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Family-Friendly Relaxation Rail Trip Itinerary - August 2024

Viewed by 92 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Chicago

Chicago, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe

Start your day with a delicious pancake breakfast at this family-friendly spot, famous for its extensive menu and fresh ingredients.
Located near Millennium Park, it’s perfect for a morning meal before exploring the city.
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30 AM

Visit Millennium Park

After breakfast, head to Millennium Park to enjoy the expansive green space, Cloud Gate sculpture, and outdoor art installations.
A short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Take a Chicago River Cruise

Board an architecture river cruise to learn about Chicago’s iconic skyline while relaxing on the water.
The cruise docks are just 15 minutes away from Millennium Park.
USD70, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Giordano's

Enjoy a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza for lunch at Giordano's, a family favorite.
It’s conveniently located near the cruise dock, just a 5-minute walk.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Shedd Aquarium

Spend your afternoon exploring the fascinating underwater world at Shedd Aquarium, perfect for kids to learn about marine life.
Take a 15-minute bus ride to the aquarium from the restaurant.
USD100, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Lou Malnati's

Savor another slice of Chicago's famous pizza in a relaxing atmosphere at Lou Malnati's.
A short Uber ride (10 minutes) from the aquarium.
USD65, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Relax at Navy Pier

End the day at Navy Pier, where kids can enjoy the rides while parents soak in the beautiful lakeside view.
Take a brief walk (15 minutes) to Navy Pier.
USD50 for rides, 2 hours

8:30 PM

Return to hotel

Head back to your hotel for some well-earned rest after a fun-filled day.
Uber back to the hotel (15 minutes).
Varies, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Travel to Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The B.O.B.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The B.O.B., renowned for its diverse menu, before checking out of your hotel.
Located just a 10-minute drive from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Depart for Grand Rapids

Board your Amtrak train to Grand Rapids to enjoy a scenic rail journey.
Train station is a 15-minute cab ride away.
USD150, 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Arrive in Grand Rapids

Upon arrival, check into your family-friendly hotel and freshen up.
USD200 (hotel night), 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Founders Brewing Co.

Grab a delicious and relaxed lunch at this local brewpub with a great menu for families.
A quick 10-minute ride from the hotel.
USD50, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum

After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring interactive exhibits at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.
A 15-minute walk from Founders Brewing Co.
USD40, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Wander through scenic gardens that are perfect for kids to explore and enjoy beautiful art.
Take a 15-minute ride to the gardens.
USD50, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Meat BBQ

Wrap up the day with a relaxed dinner at The Meat BBQ, serving up delicious smoked meats and sides.
A short 10-minute ride back to the city center.
USD70, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening stroll by the Grand River

Take a leisurely stroll by the Grand River and watch the sunset, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Discover Detroit

Detroit, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Omelette Shop

Start the day with delicious omelets and waffles at The Omelette Shop to fuel up for the day ahead.
Located about 4 miles from your hotel.
USD40, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Depart for Detroit

Catch your Amtrak train to Detroit and enjoy the views along the way.
Amtrak station is a 15-minute ride from the hotel.
USD100, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Arrive in Detroit

Arrive in Detroit and check into your hotel before starting your explorations.
USD200 (hotel night), 1 hour

11:30 AM

Lunch at Corktown Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at this charming eatery, famous for its cozy atmosphere and great local dishes.
Short 10-minute ride from your hotel.
USD60, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts

Explore the impressive collections at the Detroit Institute of Arts, an engaging experience for the whole family.
A quick 10-minute ride from the restaurant.
USD40, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Relax at Belle Isle Park

Spend a peaceful afternoon at Belle Isle Park, where kids can play and families can enjoy scenic views by the water.
About a 15-minute drive from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Buddy's Pizza

Savor some of Detroit's famed square pizza at Buddy's Pizza, a hit with families.
A 20-minute ride back from Belle Isle Park.
USD70, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Evening at Detroit Riverwalk

Enjoy a family stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk, a beautiful place to enjoy the city at night.
Walkable from the restaurant within 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Final Adventures in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, USA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Zingerman's Delicatessen

Start your day with an iconic breakfast sandwich or bagel at Zingerman's, a local favorite.
A short drive (about 10 minutes) to Zingerman's.
USD50, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Depart for Ann Arbor

Travel to Ann Arbor via Amtrak for a scenic ride through the Michigan landscape.
Return to the train station, which is 15 minutes from the deli.
USD100, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Arrive in Ann Arbor

Check into your hotel and freshen up for the day's adventures.
USD200 (hotel night), 1 hour

11:30 AM

Lunch at The Chop House

Treat yourselves to a delicious lunch at The Chop House, famously serving high-quality steak and seafood.
About a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
USD80, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Explore the University of Michigan campus

Stroll through the beautiful University of Michigan campus, featuring rich history and striking architecture.
Walkable from the restaurant in about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Kids will love the interactive exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, where learning meets fun.
A quick 15-minute walk from campus.
USD40, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Dominick's

Conclude your trip with dinner at Dominick's, known for its fresh ingredients and casual vibrant atmosphere.
About a 10-minute ride from the museum.
USD60, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Wrap up and return home

Reflect on your unforgettable family trip, filled with new memories made together, before heading home.
Head back to your hotel or train station for departure.
Varies, 1 hour
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