A Good Long Weekend Trip Around Chicago (1 Viewer)

[Chadstroma]

It has been a long rough couple of years for our family with my wife battling cancer.

Due to her using up all her vacation and sick time as well as financially we are still recovering as well as expecting her last surgery this summer (it has been pushed back) we did not plan a vacation and really have not done anything the last two years and didn't plan anything this summer.

We want to do a long weekend trip (not holiday, her just taking a day or two off) and go and do something.

I am trying to figure out what to do... help please with ideas.

Important details...
3 kids, 13 yr girl, 11 yr boy and 8 yr boy. All athletic kids. Pretty happy doing most anything that kids like doing.

Wife hates camping/outdoors stuff. She also hates being hot or humid and does not know how to swim.

I am up for whatever but it has to be on a budget type of trip and doable from Chicago area on a long weekend.

 

[TripItUp]

Just got back from Chicago

The only touristy thing we did was Cubs Game. We stayed in the River North area which is lie a whole new city compared to when I lived there 20 years ago...completely transformed.

In terms of cheap things to do
1) beach/lake
2) Lincoln park Zoo
3) Field Museum
4) Bus Tour

 

[Eephus]

It's cringe but my kids still liked the Dells at that age.

Door County is nice in the summer and there's a funky little amusement park in Green Bay that's cheap fun for a couple of hours.

 

[gianmarco]

It's cringe but my kids still liked the Dells at that age.

Door County is nice in the summer and there's a funky little amusement park in Green Bay that's cheap fun for a couple of hours.

Was just about to suggest Door County. We were just there for the first time and it's a good time. And a place a lot of people from Chicago go, apparently.

 

[krista4]

I was way too cool for Door County when I lived in Chicago. I am no longer the least bit cool and am looking forward to checking it out when we move back!

 

[Eephus]

I was way too cool for Door County when I lived in Chicago. I am no longer the least bit cool and am looking forward to checking it out when we move back!

You'll always be too cool for the Dells

 

[Chadstroma]

I am a moron, I didn't communicate well at all.... I don't want to be around Chicago but meant that we live here and thus don't want to fly to Hawaii or drive 13 hours to California etc.... so something that is easy travel coming from Chicago.

 

[Eephus]

I am a moron, I didn't communicate well at all.... I don't want to be around Chicago but meant that we live here and thus don't want to fly to Hawaii or drive 13 hours to California etc.... so something that is easy travel coming from Chicago.

You'll never be a big enough moron for the Dells

 

[Chadstroma]

It's cringe but my kids still liked the Dells at that age.

Door County is nice in the summer and there's a funky little amusement park in Green Bay that's cheap fun for a couple of hours.

What is Door County?

 

[Chadstroma]

It's cringe but my kids still liked the Dells at that age.

Door County is nice in the summer and there's a funky little amusement park in Green Bay that's cheap fun for a couple of hours.

What is Door County?

I thought about the Dells (I have never been) because my boys are swimmers and all my kids like the pool etc but my wife poo poo'd the idea of going to the Dells a few years ago when I brought it up.

 

[Eephus]

What is Door County?

It's the peninsula that juts out just north of Green Bay

 

[Eephus]

I thought about the Dells (I have never been) because my boys are swimmers and all my kids like the pool etc but my wife poo poo'd the idea of going to the Dells a few years ago when I brought it up.

I joke about it because it's an old-fashioned tourist trap. But it's an easy vacation because there are a lots of available hotel rooms and activities for kids to do.

ETA: Plus fudge

 

[Chadstroma]

What is Door County?

It's the peninsula that juts out just north of Green Bay

I will research more. That could be a potential option.

 

[Chadstroma]

I thought about the Dells (I have never been) because my boys are swimmers and all my kids like the pool etc but my wife poo poo'd the idea of going to the Dells a few years ago when I brought it up.

I joke about it because it's an old-fashioned tourist trap. But it's an easy vacation because there are a lots of available hotel rooms and activities for kids to do.

ETA: Plus fudge

It is a no go with my wife...

I just threw it out at her and she just stared at me. You know the look.

 

[Eephus]

It is a no go with my wife...

I just threw it out at her and she just stared at me. You know the look.

Mrs. Eephus survived the Dells. Twice.

 

[Chadstroma]

It is a no go with my wife...

I just threw it out at her and she just stared at me. You know the look.

Mrs. Eephus survived the Dells. Twice.

Mrs. Chadstroma apparently has no interest in trying to survive it even once.

 

[Tick]

You could head up into Michigan - Saugatuck for artsy stuff on a river, Grand Haven/Holland for great beaches and small walkable downtown, Grand Rapids for a larger walkable downtown and a comedy show or brewery. Pick some cherries at Crane's in Fenville. Maybe head up to Silver Lake and take a dune ride.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

It's cringe but my kids still liked the Dells at that age.

Door County is nice in the summer and there's a funky little amusement park in Green Bay that's cheap fun for a couple of hours.

What is Door County?

It’s the unofficial state park of Illinois. The “thumb” of Wisconsin. The funky amusement park referenced above is called Bay Beach. When I was a kid every ride was 10 cents. It’s slightly more expensive now but still a really good deal for rides that are like a county fair. My kids love it there and went a lot when younger.

 

[MAC_32]

With kids that age I presume you have to do it by ~mid August. Between that and the lack of interest in anything outdoors / camping I think you'll be hard pressed to find anything outside of Door County. I was going to suggest northern Ohio (Cedar Pt and the island life around it), but summer typically doesn't start to break until ~mid September.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

The towns up and down the western border Michigan along the lake are great for relaxing family trips. Its very popular with Chicago people - worth checking out whether you can get a decent air bnb on the dates you're looking at. If you have the time and inclination, you could go all the way north to the dunes and Macinaw.

 

[tri-man 47]

I’m actually at our summer cottage outside of Grand Rapids right now. There’s quite a lot to do. The GR Public Museum is very kid friendly. Plenty of good restaurants and pubs (with activities to amuse the kids). The John Ball Zoo is very well done. Meijer Gardens is superb (reciprocal agreement with Morton Arboretum). Gerald Ford museum is right along the Grand River in the downtown area. They have some good activity centers with go-karts, mini golf, etc. (eg, Craig’s Cruisers). We’re up near the neat town of Rockford, which has a lot of little shops and a well-done area around the small dam on the Rogue River.

Eta: drive time from western suburbs of Chicago is less than 3 1/2 hours.

 

[Don Quixote]

I have not been personally, but maybe one of the resorts in French Lick, Indiana? (West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel) I have heard good things, but again have not been personally. Maybe wife would enjoy the spa there?

 

[MAC_32]

The towns up and down the western border Michigan along the lake are great for relaxing family trips. Its very popular with Chicago people - worth checking out whether you can get a decent air bnb on the dates you're looking at. If you have the time and inclination, you could go all the way north to the dunes and Macinaw.

There is no better place on planet earth than western Michigan between about now and late Aug.

 

[Chadstroma]

With kids that age I presume you have to do it by ~mid August. Between that and the lack of interest in anything outdoors / camping I think you'll be hard pressed to find anything outside of Door County. I was going to suggest northern Ohio (Cedar Pt and the island life around it), but summer typically doesn't start to break until ~mid September.

Yes, early to mid August.

 

[Mr.Pack]

What is Door County?

It's the peninsula that juts out just north of Green Bay

I will research more. That could be a potential option.

Door County is crazy busy this time of the year. Tons of shops and restaurants, good golf too. I'm heading there this Friday for golfing with the guys.
Good fun place, but I hate crowds and shopping, lol. Golf is good though.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I thought about the Dells (I have never been) because my boys are swimmers and all my kids like the pool etc but my wife poo poo'd the idea of going to the Dells a few years ago when I brought it up.

I joke about it because it's an old-fashioned tourist trap. But it's an easy vacation because there are a lots of available hotel rooms and activities for kids to do.

ETA: Plus fudge

And go-karts. They still have go-karts, right? That's the one reason I thought that place was so awesome when I was a kid growing up. The waterparks (Noah's Ark?) was a close second.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

I have not been personally, but maybe one of the resorts in French Lick, Indiana? (West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Springs Hotel) I have heard good things, but again have not been personally. Maybe wife would enjoy the spa there?

My wife just mentioned French Lick (hey-o) as a place she might meet some childhood girlfriends. What else is there to do in French Lick?

 

[Eephus]

My wife just mentioned French Lick (hey-o) as a place she might meet some childhood girlfriends. What else is there to do in French Lick?

Is there a Larry Bird Museum?


ETA: There is but it's up the road in Terre Haute

 

[FairWarning]

You could head up into Michigan - Saugatuck for artsy stuff on a river, Grand Haven/Holland for great beaches and small walkable downtown, Grand Rapids for a larger walkable downtown and a comedy show or brewery. Pick some cherries at Crane's in Fenville. Maybe head up to Silver Lake and take a dune ride.

Trust me, we had a few people in Harbor country this weekend.

 

[snellman]

Adding to the Michigan posts, you could make your way up to Makinaw City and the Mackinac island or spend some time in the UP.

 

[Chadstroma]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

 

[dino259]

Maybe door county is too far. That would be better trip without the kids. Your kids would be good age for bay beach. There is a water park hotel not far from lambeau field. you might not be a packer fan but they have some open practices during that time frame. Not far south of Green Bay is Manitowoc that has an old submarine you could tour.

another green bay thread

You could toilet paper @mr. furley house

 

[Zow]

I thought about the Dells (I have never been) because my boys are swimmers and all my kids like the pool etc but my wife poo poo'd the idea of going to the Dells a few years ago when I brought it up.

I joke about it because it's an old-fashioned tourist trap. But it's an easy vacation because there are a lots of available hotel rooms and activities for kids to do.

ETA: Plus fudge

Yep, this was going to be my suggestion for these reasons.

 

[urbanhack]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Dude...you are in the midwest (no offense) and you don't want to travel too far from Chicago for only a 2 to 3 day trip...your options are pretty damn limited especially based on your wife's dislikes and likes.

 

[MAC_32]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

 

[FairWarning]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

There you go, hit Cedar Point and visit Shipshawana on the way.

 

[Chadstroma]

Thoughts on Cedar Point for a day and then maybe go to Canton for the Football Hall of Fame? Would need to figure out something for the wifey as Cedar Point would be for the kids and HOF for me and the boys. Not sure how much she would enjoy either. lol

 

[Chadstroma]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

Ha.... I wrote my last post and left before posting it... then posted it and saw this. Yes, I agree, from what I have seen most of the places suggested would be good for my wife and I to get away for a long weekend if we unloaded the kids but if we brought the kids there would be a mutiny. Is the humidity any different from Chicago on average?

 

[Chadstroma]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

There you go, hit Cedar Point and visit Shipshawana on the way.

Ship a who?

 

[Chadstroma]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Dude...you are in the midwest (no offense) and you don't want to travel too far from Chicago for only a 2 to 3 day trip...your options are pretty damn limited especially based on your wife's dislikes and likes.

I don't disagree. My wife is likely more flexible for doing things for the kids. We went to Branson with some friends a couple of years ago and most of everything we did there was for the kids..... actually.... everything we did was for the kids now that I think of it. Trying to figure out the best of what we can do with all the limitations I outlined.

 

[MAC_32]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

Ha.... I wrote my last post and left before posting it... then posted it and saw this. Yes, I agree, from what I have seen most of the places suggested would be good for my wife and I to get away for a long weekend if we unloaded the kids but if we brought the kids there would be a mutiny. Is the humidity any different from Chicago on average?

It isn't much different. We had an absolutely perfect week at the lake in early-mid August 3 years ago. Drove through clouds while en route, by the time we got to the lake house they were gone, and we didn't see them again until after we got home a week later. Mid-high 70's every day, dew points in the 50's until the last day, and calm ~60some degree nights. It was absolutely perfect. We usually have a couple weeks like that each summer, but when it's not it's typical midwest soup. You're more likely to get dry canadian air in northern Wisconsin, but you're also more likely to get bored kids. When you're navigating around restrictions gotta make some sacrifices.

 

[MAC_32]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

There you go, hit Cedar Point and visit Shipshawana on the way.

Selfish pivot since I believe you're around there- got any dining recommendations near South Bend? Got a golf trip there this weekend. Only thing set in stone is rendezvous at the Linebacker to draft teams and that's more nostalgia than anything.

 

[Don Quixote]

Thoughts on Cedar Point for a day and then maybe go to Canton for the Football Hall of Fame? Would need to figure out something for the wifey as Cedar Point would be for the kids and HOF for me and the boys. Not sure how much she would enjoy either. lol

Is she a history fan? I spent a couple of days in Canton last year. I combined the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the First Ladies Museum, the Saxton-McKinley House, and the McKinley Memorial and Museum. First Ladies Museum is pretty small, but an exhibit room and some films downstairs.

I remember looking at a vineyard in Canton that looked pretty nice: Gervasi Vineyard, but did not really make sense for me as a solo traveler. (Was doing a solo road trip without wife and kid to check out some Presidential historical sites in Ohio )

Would the Rock and Roll HoF be of broader interest? Cleveland gets a bad rap, but combine that with, let’s say, a Guardians game, and Cleveland’s not a bad stop.

 

[FairWarning]

With Door County.... I poked around on the innerwebs looking at things.... I am not seeing anything that the kids would get excited about. The last thing I want to do is go on a trip and hear "I am borrrrrrrrreda" all freaking trip long. Did I miss stuff?

Then endure the potential heat / humidity and long weekend in northern Ohio- Cedar Point one day, rent a golf cart and island hop another, water park for part of one day, and do something on the lake (jet ski, parasail) for the rest of it. If you can squeeze a 4th day, take another spin around the point.

I look forward to returns to western Michigan but our kids are aged 8, 11, and 14. Few more years before we're doing that. In the meantime vacations need to be entertaining for them and exhausting for us. But hopefully they're memorable for all.

There you go, hit Cedar Point and visit Shipshawana on the way.

Selfish pivot since I believe you're around there- got any dining recommendations near South Bend? Got a golf trip there this weekend. Only thing set in stone is rendezvous at the Linebacker to draft teams and that's more nostalgia than anything.

My friends usually go to eat at Four Winds Casino in South Bend, they do have some good restaurants.

 

[Chadstroma]

Thoughts on Cedar Point for a day and then maybe go to Canton for the Football Hall of Fame? Would need to figure out something for the wifey as Cedar Point would be for the kids and HOF for me and the boys. Not sure how much she would enjoy either. lol

Is she a history fan? I spent a couple of days in Canton last year. I combined the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the First Ladies Museum, the Saxton-McKinley House, and the McKinley Memorial and Museum. First Ladies Museum is pretty small, but an exhibit room and some films downstairs.

I remember looking at a vineyard in Canton that looked pretty nice: Gervasi Vineyard, but did not really make sense for me as a solo traveler. (Was doing a solo road trip without wife and kid to check out some Presidential historical sites in Ohio )

Would the Rock and Roll HoF be of broader interest? Cleveland gets a bad rap, but combine that with, let’s say, a Guardians game, and Cleveland’s not a bad stop.

Not really a history fan.... I am beginning to realize my wife is hard to please

We did go to the Titanic Musuem when we were in Branson but that wasn't us picking it as our friends son is a big.... Titanic fan? Not sure the correct way to put that.... he built a lego Titanic and wanted to dress up as the captain of the Titanic for Halloween etc. So, that was kind of a must. She seemed interested in it but not maybe as interested as me. We have done all the Chicago things... Adler, Field, Science and Industry, Shedd, Art Institute, etc. but I think that has all been with the kids. I think, really, that as long as the kids are enjoying whatever we are doing, she is good. I believe our plan is to go to Disney World next summer which we all know sucks for heat/humidity but again that is all about the kids. Is Depeche Mode in the Rock n Roll HOF? That was her childhood band she loved.... that could peak her interest.

She does not drink much in general. She will drink some.... a white.... I want to say Reisling but I feel like it is a sweeter wine than that.

We haven't been to a baseball game in forever as a family, since my daughter was little and I think before our second was born so about a decade ago? She wasn't opposed to that then.

I was thinking Cedar and Football HOF since Cedar would obviously be for the kids and then HOF for me and the boys. I did think of Rock n Roll HOF but other than Depeche Mode, I don't think she would get excited about anything else.... I mean, we don't go see live bands play ever. I got her Depeche Mode tickets a long time ago but then they canceled the tour dates.... she tried to get my Eagles tickets but couldn't find any tickets less than a mortgage payment so I don't think we have ever gone to a concert. I offered to get her Depeche Mode tickets not long ago and she said no because she would be the old person in the crowd.

 

[Don Quixote]

Thoughts on Cedar Point for a day and then maybe go to Canton for the Football Hall of Fame? Would need to figure out something for the wifey as Cedar Point would be for the kids and HOF for me and the boys. Not sure how much she would enjoy either. lol

Is she a history fan? I spent a couple of days in Canton last year. I combined the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the First Ladies Museum, the Saxton-McKinley House, and the McKinley Memorial and Museum. First Ladies Museum is pretty small, but an exhibit room and some films downstairs.

I remember looking at a vineyard in Canton that looked pretty nice: Gervasi Vineyard, but did not really make sense for me as a solo traveler. (Was doing a solo road trip without wife and kid to check out some Presidential historical sites in Ohio )

Would the Rock and Roll HoF be of broader interest? Cleveland gets a bad rap, but combine that with, let’s say, a Guardians game, and Cleveland’s not a bad stop.

Not really a history fan.... I am beginning to realize my wife is hard to please

We did go to the Titanic Musuem when we were in Branson but that wasn't us picking it as our friends son is a big.... Titanic fan? Not sure the correct way to put that.... he built a lego Titanic and wanted to dress up as the captain of the Titanic for Halloween etc. So, that was kind of a must. She seemed interested in it but not maybe as interested as me. We have done all the Chicago things... Adler, Field, Science and Industry, Shedd, Art Institute, etc. but I think that has all been with the kids. I think, really, that as long as the kids are enjoying whatever we are doing, she is good. I believe our plan is to go to Disney World next summer which we all know sucks for heat/humidity but again that is all about the kids. Is Depeche Mode in the Rock n Roll HOF? That was her childhood band she loved.... that could peak her interest.

She does not drink much in general. She will drink some.... a white.... I want to say Reisling but I feel like it is a sweeter wine than that.

We haven't been to a baseball game in forever as a family, since my daughter was little and I think before our second was born so about a decade ago? She wasn't opposed to that then.

I was thinking Cedar and Football HOF since Cedar would obviously be for the kids and then HOF for me and the boys. I did think of Rock n Roll HOF but other than Depeche Mode, I don't think she would get excited about anything else.... I mean, we don't go see live bands play ever. I got her Depeche Mode tickets a long time ago but then they canceled the tour dates.... she tried to get my Eagles tickets but couldn't find any tickets less than a mortgage payment so I don't think we have ever gone to a concert. I offered to get her Depeche Mode tickets not long ago and she said no because she would be the old person in the crowd.

Depeche Mode is in the HoF. But I also can’t say that I have direct memories of any of their gear on display. But it is a big museum and could have missed somewhere.

 

[the moops]

I offered to get her Depeche Mode tickets not long ago and she said no because she would be the old person in the crowd.

I think only old people go to Depeche Mode concerts.

 

[MAC_32]

Not really a history fan.... I am beginning to realize my wife is hard to please

Does she enjoy watching shows? May be worth checking out the Playhouse schedule. We're taking the whole family to see Come From Away mid-August. If you find something she likes maybe combo that with RnR HoF.

 

[the moops]

Amtrak up to Milwaukee or Twin Cities?

 

[MAC_32]

Would the Rock and Roll HoF be of broader interest? Cleveland gets a bad rap, but combine that with, let’s say, a Guardians game, and Cleveland’s not a bad stop.

It isn't difficult to map out a 7-10 day trip through northern Ohio this time of year. A whole lot easier for me with home base here, but with some frequency we do over-night trips throughout the area. i.e. we're doing that at Cedar Point next month since staying on site allows access an hour early. Get there ~8:30, do the park til early pm, grab a bite, hit the beach for a bit, go back to the park in the evening, then to the hotel for a few night caps. Back to the park first thing the next morning til they're roller coastered out then finish up at the water park. As temps cool call it a day and head back home - may not be back by dark, but close to it.