Schaumburg Illinois Trip with Kids: A One-Night Mini Getaway

Jess Barrera
Nov 10
4 min read

Family Fun That Fits in a Weekend

Sometimes the best family adventures aren’t faraway destinations—they’re quick little getaways that fill your weekend with memories and a dose of discovery. For our latest mini-trip, we packed up the car and headed to Schaumburg, Illinois, a perfect spot for families looking for a mix of hands-on fun, great food, and cozy hotels.

Even though we only stayed one night, it felt like an extended adventure. Between exploring the Museum of Science and Industry, enjoying a relaxed evening in our hotel suite, and spending the next morning at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, our boys were happily exhausted by the time we headed home.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI)

We rolled into the Chicago NW suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois and headed straight to the acclaimed Museum of Science and Industry (just a short drive away). The boys were immediately drawn to the Electricity & Weather exhibits—they loved the energy of the lightning simulator and the giant tornado chamber. MSI is designed to be engaging for kids of all ages (and grown-ups too). For example, their Idea Factory is built specifically for children 10 and under, offering hands-on play with water, air tubes, light, and magnetism.

Another big hit for our kids was the model train and “mini-town” replica. MSI also houses exhibits like a genuine coal-mine ride and the historic U-505 submarine, which give the older ones and adults some “wow” moments.

Because we stayed for only a short amount of time, we picked highlights rather than trying to “do it all.” As a result the kids were happy kids and it was a stress-free museum visit.

Evening: Relaxing Hotel Night with Take-Out

After the museum, we checked into a suite in Schaumburg that had two bedrooms + a kitchenette. That setup really makes a difference when you're traveling with young kids. It’s helpful to have space for everyone to unwind, and we love the option to prepare snacks or simple meals in the hotel room. (If you’re planning your own trip, hotels like Hyatt House Chicago/Schaumburg offer two-bedroom suites with kitchen/kitchenette)

We ordered take-out to the hotel and the kitchenette was perfect for eating our meal together and playing some games afterward.

A tip for fellow parents: bring along a compact travel snack organizer so the kids have something to munch on right after arrival or late at night.

Day 2: Breakfast & the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

We started with breakfast at Checkers Pancake House—which was an extra fun moment because our boys have a pet snake named “Checker,” so the restaurant name made them smile. The food was good and the atmosphere family-friendly.

Then we surprised the boys with a visit to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg. This indoor LEGO®-filled playground is perfect for kids ages roughly 3-10. It features MINILAND® (a massive LEGO® city scene), multiple rides like the “Kingdom Quest” laser ride, a 4D cinema, and tons of building and interactive zones.

The boys built creations and ran around having a great time exploring each activity.

Dinner on the Way Home: Local Flavor

On the drive out, we stopped at Carlos’ Mexican Grill. It was delicious, filling, and a good way to end the mini-trip with the kids happy and bellies full.

Highlights of Schaumburg Illinois Trip for Families

Two major kid-friendly attractions (MSI + LEGOLAND) make it easy to plan a short stay and still feel like you did something extraordinary.
Staying in a hotel with two bedrooms + kitchenette gives flexibility, comfort, and the ability to prepare meals or order take-out and eat comfortably.
The “mini-road-trip” length is manageable for younger kids since there’s less driving stress, more fun.
Activities span ages: younger kids will love the hands-on MSI play zone, older kids will enjoy the model train, LEGO rides, and more.
Balanced downtime: We weren’t trying to cram in dozens of stops. Just a good rhythm of explore-relax-explore.

Additional Kid-Friendly Activities in Schaumburg (If You Extend the Stay)

If you decide to stay 2-3 nights instead of just one, here are more ideas:

The indoor water park at The Water Works Indoor Water Park — ideal for rainy days or giving the kids some splash time.
Indoor playgrounds like Yu Kids Island Chicago for younger children—soft play, slides, etc.
Shopping and mall entertainment at Woodfield Mall with arcade/food options, which can be a low-stress afternoon activity.
Outdoor options: nature trails such as Spring Valley Nature Center and boardwalks in nearby areas if you want to mix in fresh air.

Travel Gear Recommendations

Here are quick highlights:

JetKids Stokke BedBox Ride-On Suitcase – Keeps little ones entertained through airports and hotel lobbies.
Traveler’s Club Kids’ 5-Piece Luggage Set – Perfect for families giving kids their own packing responsibility.
Collapsible Food Storage Containers – Save space and make hotel snacking simple.
Travel Snack Organizer – Keeps car rides and downtime mess-free.