From sky-high coasters to splashy water parks, animal encounters, and hands-on museums, Illinois is a playground for kids of all ages.
Whether you're exploring iconic attractions in Chicago, road-tripping along Route 66, or hiking with bison on the prairie, unforgettable adventures await. Pack the snacks, load up the car, and make family memories in the Middle of Everything.
Illinois' Amusement and Water Parks
From sky-high coasters to splash zones and lazy rivers, Illinois’ amusement and water parks deliver thrills, laughs, and memory-making fun for the whole family.
Six Flags Great America (Gurnee)
Gurnee
Wanna get your kids moving in the morning? Mention those six beautiful flags. That should do the trick. Plan a day at Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor to get the blood flowing with classic rollercoasters like Superman, Batman and the Joker, or catch some age-appropriate entertainment at one of the many shows throughout the day.
Oh, and did we mention their world-record-holding wooden coaster? When it opened in 2014, Goliath officially staked its claim as the tallest, fastest, and steepest wooden rollercoaster ever built.
Raging Rivers Waterpark - Grafton
If you’re in the state’s sultry south, don’t miss Raging Rivers. Situated in Grafton along the Mississippi River, the water park has plenty of cool, cascading attractions—including the Swirlpool, and a slick ride through a swirling vortex.
Raging Rivers Water Park Raging Rivers Water Park
Raging Waves Waterpark - Yorkville
In northern Illinois, check out Raging Waves. Illinois’ largest outdoor water park, Raging Waves offers up an Aussie-themed experience, with more than 40 acres of family fun, including 19 water slides, and a separate kiddie pool for the youngins.
Raging Waves Waterpark Raging Waves Waterpark
Knights Action Park - Springfield
Cool off at Springfield’s Knights Action Waterpark, where epic slides, a lazy river, and Splash Kingdom meet go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, and a classic drive-in movie night. It’s nonstop fun for every age, all summer long.
Knights Action Park Knights Action ParkKid-Friendly Museum
Take the kiddos somewhere their imaginations – and hands – can run free. From giant human bodies to space adventures, Illinois' kid-friendly museums make learning fun with hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and turn discovery into play.
Museum of Science & Industry
Chicago
Holy mitosis. Science has never been cooler than it is at the Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science center in the western hemisphere. “Don’t touch that” are words you won’t hear often at this Chicago fave.
From planes and locomotives to a 24,000-square-foot exhibit dedicated to storm science, the Museum of Science and Industry is packed with mesmerizing interactive exhibits and dramatic displays. If you want your kiddos to get excited about science, this is certainly a great place to start.
Discovery Center Museum - Rockford
Ignite curiosity at Rockford’s Discovery Center Museum, where 250+ hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an epic outdoor science park turn learning into an adventure. From dino digs to water play, it’s science-fueled fun for the whole family!
Discovery Center Museum Discovery Center Museum
The Science Center - Carbondale
Unleash curiosity at The Science Center in Carbondale! With 50+ hands-on exhibits, a giant ball launcher, fossil digs, live animals, and more, it’s a STEM-powered wonderland for curious kids and playful grown-ups alike.
The Science Center The Science Center
Kidzeum of Health and Science - Springfield
Climb inside “Active Alex,” a three-story human body, and explore interactive exhibits on health, community, and the environment. Kidzeum in Springfield turns learning into an adventure for curious kids and playful grown-ups alike!
Kidzeum of Health and Science Children's Museum Kidzeum of Health and Science Children's MuseumWildlife Experiences in Illinois
From drive-thru safaris to city zoos, Illinois offers wild encounters that bring you face-to-face with animals big and small. Perfect for curious kids and adventurous families.
Wildlife Prairie Park
Hanna City
If the words Midwestern safari tickle your fancy, head to the center of Illinois for the Wildlife Prairie Park. Explore more than 2,000 acres of natural habitat by train, or hike winding trails that overlook prairie and wetlands dotted with 150 animals native to Illinois, from elk and otters to wolves.
Need a place for your own pack to crash? Book a night in one of the Sante Fe Train Cabooses, located in the park.
Brookfield Zoo - Chicago
Love animals? Of course you do. If you find yourself in the north, get your furry fix at the Brookfield Zoo. With more than 200 acres of picturesque zoological landscaping and exhibits, your kids won’t be tempted to watch a single cat video.
Brookfield Zoo Brookfield Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - Chicago
Get nose-to-nose with wildlife at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo, where lions roar, monkeys swing, and polar bears make a splash. This family-friendly zoo brings the wild to the city, right in the heart of beautiful Lincoln Park.
Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo
Aikman Wildlife Adventure - Arcola
Go wild on a drive-thru safari at Aikman Wildlife Adventure, where bison, camels, and zebras roam just outside your car. Then walk among lemurs, wolfdogs, and dinosaurs in the petting zoo, prehistoric museum, and Walk-Thru Adventure!
Aikman Wildlife Adventure Aikman Wildlife AdventureYou might also like...
Family Field Trip to Chicago
Family Fun Never Stops in the Rockford Region
Spring Break Starts Here
Share your Moments
#EnjoyIllinois