Few weekends ago, I got a crazy idea to take my family for a little getaway. Since my son’s terrible twos started, we haven’t done too many road trips. The plan was to go to Lake Geneva, a well known destination for Chicago residents. I don’t know what I was expecting to see there, but Lake Geneva greeted us with endless traffic, crowded beaches, and overpriced food. We only stayed there for couple hours, and I couldn’t wait to leave.
My little boy has a lot of crazy energy – he doesn’t stay still, he has to grab everything, and he always has a great idea what he needs to do next (I only wish he would let me know he is going somewhere, when he suddenly takes off). Crowds of people and cars can only make it worse. On top of it, the hotel prices in Lake Geneva are not budget friendly at all- I ended up booking a room at Comfort Suites at Delavan, WI (15 minutes away from Lake Geneva).
Let me tell you: going to Delavan was the best idea ever. Without many tourists around, it was a great place for the kids and us. Our rooms were amazing, the area was quite, and we found lots of activities for our short stay. Also if for whatever reason I would have to go back to Lake Geneva, it is only 10-15 minutes away.
We went to the fare that just happened to be across the street (and hotel staff was even nice enough to print us some web coupons).
The hotel breakfast was awesome. Even if I could eat more, I wouldn’t be able to try everything they had to offer. I believe in breakfast, and this one was a great surprise.
Both of my kds found something to their taste and ate plenty of different things.
Our next stop was at the Animal Gardens Petting Zoo. You cannot possibly compare it to a big city zoo, however the parking is free, the admission is a fraction of what you would pay at the big Z, you don’t have to fight crowds of people, and you can actually have a lot of contact with farm and wild animals.
Play time with kitties. Wash you hands and play with them all you want. They also have some for adoption, if you happen to fall in love with a little cutie.
There are a lot of baby animals in the barn. My kids spent quite a bit of time there. Here the farm life found us outside of the barn. Baby goat got especially attracted by my daughter flowery flip flop.
We also took at tour to see some wild animals and even got to feed them. Would we be able to do this at the city Zoo? Probably not
There was also a a parrot show, camel and pony rides, and we even took few rides around the zoo on the little fire truck and choo choo train. The staff at the zoo was very accommodating, happy to answer any questions and made sure you are happy with your visit.
I asked my family if they would like to come back here again, I got loud “YEAH!”
Thank You Delavan, WI, we loved every minute of our visit.
Oh that is great you had such a fun time! I personally love going “outside” of the touristy places since I also cannot stand crowds of people and tons of traffic. Seems like you had a really nice family trip 🙂
Looks like you guys had tons of fun! There were kittens in the zoo? That’s so cool, what kid doesn’t want to play with kittens?
It looks like your kids are having so much fun. We forget with children : Little things please them! I still remember going to petting zoos as a child. You are right, small towns are fabulous.
You look like you all had fun, and a good place to expel some energy. My favorite is the waffles,Im all about finding good ones.
I’d probably be one of those people adopting a kitten right then and there, lol. So cute! Looks like you all had a great time! 🙂
Sometimes…well, actually most of the time, it’s the small things that make the most impact in our lives. How wonderful to have found a place so close to home, that makes for a great vacation. BTW – My husband lived in a Comfort Inn for 18months. and the staff there was marvelous.
What a fun time! I love the pictures! I would love to have kitties in our local zoo!
A petting zoo!!! Love that. I used to work at one in high school and it was so much fun to see the kids faces light up when they got to get in the pen with the pigs or sheep. – Katy
Good food, a petting zoo, no crowds and a carnival, what kid wouldn’t want to go back? It looks like the kids were having a great time. In the end that’s all that really matter.