Spring Break in the Midwest
Spring Break is a few weeks away. What are you doing during that week of no school? If you are not staying in Des Moines to participate in one of the many fun events and activities, maybe you are planning a road trip to somewhere fun. I have rounded up some of my favorite places to travel to in the Midwest. Perfect for all families!
Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City
Are you looking for a fun, outdoor adventure? Nature lovers rejoice! Plan a visit to Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. This little piece of Nebraska is fun for the whole family and filled with acres of natural beauty and outdoor exploration any day of the year. There are many, many things to do at Arbor Day Farm. The perfect little getaway for families.
Ashland, Nebraska
Just West of Omaha you can easily add Ashland, Nebraska to your itinerary. This little area has tons of things to explore including the Wildlife Safari Park, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, and so much more. Take a look at this quick trip recap and plan your visit.
Branson, Missouri
I never knew how much Branson, Missouri had to offer until after my visit. Dolly Parton fan and love fun shows? Check out the Dolly Parton Stampede! Or if you have a love for the Titanic, check out the Titanic Museum. Maybe you just love a good show full of singing, dancing, and laughter. Branson offers a ton of them including the Hughes Music Show and Clay Cooper’s Country Express. Do not leave Branson without going to a movie at one of the largest IMAX theaters in the Midwest.
Can’t make it during the Spring and Summer? Make a trip during the holiday season!
Des Moines, Iowa
This would not be a true Midwest travel round-up without my hometown Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines is booming with fun things to see, do and eat. Take in the history, visit the Blank Park Zoo, or wander around the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is not talked about often enough so I feel I must spread the word! Fort Wayne, Indiana offers a ton of fun for all ages including their children’s zoo, science center, food, and more. Their newly renovated Riverfront is a must-see too!
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is a family favorite. They offer several locations. Whatever location you choose you will have a ton of water fun, the thrill of a ropes course, hours of fun on arcades, storytimes with their fun mascot characters, and more.
Honey Creek Resort in Iowa
The Honey Creek Resort located on Rathbun Lake is fun all year round. They offer an indoor water park, hiking, and biking trails, a nature center, a playground and so much more. This is the perfect little getaway. If you are planning a few day’s stay, make sure you book a cabin!
Omaha, Nebraska
It is no secret my love for Omaha. They have so much fun to offer! From an amazing food scene to the Omaha Zoo and amazing exhibits at the Omaha Children’s Museum. There is something that everyone in the family will enjoy. Train lover? Do not miss a visit to The Durham Museum. Also, do not miss the NEW Kiewit Luminarium which is full of hours of fun and education for all ages.
Pella, Iowa
Dutch letters? Windmills? Tulips? Visit Pella, Iowa. While the tulips may not be in bloom when you visit over spring break, Pella has a ton of fun to offer. Walk around their cute downtown, learn and explore the Pella Historical Society and Museum, and indulge in Dutch letters from Jaarsma Bakery.
Quad Cities
Not many think of the Quad Cities as a travel destination, but they have so much to offer as well! The Quad Cities offers fun places to eat including Happy Joe’s Bungle Jungle and Lagomarcino’s. The Family Museum, Niabi Zoo, and the John Deere Pavillion are great places to play. Make sure you book your stay at the Stoney Creek Hotel in Moline which has rooms with bunk beds and a fun pool to swim in!
Science City in Kansas City, Missouri
The Crown Center and Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri offer hours of fun for families including our favorite, Science City. Science City is filled with hands-on activities and a huge outdoor courtyard to play too. Crown Center offers an outdoor area, hours of shopping, and great food. You also do not want to miss Legoland and Sea Life!
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls offers a ton for families. I have not even had a chance to explore it all! One of our favorites is Falls Park and the Washington Pavillion. It is easy to plan a short trip full of fun!
St. Louis, Missouri
We have spent many 3-4 day vacations in St. Louis, Missouri. They have so much to offer! Visit the Gateway Arch or the awe-dropping City Museum. Looking for something free? Visit Forest Park which includes their science center and zoo all for free! You will not want to leave St. Louis until you visit the St. Louis Union Station which now offers a gigantic Ferris Wheel, aquarium, mini-golf, amazing food, and more. This may be the perfect place to stay while you are in town.
Twin Cities
Head to the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Not only do they offer the famous Mall of America and Nickelodeon amusement park, but you can explore and hike through Minnehaha Falls or visit Como Zoo and Como Town. Do not leave the big city without visiting and touring the Mills City Museum.
Wisconsin Dells
Usually, when you think of the Wisconsin Dells you think of waterparks and summer fun. Do not cross it off your Spring Break list! Wilderness Resort located in the Wisconsin Dells is filled with tons of fun including four indoor waterparks, arcades, racecars, climbing walls, food, and so much more. Head to Wilderness Resort and create a ‘tropical’ vacation at the Wisconsin Dells.
