Chicago Staycation Ideas for Families

Gina I. said:  The Chicago Botanic Garden features walkable gardens and natural areas on 385 acres! Beautiful in every season, it's the perfect place to stroll around and spend the day.

Kristy Pepping said:  The trails at the Morton Arboretum wind through an amazing display of carefully cultivated trees and provide exceptional play areas that give kids a space to explore nature. The Children’s Garden is a fun outdoor playscape with scavenger hunts, tunnels, mazes and whimsical structures.

Kristy Pepping said:  Six Flags Great America, located in Chicago's northern suburbs, has attractions running the gamut from roller coasters to gentler options for tots. It is Chicago's largest theme park, and most popular for thrill-seeking families. Plan for an entire day here if you've never been before. You'll find thrill rides like roller coasters, family rides, kiddie rides and even water rides at the adjacent Hurricane Harbor (separate admission).

Sarah D. said:  Don't want to drive too far to get out of town? Visit Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, IL! Great Wolf is one of America's premier indoor and outdoor water resorts with splash-tastic activities for children of all ages! The resort makes family travel easy with an array of on-site dining options and activities for children including story time, pajama parties, visits from characters and so much more! Great Wolf sits just across the way from Six Flags Great America so your children can visit a world-class amusement park for additional thrills!

Gina I. said:  Step back in time, and experience Schaumburg as an early German settler at Volkening Heritage Farm. Authentically dressed interpreters will show you around the 1880s farmhouse, let you help with seasonal farm chores, and teach you all about what life was like for some of Schaumburg's early residents. Visit the barn and say 'hello' to the local livestock. While you're there you may even see some chickens roaming freely throughout the grounds!

Shila said:  Feast while you watch horses, knights in combat, swordplay, jousting and more.

Kristy Pepping said:  Santa’s Village AZoosment Park, located in Chicago's northwestern suburbs, offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy animal encounters like pony rides and feeding goats, rides, games, shows and more. Adrenaline-packed rides include Xtreme Elevation which is a 140-foot free fall, and the twisty-turny Super Cyclone Roller Coaster. But Santa's Village really shines best with their kiddie and classic family rides (e.g., Tilt-A-Whirl, flying jets, pendulum ship, carousel, etc.).

Yoli B said:  Blackberry Farm is a part of Fox Valley Park District's living-history museum. The Adventure Playground looks like an old farming community with climbing deck, rope tunnels, bridges and tons of slides. The coolest part will be watching your kid zip line from the silo back to Earth! In addition to the incredible playground, admission to Blackberry Farm includes access to its historical sites, rides and attractions, including the Discovery Barn, train, hay wagon, paddle boats, carousel and ponies.

May-October

Shila said:  Golden Age Cinemas McHenry Outdoor Theater offers a highly-recommended drive in movie experience complete with concessions, glow sticks, plenty of parking space, quality films, and more. If McHenry is too far, there are few additional drive in theatres near Chicago as distance could make a difference. Take advantage of a venue close to you! And, be sure to experience more outdoor movie events under the stars too!

Kristy Pepping said:  Donley's Wild West Town, located in Union, Illinois, is a family amusement park. All will have fun as they share the experience of panning for gold pyrite at the Sweet Phyllis Mine, shooting slingshots at Huck Finn's and watching a live action Wild West Stunt Show. There are pony rides, a smaller (yet exhilarating) roller coaster, carousel, lazy river canoes, hand carts, a train ride, and more! The museum can be enjoyed by all ages too, showcasing cowboy memorabilia, Civil War artifacts, etc.

Kristy Pepping said:  Enjoy a wet and wild family day at Grand Bear Falls with their 24,000 square foot indoor water park with play zones, slides, wave pool, lazy river, and 15 person hot tub!