5 Day Trip Ideas from Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois has many activities for people living in and around the area. After visiting many of the local attractions in Chicago, there are other options available in nearby areas that are close enough to be visited during a day trip. There are also several activities in each location that can be visited during several separate day trips.

Day trip ideas from Chicago, Illinois can vary depending on what events or activities each person or family enjoys. These 5 day trip ideas offer a variety of different locations that have events and activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Options include visiting a museum, zoo, beach, festival or enjoying several other events and activities that the locations have to offer.

Day Trip Ideas From Chicago, Illinois-Naperville, Illinois

Naperville, Illinois has several events and activities that can be visited during a day trip from Chicago. Centennial Beach is a swimming facility that offers different activities for the many visitors that include a slide, playground, diving boards, picnic area and a sandy beach area where visitors can spend the day sunning, picnicking or building sand castles.

Naperville Settlement has a historic museum village with costumed villagers that take visitors on a journey back in time. There are activities and special events held throughout the year such as Civil War Days and Maple Sugaring Days.

According to Frommer’s, Naperville also holds an annual Ribfest in Knoch Park. The proceeds from the event are used to help eliminate child abuse and domestic violence The Naperville Ribfest has two stages with live entertainment. In 2011, the band Styx will be performing. There is also an area for kids that includes a carnival, climbing walls, a magic show and several other kid-friendly activities.

Day Trip Ideas From Chicago, Illinois-Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Frommer’s also recommends several destinations in Milwaukee that may be of interest to those visiting the city during a day trip. The attractions include the Harley Davidson Museum, the Miller Brewing Company, the Milwaukee Zoo, Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Day Trip Ideas From Chicago, Illinois-Geneva, Wisconsin

Geneva is located on Geneva Lake in Wisconsin. The town offers activities for all ages throughout the year. Geneva has events and activities that for day trippers that include boating, hiking, golfing, ice skating, skiing, horseback riding and sleigh rides.

Day Trip Ideas From Chicago, Illinois-Long Grove, Illinois

Long Grove is a 19th century community located about 35 miles outside of Chicago. Visitors can take a tour of the Long Grove Confectionery Chocolate Factory or attend one of the many festivals that are held throughout the year.

Day Trip Ideas From Chicago, Illinois-Harbor Country

Harbor Country consists of eight small towns including Union Pier, Three Oaks, Harbert, Lakeside, New Buffalo, Grand Beach, Michiana and Sawyer. These small towns are only about an hour and a half drive from Chicago and they offer a variety of activities that are suitable for a day trip that include sandy beaches, antique shops, bike paths, wineries and several walking trails.

These are just a few ideas for day trips from Chicago, Illinois that can help keep the family busy during the summer and other seasons this year. Day trips are a great way to spend quality time with the family when you can’t afford a long vacation.

Resources:

Naperville Parks

Naper Settlement

Naperville Ribfest

Milwaukee Art Museum

Long Grove, Illinois