Many families are crawling the walls at this point, not having traveled for over 18 months, cooped up with each other. Spring break? Cancelled. Trip to see grandparents? Postponed. Annual trip to the water park? Not this year! Where can you go to relax, but where the kids will also be entertained? For some peace and quiet, but also activities on demand? Welcome to Lake Lawn Resort, a 90 minute road trip from Chicago, with 250 sprawling acres wrapping around the shores of Delavan Lake, the ideal family-friendly staycation destination.
Relax and Recharge
Relax and Family Vacation are two terms that seem almost…opposite. Family vacations tend to be over-scheduled, loud and filled with activities that are more obligations. Lake Lawn is designed for a truly relaxing family-friendly staycation- they have enough activities with something to keep everyone happy, but you don’t have to follow a strict itinerary.
I started my trip out at the Calladora Spa for a couple’s massage. The great thing about going on a trip with multiple families is that you can take turns watching each other’s children! Each couple can enjoy some alone time together while the kids are taken care of.
Calladora Spa features 10 service rooms, a Eucalyptus steam facility, lounge, nail salon, and more. Our couple’s massage even had the option of a pre-massage soak in twin Kohler tubs- a perfect way to relax, unwind, and reset your mind together. I think a bath is one of my favorite dates- just time in the tub, free from distractions, and the ability to speak freely.
The massage tables were deliciously heated, with the option of a hot compress placed upon your back for extra muscle relaxation. Lights low, gentle music, highly professional masseurs. I think doing this upon arrival to the resort is an ideal way to set the tone.
Room to Explore
There are multiple ways to explore at Lake Lawn Resort. It is named after the vast stretches of green open spaces that roll throughout the resort. We took our time walking along the paths, which at times bordered the beautiful lake, other wove through the mature oak trees dotting the property.
We saw families having picnics on the lawn- grab a takeout from the Isle of Capri Cafe- and lounging for hours eating and playing lawn games. Isn’t that the point of a family-friendly staycation? Spending time relaxing together, connecting and enjoying less responsibilities? Others decided to rent a pontoon boat or kayak and explore Lake Delavan, parent/child duos casting their rods into the clear water to see what might nibble on the line. Hop on the Queen Boat for a tour on the weekends, viewing multiple Frank Lloyd Wright homes that line the lake.
Speaking of “room,” our accommodations were incredibly spacious and decorated in true northern woods fashion. I loved the Kohler bubble tub and ornate headboard in particular.
Time to Play
Play looks different for everyone. As a kid, my favorite way to play was to spend hours in the pool, my lips turning blue, my teeth chattering so hard that I couldn’t speak. Lake Lawn has perfect temperature pools, both indoor and outdoor, for kids and adults alike to play away the day. Lawn chairs line the outdoor pool, allowing for those who prefer their play a little quieter to still observe family members splashing away.
If your play looks like sports, Lake Lawn has a gorgeous 18 hole championship golf course that will put a smile on any player’s face, novice or pro. Didn’t bring your clubs? Rent them! Since a full day of golf isn’t my cup of tea, I opted for their lakeside mini golf course. My children LOVE mini golf- it is one thing we can do as a family while still chatting and connecting.
If you are more into play on the water, grab a couple of wave runners and cruise down coast! With over 12 miles of shoreline, it makes for a perfect day of play.
Dine and Drink
In the Midwest, we have a surprising lack of restaurants overlooking the water! Thankfully, Lake Lawn resort has multiple options for lakeside dining. We had dinner at the Lookout Bar, which gives gorgeous views of the lake and pool. They have an expansive patio, and even though the resort was fairly full, we didn’t have to make a reservation or wait for a table.
Looking for a change of scenery? Lake Geneva is only about 20 minutes from Lake Delavan, and they have multiple restaurants near the lake. From the Boat House to Baker House, there are a number of restaurants that range in casual to upscale, BBQ to Fish Fry.
All About the Kids
“I’m bored” is probably the #1 phrase to come out of my children’s mouth, and it drives me up the wall. I passed by an arcade, a kids playhouse called Bucky’s complete with ping pong, crafts, movies and more, laser tag, Giant Jenga, daily competitions, contents and relays. Also, they have a General Store…my daughter definitely inherited the shopping gene, and could spend hours exploring all of their themed merch. Plus…a swan paddle boat!
What I love is that the fun isn’t necessarily “manufactured,” where the kids are passively being entertained. They have an incredible amount of activities that will stimulate your kids and tire them out!
Connect and Cuddle
Summer bonfires are a memory that I want to always give my children. There have been so many times with friends and family that I have cozied up and chatted about life. You can request a bonfire to be built any night at dusk, weather permitting, overlooking the lake, surrounded with Adirondak chairs or chic brick benches.
Grab a Lake Lawn fleece blanket from the General Store when fall hits, and cuddle up with your loved ones for a family-friendly staycation in the chilly months! Plus, there is enough space at the resort to maintain distance from others. I felt incredibly safe with their COVID precautions.
Overall, my overnight trip to Lake Lawn resort made me want to come back for a long weekend with my kids! It is the perfect balance between activity and relaxation, downtime and excitement. Check out their site and book your staycation now! You can also follow them on social media to see what events and specials they have coming up.
Cheers to a family-friendly staycation where there is something for everyone!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary stay at Lake Lawn Resort for review purposes. All opinions are honest and my own as always.
