Illinois’ amusement parks bring all the excitement and fun you’d ever want into one convenient place.
They’re where roller coasters rattle overhead, carousel music fills the air, and the smell of cotton candy follows you from midway to arcade. Whether it’s at one of Chicago’s lakefront locations or a small town family-owned park, our Illinois theme parks deliver thrills that are quick to become lifelong memories. From world-class coasters at Six Flags Great America to classic rides at Navy Pier and character-filled local parks, this is your guide to all the best amusement parks in Illinois.
Six Flags Great America (Gurnee)
Pure thrills and theme park fun
With 17 roller coasters and dozens of rides, Northern Illinois’ Six Flags Great America delivers big thrills and all-ages fun. You can soar with superheroes, dive into haunted coasters, or keep it classic with bumper cars and swings. In summer, cool off at the attached Hurricane Harbor water park—perfect for breaking up the action with a splash. Plan to spend at least the whole day, and maybe just a little bit longer for the fireworks.
Navy Pier (Chicago)
Not your average theme park
Navy Pier isn't your conventional amusement park, but it delivers many of the classic theme park thrills in an iconic waterfront location. The star of the show is the Centennial Wheel, with breathtaking city and lake views from 200 feet up, but there’s also the seasonal Pepsi Wave Swinger, a historic hand-painted carousel, and Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze. Summer evenings feature spectacular fireworks over Lake Michigan, and winter brings ice skating and light shows. All this, plus all kinds of delicious treats!
Theme parks near Chicago
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Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park (East Dundee)
Don't let the name fool you, because you'll find more than just Christmas cheer here. Ride gentle coasters, meet friendly animals, and splash in Santa Springs during summer. Come fall, enjoy Halloween fun, and return in winter for dazzling lights and holiday magic.
Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park (East Dundee) -
Safari Land (Villa Park)
Race go-karts, crash bumper cars, and ride a mini roller coaster, all in indoor comfort. You can bowl, win prizes the old-school way, and lose hours in the arcade. It's a great pick when the weather’s rough but the kids are ready to move and burn off some energy.
Safari Land (Villa Park) -
Odyssey Fun World (Tinley Park)
Dive into laser tag, zip around in bumper cars, or hit the arcade! In the warmer months, head outside for go-karts and mini-golf. Grab a slice between games or book a party and make a full day of it.
Odyssey Fun World (Tinley Park) -
Urban Air Adventure Park (Mokena and Crystal Lake)
If the trampolines aren’t enough, test your balance on a ropes course, scale a climbing wall, or fly across a zip line. While they're good any day, these are the kinds of places where you can really make the most of a rainy afternoon.
Urban Air Adventure Park (Mokena and Crystal Lake) -
Round 1 Bowling & Amusement
Roll a few frames, belt out karaoke, or dive into arcade games you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re killing time at the mall or planning a group night out, Round 1 keeps things fun, fast, and just a little bit nostalgic.
Round 1 Bowling & Amusement -
Sonny Acres Farm (West Chicago)
Pick pumpkins, ride the hay wagon, brave haunted houses, or sip cocoa under Christmas lights. This working farm turns festive every season, giving you more than enough reasons to visit year-round. The market’s also worth a stop for homemade treats.
Sonny Acres Farm (West Chicago) -
Par-King Skill Golf (Lincolnshire)
We've talked about parks where you can ride a roller coaster. Here, there's one for your golf ball to ride. Play your way through that, as well as loop-de-loops and scale models galore. It's mini-golf with flair: quirky, retro, and full of charm.
Par-King Skill Golf (Lincolnshire)
Theme parks elsewhere in Illinois
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Knight's Action Park (Springfield)
Race go-karts, take a spin on the rides, or cool off in the water park - all in one great spot. It’s easygoing, affordable, and just the kind of place families can come back to time and time again. Stick around for a movie at the drive-in and make a night of it.
Knight's Action Park (Springfield) -
Grady's Family Fun Park
Let the kids roam between go-karts, bumper boats, and arcade games. With mini-golf and plenty of shade, it’s a stress-free way to spend an afternoon. Friendly, manageable, and just made for easy family fun.
Grady's Family Fun Park