Stave Church replica, a Dala Horse, and more. Don’t miss the Nordic festival in the fall.
Dakota Zoo, Bismarck
Get up close and personal with over 125 species of animals, from grizzly bears to river otters, at this small but mighty zoo. Feed the goats and sheep at the petting zoo and enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
Ohio
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Cedar Point, Sandusky
Scream your head off on some of the world’s tallest and fastest roller coasters at this legendary amusement park. There’s also plenty of tamer rides for little ones and a beach to relax on.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland/Akron area
Hike through lush forests, paddle down the scenic Cuyahoga River, and take a ride on the historic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad at this beautiful national park. Don’t miss the stunning Brandywine Falls.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell
See over 9,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, gorillas, and manatees, at this world-renowned zoo. Take a spin on the carousel and cool off at the water park.
South Dakota
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Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone
Marvel at the iconic 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents carved into the granite mountainside. Learn about the history and creation of the monument at the visitor center.
Badlands National Park, Interior
Explore the otherworldly landscape of rugged rock formations, towering spires, and deep canyons at this stunning national park. Keep an eye out for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs.
Wall Drug, Wall
Step back in time at this quirky roadside attraction that grew from a small drug store to a sprawling complex with a soda fountain, gift shops, and even a giant jackalope statue. Don’t forget to grab a “free ice water” and some homemade donuts.
Wisconsin
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Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin Dells
Splash and play at the “Waterpark Capital of the World” with over 20 indoor and outdoor water parks, plus mini-golf, go-karts, and more. Take a scenic boat tour through the stunning sandstone cliffs.
Lambeau Field, Green Bay
Tour the iconic home of the Green Bay Packers and learn about the team’s history at the Packers Hall of Fame. Kids will love trying on the gear and running through the player tunnel.
Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
Explore stunning crystal formations and underground pools at this National Natural Landmark. Take a guided tour and learn about the geology and history of the cave.
Conclusion
The Midwest is a treasure trove of family-friendly summer vacation spots that offer a perfect blend of fun, education, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for thrills, adventure, or just some quality time together, these destinations are sure to delight kids of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Midwest summer getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime! Happy travels.
🗣 What are you summer travel plans? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
