My husband and I and our toddler son live 3 hours west of Kansas City. We are planning a long weekend just to get away. We are needing suggestions on things to do. We don't like Branson (too commercial) and are not in to watersports so the Lake of the Ozarks area is kind of out. We are considering Big Cedar lodge--which I posted about earlier and got good reviews. We were considering Eureka Springs--but I got very negative answers when I posted on here. Does anyone have any suggestions on places to go or things to do? We really just do not want to have to drive around a lot and enjoy staying at very clean places due to our young child getting in to everything Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

On your Eureka Springs thread, it seems to me you had one responder who had some negativity. But RBCal listed some activities a toddler might like. So I don't think I would give up the idea of Eureka Springs based on that thread.

Are you wanting to go to a resort hotel and just stay at that location?

We want to stay someplace different every night. We are pretty open to any suggestions that might suit a toddler. We like the thought of Big Cedar because our son doesn't like to ride in a car for long periods of time. Thus, we could go there, stay, eat, swim, paddleboat, walk around, etc. and not have to drive around to different places. We have not counted out Eureka Springs...but we don't want to go to the Passion Play and all I can find online is stuff about weddings and B&Bs. Thanks for posting a reply!

jrs, I'm sorry,I don't understand what you are looking for. If you stay in a different lodging every night, you'll be driving to a different place every day, won't you?

Hi jrs9833,
Maybe I'm a bit late in responding....
I don't think you can ever go wrong with Big Cedar! If you are looking for an easy trip with pretty scenery & a relaxing atmosphere, Big Cedar is the way to go. I'd recommend a cabin with a kitchen. They are plenty spacious & with kids it's nice to have the kitchen availability.
We are not Branson people either, but we've learned that the area has more to offer then just the regular tourist type activities. College of the Ozarks is a hiden gem with a nice restaurant, & pretty look out point. La Chateau on the Lake is very nice with a spa & good restaurant.
Good luck!

It is a longer drive, but have you considered the Amana Colonies in Iowa? The fall is a wonderful time to go there. There are wineries, a working woolen mill, bakeries, wonderful restaurants, a smoke house, cider, microbrew, shops.

Keith

This post is almost a month old, but how about the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha?

Find a hotel in Omaha that has a pool indoors.