Coming in 2023: Grand openings in the Midwest
Whether you call the Midwest home or are planning to travel in the new year, we're dishing the deets on the top don't-want-to-miss-it attractions opening in '23!
ILLINOIS
SpaceX Dragon 1 permanent exhibit at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry
Indulge your outer space-obsessed littles with a spring trip to Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, where they just launched the new SpaceX Dragon 1 exhibit. This permanent exhibit showcases the first privately developed spacecraft to shuttle astronauts to the International Space Station. Museum entry includes tons of science and space exhibits, including the Henry Crown space center, celebrating the past and future of space exploration.
Mom tip: Visiting for the weekend? Save over 50% to Chicago’s top five attractions (which includes this museum) with a Chicago CityPASS.
Location: Chicago, IL
When to visit: Now! The exhibit is newly opened.
Image Credit @msichicago on Instagram
Water City at Chicago Children’s Museum
The Chicago Children’s Museum has plenty to offer- and this year, they are replacing their Water Ways exhibit with the new Water City. While you’re there, check out their latest exhibition, Castle, featuring secret passageways, costumes, and even a dungeon to spark endless imaginative play. Water City has yet to receive an official opening date, so check their website before visiting.
Mom tip: Take a break from chasing littles in Pritzker Playspace, a special area just for babies and toddlers, offering four 45-minute sessions throughout the day: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm.
Location: Chicago, IL
When to visit: Summer 2023
Imaged used from press release with thanks to www.PRnewswire.com.
INDIANA
Bicentennial Unity Plaza at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Designed as a community gathering space downtown, you can expect plenty of seasonal activities, from a summer basketball court to a wintry ice rink and several new public artworks and performance spaces. In addition, a permanent canopy will stretch over most of the plaza, ensuring the space is accessible, rain or shine.
Mom tip: Plan a moms' night out and meet up with friends for coffee or cocktails in this downtown space, or make it a date night and take in one of the artistic performances that will be offered when it opens.
Location: Indianapolis, IN
When to visit: Summer through Winter 2023
Image used thanks to www.gainbridgefieldhouse.com.
IOWA
Two new attractions at Adventureland Iowa
If you haven’t been to Adventureland, Iowa, then 2023 is the year to visit! They’ve been steadily adding rides over the past few years, and this year includes two new family-friendly adventures. Their latest roller coaster, the Flying Viking, carries riders in a Viking chariot. Look down, and you’ll see their other new thrill, the Viking log flume, with not one but two water-logged drops to give kids and parents double the adrenaline rush.
Mom tip: Adventure Bay Waterpark boasts two swim-up bars and daily cabana rentals, so you can plan an adult day of fun for your next trip!
Location: Altoona, IA
When to visit: Summer and Fall 2023
Image used with thanks to Adventureland Resort.
MICHIGAN
Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark coming to Bavarian Inn Lodge
With plans to expand to over 140,000 square feet and 20 new attractions, discover unlimited entertainment in this water park and family fun center at Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, MI. The family fun center will open in the fall of 2023, with the entire waterpark opening in early 2024.
Mom tip: New offerings will include multiple water slides, a wave pool, and a swim-up bar so you can sip while the kids splash.
Location: Frankenmuth, MI
When to visit: Fall 2023 through Spring 2024
Skybridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain
Boyne Mountain now features the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Don’t lose your footing taking in the scenic sites during a thrilling trek across the 118-foot-high pedestrian bridge. Tickets include the chairlift to and from the bridge and 3-hour access so you can take your time snapping panoramic pics (and holding tightly onto toddlers!) from the top.
Mom tip: Plan a family getaway at Boyne Mountain resort and give yourself a day off with full-day childcare offered at Helga Haus Children’s Learning Center.
Location: Boyne Mountain, MI
When to visit: Anytime! It’s newly opened and remains open year-round.
Image credit @boyne.mountain on Instagram
MISSOURI
While it’s called the biggest bar in St. Louis, this enormous food, beverage, and entertainment venue possesses plenty of excitement for the whole family. With six acres of indoor space and over 40 interactive games, there are hours of activities to explore. Little ones will love the two-story indoor slide, and moms will appreciate the free admission!
Mom tip: Plan a weekend getaway with friends to enjoy all the adult offerings at The Armory, including live music, six bars, and 92 beers on tap.
Location: St. Louis, MO
When to visit: Now! It is newly opened.
LOOKING FOR MORE MIDWEST FUN? Check out this roadtrip guide!
OHIO
Thrill-seekers love Cedar Point for its guaranteed adrenaline-rush rides like the Millennium Force. However, their 2023 expansion makes the park even more accessible for younger family members to join the fun. The new beachfront Boardwalk includes a roller coaster, unique dining and entertainment options, and expanded kid-friendly ride experiences.
Mom tip: Extend your stay and visit Kelleys Island, just 12 miles north of Cedar Point. Accessible only by boat or air, many visitors leave their cars behind and get around by rented bike or golf cart to enjoy the outdoors.
Location: Sandusky, OH
When to visit: Opens May 2023
Imaged used thanks to www.freep.com.
LOOKING AHEAD…
World’s First ECO Theme Park in the Chicago area, opening in 2024
Does an environmentally and family-friendly theme park sound too good to be true? Maybe, but that’s what ECO Theme Park is striving to bring to the Midwest via Chicago in 2024. The park will be designed around educating visitors on all aspects of being eco-friendly while prioritizing entertainment and family fun. Families can feel good about endlessly exploring all that ECO offers, with an amusement park, a 500-room resort, indoor entertainment and shopping, and an enormous indoor water park. As if that’s not enough, there are even more features planned for 2025-2026 too!
Image used thanks to www.themeparktourist.com.
