Taking family trips are a great way to spend time as a family. These Top Family Trips in Illinois are great ideas for you to look through when planning your next vacation. Whether it is a day trip, midweek trip or a weekend getaway they all make for a wonderful bonding time for the family. Illinois has so many great options for family trips.
Top Family Trips in Illinois
Illinois is well known for The Windy City of Chicago, but there is so much more in the state to explore. We love sharing some of our favorites, and some popular options out there that are great for family vacation.
Day Trips
Haunted Trails Joliet – Joliet
Starting as a just a miniature golf course and a small game arcade, Haunted Trails Joliet has grown into an indoor/outdoor amusement park. Here you will find two arcades, two regular go-kart tracks and one junior one along with batting cages and a restaurant/party room. The indoor portions are open all year round and the outdoor areas open typically open in April (weather permitting of course).
Pirates Cove Children’s Theme Park
From June until August your kids (ages one to nine) can enjoy a creative and stimulating environment that encourages them to imagine and explore. There are concessions are available for food and drinks or, you are free to bring your own picnic lunch. It is recommended for the best play experience that your children wear socks and tennis shoes.
In the Elk Groves Parks District just outside of Chicago, you will find the Jack A. Claes Pavilion. Inside of the Pavilion you will find an indoor playground, carousel, fitness center, dance studios, arts and crafts room, racquetball courts, two indoor swimming pools, two gymnasiums, an outdoor pool and a banquet room.
Rainbow Falls Waterpark offers a place for the whole family to cool down. They host theme days and parties and other attractions.
Miller Park Zoo – Bloomingfield
A trip to Miller Park Zoo offers a great budget-friendly opportunity for the whole family. There are several unique animals who are very well cared for. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits. You can also have the amazing experience of interacting with the Zookeepers.
The Water Works – Schaumburg
The Water Works is an indoor waterpark with options for the whole family. This is perfect for those long winter months or on summer days when it is just too hot to be outside. Not only does The Water Works offer family fun but, they also offer private events and swimming lessons as well.
Monticello Railway Museum – Monticello
Monticello Railway Museum is a fully functioning Railway run solely by volunteers. They make it a point to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit all things railway related. You are welcome to explore railcars and other equipment and enjoy the museum exhibits. During May through October on Saturdays and Sunday, train rides are even offered. You can check out their upcoming events on their website.
TreeHouse Indoor Playground – Lake Zurick
Whether it is a playdate or a day out with the kids the TreeHouse Indoor Playground is a great place to burn off steam. You can take the time to sit back and relax with open sight lines so you can see your kids from pretty much any spot. Plus, the structures are big enough that you can easily play with your kids without fear of getting stuck.
Extended Trips
If you have a Superman enthusiast in your family than Metropolis is the place to go. In 1972 Metropolis happily adopted the title of “Home of Superman”. Since then they have become a top bucket list for any Superman fan, kids and adults alike. Take the time to visit now and stick around to make sure you see and experience everything. You can check their website for events as well.
Navy Pier is something that must be experienced at least once. It is open year-round but, I suggest that you check their hours before you go. At Navy Pier you will find rides, shopping, events, programs, attractions, entertainment, and of course food. Navy Pier is perfect for all ages. There is so much to see and do so make a weekend of it.
Route 66- Chicago
Route 66 begins in Chicago. This is the perfect trip to take the chance to explore as a family. You can follow it for as long or as short as you want so, the duration of the trip and what you explore is truly up to you. There are so many places to stay along Route 66 so finding somewhere to stay should be easy.
Whether it is a short day trip or a weekend away, now is the time to go and explore with your family. Even trips you take frequently are a chance for new memories to be made. Now is the time to take advantage of it and go. Don’t be afraid to explore something new either. The best thing you can do with your family is create memories.
More Travel Tips for Families:
Family Road Trip to Hershey, PA
25 Car Camping Tricks for Your Next Camping Trip
Things to do in Chicago This Weekend
The Best Haunted Hotels for Midwest Travel
Family Weekend in the Quad Cities
Family Friendly Travel Tips for Family with a Baby
