Hi R.,
I have a 2 year old and 11 month old and so far we have two favorite places we go to:
(1)is White Pines state forest in Ogle county. They have small cabins to rent with (gas) fire place. They have a cozy restaurant, playground, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Camping is also available. There are larger cabins (Pine Creek Cabins) across the street from the entrance of the park with kitchens, 2 bed 2 bath or larger, swing, and fire pit.
(2) We also like to rent a house in Eagle Ridge Galena Territory and then go visit Galena’s Historic downtown.
Here are the web links to White Pines:
http://www.whitepinesinn.com/
THere are many different websites for homes in Eagle Ridge Galena Territory. (it's this huge area with new construction homes for weekend getaways. There are golf courses there too.)
If you get any more ideas from other moms, I’d appreciate if you can send them my way. :-)
Hope you find this helpful!
Barbara