13 Awesome Midwest Family Vacations (with little kids)

With its diverse natural beauty, cultural attractions, and exciting outdoor activities, the Midwest is a great destination for families of all ages.

Planning midwest family vacations with kids may not be the most popular choice for some families, but don't discount what this beautiful land has to offer. Here are some beautiful midwest family getaways and destinations you might know know about that both you and your little ones will be sure to love!

In This Post

Ideas for Midwest Family Vacations with Younger Kids

Our little family of six has evolved into an era where we can now take some vacations to places other than our backyard. While I'm sad that era of our life is gone, we're really excited about this next stage of exploring the world with our little ones in tow.

These are all of the places that are on our bucket list before our kids head off to college! I've done my best to round up some of the internet favorites on places to go with littles. I've also found some other bloggers who wrote a trip report on some of these destinations, which are linked.

I hope this helps you in planning a vacation in the midwest - we're more that just farm and plain land! There is just SO MUCH to do!

1. Door County, Wisconsin

There are tons of beaches in Door County. The beaches are gorgeous and all have their reasons for visiting. It has 300 miles of shoreline and known for all of its orchards, cherry pie and 11 amazing and historic lighthouses.

More Information About Door County

Official Visitors Site: Door County Visitor's Bureau
Ranked List of Things to Do: Best Things to Do and Explore in Door County
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Real Experiences on What You Can Do with Family

Where to Stay in Door County

2. Mount Rushmore & Rapid City, South Dakota

Mount Rushmore is a beautiful monument, but there are so many things to do in Rapid City. There are restored buildings, green public space and tons of statues of our Presidents. Nearby Rapid City has a walkable downtown area where you can spend time trying to find the 43 life-sized bronze presidential statues on the street corners of downtown.

More Information About Mount Rushmore and Rapid City South Dakota

Official Visitors Site: Rapid City Visitor's page
Ranked List of Things To Do: Planning Your Visit to Mount Rushmore
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Mount Rushmore and Rapid City Suggested Itinerary

Where to Stay in Mount Rushmore and Rapid City

Hotels Near Mount Rushmore

3. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

You can climb and explore anywhere in the Badlands, which makes it amazing places for littles. The kids can also be part of the Junior Ranger program to earn a badge during their vacation.

More Information About Badlands National Park

Official Visitors Guide: Visitor's Center National Park
Ranked List of Things to Do: Badlands National Park Things To Do with Family
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Visiting Badlands with Kids

Where to Stay in Badlands National Park

4. Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota

There are so many things to do, including the Northland Arboretum, Moondance Ranch, Adventure Park, Paul Bunyan land and the Franklin Art Center. The city is known for the Brainerd International Raceway which draws crowds in August for the national drag race. The has a lot of information on other activities you can explore.

More Information About Brainerd Lakes

Official Visitors Site: Brainerd Visitor's Page
Ranked List of Things To Do: 28 Things to Do in Brainerd Lakes in the Midwest
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Amazing Things to Do in Brainerd with Kids

Where to Stay in Brainerd Lake

5. Omaha, Nebraska

If you live in the heartland, Omaha is only a few hours away and has one of the best zoos in the nation. They are known for their pioneer history, museums and amazing cultural centers.

More Information About Omaha

Official Visitors Site: Omaha Visitor's Center
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to do in Omaha
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: One Way Getaway to Omaha, Nebraska

Where to Stay in Omaha

6. Grand Island, Nebraska

Grand Island is in central Nebraska and is the home of the Crane Trust Nature Visitor Center, Stuhr Museum of Prairie Pioneer and Island Oasis Water Park.

More Information About Grand Island

Official Visitors Site: Grand Island Tourism
Ranked List of Things To Do: Top List of Things to Do in Grand Island
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Grand Island Nebraska with Kids

Where to Stay in Grand Island

7. Kansas City, Missouri

I might be biased, but there is just SO MUCH to do in Kansas City! From Science City, Worlds of Fun, Union Station, Sea Life, Lego Land, Shatto Milk Tour, Liberty Memorial, Wonderscope, Hallmark Kaleidoscope, great barbeque, live jazz bands - the list goes on and on! Check out my Kansas City guide on my Family Vacations page.

More Information About Kansas City

Official Visitors Site: Visit KC Tourism
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to Do in Kansas City
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: 3 Day Weekend in Kansas City

Where to Stay in Kansas City

8. Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis is such a beautiful city, especially when you are driving from Columbia to Saint Louis because of all the gorgeous foliage in the fall. I would recommend visiting the Arch, Children's City Museum, Anheuser Busch tour and visiting the downtown area for delicious food. Don't try STL BBQ, Kansas City BBQ is way better. KIDDING!

More Information About Saint Louis

Official Visitors Site: Explore Saint Louis
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to Do in Saint Louis
Real Trip Reports: St. Louis with Kids for a Weekend

Where to Stay in Saint Louis

9. Branson, Missouri

We absolutely love going to Branson. Yes, it's the home of a lot of corny shows, but it is a great family city! The strip can also not be missed! There is a Mexican restaurant that has delicious food that you will need to visit as well.

When we go down there, we stay at Big Cedar Lodge and it does not disappoint. Make sure you do the Top of the Rock Branson golf cart tour - our family of six loved the beautiful landscape of waterfalls and caves!

More Information About Branson

Official Visitors Site: Branson Tourism
Ranked List of Things To Do: Activities to do in Branson
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Money saving tips and hacks for Silver Dollar City.

Where to Stay in Branson

10. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

This is the summer destination for all families in Kansas City and Saint Louis, and it could be yours too! As a family, I would recommend staying away from Party Cove, but everything else is fair game. There is world class golfing, shopping and fishing to be had!

More Information About Lake of the Ozarks

Official Visitors Site: Lake of the Ozark's Visitor's Guide
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to Do with Little Kids at Lake of the Ozarks
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Lake of the Ozarks with Kids

Where to Stay at Lake of the Ozarks

VRBO is where it's at for the lake

11. Springfield, Illinois

Springfield is home to Henson Robinson Zoo, Knight's Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure and the Dana-Thomas House! Washington Park is beautiful when the blooms are out! This should definitely be part of any of your plans for midwest family vacations!

More Information About Springfield

Official Visitors Site: Springfield Visitors Bureau
Ranked List of Things To Do: Tripadvisor Top Things to Do in Springfield
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Best Things to Do in Springfield, Missouri

Where to Stay in Springfield

VRBOs in Springfield, MO

12. Holland Michigan

Holland Michigan is known for it's Dutch heritage as well as the Tulip Time Festival in May. There's a pony farm your kids must visit! If you are considering a midwest family vacation, this should be on your list!

More Information About Holland

Official Visitors Site: Discover Holland
Ranked List of Things To Do: Top Things to Do in Holland, Michigan
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Summer Vacation Tips Blog Post for Holland

Where to Stay in Holland

13. Indianapolis, Indiana

You'll need to visit the Children's Museum of Indianapolis - it has five floors of fun! You should spend a whole day dedicated to this museum because it is packed with a ton of fun! There are a million places to eat that your kids will love in Indy!

More Information About Indianapolis

Official Visitors Site: Visitor's Center for Indianapolis
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to Do in Indianapolis with Family
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Family Friendly Trip and Experiences with Kids

Where to Stay in Indianapolis

Places to Stay with Families in Indianapolis

14. Cincinnati, Ohio

From a botanical garden to an aquarium, Cincinatti is has an amazing history and attractions that will sure to keep your family entertained. There is Kings Island, which is an amusement for everyone.

Here are some of the best hotels and stays in Cincinnati, Ohio that you can check out.

More Information About Cincinnati

Official Visitors Site: Cincinnati Visitor's Bureau
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to Do in Cincinnati, Ohio
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Midwest Ohio Things To Do on Vacation and 48 Hours in Cincinnati with Kids

Where to Stay in Cincinnati

Hotels in Cincinnati for Families

15. Sandusky, Ohio

This city is on the shores of Lake Erie. With a ton of family attractions, this is not to be missed (even if it's last on this list). There's a huge amusement park that is known for it's multiple rollercoasters as well as a Merry-Go-Round Museum that has gorgeous detail! The Maritime Museum is also not to be missed.

More Information About Sandusky

Official Visitors Site: Sandusky Visitor's Website
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things to Do in Sandusky Year Round
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Best Things to Do in Sandusky

Where to Stay in Sandusky

Hotels in Sandusky for Families

16. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is definitely a big city, but it is somewhat in the midwest. If you are heading to St. Louis or Kansas City on a road trip, Chicago is one of the cities you can pretty much get lost in. There is so much to do, from big city stuff all the way to suburban activities for families.

More Information About Chicago

Official Visitors Site: Choose Chicago
Ranked List of Things To Do: Things To Do in Chicago
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: 3 Days in Chicago with Kids

Where to Stay in Chicago

Family Friendly Hotels in Chicago

17. Rogers, Arkansas and Beaver Lake

This is an alternative to Lake of the Ozarks. It is beautiful and serene.

More Information About Rogers

Official Visitors Guide: Visit Rogers
Ranked List of Things To Do: Top Things to Do in Rogers, Arkansas
Real Trip Reports and Experiences: Beaver Lake with Kids

Where to Stay in Rogers

These are VRBO's that I've seen others post around Rogers, Arkansas that you should definitely check out and consider for your next stay.

Summary of Affordable Midwest Family Vacations

Now, you have no excuse to visit the midwest! There are so many places and things to do in between those BIG vacations. I hope this helps you plan your next few midwest family vacations.

If you are looking for a BIGGER vacation idea, I've written about our family's experiences as a family of six doing an amazing double vacation at Disney World Parks followed by a Disney Cruise that you can read about here.

More Family Vacation Inspiration with Young Kids

If you loved this post on travels with family, check out these other vacation ideas with younger kids.

Are you looking for affordable midwest family vacations with kids? Here's a summary of various places (and links to other blogs)!

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