The world's waterpark mecca, Wisconsin Dells, is a five-hour drive from Springfield.

In 1946, boat trips to Witches Gulch landing and the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial on World War II boats known as DUKWs (or "ducks") was the big thing in Wisconsin Dells. Since the 1950s, the Tommy Bartlett ski show has wowed visitors to the area. But it was Stan Anderson's idea in 1994 that kick-started the waterpark wave.

St. Louis’ proximity to Springfield and its long list of first-class cultural and recreational venues make it an ideal weekend destination.

Monterey is the California dream, before it got tarnished.

When Katie Smithenry had a chance to visit a college friend in China, she didn’t hesitate. Smithenry and her mother took the 18-hour flight from Chicago to the Hong Kong International Airport in late February.

When you think of vacationing on islands, those blissful outposts of carefree fun, do you visualize the South Pacific? The Mediterranean? Or somewhere else, just as exotic, with an exorbitant price tag to match the distance you have to travel to get there?

The ghost of the inimitable Harry Truman looms large over the town of Independence, Mo. — his modest, two-story white home is newly renovated and open again for tours; the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum just underwent a $22 million renovation, and Clinton's Soda Fountain, where young Harry got his first job, still serves up scrumptious ice cream sodas and hand-dipped shakes on historic Independence Square.

Lakes, mountains, museums, golf courses, fine dining and non-stop family musical entertainment have helped Branson, Mo., earn the nickname of "Live Music Show Capital of the World."

So your daughter runs around in Disney Princess costumes and wishes upon a star every night. Your son secretly thinks that he looks like Johnny Depp when he lunges about the house with his cardboard sword, humming "The Pirates of the Caribbean" theme song. Both your kids are clamoring for a change of scenery, but you assume that family finances dictate that none of you will be wearing mouse ears for some time to come. Is there any destination close enough to Springfield for a weekend jaunt that will be magical enough to satisfy your Disney-crazed offspring and yet won't put too big of a strain on the family budget?