William

My family is trying to pick a destination where everyone will be happy (good luck) that is only one day's drive from Kansas City. We've been to Wisconsin, Breckenridge and Branson. The family includes four couples (ages 36-70)and six grand kids (ages 10-17). Appreciate any thoughts as we're at a standoff (if we were in charge of planning Christopher Columbus' voyage, America wouldn't be discovered yet).

brad

I think your options are limited.
As a former KC resident, I recall struggling with finding day trip destinations.

Denver is 10 hours west
Minneapolis is 7.5 hours north
Dallas is 8 hours south
St. Louis is 4 hours east

Those are your city options.
You've been to Branson and the northern Arkansas lake region it sounds like.
Memphis won't please everyone.
Chicago is a solid 10 hours, but has broad appeal.
That's about it.
Good luck.

whb

Brad - Agree with limited options. My only thoughts so far is another Colorado destination (any suggestions?) or Austin Texas (heard good things, not sure how it would be with the kids and if there's a "beach" on the lake).

Agree with the Chicago thought, I live there, so not much of a vacation getaway for me, but would be fun for everyone else (I opted to stay here rather than endure another trip to Wisconsin - not my favorite).

may

You didn't say what time of year. That would determine whether Austin is reasonable, as summer is too hot.

anonymous

Hi

I'm a fellow Kansas Citian. We really had a nice time in Chicago last summer. There's so much to see and do--museums, the aquarium, Navy Pier, etc. We took an architectual tour on the "el". It was very interesting. Try to see a game at Wrigley Field. It was so much fun to be in such an historic park. Look up Chicago on this board . There's lots of good hints about where to eat and stay.

Jlynn

I would suggest Minneapolis. What time of year? They have a GREAT state fair that ends Labor Day weekend, and starts 2 weeks or so before. We go every year! They have the Mall of America, where you can see a movie, do some shopping, or ride some rides. They have sporting events and museums, and things are generally reasonable priced. It takes us 4 hours to get to KC, and 6 hours to get to Minneapolis (we're in Omaha), so it would be about a 10 hour drive for you......

s

San Antonio is about 12 hours away. The Alamo, the Riverwalk and there is a huge waterpark not too far from San Antonio. You might also consider Durango, Co a 13 or 14 hour drive. Mesa VErde National Park, Ouray and Silverton are easy to make day trips from Durango.

cl9

How about Rocky Mountain National Park.

Minneapolis would also be nice (probably about 7 hours). St. Louis also come to mind.

San Antonio is nice, but it will be hot/humid in Aug. That drive always seems really long to me too.

cd

I know you don't want to go to Wisconsin, but have you been to Door County?

anon

Keep up, people.
The original poster LIVES in Chicago, so don't suggest he "read the archives" about Chicago.
He also said he's tired of Wisconsin, and Door County is not a reasonable day's drive from KC.

x

Anon: title of the post is - Any suggestions for a family vacation destination that is a 12 hour drive or less from Kansas City? Where did he lives in Chicago come from? Wake up, Anon

Laura

William, My family just got back from a trip to San Antonio. From KC, it's a quick 12 hours... You mentioned Austin - San Antonio is only another hour south. Great food, fun entertainment, it's like a whole 'nother country! We stayed at the Westin La Cantera. It's about 15 minutes North of the riverwalk/downtown area. I highly recommend this hotel. Beautiful pools, lovely views, and heavenly beds. The rack rate is really expensive, but we were able to get a $95 rate per night. The world's largest waterpark (Schlitterbahn) is 20 miles north in New Braunfels. A must for a family that likes water. Check out their website: www.Schlitterbahn.com for more information.

Being a lifelong KC resident, I know the options on daytrips are limited. Our family treks out to St. Louis a couple times a year - it's so much shorter than Colorado or Texas, but loaded with many fun things to do. Historic St. Charles is nearby and a quaint area to spend a day.

Hope you find a great place to satisfy all the different age groups.

Happy hunting...

anon

Keep up, "x".
Read post #3 (second after the original).
It's the original poster explaining he lives in Chicago.

Feel free to use all the information available in the question, as the old examiners used to say.

Justine

What about Cincinnati? There is a top rate zoo, Newport (No. KY) has a new aquarium, Kings Island & Beach waterpark, Coney Island. In Sept there is Octoberfest (German food fest) downtown. Reds baseball, horse racing. Riverboat day/dinner cruise.

KC Bob

A 605 mile drive in one day is rather ambitious with a crew of 14 people (KC-Cincy).

Justine

It was just an idea, that is less than a 12 hr drive, as requested.

mare

PUEBLO, Colorado!

The Lake Pueblo State Park, a great zoo, Rock Canyon Swim Area with waterslides and fun, stock-car racing, a Riverwalk with paddle boat rides.........and affordable accomodations!

www.puebloonline.com/community/attractions.htm

hens4th

I'd go for Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, and stay in Grand Lake (western portal to the park). The park is awesome, and Grand Lake is a fun, funky little town that's MUCH less crowded than Estes Park, and on a georgous mountain lake. Plenty to do and see for all ages.

You might like Lemmon Lodge in Grand Lake for accomodations. A group of "lodges/cabins", right on both the lake and a rushing mountain stream, all sizes, types from rustic to deluxe, and walking distance (1 block) to downtown restaurants/stores. We loved the town AND Lemmon Lodge, and I always thought if I were traveling with a group it would be a perfect place.....

audra

You know, Cincinnati is an excellent idea. And 605 miles and then you're there, sounds do-able.

Hey, its a vacation! Push hard the first day, then enjoy. Lots to do in Cincinnati, something for everyone.

Then, if you're really ambitious, drive 4 hours north to Cleveland, Ohio. Lots to do there for all ages, too.

Whatever you do, its your vacation, enjoy!