Short spring break ideas

[1100011CS]

My kids only get Friday, Monday off next week for spring break. Thinking about going somewhere within a day's drive (from Marshalltown).

My daughter really wants to see the Arch in St. Louis but I don't know what else there is to do there. Any suggestions on what else to do? Where to stay?

Next thought was Chicago. Cubs home opener on Sunday but I'm guessing tickets would be hard to get and expensive.

Any other ideas?

 

[3TrueFans]

Friday and Monday only? That's trrble.

 

[BikeSkiClone]

How old are the kids? City Museum in St Louis is a great place (for all ages). It's basically a giant playground of interaction and games and they might learn a thing or two at the same time. I went for the first time when I was 18 on a trip with my dad and we both loved it.

Are you referring to this coming weekend (27-30) or next (3-6)? Six Flags STL opens on the 3rd. Also, checking out Hannibal, MO (home of Mark Twain) on the drive there or back is pretty cool, though I've only done that in the summer. Cool caves to check out as well.

 

[1100011CS]

How old are the kids? City Museum in St Louis is a great place (for all ages). It's basically a giant playground of interaction and games and they might learn a thing or two at the same time. I went for the first time when I was 18 on a trip with my dad and we both loved it.

Are you referring to this coming weekend (27-30) or next (3-6)? Six Flags STL opens on the 3rd. Also, checking out Hannibal, MO (home of Mark Twain) on the drive there or back is pretty cool, though I've only done that in the summer. Cool caves to check out as well.

Next weekend (3-6) so Six Flags is definitely an option. How busy will that be on the first day?

 

[DeereClone]

Looks like the weather is supposed to be decent.

Bike up by Decorah and in SE Minnesota by Preston and Harmony. A lot of trails and a neat area.
Omaha Zoo. (not sure what else to do there)
STL - Arch - Budweiser farm - stadium tour/game - Hannibal Mo
KC - Amusement parks will maybe be open?
Minneapolis - Mall of America. 6 flags.
Dubuque - Mississippi River Museum, Indoor Waterpark, Field of Dreams, Breitbach's Family Restaurant in Balltown

After making that list I think I would actually choose Dubuque. Probably more of a two day trip but that gives you some time to rest at home too.

 

[BikeSkiClone]

Next weekend (3-6) so Six Flags is definitely an option. How busy will that be on the first day?

No idea. I just remember going there when I was a kid and it was pretty fun. I think a 3-day weekend of Hannibal, MO, City Museum & the Arch, and Six Flags would be great for kids.

 

[Cyientist]

Not worth the drive with kids, but the wife and I did a quick trip to Fort Collins when we had 4 days to burn. A lot of breweries (maybe 6) in the city and then close enough to get into the mountains. I think it was about a 10 -11 hr drive, so doable in a day.

 

[psycln11]

We did Saint Louis last year for Spring Break. Kids loved City Museum, Gateway Arch, and Zoo.

This year we did the Dubuque Water Park & Mississippi River Museum. They have a two night Spring Break package if you look on the website.

 

[Wesley]

Galena Illinois.
House on the Rock.

 

[DarkStar]

Granite Peak in Wisconsin is still open if you want to go skiing. They still have all their runs open. 3 foot base and received 7 inches of snow in the last week. About a 6 hour drive for you.

 

[Luth4Cy]

St. Louis has the Magic House too. Good place depending on how old your kids are. The zoo is also worth it if it's open by now and IIRC the Science Museum was okay too, but I haven't been there in years.

If you are a history buff there are some Civil War Museums around there too.

And I'll also second the suggestion about Hannibal. They have some neat museums with the Mark Twain stuff and it's worth your time.

 

[Wesley]

Branson is back in action. Walk the 800 steps down the cave.

 

[Cy$]

My kids only get Friday, Monday off next week for spring break. Thinking about going somewhere within a day's drive (from Marshalltown).

My daughter really wants to see the Arch in St. Louis but I don't know what else there is to do there. Any suggestions on what else to do? Where to stay?

Next thought was Chicago. Cubs home opener on Sunday but I'm guessing tickets would be hard to get and expensive.

Any other ideas?

ask yourself if your daughter would want to go to a baseball game? If yes, then think about going there. If not, I wouldn't go unless her and your wife are doing something else.

Only saying that because baseball games take a lot of time out of your day (~3 hours at least) and could make it so you aren't at other places.

Okoboji isn't a terrible idea but it seems you want a bigger city. St. Louis or Minneapolis have lots to do as well.

 

[1100011CS]

Thanks everyone. St. Louis and Hannibal look like a good options.

 

[Rabbuk]

Indoor water park at the dells?

 

[isu81]

I would second or third City Museum. My kids loved it and still talk about it years later.

 

[dirtyninety]

City Museum. Period. Go now before the trial lawyers shut it down.

 

[dirtyninety]

To expand on my post......I really do sincerely mean every kid and adult should go there. It is amazing. I felt equal parts of amazement at its content and fascination that it could even exist in this age of litigation.....I mean it is literally a throwback...the things kids can do there are mind blowing and to think they are not getting constantly sued for injuries or accidents is remarkable. It is fun.

 

[1100011CS]

To expand on my post......I really do sincerely mean every kid and adult should go there. It is amazing. I felt equal parts of amazement at its content and fascination that it could even exist in this age of litigation.....I mean it is literally a throwback...the things kids can do there are mind blowing and to think they are not getting constantly sued for injuries or accidents is remarkable. It is fun.

Now you are making me nervous

 

[cyrocksmypants]

Indianapolis could be a possibility. They have the Indianapolis Children's Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, White Water Park, the NCAA Museum, Indiana State Muesuem, Indianapolis Art Museum as well as downtown shopping all right there in the same general area.