Things to Do with Kids in Illinois

Last updated: December 25, 2024

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Museum of Science and Industry

One of the largest science museums in the world featuring interactive exhibits, a giant dome theater, and full-size trains and planes...

Museums & Science All ages
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Lincoln Park Zoo

Free public zoo featuring over 200 species of animals, with daily educational programs and seasonal events...

Nature & Wildlife All ages
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Shedd Aquarium

World-class aquarium featuring marine life from around the globe, with interactive exhibits and daily shows...

Aquatics & Marine All ages
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Millennium Park

Urban park featuring the famous Cloud Gate (The Bean), interactive Crown Fountain, and free summer concerts...

Recreation & Sports All ages
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Field Museum

Natural history museum featuring SUE the T-Rex and extensive collections of artifacts and specimens...

Museums & Science All ages
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Six Flags Great America

Major theme park featuring thrilling roller coasters, family rides, and a water park...

Parks & Entertainment All ages
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Altitude Trampoline Park Oswego

Indoor trampoline park with foam pits, dodgeball courts, and birthday party facilities...

Recreation & Sports 4-16 years
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Comlara Park

Natural recreation area with hiking trails, fishing, camping, and outdoor education programs...

Recreation & Sports All ages
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African American Museum of Southern Illinois

Educational museum showcasing African American history and culture through exhibits and programs...

Museums & Science 5+ years
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Air Classics Museum of Aviation

Aviation museum featuring vintage aircraft, military memorabilia, and interactive displays...

Museums & Science 5+ years
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Astro Fun World

Indoor entertainment center with arcade games, laser tag, and mini-golf...

Indoor Entertainment 4-14 years
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Sugar Grove Nature Center

Nature center offering educational programs, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing...

Nature & Wildlife All ages
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Aurora Regional Fire Museum

Interactive museum showcasing firefighting history with hands-on exhibits...

Museums & Science 4+ years
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Ball Factory Indoor Play & Cafe

Indoor play center with climbing structures, ball pits, and parent lounge...

Indoor Play 1-12 years
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Discovery Center Museum

Children's museum with over 300 hands-on exhibits focusing on science and technology...

Museums & Science 2-12 years
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Magic Waters Waterpark

Large water park featuring slides, wave pool, and children's play areas...

Water Parks All ages
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Wildlife Prairie Park

2,000-acre park featuring native Illinois wildlife, hiking trails, and educational programs...

Wildlife & Nature All ages
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Brookfield Zoo

216-acre zoo featuring over 2,000 animals and various seasonal events...

Nature & Wildlife All ages
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Legoland Discovery Center

Indoor family entertainment center featuring Lego-themed rides and building activities...

Indoor Entertainment 3-10 years
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Morton Arboretum

1,700-acre outdoor museum with trees, gardens, and children's activities...

Nature & Wildlife All ages
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Starved Rock State Park

State park featuring canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails with guided tours...

Recreation & Sports All ages
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Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Interactive museum showcasing Lincoln's life and presidency with special exhibits for children...

Museums & Science 5+ years
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Enchanted Castle

Indoor entertainment center with arcade games, laser tag, and go-karts...

Indoor Entertainment 4-16 years
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Santa's Village Azoosment Park

Family amusement park with rides, animal encounters, and seasonal events...

Parks & Entertainment 2-12 years
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Cantigny Park

500-acre park with gardens, museums, and playground areas...

Recreation & Sports All ages
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Illinois Railway Museum

America's largest railway museum with train rides and historic exhibits...

Museums & Science All ages
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Raging Waves Waterpark

Illinois' largest waterpark with slides, wave pool, and children's areas...

Water Parks All ages
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Peoria Zoo

Zoo featuring over 100 species of animals and educational programs...

Nature & Wildlife All ages
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DuPage Children's Museum

Interactive museum with hands-on exhibits focusing on art, math, and science...

Museums & Science 0-10 years
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Kohl Children's Museum

Educational museum with interactive exhibits designed for young children...

Museums & Science 0-8 years
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Phillips Park Zoo

Free zoo featuring native Illinois wildlife and educational programs...

Nature & Wildlife All ages
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Donley's Wild West Town

Western-themed amusement park with shows, rides, and museum...

Theme Parks 3-12 years
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