Last Updated on: 4th April 2024, 09:16 pm
If you’re looking for things to do in Illinois with kids, you’re in luck! Below, you will find a refined list of the most family-friendly attractions in Illinois. Children are hard to keep occupied—plus, getting the family out of the house on the weekends for a fun activity is totally worth the required research! Finding the best option can feel daunting when you have the whole state to choose from; instead of stressing, let us provide you with all the necessary information. Here are the most fun things to do in Illinois for families.
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Lincoln Park Zoo – Free Things to Do in Illinois With Kids
Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo located in Chicago, IL. This is one of the best things to do in Chicago, Illinois, with kids! You can explore with your little ones by watching lions, monkeys, and farm animals, all for free! This zoo has over 200 animal species and thousands of plant species spanning its 35 acres.
Your child can participate in their camps, explorer programs, or field trips, but those will cost money. Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most fun things to do in Illinois, and it’s affordable for everyone!
Chicago, IL 60614, (312) 742-2000
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago – Notable Attractions & One of The Best Things to Do in Illinois
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is located in Schaumburg, IL, just outside The Windy City. This indoor Lego-themed center boasts rides, lego workshops, 4-D cinema shows, and an expansive gift shop. LEGOLAND Discovery Center is known for being one of the fun things to do in Illinois for families! While Legos are typically played with by older children (four years and older), children of all ages enjoy this family-friendly activity in Illinois.
Tickets are affordable and are only $21.99 for all-day general admission tickets; annual passes are available for $49.99. The Discovery Center is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM. This is one of the most incredible things to do in Illinois with children three to ten years old!
601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, (847) 592-9700
Children’s Garden – Highly Reviewed & Affordable Children’s Amusement Center
Children’s Garden is a four-acre garden geared towards children and toddlers. Your child can explore and play while soaking in nature’s beauty and grace. The garden features hands-on learning, picnic areas, immersive play equipment, and a splash park during the summer months. Children’s Garden is open from 9 AM to sunset, and tickets cost $17 per adult and $12 per child. Children’s Garden is undoubtedly one of the best things to do with kids in Illinois!
Timed-entry admissions are practiced here to ensure a steady flow of guests and to avoid cramped spaces or spoiled experiences. Children’s Garden is a must if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Illinois!
4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532, (630) 968-0074
Chicago Children’s Museum – One of The Most Fun Things to Do With Kids in Illinois
According to U.S. News, the Chicago Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Illinois and Chicago. Their hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 10 AM to 2 PM and Friday through Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM. Tickets are $21 per person; children under one are free.
The entire museum is designed for creative play, and all exhibits are interactive. You will find unique interactive areas like the circus center, water city, art studio, and more. There are fourteen exhibits to choose from, many geared toward specific age groups, ensuring your child gets the most out of their trip. This is one of the best Illinois attractions and is a must-do with your kiddo!
700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, (312) 527-1000
Starved Rock State Park | Affordable Illinois Excursion
Indoor activities are great during the winter, but Illinois has terrific summer weather, so you might as well enjoy it! Starved Rock State Park is one of the best state parks in Illinois and is an affordable, family-friendly excursion. This park is dog-friendly and has hiking trails and boating opportunities. You can stay for the day or sleepover in one of their cozy lodges. If you’re more of an outdoorsy, visiting this state park with your children is likely a great idea!
Oglesby, IL 61348, (815) 667-4726
Edwardsville Children’s Museum | Unique Interactive Children’s Museum in Illinois
Not sure what to do in Illinois? Edwardsville Children’s Museum should be first on your list. Museums are a great activity for children because it gets them out of the house while providing educational opportunities. You will find countless hands-on learning exhibits and plenty of space for your children and toddlers to explore. You can host events here or attend one of their many events. Let your child’s imagination grow at this interactive, affordable, family-friendly Illinois attraction!
722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-2094
Miller Park Zoo | Affordable Illinois Zoo and Family-Friendly Activity
Finding fun things to do with kids in Illinois can be challenging, depending on where you live. While Chicago hosts a variety of fun and affordable attractions and excursions, some of the outer cities and suburbs can feel lackluster. Miller Park Zoo is for anyone who doesn’t live near Chicago, as it’s positioned in the middle of the state. No matter where you are in Illinois, Miller Park Zoo is less than 200 miles away—and is one of the best things to do in Illinois for kids.
Miller Park Zoo is open daily between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving). Children only cost $7 and adults are $9. You will find nearly 20 exhibits and hundreds of species living in the Miller Park Zoo, making it the ideal, affordable excursion for you and your family.
1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, (309) 434-2250
Discovery Center Museum | Educational Activity to Do With Kids in Illinois
Fun things to do in Illinois with kids are abundant, but ensuring it’s educational and beneficial to your children is vital. The Discover Center Museum is an educational science-based museum boasting various exhibits, workshops, crafts & experiments geared toward children one to fifteen.
Admission is $10, and children under one are free! While they’re always closed on Monday and major holidays, their normal hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This is surely one of the top things to do in Illinois with kids, as it’s earned multiple awards from Trip Advisor, including #1 on their list of best things to do in Rockford.
711 N Main St, Rockford, IL 61103, (815) 963-6769
Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park | Family-Friendly Illinois Attraction For The Whole Family
Pirates’ Cove is a season children’s theme park in Grove Village, Illinois; you will ride roller coasters galore, mini trains, pirate ship playgrounds, and plenty of dining options. It’s known for being one of the top Illinois attractions, meaning it’s a must-see.
Due to Illinois’s harsh winters, Pirates Cove is only open during the warmer months—May through September. You can rent party sites, host events, or just play for the day. Illinois residents pay $10 for children 2-13 years old, and non-residents pay $13; adults are free. Day camps, an aquatic center, a golf course, and so much more are available! Many people find that one day just isn’t enough at this Illinois attraction. This is certainly one of the best things to do in Illinois with kids.
You can enjoy this attraction’s amenities from 9 AM to 2 PM Monday through Saturday!
901 Leicester Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, (847) 439-2683
Map of Things to Do in Illinois With Kids
Explore the fun things to do in Illinois for families with this handy map!
There are countless things to do in Illinois with kids! Our above list is jam-packed with family-friendly options regardless of the time of year or weather. If you’re researching the state’s attractions due to a pending relocation, Federal Companies is the Illinois moving company for you! Contact us today at (800) 747-4100 for a free moving estimate.
