Weekend Trip Ideas: Easy Getaways for Families in the Midwest
If you're like me, sometimes you just need to pack and get out of town, and recharge—without going through the stress of booking flights or planning a weeklong vacation. Whether it's a school fall break or a random summer weekend, there are plenty of great spots you can drive to if you’re in the Midwest. As a mom with two kids, I've found some destinations that are perfect for family adventures, offering both fun for the kids and some much-needed relaxation for us parents.
Here are our favorite quick weekend trips that have something for everyone!
1. Hiking, Whitewater Rafting and Ropes Course in New River Gorge, West Virginia
View of New River in West Virginia
Looking for a mix of adventure and nature? New River Gorge in West Virginia is a perfect weekend escape for families who love the outdoors. My kids are always open to trying new activities and the “family-friendly float” on the New River (spoiler: the word “float” is deceiving” but is appropriate for kids age 7 and up) did not disappoint. This area is full of other activities, sense forests and beautiful views are a few of the reasons we have been back several times.
What Makes It Great for Families:
Rafting Adventures: You can find rafting trips tailored for families, with guides who make it super fun (and safe). My kids took on the challenge of class I-II rapids, and although we took a spill right out the gate, we recovered quickly and had a blast.
Camping Under the Stars: After a day on the water, camping is a fun way to end the day. There are several family-friendly campgrounds where you can set up a tent, rent a cabin or find something in the middle with a glamping tent. We recently stayed at Adventures on the Gorge and highly recommend this outdoor resort - it made our top picks for truly a family friendly resort.
Ropes and Ziplines: With miles and miles of hills, this is the perfect state to find a variety of zipline options. The WV tourism website outlines a few of their favorites.
Hiking New River Gorge National Park: If your kids are like mine and full of energy, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. Our two most recent trials included Ansted Rail Trail and Endless Wall Trail. The views from the top of the gorge are breathtaking. These trails are easy to moderate and perfect for the whole family. But just like any hike, get there EARLY to avoid the crowds and ensure a peaceful hike.
2. Southern Michigan: Saugatuck / Warren Dunes
If your family loves the beach but you don't want to drive all the way to the coast, southern Michigan has some hidden gems. Saugatuck is a charming little town, and Warren Dunes State Park is a great spot for families who want both beach time and outdoor fun.
View in MI
Why the Kids Love It:
Sandy Beaches: The beaches at Warren Dunes are clean, and the shallow areas make it easy to relax while the kids splash around.
Climbing the Dunes: If your kids love a challenge, they’ll be all about hiking up the sand dunes. It's a workout for everyone, but the views from the top are magical and unexpected for the midwest.
Small-Town Fun: Saugatuck is a cute town with ice cream shops and little boutiques—perfect for a low-key afternoon after a morning at the beach. I love that it feels relaxed and not too touristy.
3. Smoky Mountains National Park
The Smoky Mountains is one of those places you can keep going back to, and it always feels magical. It’s the perfect combo of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained. This is a place my family and I have been going to for years. From our camping trips to Cades Cove to making Thanksgiving memories in a cabin overlooking the mountain range - it’s a place that holds memories
Why It’s Awesome for Families:
Cades Cove in Smoky Mountain National Park
Cades Cove Bike Loop: Taking bikes around the loop (which is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays) is easily my favorite childhood vacation memory. There is nothing like the amazing views and wildlife this area has to offer. The 7 mile bike ride is not easy but it is well worth the trip! For those that want to drive the loop, get there EARLY and stop at Abrams Falls (another favorite!).
Family-Friendly Hikes: There are trails for all levels, so even if your kids aren’t big hikers, they’ll find something fun to do. The trail to Clingmans Dome is a family favorite—short but rewarding, with amazing views. Trails around Sugarland Falls Visitor center are also good easy options, plus the center offers a great learning experience for the whole family.
Camping or Cabins: Depending on how outdoorsy you feel, you can camp or stay in a cozy cabin. We usually do a cabin, and the kids love having a fire pit for s’mores in the evenings.
River Tubing: Head down the Little River on a tube is a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon in this region. There are several companies you can rent a tube from. Make sure they provide
4. Hot Springs, Virginia – Relaxation and Adventure at the Omni Homestead Resort:
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Hot Springs, Virginia, is the perfect blend of relaxation, history, and outdoor fun. The Omni Homestead Resort is the centerpiece, offering a luxurious yet family-friendly experience. From the famous hot springs to a wide variety of activities, it’s a great spot to escape with the kids for the weekend.
Why it's awesome for families:
Therapeutic mineral springs: Families can visit the hot springs on the Omni Homestead property or those located in Hot Springs in Bath County:
Amazing resort with a lot of family friendly activities
Water Fun at the Resort: The Omni Homestead has a water park complete with a lazy river, water slides, and family pools. Perfect for cooling off and having fun after a day of exploring.
Outdoor Adventures: If your kids love the outdoors, they’ll have a blast with hiking, horseback riding, archery, and even zip-lining adventures right on the property.
Snow Sports in Winter: If you visit during the colder months, the resort turns into a winter wonderland with skiing, snowboarding, and even snow tubing. There's a beginner-friendly ski area just for kids!
Final Thoughts
Fun in the National Park
If you're looking for an easy weekend getaway with kids in tow, these destinations are winners. Whether you're into rafting or exploring the mountains, there's something here to keep everyone in the family happy. The best part? They're all within driving distance of the Midwest, so you can squeeze in an adventure without a ton of planning. We make it extra easy with our simple weekend packing list.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these spots or if you have other great weekend getaway ideas for families!
