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Looking for the best places to take kids in Illinois? Look no further! Illinois is home to a variety of attractions that are perfect for family fun. From thrilling amusement parks to educational museums, there is something for everyone in the Land of Lincoln.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, Snowstar Winter Park is a must-visit destination. This Quad City attraction offers 15 trails, 11 snow tubing lanes, and a massive terrain park. For those seeking a more relaxing outdoor experience, Illinois Beach State Park in Zion is a beautiful spot for a family picnic or a day at the beach.
For a taste of city life, Chicago is a top destination. The Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge offer breathtaking views of the city, while the Navy Pier Centennial Wheel provides a fun-filled ride for all ages.
The Chicago River Architecture Cruise is an educational and entertaining way to explore the city’s iconic architecture. With so many options, you’re sure to find something that your whole family will love in Illinois.
Lincoln Park Zoo
If you’re looking for a fun and educational place for your kids in Illinois, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a must-visit destination. Founded in 1868, it is one of the country’s last free-admission zoos, making it an affordable option for families on a budget.
The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, representing over 200 species from around the world. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Regenstein African Journey, the Kovler Seal Pool, and the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the Lincoln Park Zoo offers a variety of educational programs and events for kids of all ages. From summer camps to overnight adventures, there are plenty of opportunities for your children to learn about wildlife and conservation.
One of the unique features of the Lincoln Park Zoo is its commitment to sustainability and green practices. The zoo is powered by renewable energy and has implemented a variety of conservation initiatives, including composting recycling, and water conservation.
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best places for families with kids of all ages in Illinois. With its free admission, diverse animal exhibits, and commitment to sustainability, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the top attractions in Illinois.
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the must-visit places for families with kids in Illinois. This museum is one of the largest science museums in the world and offers a wide range of exhibits and activities that are both fun and educational for kids of all ages.
Henry Crown Space Center
One of the most popular exhibits at the Museum of Science and Industry is the Henry Crown Space Center. This exhibit is designed to inspire kids to learn more about space and the universe. It features a full-scale replica of the Apollo 8 command module and a collection of other space artifacts.
Kids can also explore the interactive exhibits and learn about the history of space exploration, the science of space travel, and the challenges of living and working in space. They can even experience what it’s like to be an astronaut by trying on a space suit and climbing into a simulated space capsule.
The Museum of Science and Industry is a great place to take kids in Illinois. With its wide range of exhibits and activities, it offers something for everyone and is sure to provide a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is one of the most popular attractions in the state of Illinois, and it’s easy to see why. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, this 50-acre pier offers a wide variety of family-friendly activities that are sure to keep your kids entertained all day long.
Attractions
One of the main draws of Navy Pier is its many attractions. Here are just a few of the most popular ones.
- Centennial Wheel: This 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
- Chicago Children’s Museum: This museum is designed specifically for kids and offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits and activities.
- Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze: This indoor maze is full of twists, turns, and surprises that will keep your kids entertained for hours.
Events
In addition to its permanent attractions, Navy Pier also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Here are a few of the most popular ones.
- Winter Wonderfest: This annual holiday event features ice skating, holiday-themed rides, and more.
- Summer Fireworks: Every Wednesday and Saturday during the summer months, Navy Pier puts on a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Michigan.
- Chicago Shakespeare Theater: This theater hosts a variety of family-friendly performances throughout the year.
Dining
With over 20 restaurants and food stands, Navy Pier has something to satisfy every appetite. Here are a few of the best options for families.
- Giordano’s: This Chicago-style pizza chain is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
- Margie’s Candies: This classic ice cream parlor has been serving up delicious treats since 1921.
Navy Pier is a must-visit destination for families visiting Illinois. With its many attractions, events, and dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a must-see destination when visiting Chicago, and it’s an excellent place to take your kids. This 24.5-acre park is filled with art, gardens, monuments, play areas, music, and more, right in the heart of the city.
- The Bean: The Bean, also known as Cloud Gate, is a giant, shiny, bean-shaped sculpture that reflects the skyline of Chicago. Kids love seeing their reflections in the Bean and taking photos with it.
- Crown Fountain: The Crown Fountain is a unique interactive sculpture that features two 50-foot glass towers that project video images of Chicagoans’ faces. Kids can splash around in the shallow reflecting pool at the base of the towers.
- Jay Pritzker Pavilion: The Jay Pritzker Pavilion is an outdoor concert venue that hosts free concerts in the summer. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a performance with your kids.
- Lurie Garden: The Lurie Garden is a beautiful garden that features a variety of native plants and flowers. It’s a great place to take a stroll with your kids and learn about the different types of plants.
- Maggie Daley Park: Maggie Daley Park is located just east of Millennium Park and is a 20-acre playground wonderland for kids. It features a Play Garden that showcases a playground with towers, bridges, and sculptures surrounded by plants and flowers.
Millennium Park is an excellent destination to take your kids in Chicago. It’s a free and fun place to explore, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re looking for fun and educational places to take your kids, the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois is a must-visit. This aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and is home to over 32,000 aquatic animals.
Exhibits
The Shedd Aquarium has a wide variety of exhibits that showcase the diverse aquatic life from around the world. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- Waters of the World: This exhibit takes you on a journey through the world’s rivers, lakes, and oceans, showcasing the diverse aquatic life found in each habitat.
- Caribbean Reef: This exhibit features a colorful coral reef ecosystem, complete with sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
- Amazon Rising: This exhibit showcases the diverse aquatic life found in the Amazon River, including piranhas, anacondas, and giant catfish.
Animal Encounters
The Shedd Aquarium offers a variety of animal encounters that allow you to get up close and personal with some of the aquarium’s residents.
- Penguin Encounter: This encounter allows you to meet the aquarium’s resident penguins and learn about their behavior and habitat.
- Stingray Touch: This interactive exhibit allows you to touch and feed the aquarium’s resident stingrays.
- Beluga Encounter: This encounter allows you to meet the aquarium’s beluga whales and learn about their behavior and habitat.
Shows and Programs
The Shedd Aquarium offers a variety of shows and programs that are both entertaining and educational.
- Animal Spotlight: This program allows you to learn about the aquarium’s animals from the experts who care for them.
- 4-D Experience: This immersive movie experience combines 3-D visuals with special effects like wind, water, and scent to create a truly unique experience.
- Aquatic Presentation: This live show features the aquarium’s trained animals, including dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales.
The Shedd Aquarium is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational day out. With a wide variety of exhibits, animal encounters, and shows, there’s something for everyone at this world-class aquarium.
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational day out. Located in Brookfield, Illinois, just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago, this zoo is home to over 400 species of animals, making it one of the largest zoos in the United States.
Getting There
There are two parking lots at Brookfield Zoo, the south and north parking lots. The North parking lot is much bigger and easier to get to, so it is recommended to park there. There is a fee for parking at the zoo, which is currently $14.00 per car. The GPS address for the North Parking Lot is 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.
Schedule and Hours
The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is important to note that the zoo may close due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, so it is always a good idea to check the zoo’s website or call ahead before making the trip.
Exhibits and Attractions
Brookfield Zoo has a wide variety of exhibits and attractions for visitors of all ages.
- Regenstein Center for African Apes: This exhibit is home to chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, and it allows visitors to observe these primates in a naturalistic setting.
- The Swamp: This exhibit features alligators, turtles, and other animals that live in the wetlands of the southeastern United States.
- Tropic World: This exhibit is home to a variety of animals from the rainforests of Africa, Asia, and South America, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
- Hamill Family Play Zoo: This interactive exhibit allows children to learn about animals through hands-on activities and play.
There are also several shows and presentations throughout the day, including dolphin shows, sea lion shows, and bird shows.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Here are some tips to make your visit to Brookfield Zoo with kids more enjoyable.
- Plan your visit ahead of time and prioritize the exhibits and attractions you want to see.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles, especially on hot days.
- Consider bringing a stroller or wagon for younger children.
- Take advantage of the zoo’s food options, which include a variety of restaurants and snack stands.
Check the zoo’s website for special events and activities, such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.
Brookfield Zoo is one of the must-visit destination places for families with kids in Illinois. With its wide variety of exhibits and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Chicago Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for an interactive and educational experience for your kids, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a must-visit. Located at Navy Pier, this museum offers a variety of exhibits and activities that cater to children of all ages.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Dinosaur Expedition, where kids can dig for fossils and learn about prehistoric creatures. The Tinkering Lab is another favorite, where kids can experiment with tools and materials to create their inventions.
The museum also offers a range of programs and workshops, including music and art classes, science experiments, and storytelling sessions. Check their website for a schedule of upcoming events.
Admission to the Chicago Children’s Museum is $19 per person, but children under one-year-old get in for free. Discounts are available for members, military personnel, and Illinois residents.
The Chicago Children’s Museum is a fun and engaging destination for families with young children. With its hands-on exhibits and educational programs, it’s a great way to inspire curiosity and creativity in your little ones.
Illinois Railway Museum
If your child is a train enthusiast, the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL is a must-visit destination. This museum is the largest railway museum in the country, and it’s just a 60-mile drive from downtown Chicago.
At the museum, your kids can take a ride on a steam or diesel train through the countryside. They can also play on the train-themed playground, which is sure to be a hit with younger children. Additionally, the museum has a variety of train exhibits that are both informative and fascinating.
One of the highlights of the Illinois Railway Museum is the opportunity to ride on a historic train. The museum has a number of different trains that visitors can ride, including a 1912 steam locomotive and a 1950s-era diesel train. Each ride lasts about 45 minutes and takes visitors on a scenic journey through the countryside.
In addition to the train rides, the museum has a variety of other exhibits that showcase the history of rail travel in the United States. Visitors can learn about the different types of trains that were used throughout history, as well as the various roles that trains played in shaping the country.
The Illinois Railway Museum is a great destination for families with kids of all ages. Whether your child is a train enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the history of rail travel, this museum is sure to be a hit.
Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience for your kids, the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination. This museum is designed specifically for children, providing them with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world.
The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum offers a wide range of exhibits and activities that are both fun and educational. Children can explore the world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. They can create their own art, build structures, experiment with light and sound, and much more.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is the “Build It!” exhibit. Here, children can use their imaginations to build structures using a variety of materials, including blocks, cardboard, and foam pieces. They can also explore the world of construction and engineering by constructing bridges, towers, and other structures.
Another popular exhibit is the “Pretend and Play” exhibit, where children can use their imaginations to explore different professions and roles. They can dress up in costumes and pretend to be doctors, firefighters, chefs, and more. This exhibit encourages children to develop their social and emotional skills as they learn to work together and communicate effectively.
The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum is a great place to take your kids for a fun and educational experience. With its wide range of exhibits and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Legoland Discovery Center
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with your kids, Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the perfect place to visit. This indoor attraction offers 30,000 square feet of Lego fun, including two rides, a 4D movie theater, a build and test zone, Miniland, a soft play area, Lego Pirate Adventure Island, Model Builder Workshop, Lego Shop, and Cafe.
One of the highlights of Legoland Discovery Center is Miniland, where you can see the Chicago skyline built from one million Lego bricks. It’s an impressive sight to see and a great photo opportunity for the family.
The build and test zone is another popular attraction, where kids can build their own Lego creations and test them on various tracks and ramps. There are also workshops and classes available for children to learn more about building with Lego.
For younger children, the soft play area is a perfect spot to burn off some energy. It’s a safe and fun environment for kids to climb, crawl, and play.
If you’re looking to take a break from all the excitement, the Lego Cafe is a great place to grab a snack or meal. They offer a variety of options, including pizza, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
Legoland Discovery Center is a must-visit for any Lego-loving family. With so much to see and do, it’s a fun-filled day for everyone.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Take Kids in Illinois
Illinois offers a wide variety of activities that are perfect for families with kids. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just some good old-fashioned family fun, there’s something for everyone in this great state.
From skiing and snowboarding at Snowstar Winter Park to exploring the architecture of Chicago on a river cruise, there are plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. The Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee is another great option, with its indoor water park and other family-friendly amenities.
If you’re looking for something a little more educational, Illinois has plenty of museums and galleries to explore. The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is a great place to start, with its exhibits on natural history, art, and culture. The Chicago Children’s Museum is another must-visit destination, with its hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
No matter what you choose to do or the places you go in Illinois, you’re sure to have a great time with your kids and family. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to see why this state is such a popular destination for families with kids. So why not start planning your next family adventure today?
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Best Places to Take Kids in Illinois
What are some fun places to take kids in Chicago?
Chicago, Illinois has plenty of fun places to take kids. You can take them to the Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge, Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, or the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for amazing views of the city. If your kids love animals, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a great option. For a fun and educational experience, the Chicago Children’s Museum is a must-visit.
What are some family-friendly vacation spots within 4 hours of Illinois?
If you’re looking for family-friendly vacation spots within 4 hours of Illinois, there are plenty of options. You can head to Wisconsin Dells for waterparks and outdoor activities, or to Indianapolis for museums and amusement parks. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Michigan City and South Haven in Michigan are great options.
Where can I find kid-friendly vacations near me in Illinois?
If you’re looking for the best places and vacations for kids near you in Illinois, there are plenty of options. Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee is a popular choice for families, with its indoor waterpark and other fun activities. You can also visit Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee or Six Flags Great America in Gurnee for a fun day out.
