By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published May 12, 2016 at 3:36 PM

If you needed an excuse to take the family down to Chicago for a weekend this summer, Amtrak just gave you one.

Now through Aug. 28, kids can ride the Amtrak Hiawatha Service train between Milwaukee and Chicago on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for free. The deal is valid for up to two children ages 2 to 12, and the children must be accompanied by a regular fare-paying adult.

The only blackout dates include May 27, May 30, July 1 and July 4. Otherwise, set some dates, visit Amtrak.com to get the deal, pack your bags and get to traveling.