Road Trip from MN

Question

We are doing a long weekend road trip from south eastern MN to chicago with 3 kiddos (6,10,10) we are leaving Thursday after work and driving straight thru to Chicago. Was thinking of also adding a sand dunes stop into the mix. So arrive Thursday late, spend Friday in Chicago, Saturday drive to the sand dunes then back to chicago and Sunday drive home. Is that doing too much? Do we need more time in Chicago? We've never been. Also looking for fun things for kiddos that aren't children's museum and things we could do near home.

Answer

Your road trip plan sounds exciting! Traveling with three kiddos can definitely make for an action-packed weekend. Here's my take on the itinerary and some suggestions to make the trip more enjoyable for everyone:

Is this too much? It depends on how much driving you’re comfortable with and how the kids handle long stretches in the car. A straight-through drive from southeastern MN to Chicago is about 5-6 hours, which means you’ll arrive late Thursday night. If your kids are good at handling long car rides, this should be manageable, but it’s important to plan for some breaks along the way. Regarding your plan to add the sand dunes stop on Saturday – this is a great idea, but it will be a bit of a long day. The Indiana Dunes National Park is about an hour and a half from Chicago, so you’ll spend several hours in the car that day, plus the time spent exploring the dunes. Depending on how much energy the kids have left after a busy Friday in Chicago, this might feel like a lot. You might want to consider whether you want to balance the day between Chicago and the dunes or if you’d prefer to take the full day to explore the dunes. For first-timers in Chicago, more time would definitely be ideal, especially if you want to hit key attractions and explore some neighborhoods. That said, it’s possible to have a good time in Chicago with just one full day if you’re strategic with your time.

Suggestions for Chicago with Kids: Since this is your first time in Chicago, here are some family-friendly activities that will be fun for both the adults and the kids:

Millennium Park & Cloud Gate (The Bean) – This is a must-see spot in Chicago. Kids love running around the park and taking photos with the iconic Bean sculpture. You can also cool off by the Crown Fountain where kids can splash around in the water (weather permitting).
Navy Pier – A fun spot for families with an amusement park, boat tours, and some indoor attractions like the Chicago Children's Museum (though you mentioned no children's museums, it’s a great stop for interactive fun if the kids want it). There are also outdoor spaces, restaurants, and often free events or performances happening.
Lincoln Park Zoo – One of the oldest and most famous zoos in the country, and it’s free! The zoo has a variety of animals and is perfect for a family outing. There's also a playground nearby if the kids need to burn off some energy.
Shedd Aquarium – Another great family-friendly attraction. Kids can see sharks, dolphins, and even pet stingrays in the “touch” pools. It’s interactive and very educational, but also a lot of fun.
Chicago Riverwalk – This is a great spot to walk, grab a snack, or take a boat tour. You can rent bikes or take a family-friendly boat tour along the river, which is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Adler Planetarium – If your kids are interested in space and astronomy, the planetarium offers some fun exhibits and shows that are interactive and engaging.

Sand Dunes Stop: If you decide to go to the Indiana Dunes National Park on Saturday, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Sand Dunes Beach – The dunes are beautiful and the beach is great for picnicking and playing. The kids will love climbing the dunes and exploring the area, and you can enjoy the lake views.
West Beach or Pavilion Beach – Both of these are family-friendly beaches with easy access to the water and less crowded than some of the other beaches.
Dune Hiking – If your kids are up for it, there are some short and manageable dune hikes in the park. The West Beach Trail is about a mile long and offers views of the lake and dunes.

Is More Time Needed in Chicago? With just one full day in Chicago, you’ll have to pick and choose your activities, but it’s definitely doable! Here's a sample itinerary for a quick but fun-filled day:

Morning: Head to Millennium Park to see the Bean, and then walk over to the Chicago Cultural Center (free admission) for some local art and history.
Late Morning: Walk over to Navy Pier for a boat ride or to visit the Centennial Wheel (a big Ferris wheel with great views of the city).
Afternoon: Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for some time with animals, or if the weather is nice, take a walk along the Chicago Riverwalk or visit the Shedd Aquarium.
Evening: Grab dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Portillo’s for Chicago-style hot dogs or Giordano’s for deep dish pizza (both fun for kids and adults). Finish up with an evening stroll or a sunset boat tour along Lake Michigan.

Final Thoughts: You’ve got a packed schedule, but with a little planning, it’s totally doable. Consider whether you'd prefer more time in Chicago or more time at the dunes. If you stick to your plan, just make sure to take breaks and allow time for the kids to rest, especially after the long drive to Chicago and back. You could always tweak the itinerary based on energy levels, weather, and how much time the kids are enjoying each activity.

Above all, have fun and take in the sights! Chicago has so much to offer families, and adding the sand dunes to the mix will give you a nice variety of experiences. Safe travels and enjoy the road trip!

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