Family friendly road trip destinations

[huzzsaba]

Looking to get away with the family during the winter break. Probably 2-3 nights. Have been to all the cities here around Toronto (Niagara, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec). Looking to go somewhere in the US (wife wants to do some shopping there ), so looking for cities with indoor activities to keep busy for a few days.

 

We've been to Detroit, and New York several times, so that is out of the question. I really want to go to Florida, myrtle beach or the smoky mountains, but they are all too far for a drive and airline ticket prices are insane. Thinking of Chicago since its not too far. Are there any other cities worth visiting that won't be too expensive accommodation wise. I guess anything 9-10 hours max from Oakville area is what I'm looking for.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

 

Thanks

 

[Freshtrax]

The homestead in wv. Is nice, Spendy but nice. Probably the best hotel I have ever stayed at and there is a ski resort on site. Boone nc. Is a cool town, the Daniel Boone in is a must see for dinner.

[davew3]

Well how about Burlington Vermont ? Also there is Grove City in Pennsylvania.

 

Regards

[adempsey]

Everyone I know loves Chicago. I plan on going there sometime myself. That's where I would go.

 

Washington, DC is a pretty cool city too. Lots of things to go see.

[bigbuck]

Chicago is my kinda town. You wont regret going there. 8-9 hrs. The magnificent mile downtown is cool. Lots of places to go.

[craigdritchie]

Chicago is one of my favourite cities in the world. Go eat some real deep dish pizza, then spend the night listening to live blues at Buddy Guy's Legends. It's unbeatable.

[huzzsaba]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will stick with Chicago.

 

Are there any indoor places that are highly recommended? And I mean places for kids.

 

Lastly, is it worth it to take the long route back through Sault Ste Marie especially in the winter? How is the scenery along hwy 17 in the winter? I have always wanted to check out northern Ontario since we used to travel this route when we were kids to visit my grandparents in Sault Ste Marie.

[Ralph Field]

Have you been to Frankenmuth MI? Shopping close by and the Bonnar's Christmas decoration factory and an indoor water park for the kids.

[John Bacon]

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I will stick with Chicago.

 

Are there any indoor places that are highly recommended? And I mean places for kids.

 

Lastly, is it worth it to take the long route back through Sault Ste Marie especially in the winter? How is the scenery along hwy 17 in the winter? I have always wanted to check out northern Ontario since we used to travel this route when we were kids to visit my grandparents in Sault Ste Marie.

 

They have an aquarium. There is a museum near by.

[irishfield]

Yep.. Shedd Aquarium on the water front to the West of McCormick Place. McCormick Place has the Auto Show on from Feb 14th to 22nd if that's the time frame you're looking at. Lots of museums, unfortunately you can't watch the planes at Meigs Field anymore thanks to Mayor Daley bulldozing it the middle of the night. Oh and don't slow down on Madison Ave !

Edited December 18, 2014 by irishfield

[Weeds]

They have a nice free zoo and tropical plant greenhouse building. If I remember it's down by the waterfront too. Loads of awesome, inexpensive and authentic Mexican restaurants throughout Chicago. Navy pier is a big tourist draw although I don't think it did much for me.