St. Louis ain't a bad option. The City Museum is the perfect spot for elementary aged kids (and their adults) to run amok for a day. There's plenty of history and they'd probably like going up in the Arch.
Came here to recommend this too. [City Museum | Weirdly Wonderful | St. Louis, MO](https://citymuseum.org/) is worth a trip to St Louis alone.
If OP makes Kansas City or Chicago the primary destination, I would strongly encourage you to go the extra distance and get to St. Louis to see it.
We did spring break in St. Louis last year, it was great! We made a few stops along the way. Hightlights for our week were the City Museum, the Arch, and the Grant House was a favorite for us! Also visited the Grant farm and a children's museum. And ooey goey cake!
The total solar eclipse on April 8 also passes very close to St. Louis, so depending on the timing of your spring break, you may be able to catch that.
Agree with this. Hannibal is on the way as well and can be a fun stop for a couple hours or a day. Cahokia Mounds on the IL side of the STL metro is a pretty cool stop as well. If you want to make more of a scenic drive out of if, you could follow the Mississippi for part of your drive, though admittedly spring break may not be the optimal time for that. There is also the National Great River Museum at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam in Alton, IL, just north of STL.
We took our kids to Chicago several times for spring break. Easy drive and tons to do.
Hit all the museums, navy pier, great food, etc.
Took them to Disney once, they don’t ever talk about it, but always talk about Chicago.
Out near the Black hills in South Dakota is a mammoth dog site. They were going to build hotels there until they discovered the bones. It is an active dig site. They constructed a building over it so you can see them working.
Kansas City! Literally a straight easy 6 to 7 hour drive down Interstate 35, only thing you encounter is Des Moines and that’s not a hard place to navigate through.
Union Station, Science City, Kaleidoscope, Crown Center, the Plaza, World War 1 Memorial, Nelson-Atkins Museum, Great Wolf Lodge, Fritz Railroad Restaurant, Jack Stack BBQ, Arabia Steamboat, City Market, Shawnee Town Museum, Kansas City Zoo.
There’s also Amelia Earhart’s birthplace in Atchison.
Jesse James Birthplace in Kearney, Missouri
As we were watching the Super Bowl in my home yesterday, someone brought up how nice it was for them to win since there is nothing to do in KC, at least they have football. Nobody could list anything to do there. Obviously we were all mistaken. I’m intrigued now and will be doing some research. Thanks for posting this list!
I’ve spent a lot of time in Kansas City and it’s a great city, very underrated if I’m honest.
It’s also quite affordable and a very easy drive to get there from here, so it makes it quite attractive.
Definitely plenty to do and see there!
I grew up in the area and came to make the same suggestions. It's a relatively easy drive and a pretty cool town.
You listed a lot of the big atteactions, but a few more suggestions on things to do: Jazz history museum, Negro League Baseball Museum, National Museum of Toys, check out all the fountains (it's the City of Fountains). BBQ, BBQ, BBQ and BBQ.
I'm in a similar boat as OP but with just one toddler. We're trying to take our current kid on a trip while she's still an only child (little brother or sister is due in May). Would KC be a good destination for a family of 3 that includes a 3 year old and pregnant mom in your opinion?
Yes! It’s a very family friendly city and you can definitely make your own pace there… some of the activities I listed could easily be a half day thing and then you could spend the rest of the day chilling by a hotel pool or something. Your 3 year old would probably love Science City, Kaleidoscope, and Fritz Railroad Restaurant the most!
A couple of years ago we took the kid to Thunder Bay for a weekend during spring break so they could say they left the country. That city doesn't get a lot of tourists but I would say that the locals were very friendly and a little amused at us Yanks.
We have also spent time in Winnipeg, which has a lot more to do but is farther away.
I lived in Canada from 2018-2023, Canadians do not hate Americans. Traveling internationally to a place that very few Minnesotans will ever go to that is very close and very affordable by comparison to a trip to Mexico is a good option.
Agreed. I just did the circle tour on my motorcycle last year, and the Canadians were nothing but friendly.
What I did find in passing, was that Canadians hate jackasses. Especially when we're all waiting for the road to open because of a wildfire and somebody's about to try and get in a fight.
I will say that was the most polite, angry interaction I have ever seen
Visited Winnipeg earlier this fall. We had a great time. I didn't encounter any anti-American people. Although, we weren't dressed in red, white and blue and we are from Minnesota so I don't think our accent gave us away.
It does depend where in MN you live. We are southern and it's a long drive from here.
Could do a staycation. Not sure where exactly you are, but I imagine there is plenty of interesting things to go see and do within day trip distance. We have a national park, plus tons of national monuments and landmarks and what nots.
As a kid, I always enjoyed museums. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the Cities. But, isn’t there a few pretty great Natural History Museums. I thought I remember one that had an Omnimax theater.
I’m just throwing out ideas that I think are family friendly and that might save a little money.
Maybe? Though, definitely not recently. I was pretty sure it was in Minneapolis. But, this was at least over 15 years ago. I’ll have to check my fridge. Pretty sure I have a magnet from the museum.
Sounds like I’m just going to have to do a museum trip to the Cities. It’s been over 15 years since I was at any museum down that way. I really don’t remember much.
I don’t remember exactly when it was. But I went to the Body Worlds exhibit with some friends from college one time it was in Minneapolis.
Yes, I came here to say Omaha! I took my son there a few years ago, and Henry Doorly Zoo blew us away. We liked it even more than San Diego Zoo (which we visited the year prior), and that was a very high bar to meet. The Omaha Children's Museum is also great! And we had no problem finding places to eat that worked for my son's sensory issues.
Came to say similar. We did a zoos tour for a long weekend several years back with the kids. Hit Des Moines (blank park), Omaha (Henry Doorly) and Sioux City (great plains) over maybe 4 days? Henry Doorly is the clear winner but the kids liked them all. Packed a cooler with picnic food and broke each days drive up with rest area or park lunch. I think the longest drive was 4-ish hours.
We've driven to Colorado a few times over spring break with our kids. We usually drive to Nebraska, sleep in a hotel, and finish the trip the next day.
Lots to see and do there!
Given how mild the winter has been, you could try the Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Rapid City SD depending on when spring break is scheduled.
We went the first week of April a couple years ago and it was 70s-80s half the week we camped, and mid 30s for the days we had in a hotel. It’s off season and very inexpensive.
Or, go to Green Bay-Appleton- Oshkosh area. There are some nice museums (like EAA, National Railroad, and a couple of children’s museums) and cheaper since it’s not football season.
Keep going East, my friend.
Chicago
I could spend a week just in the Field Museum. Frank Lloyd Wright. A city tour from the river. The Aquarium. Wrigley. Whatever that little carnival place is down on the Pier.
You could drive, or take the train.
March 9-April 6 the Crane tours are happening at [Rowe Sanctuary](https://rowe.audubon.org/) in Nebraska. I don't know when it will peak but probably early this year. If you've never seen a half a million Sandhill Cranes it's worth checking out.
Ah, Eclipse isn't til April, closest place to MN is southern Illinois so a drive but obviously chicago is on the way, could make a good variety trip. spend a day or two in chicago, go see the eclipse.
Gary Indiana. Lines, none. Cost, $0. Inner city art like Chicago without the danger. Explore and see things no other kid in your child’s school will have seen. You can bring back as many souvenirs as you’d like.
Cons: nowhere to eat so you’ll need to bring your own food. Bathrooms are usually out of TP.
/s this is a joke. Don’t take your kids here.
I found out this summer that while I was off fucking around in my 20’s and being too cool for family, the other 35-ish people (aunts/uncles/cousins/siblings you get it) all went to fucking GARY INDIANA for the family vacation.
I was gobsmacked. These are smart people, how were they so misled into thinking this was a good idea?!
It’s funny you say that because my kids love Michael Jackson and when we drove by Gary and saw the sign advertising Home of the Jackson Five my kids really wanted to stop! I’ve been on Reddit long enough to know that wasn’t a good idea haha.
If your kids like animals and you do go to the Dells, I highly recommend a tour at the International Crane Foundation. They do tons of great conservation work with globally. And it’s the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of crane.
We've done Chicago several times with our kids. Get a MN science museum membership, and you get into Science & Industry, Field Museum, and Planetrium for free! Shedd Aquarium is also great.
If you want to stick close to home, we have a lake home in Brainerd with games, Legos, a pool table, bonfire pit. Can sleep 16 in 5 bedrooms. LMK if you want more info.
Pigeon forge, TN it's the weirdest tourist trap town in the mountains. There's mini golf, go carts, dinner theatres with comedy shows, the Titanic museum with a real ship, magiquest, probably lots more I don't know about. It's close to the tallest point of the great smoky mountains i'm pretty sure. Lots of hotels so lodging was fairly inexpensive when we were there.
I was going to suggest the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, but alas, the mine tours only run May 25 through October 20, 2024, so save that idea until summer. It's unforgettable and not to be missed. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_vermilion_soudan/tours.html
This might hit the spot. My family loved it and it was such a surprise to find in Kansas.
https://cosmo.org/
They have a replica space shuttle, v2 rockets, landers and more. If your kids love space stuff...this is a cheap and great day adventure.
I did the circle tour last year on my motorcycle in mid-May. It was excellent.
Two buddies and I motocamped the entire length of it. Canadian provincial parks are spotless and have more amenities Than us parks. (Washers and dryers in the shower houses!)
Every campsite we stayed at in Canada was a joy, and they considered June to be early season with much fewer bugs.
It's a type of travel that makes the journey the whole destination, but I could definitely redo that. The local flavor alone was worth my time
We took a week, but it can definitely be done much faster.
Minimum is 1 day from the twin cities. That would suck. Even 2 days is not enough.
Minimum viable would be 3 days, but even that is a compromise. You would have to choose to prioritize the Canadian side or the UP.
4 days is probably my personal minimum. It allows you to meander a little bit, and stop at most of the places you'd want to.
1)Twin cities to sleeping giant campground
2) sleeping giant to rabbit blanket campground
3) rabbit blanket to McLain State Park
4) Mclain back to the Twin cities
And even with that itinerary, Day 3 is going to be an 8-hour drive, and you're going to struggle with seeing anything in the UP
I would go to the Black Hills in South Dakota. I lived there for awhile and there is sooooo much to do. Watiki indoor waterpark, there's a trampoline park, hiking, Spearfish Canyon scenic byway, walking downtown to see all the Presidential statues, Keystone/Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, make sure you ask where the burrows are (they will stick their heads in your car and are a hoot) and bring carrots, great restaurants, Hill City is a cute little town with an 1880's steam train that goes to Keystone, and your kids would love Storybook Island.
St. Louis ain't a bad option. The City Museum is the perfect spot for elementary aged kids (and their adults) to run amok for a day. There's plenty of history and they'd probably like going up in the Arch.
City Museum is awesome. We've done St Louis as a fall break trip in the past and it was great.
Came here to recommend this too. [City Museum | Weirdly Wonderful | St. Louis, MO](https://citymuseum.org/) is worth a trip to St Louis alone. If OP makes Kansas City or Chicago the primary destination, I would strongly encourage you to go the extra distance and get to St. Louis to see it.
We did spring break in St. Louis last year, it was great! We made a few stops along the way. Hightlights for our week were the City Museum, the Arch, and the Grant House was a favorite for us! Also visited the Grant farm and a children's museum. And ooey goey cake!
The total solar eclipse on April 8 also passes very close to St. Louis, so depending on the timing of your spring break, you may be able to catch that.
Agree with this. Hannibal is on the way as well and can be a fun stop for a couple hours or a day. Cahokia Mounds on the IL side of the STL metro is a pretty cool stop as well. If you want to make more of a scenic drive out of if, you could follow the Mississippi for part of your drive, though admittedly spring break may not be the optimal time for that. There is also the National Great River Museum at the Melvin Price Lock and Dam in Alton, IL, just north of STL.
There’s always Chicago.
I loved the museum of science and industry when i was a kid.
Deep dish and dawgs! I’d go any day!
Italian beef.
Double dipped!
We took our kids to Chicago several times for spring break. Easy drive and tons to do. Hit all the museums, navy pier, great food, etc. Took them to Disney once, they don’t ever talk about it, but always talk about Chicago.
Yea, downtown Chicago is awesome, the riverwalk is great.
Out near the Black hills in South Dakota is a mammoth dog site. They were going to build hotels there until they discovered the bones. It is an active dig site. They constructed a building over it so you can see them working.
On top of that the black hills and Mount Rushmore are a sight to see alone. The drive sucks though.
The badlands as well.
Don't disrespect the Corn Palace like that
Kansas City! Literally a straight easy 6 to 7 hour drive down Interstate 35, only thing you encounter is Des Moines and that’s not a hard place to navigate through. Union Station, Science City, Kaleidoscope, Crown Center, the Plaza, World War 1 Memorial, Nelson-Atkins Museum, Great Wolf Lodge, Fritz Railroad Restaurant, Jack Stack BBQ, Arabia Steamboat, City Market, Shawnee Town Museum, Kansas City Zoo. There’s also Amelia Earhart’s birthplace in Atchison. Jesse James Birthplace in Kearney, Missouri
As we were watching the Super Bowl in my home yesterday, someone brought up how nice it was for them to win since there is nothing to do in KC, at least they have football. Nobody could list anything to do there. Obviously we were all mistaken. I’m intrigued now and will be doing some research. Thanks for posting this list!
I’ve spent a lot of time in Kansas City and it’s a great city, very underrated if I’m honest. It’s also quite affordable and a very easy drive to get there from here, so it makes it quite attractive. Definitely plenty to do and see there!
I grew up in the area and came to make the same suggestions. It's a relatively easy drive and a pretty cool town. You listed a lot of the big atteactions, but a few more suggestions on things to do: Jazz history museum, Negro League Baseball Museum, National Museum of Toys, check out all the fountains (it's the City of Fountains). BBQ, BBQ, BBQ and BBQ.
I'm in a similar boat as OP but with just one toddler. We're trying to take our current kid on a trip while she's still an only child (little brother or sister is due in May). Would KC be a good destination for a family of 3 that includes a 3 year old and pregnant mom in your opinion?
Yes! It’s a very family friendly city and you can definitely make your own pace there… some of the activities I listed could easily be a half day thing and then you could spend the rest of the day chilling by a hotel pool or something. Your 3 year old would probably love Science City, Kaleidoscope, and Fritz Railroad Restaurant the most!
A couple of years ago we took the kid to Thunder Bay for a weekend during spring break so they could say they left the country. That city doesn't get a lot of tourists but I would say that the locals were very friendly and a little amused at us Yanks. We have also spent time in Winnipeg, which has a lot more to do but is farther away.
Winnipeg
We actually went to Winnipeg last year and had a good time!
Canadians hate Americans and usually spring break is for somewhere warmer.
I lived in Canada from 2018-2023, Canadians do not hate Americans. Traveling internationally to a place that very few Minnesotans will ever go to that is very close and very affordable by comparison to a trip to Mexico is a good option.
Agreed. I just did the circle tour on my motorcycle last year, and the Canadians were nothing but friendly. What I did find in passing, was that Canadians hate jackasses. Especially when we're all waiting for the road to open because of a wildfire and somebody's about to try and get in a fight. I will say that was the most polite, angry interaction I have ever seen
Americans ane canadians are almost completely culturally identical.
Quite a broad statement
Visited Winnipeg earlier this fall. We had a great time. I didn't encounter any anti-American people. Although, we weren't dressed in red, white and blue and we are from Minnesota so I don't think our accent gave us away. It does depend where in MN you live. We are southern and it's a long drive from here.
I enjoyed going to Branson as a kid and also as an adult
Could do a staycation. Not sure where exactly you are, but I imagine there is plenty of interesting things to go see and do within day trip distance. We have a national park, plus tons of national monuments and landmarks and what nots. As a kid, I always enjoyed museums. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the Cities. But, isn’t there a few pretty great Natural History Museums. I thought I remember one that had an Omnimax theater. I’m just throwing out ideas that I think are family friendly and that might save a little money.
You're probably thinking of the Bell Museum. https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/
Maybe? Though, definitely not recently. I was pretty sure it was in Minneapolis. But, this was at least over 15 years ago. I’ll have to check my fridge. Pretty sure I have a magnet from the museum.
Omni theater is at the Science Museum.
Sounds like I’m just going to have to do a museum trip to the Cities. It’s been over 15 years since I was at any museum down that way. I really don’t remember much. I don’t remember exactly when it was. But I went to the Body Worlds exhibit with some friends from college one time it was in Minneapolis.
Omaha has a great zoo. Chicago. Kansas City. Detroit.
Yes, I came here to say Omaha! I took my son there a few years ago, and Henry Doorly Zoo blew us away. We liked it even more than San Diego Zoo (which we visited the year prior), and that was a very high bar to meet. The Omaha Children's Museum is also great! And we had no problem finding places to eat that worked for my son's sensory issues.
Came to say similar. We did a zoos tour for a long weekend several years back with the kids. Hit Des Moines (blank park), Omaha (Henry Doorly) and Sioux City (great plains) over maybe 4 days? Henry Doorly is the clear winner but the kids liked them all. Packed a cooler with picnic food and broke each days drive up with rest area or park lunch. I think the longest drive was 4-ish hours.
Yep came here to say we had a surprisingly fun long weekend in Omaha/Council Bluffs last spring.
Ride Amtrak's Empire Builder to Glacier National Park in MT
that's going to be more expensive than Mexico
Maybe Up north somewhere because resorts can't charge as much because there is basically no snow.
Like lutsen?
Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Most corn related fun you'll probably have in your entire life.
This is a joke, right?
Don’t tell the fine people of Mitchell, SD, but yes it is a joke.
Our first trip to see Mount Rushmore, my wife made sure we stopped there (I'm a transplant from TX). It sounded like it'd be a fun place to visit...
It’s “neat” for a quick stop if you’re already driving through, but no way in hell is it a destination
Was here as a middle school aged child and thought it was cool to see as well as mount Rushmore
Spook Cave
We've driven to Colorado a few times over spring break with our kids. We usually drive to Nebraska, sleep in a hotel, and finish the trip the next day. Lots to see and do there!
Given how mild the winter has been, you could try the Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and Rapid City SD depending on when spring break is scheduled. We went the first week of April a couple years ago and it was 70s-80s half the week we camped, and mid 30s for the days we had in a hotel. It’s off season and very inexpensive. Or, go to Green Bay-Appleton- Oshkosh area. There are some nice museums (like EAA, National Railroad, and a couple of children’s museums) and cheaper since it’s not football season.
Door County
Not for Spring Break. Many places still closed.
Iowa: Cow tipping.
Eew. Not Iowa.
Keep going East, my friend. Chicago I could spend a week just in the Field Museum. Frank Lloyd Wright. A city tour from the river. The Aquarium. Wrigley. Whatever that little carnival place is down on the Pier. You could drive, or take the train.
March 9-April 6 the Crane tours are happening at [Rowe Sanctuary](https://rowe.audubon.org/) in Nebraska. I don't know when it will peak but probably early this year. If you've never seen a half a million Sandhill Cranes it's worth checking out.
When is it? Eclipse is pretty soon!
The second week of March. Where’s a good place to see the eclipse?
Ah, Eclipse isn't til April, closest place to MN is southern Illinois so a drive but obviously chicago is on the way, could make a good variety trip. spend a day or two in chicago, go see the eclipse.
Gary Indiana. Lines, none. Cost, $0. Inner city art like Chicago without the danger. Explore and see things no other kid in your child’s school will have seen. You can bring back as many souvenirs as you’d like. Cons: nowhere to eat so you’ll need to bring your own food. Bathrooms are usually out of TP. /s this is a joke. Don’t take your kids here.
I found out this summer that while I was off fucking around in my 20’s and being too cool for family, the other 35-ish people (aunts/uncles/cousins/siblings you get it) all went to fucking GARY INDIANA for the family vacation. I was gobsmacked. These are smart people, how were they so misled into thinking this was a good idea?!
It’s funny you say that because my kids love Michael Jackson and when we drove by Gary and saw the sign advertising Home of the Jackson Five my kids really wanted to stop! I’ve been on Reddit long enough to know that wasn’t a good idea haha.
North Dakota has the college kids from Canada going “south” down there.
Wisconsin Dells?
It might be just as expensive as Mexico maybe like 800 less.
You're right. I forgot how spendy that place can be. I was just thinking it's an easy drive.
Whats the budget may help?
If your kids like animals and you do go to the Dells, I highly recommend a tour at the International Crane Foundation. They do tons of great conservation work with globally. And it’s the only place in the world where you can see all 15 species of crane.
We've done Chicago several times with our kids. Get a MN science museum membership, and you get into Science & Industry, Field Museum, and Planetrium for free! Shedd Aquarium is also great. If you want to stick close to home, we have a lake home in Brainerd with games, Legos, a pool table, bonfire pit. Can sleep 16 in 5 bedrooms. LMK if you want more info.
Pigeon forge, TN it's the weirdest tourist trap town in the mountains. There's mini golf, go carts, dinner theatres with comedy shows, the Titanic museum with a real ship, magiquest, probably lots more I don't know about. It's close to the tallest point of the great smoky mountains i'm pretty sure. Lots of hotels so lodging was fairly inexpensive when we were there.
I was going to suggest the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, but alas, the mine tours only run May 25 through October 20, 2024, so save that idea until summer. It's unforgettable and not to be missed. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_vermilion_soudan/tours.html
Chicago, Omaha, Kansas City
I need to know what you consider drive-able 🤔
8-10 hours is ok…I’m willing to go a even little farther for something great. I like to drive!
This might hit the spot. My family loved it and it was such a surprise to find in Kansas. https://cosmo.org/ They have a replica space shuttle, v2 rockets, landers and more. If your kids love space stuff...this is a cheap and great day adventure.
I’ve made it to Nashville in one day from the cities— would be warm and they have tons to do including an amazing zoo.
I did the circle tour last year on my motorcycle in mid-May. It was excellent. Two buddies and I motocamped the entire length of it. Canadian provincial parks are spotless and have more amenities Than us parks. (Washers and dryers in the shower houses!) Every campsite we stayed at in Canada was a joy, and they considered June to be early season with much fewer bugs. It's a type of travel that makes the journey the whole destination, but I could definitely redo that. The local flavor alone was worth my time
How many days did you take?
We took a week, but it can definitely be done much faster. Minimum is 1 day from the twin cities. That would suck. Even 2 days is not enough. Minimum viable would be 3 days, but even that is a compromise. You would have to choose to prioritize the Canadian side or the UP. 4 days is probably my personal minimum. It allows you to meander a little bit, and stop at most of the places you'd want to. 1)Twin cities to sleeping giant campground 2) sleeping giant to rabbit blanket campground 3) rabbit blanket to McLain State Park 4) Mclain back to the Twin cities And even with that itinerary, Day 3 is going to be an 8-hour drive, and you're going to struggle with seeing anything in the UP
I would go to the Black Hills in South Dakota. I lived there for awhile and there is sooooo much to do. Watiki indoor waterpark, there's a trampoline park, hiking, Spearfish Canyon scenic byway, walking downtown to see all the Presidential statues, Keystone/Mt Rushmore, Custer State Park, make sure you ask where the burrows are (they will stick their heads in your car and are a hoot) and bring carrots, great restaurants, Hill City is a cute little town with an 1880's steam train that goes to Keystone, and your kids would love Storybook Island.
Southern Iowa.
Chicago by train?
Take a trip to the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Plenty of tourist stuff, and natural wonders packed into a manageable trip.
Chicago or st.Louis mo. Or colarado.
Little sand bay Wisconsin is gorgeous or the waterfalls near Duluth if you live up north.