Many Thanks to Visit Kenosha, who hosted our first family day trip from Chicago to the area. We’ve returned three times since!
Now that my kids are older, it is easier to explore places outside of our normal routine. While we loved visiting family in Festival Country, Indiana,we all handle things a little bit better when we can sleep in our own bed. Staring down the start of school, I knew I wanted to take a day off for a fun adventure with my kids. I took a look at a map and realized that there were more than five museums, an electric rail car, and even some Lake Michigan beaches less than 90 minutes away. It was a no brainer to pick Kenosha as our destination for a special family day trip from Chicago.
First Stop: Wisconsin Visitor’s Center and Playground
While a trip from the western Chicago suburbs to Kenosha is only about 75 minutes by car, a bathroom break at the Wisconsin Welcome Center off of I-94 is a smart move for families with little ones. The inside is clean and spacious, with about 10 stalls and baby changing area. Signs posted inform visitors that none of the products in the bathroom are scented due to sensitivities. As scented products can cause endocrine and hormone disruption, this is an extremely pleasing sign for crunchy moms and health conscious patrons anywhere. There is a playground outside, best for kids under 10, where kids can stretch their legs and get their wiggles out. The best part for a trip planner, however, is the knowledgeable staff working at the visitor center. There are loads of maps, visitors guides, and all over Wisconsin travel planning resources so it’s a great place to get inspired for your next trip.
Kenosha Public Museum
Downtown Kenosha is home to numerous attractions, not least on numerous attractions, not least of which is five great museums The first place to get a real feel of Kenosha on a family day trip is the Kenosha Public Museum. Right on the water and in a building with design features like an incredible support wall made of rocks found around the area, the museum provides a history of what life was like in Kenosha County eras ago. Learn about the mammoths, the landscape, the early native peoples of the area, and wildlife in their permanent installations. Rotating art and exhibitions come through a few times a year, and appeal to kids and adults alike.
There is a fairly large play place for children at the Kenosha Public Museum, with about five different stations and a reading nook for when it is busy. 90 or so minutes is an appropriate amount of time to spend at this Kenosha museum on a family day trip from Chicago from Chicago, and if you get there right when they open, leaving will present you with the perfect time to grab lunch.
Family Day Trip from Chicago: Lunchtime in Kenosha
If you want to park once and not worry about it, there are plenty of walkable lunch spots from the Kenosha Public Museum. Kaiser’s Pizza and Pub is a good choice with plenty of seating. For younger kids, Kaiser’s has crayons and booths which are more accommodating.
Another interesting spot for grass-fed beef burgers or mac and cheese not far from the beach, is Captain Mike’s, where these dishes are the only kind on the menu. It’s high top tables inside and out, so if you need ADA-accessible seating or have kids high chair aged or younger, you’ll have to pass. If you have a bigger group or want to check out the part of the city closer to Carthage College, Waterfront Warehouse is a good bet.
Incredible Bones at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum
Another free museum is in your future on a family day trip to Kenosha. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum is home to the largest collection of therapod fossils, and is the only museum in North America to explore the relationship between these meat eating dinosaurs and their evolution in relation to birds.
This museum opens at noon daily, so getting there right at opening time helps to make the visit more manageable for little ones. The hall of dinosaur bones is quite impressive! The children’s play room keeps fidgety kids occupied with coloring tables, a dig for fossil sensory table, endless books and plenty of dinosaur replica toys. This stop is perfect for a family day trip, whether you are making a beach day of it or visiting during the winter. 60-90 minutes is all you need, ad you won’t be disappointed!
Looking to leave the kids at home? Lake Geneva has a wonderful adult only getaway option for you!
Take a Trip Around Town on a 1950s Electric Railcar
This trolley is such a highlight for families. With a single exact change ride at $1.00 per loop or $3.50 for an all day pass (and free for kids 4 and under!) its an easy way to get around . Admire the government buildings of downtown Kenosha, the painted murals on the sides of buildings, and the beautiful lakefront parks as you loop through the city. On a late August Friday, the only other passengers were the occasional businessperson moving from one building to another. With kids on board, it is no surprise a trip to the ice cream shop is a preferred next stop!
No Family Day Trip from Chicago is Complete without a Sweet Treat!
After lunch and some time at the dinosaur museum, no family day trip is complete without a sweet treat. Not too far off one of the trolley spots sits local favorite Scoops. Located across the street from the beautiful Stella Hotel, this delightful shop boasts tens of flavors of ice cream and candies set among a shop adorned in sparkly oversize cones and sundaes.
Visiting a Beach on a Day Trip from Chicago on a Day Trip from Chicago
After a nice ice cream snack, it’s finally time to visit the beach! The beaches in Kenosha are lovely as they have free parking and playgrounds! If you are able to pull the kids away from the water, Eichelmann Beach and Simmons Island Beach both have playgrounds. While Pennoyer Beach has a bandshell and pickleball courts, there is a Pike River outflow that can have a dangerous pull. Kenosha beaches do not have lifeguards, so it is swim at your own risk.
During the week, the beaches can be very manageable, but as with any beautiful destination, weekends may be more crowded. Arriving earlier in the day allows for more ease in parking and finding a beach spot. Sometimes, an hour running around in the water after a long day of museums is just what the family needs. Other times, weather will dictate that a full four or more hours is spent enjoying the sand, splash and quality family time.
Time for a Snack (or Downtime and Dinner)
Depending on if you’re staying in town for dinner, it’s at this point in a family day trip from Chicago where you have to make your evening meal decision. Maybe you are going to head back, but you need a quick snack to hold you over.
If you aren’t staying for dinner, you may still need a snack to tide the kids over. A meatball sub or other Italian treats from the counter at Tenuta’s Deli will hit the spot. Mars Cheese Castle has quintessential snacks from America’s Dairy Land and also offers tours if that is a stop you want to make!
Infusino’s offers delicious Italian fare in a stand alone building outside of downtown. Food portion sizes are large, making two meals out of one—an affordable option for families with little ones. An early meal at 430 or 5PM is appropriate for families with young kids. Keep in mind, it does get a little bit more formal later in the night. House of Gerhard is a traditional German restaurant that we’ve also eaten at and really enjoyed. It’s atypical food than what you see in every town, and the sausages were the kids’ favorite.
Now that the day is done, you can head home and reminisce about the great time in Kenosha. If you, like me, find yourself visiting again and again, perhaps a beachside rental for a few days or a group beachside rental is very appealing. While folks south of the city may escape to Michigan City, those north and west of Chicago should consider Kenosha for their next beach getaway!
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