10 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Illinois

The state of Illinois offers a wealth of exciting opportunities for fun with the kids. From historical sites and museums to outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a week-long adventure, these 10 activities are sure to please the entire family.

1. Go to a Museum

Illinois is home to some of the most renowned museums in the world. The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, and the Art Institute of Chicago are just a few of the amazing institutions that can provide hours of learning and entertainment. Many of these museums also have interactive exhibits and activities, making them a great place to take the kids.

The Adler Planetarium in Chicago is a great place to take the kids to explore the wonders of outer space. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits, as well as a 3D space theater that allows visitors to virtually explore the solar system.

The Shedd Aquarium is also a must-see in Chicago. The aquarium features a wide variety of aquatic life, from dolphins and sharks to sea turtles and jellyfish. There are also interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages.

2. Visit the Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is a great place to spend the day with the family. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, from antelopes and gorillas to lions and tigers. There are also interactive exhibits and activities, such as the Children’s Zoo and the Polar Play Zone. The zoo also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

The Brookfield Zoo is another great option for a family outing. The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, from giraffes and rhinos to sea lions and penguins. The zoo also features interactive exhibits and activities, as well as educational programs and animal encounters.

The Peoria Zoo is another popular destination for families. The zoo features more than 400 animals, from elephants and tigers to monkeys and reptiles. The zoo also has interactive exhibits and activities, such as the Kids’ Jungle and the Reptile House. The zoo also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

3. Go Camping

Illinois is home to a variety of camping sites, from state parks to privately owned sites. Camping is a great way to get outdoors and explore the natural beauty of the state. There are plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, such as hiking, fishing, and swimming. Camping is a great way to bond as a family and create lasting memories.

One of the most popular camping sites in Illinois is Starved Rock State Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, deer, and foxes. The park also features a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing. There are also plenty of cabins and campsites available for rent.

The Illinois state parks also offer various camping experiences for all types of camping enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a rustic experience or a more modern one, the state parks have something for everyone. The parks also offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

4. Explore Historic Sites

Illinois is home to a variety of historic sites that are perfect for a day trip with the family. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville is a great place to explore the region’s Native American history. The site features a variety of archaeological sites and artifacts, as well as interactive exhibits and activities. The site also offers educational programs and guided tours.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield is another great place to explore the state’s history. The site features the home of President Abraham Lincoln, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The site also offers educational programs and guided tours.

The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford is a great place to explore Japanese culture and history. The gardens feature a variety of traditional Japanese gardens, as well as interactive exhibits and activities. The gardens also offer educational programs and guided tours.

5. Enjoy Outdoor Activities

Illinois is home to a variety of outdoor activities that are perfect for a family outing. The state parks offer a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. The state also has a variety of lakes and rivers, perfect for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.

The Great River Road is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the state. The road stretches from Chicago to the Quad Cities and offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking, fishing, and boating. The road also features a variety of historic sites and scenic views.

The Shawnee National Forest is another great destination for outdoor activities. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife, as well as a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. The forest also features a variety of scenic views and historic sites.

6. Take a Scenic Drive

Illinois is home to a variety of scenic drives that are perfect for a family outing. The Great River Road is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the state. The road stretches from Chicago to the Quad Cities and offers a variety of scenic views. The road also features a variety of historic sites and outdoor activities.

The Lincoln Heritage Trail is another great option for a scenic drive. The trail stretches from Springfield to Chicago and offers a variety of historic sites and scenic views. The trail also features a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking and hiking.

The Galena-Jo Daviess County Scenic Byway is a great place to explore the state’s history and natural beauty. The byway stretches from Galena to Stockton and offers a variety of historic sites and scenic views. The byway also features a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking and fishing.

7. Take a Boat Ride

Illinois is home to a variety of lakes and rivers, perfect for a family boat ride. The Fox River in the Chicago area is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the area. The river offers a variety of scenic views and outdoor activities, such as fishing and canoeing. The river also features a variety of historic sites and attractions.

The Illinois River in the central part of the state is another great destination for a boat ride. The river offers a variety of scenic views and outdoor activities, such as fishing and canoeing. The river also features a variety of historic sites and attractions.

The Des Plaines River in the northern part of the state is another great option for a boat ride. The river offers a variety of scenic views and outdoor activities, such as fishing and canoeing. The river also features a variety of historic sites and attractions.

8. Enjoy a Picnic

Illinois is home to a variety of parks and nature preserves, perfect for a family picnic. The Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the area. The park features a variety of scenic views and outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. The park also features a variety of picnic areas and pavilions.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is another great option for a family picnic. The arboretum features a variety of scenic views and outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. The arboretum also features a variety of picnic areas and pavilions.

The Champaign County Forest Preserve in Urbana is a great place to explore the natural beauty of the area. The preserve features a variety of scenic views and outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. The preserve also features a variety of picnic areas and pavilions.

9. Visit a Theme Park

Illinois is home to a variety of theme parks, perfect for a family outing. Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is a great place to explore the thrills of a theme park. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The park also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

The Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee is another great option for a family outing. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The park also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

The Enchanted Forest in Rockford is a great place to explore the magic of a theme park. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The park also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

10. Enjoy an Amusement Park

Illinois is home to a variety of amusement parks, perfect for a family outing. The Navy Pier in Chicago is a great place to explore the thrills of an amusement park. The pier features a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The pier also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

The Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee is another great option for a family outing. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The park also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

The Enchanted Forest in Rockford is a great place to explore the magic of an amusement park. The park features a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The park also offers educational programs and animal encounters.

From museums and zoos to outdoor activities and theme parks, there are a variety of fun things to do with kids in Illinois. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a week-long adventure, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab the family and get ready for an unforgettable experience.