When you’re going traveling with your children, it’s good to prepare beforehand with a list of kid-friendly activities to keep them entertained. But you won’t have any problem finding great options for the whole family in Illinois. Just take a look at our top things to do in Illinois with kids, below.
Go Boating On Lake Michigan
Make this a trip your kids will always remember with a yacht rental in Chicago. It’s much easier to arrange than you think, as you can hire any vessel that meets your needs, quickly and safely online.
But where do you go once you’re all aboard? Chicago’s position at the shore of Lake Michigan makes it ideal for some boating fun in the sun. Best of all, you can opt for a skippered charter, so you get to relax with the kids and just enjoy the view.
While you’re in the area, visit one of the historic lighthouses along Lake Michigan. The Grosse Point Light in Evanston is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1873, it is now a maritime museum.
Enjoy The Rides At Six Flags
If you’re visiting Illinois with the family, you simply must stop by at Six Flags. Here you will find something for everyone. Family rides, kids’ rides, a waterpark, as well as special events, and live shows are all on offer. And while the kids are having the time of their lives, you can do some souvenir shopping at the gift shop or have a coffee.
Be sure to replenish all their spent energy at one of the restaurants before you leave. But be advised that Six Flags only accepts card payments onsite, including payments for parking. The Six Flags Great America amusement park is located at 1 Great America Parkway in Gurnee.
Get Creative At The Art Institute
Allow your child to unleash their inner artist at the Art Institute of Chicago. There are many exhibits and activities aimed at kids, including a family room, where they can create their own unique masterpieces. This is also a great option when it’s cold or raining outside.
The Art Institute of Chicago has two entrances. The Michigan Avenue Entrance is at 111 South Michigan Avenue, and the Modern Wing Entrance is at 159 East Monroe Street.
Have An Indoor Adventure At Great Wolf Lodge
Due to its size and mid-continental location, Illinois enjoys a varying climate with four distinct seasons. This state gets an average of 40 inches of rain per year, whereas the US average is 38 inches. What do you do when your kids want to have fun but the weather isn’t playing along? Take the adventure indoors!
This isn’t a problem if you’re booked in at Great Wolf Lodge. It features an 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, an indoor rock-climbing wall, a bowling alley, and a games arcade. The whole family will enjoy 24-hour entertainment, no matter the weather.
Pop into Hungry As A Wolf for burgers or pizza when they’ve worked up an appetite. This family-oriented lodge and indoor adventure park can be found at 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, in Lake County.
Visit The Animals At Peoria Zoo
Kids love learning about the world around them. And they especially love animals. So a trip to a zoo is always a great activity when you’re on vacation with kids.
Peoria Zoo cares for over 100 animal species from across the world. Spot amphibians, birds, and even an African lion. That’s right, you don’t even have to travel to Africa to see a lion. Treat your kids to a day at this amazing zoo for an experience that is both fun and educational. It’s open from 10 am – 4:30 pm daily, and you’ll find it at 2320 N. Prospect Rd in Peoria.
Discover The Discovery Center
Encourage your kids’ natural curiosity at this fun-filled interactive center. The Discovery Center Museum is specially dedicated to the education and entertainment of young minds. With different exciting exhibits throughout the year, and are a top choice for activities for young kids.
The center also offers summer camps and kids’ parties. You’ll find the Discovery Center museum at 711 North Main Street, in Rockford.
Spend A Pleasant Day In Pleasant Ridge Park
Going on a hike as a family is great exercise and offers a chance to do some family bonding while enjoying the beauty of nature. While the UK’s forests can’t be beaten, you can still enjoy some forest fun with the kids while traveling in Illinois.
The kids can explore a real forest, climb over tree stumps, and cross bridges. Enjoy a family picnic with a view of the stream and waterfall to explore. You’ll all have hours of fun here.
The park is well set up for families, with restrooms, a playground for younger kids, and also a large field where to allow dogs can play off-leash. Pleasant Ridge Park is situated at 401 Pleasant Ridge Rd, Fairview Heights.