Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells

In need of a little break from reality, and the cold, we shot up to the Wisconsin Dells over Presidents’ Day weekend to hit Chula Vista Resort. And, as it turns out, the tropical temps in the water park, frozen rum drinks, lazy river and zero wait for the water slides were exactly what we needed.

You can race friends and family on the Matador Mat Racers or hang out in Mount Montezuma’s giant rainforest with its interactive toys, slides of all kinds (and speeds), and 500-gallon bucket that dumps water on guests every few minutes. You can also just sit back and chill on an inner tube in the gentle currents of the Rio Rapids. Food stand, arcade and tiki bar? Yep, those too.

We have a goal to return in the summer to take advantage of the outdoor water park as well — there are 26 waterslides between the two. Other options include a round of golf at Coldwater Canyon, miniature golf, ziplines, a scenic riverwalk along the Wisconsin River and the new Ultimate Rush thrill ride.

Water park passes are included in your overnight stay, and Chula Vista regularly runs plenty of specials. 1000 Chula Vista Parkway in the Wisconsin Dells. ChulaVistaResort.com

— Trent Modglin

Chicago’s Ice Cream Museum

Looking for a truly unique way to entertain your sweet-toothed kiddos in the city? Not quite three years old, Chicago’s Museum of Ice Cream (with six other locations around the globe) is situated next to the Tribune Building on Michigan Avenue downtown and offers a load of interactive opportunities — think 14 installations including a pink CTA subway, speakeasy, mini golf and a giant pool filled with sprinkles — and, did we not mention unlimited ice cream treats?

Yep, you read that correctly. The ever-evolving menu promises a new treat around every corner (like the ice cream hotdog, complete with bun, relish and mustard — Chicago style).

Each room (jelly beans or bananas, anyone?) you enter has its own eye-popping theme, making it almost carnivalesque in nature with dramatic colors, ice cream trivia facts and plenty of desserts.

And parents, you can relax with a signature cocktail or milkshake in the speakeasy at the end. Tickets range from $24-$29 for specific time slots and $49-$58 for anytime entry.

435 N Michigan Avenue in Chicago. MuseumOfIceCream.com

— Trent Modglin

Catch The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System at the Marriott Theatre

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System is playing now at the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences in Lincolnshire. The hour long musical is lively, fun (and funny!), and perfect for families of all ages.

The show kicks off when the kids arrive back to school in the fall, wondering what their next magical adventure with Miss Frizzle will hold. Space puns and character humor are peppered throughout, which added extra fun for the older kids who got the multiple meanings of the jokes.

The scene was set with hundreds of paper star lights hanging from the ceiling that had some surprises of their own throughout the show. Our family loved the performance, and seeing it reinvigorated their interest in the Magic School Bus book series. We call that a win-win!

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System plays most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with select 12:30 p.m. performances and a special spring break schedule. Now through March 29. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847-634-0200 for ticket info.

— Jenny Soukup