Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

One of the most-visited presidential museums in the nation allows visitors to experience the entire Lincoln story under one roof, from Abe's humble beginnings in an Indiana log cabin to his days as president in the White House. Be dazzled by two special effects theaters featuring historical ghosts and a Civil War battlefield, life-like vignettes that depict important moments in the president’s life, and artifacts that range from Lincoln’s stovepipe hat to an original copy of the Gettysburg Address.

CITY: Springfield

Allerton Park & Retreat Center

Allerton Park was the private estate of Robert Henry Allerton, who donated it to the University of Illinois in 1946. It features 1,500 acres of woodlands, formal gardens and more than 100 sculptures. The park is open to the public for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and leisurely garden strolls.

CITY: Monticello

Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford's 12-acre, "pond-strolling" Japanese garden is acclaimed as one of the top two authentic formal Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Winding paths, serene waterfalls, Sukiya-style buildings, and a gift shop selling authentic Japanese crafts make the gardens a must-see.

CITY: Rockford

Burpee Museum of Natural History

The award-winning "Jane: Diary of a Dinosaur" exhibit explores the history of the museum's young T. rex skeleton on display that has been called one of the 10 most important dinosaur discoveries of the past 100 years. Visitors can also view the skull of Homer, a juvenile Triceratops, and see Burpee staff members working on his bones in the lab. Other exhibits include a coal forest with simulated thunderstorms, a Native American exhibit with a full-size wigwam, and rotating traveling exhibits in the new Woodward Hall. Don't miss Burpee's annual PaleoFest in March.

CITY: Rockford

Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center

Environment Education Center - offers cross country skiing in the winter.

CITY: Lemont

Caterpillar Visitors Center

Opened in October 2012, this brand new visitors center celebrates the long history of the Caterpillar company. Visitors can explore the past by taking a journey back in time via historic photos and antique equipment. Visitor favorites include a 24-foot tall 797 mining truck that doubles as a movie theater and a product floor complete with simulators to explore its world-famous product line.

CITY: Galesburg

Cedarville Historical Museum

This museum is located in an 1889 school building and features a permanent exhibit honoring Jane Addams, who was born and raised in Cedarville. Miss Addams was an internationally famous humanitarian and social work pioneer who founded Chicago's Hull House and won the Nobel Peace Prize. Museum exhibits include personal items and memorabilia from her life and the life of her family. There are also changing exhibits on topics of local historical interest and a research center and a research center.

CITY: Cedarville

Chestnut Mountain Resort

Full-service, 120-unit resort 8 miles southeast of Galena on a wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi. One of the Midwest's top-rated ski/snowboard resorts: 19 trails, 475-foot vertical drop, half-mile runs, nine lifts, seven-acre terrain park. Indoor pool, whirlpool, sauna, miniature golf, Alpine slide, Mississippi cruises, skiing/snowboard programs, on-site restaurants, lounge.

CITY: Galena

Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

Hands-on exhibits and daily-changing activities make every visit unique for young children and adults, too. Dig deep into the Dinosaur Expedition, try to stay dry in WaterWays, make a masterpiece in the KraftArtabounds Studio, and climb up to the crow's nest on the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner. Toddlers can have fun in Kids Town and Treehouse Trails.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field

The North Side Chicago Cubs baseball team calls historic Wrigley Field home.

CITY: Chicago

Chicago White Sox

The South Side championship baseball team plays at U.S. Cellular Field, and features fireworks when the home team makes a home run.

CITY: Chicago

CoCo Key Water Resort - Rockford

CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, is Rockford's home for any-weather family water park fun. Attached to the Best Western Clock Tower Resort and Conference Center, CoCo Key Water Resort makes for a perfect tropical family getaway. Explore over 60,000 square feet of indoor water park fun with three giant waterslides, Coconut Grove Adventure River, Parrot's Perch interactive Play Island, indoor/outdoor spa, kiddie pool with zero depth entry, 10,000 square foot Key Quest Arcade, private cabanas, birthday party rooms, and more

CITY: Rockford

Danville Dans at Historic Danville Stadium

Built in 1946 as part of the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system, during the summer the field is home to the Danville Dans, a college summer wooden bat team. This NCAA-sanctioned, Major League-sponsored wooden bat collegiate league plays at Danville Stadium.

CITY: Danville

Discovery Center Museum

Named one of the top 12 children's museums in the nation by Forbes in 2012, here kids can explore more than 250 hands-on art and science exhibits, a planetarium, TV studio, robotics lab and the Tot Spot for toddlers. Discovery Center also boasts the nation's first community-built outdoor science park, the Rock River Discovery Park, featuring a two-story maze, water play area and dinosaur fossil dig.

CITY: Rockford

DuPage Children's Museum, Inc.

Where children and adults learn to play together. Enjoy exhibits, workshops and materials that stretch the imagination and stimulate creativity. A fun environment for exploration and discovery.

CITY: Naperville

Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort and Enchanted Forest

60 acres of Northwoods themed accommodations near Starved Rock. Lodge rooms, villas & cabin, indoor water and amusement parks, dining, banquet & conference center.

CITY: Utica

John Deere Pavilion

The legend of John Deere lives on at the world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit. Showcases vintage and modern-day equipment, interactive agricultural displays and feature film. Largest collection of John Deere merchandise anywhere.

CITY: Moline

John G. Shedd Aquarium

Strap a mask and flippers onto your imagination and chart a course to the Shedd Aquarium. Have you ever seen eye-to-eye with a dolphin? Said hello to a penguin on a stroll to the South Pole? Immersed yourself in a flooded Amazon forest? Or met a friendly beluga whale? You can do it all at the Shedd! Photo courtesy of the John G. Shedd Aquarium

CITY: Chicago

Joliet Slammers

This professional minor league baseball team plays for the Frontier League in Silver Cross Field and are the 2011 Frontier League champions.

CITY: Ottawa

Kane County Cougars

As an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Cougars continue to set a standard of excellence, both on and off the field. In 2013, the Cougars are expecting to welcome their 10 millionth fan in franchise history, and have routinely been one of the top draws throughout Minor League Baseball, while providing the best in affordable and family-friendly fun throughout Chicagoland.

CITY: Geneva

KeyLime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort

KeyLime Cove, the official resort of nearby Six Flags Great America, offers a year round tropical resort experience. The massive indoor water park features a wave pool, body and tube slides, a lazy river, waterfalls and whirlpools. Besides the splashy fun, KeyLime Cove offers a variety of restaurants and entertainment options geared to both kids and parents. Grab a little "me" time and indulge in the luxurious Paradise Mist Spa, or pamper your princess at The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa.

CITY: Gurnee

Kohl Children's Museum

Open your imagination at KCM! Children up to 8 years of age can touch and explore exhibits in addition to participating in planned daily activities. These exhibits encourage the building of strong social skills.

CITY: Glenview

Millennium Park

In the heart of the city you’ll find a state-of-the-art park designed for the new millennium. Discover the reflective Cloud Gate sculpture, the multimedia Crown Fountain and the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion, all with Chicago’s stunning architecture as a backdrop. The park is also host to many free cultural programs, concerts and family activities. Plus, there's alfresco dining in the summer and an ice skating rink in the winter.

CITY: Chicago

Museum of Science and Industry

A world of discovery awaits at the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Explore more than 800 exhibits, including the legendary U-505, a German submarine captured on the high seas during World War II; take off on a Boeing 727 airplane for a simulated cross-country flight; descend down a mineshaft for a tour of a realistic coal mine; and witness robots at work in a toy factory. Take a seat at the museum’s Omnimax Theater and watch awesome 3D flicks on a giant screen.

CITY: Chicago

Normal CornBelters

The CornBelters are a professional minor league baseball team with the independent Frontier League. In addition to competitive baseball, fans enjoy zany on-field promotions, outrageous entertainment acts, delicious food and post-game fireworks.

CITY: Normal

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park

Illinois' only indoor/outdoor aquatic park features seven water slides, a lazy river, two zero-depth entry pools, a spray play area, diving well, sand playground and two concession stands.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Peoria Chiefs Baseball Team

The Peoria Chiefs are a Class A minor league baseball team, affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, from Peoria, Illinois. They play in the Midwest League.The Chiefs are proud to be Central Illinois’ most affordable family entertainment. Over 5 million fans have enjoyed top quality baseball and non-stop entertainment over the last 27 years. More than 120 former Chiefs have gone on to play in the Major Leagues, including Mark Grace, Greg Maddux, Joe Girardi, Yadier Molina, Dan Haren and Albert Pujols.

CITY: Peoria

Schaumburg Boomers at Boomers Stadium

Located in the heart of the Chicago suburbs, the Schaumburg Boomers are the ideal destination for family-oriented fun! Minor league baseball team competing in the Independent Frontier League. Schaumburg Boomers store sells Boomers clothing and other items.

CITY: Schaumburg

Southern Illinois Miners League All Star Games

Minor League Professional baseball team, the Southern Illinois Miners are a member of the West Division of the Frontier League, which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball. From the 2007 season to the present, the Miners have played their home games at Rent One Park. The "Miners" name refers to the Southern Illinois region's history of coal mining.[1]

CITY: Marion

Springfield Sliders Baseball

Springfield's very own baseball team! Games throughout the summer! Come to Robin Roberts Stadium at Lanphier Park. Come and see Speedy, have food and watch America's favorite past time.

CITY: Springfield

Stony Creek Golf Course & Clubhouse

The Oak Lawn Park District's family friendly 18 hole golf course with restaurant and banquet facility.

CITY: Oak Lawn

Vaughn Athletic Center Water Park

This year-round indoor water park has tube slides, zero-depth entry and interactive water play.

CITY: Aurora

WaterWorks

The Water Works is an indoor water park located in the Schaumburg Park District Community Recreation center. It features three water slides, rapid water channel, water playground, diving pool, lap pool, gradual beachlike entry pool, whirlpool, family changing room and a nursery.

CITY: Schaumburg

Waves of Fun Water Park

This indoor water park features a wave surf machine, a 45-foot slide tower and a four-story interactive, Hawaiian-themed play structure.

CITY: Sandwich

Windy City Thunderbolts

The Windy City ThunderBolts baseball brings affordable family entertainment all summer long at Standard Bank Stadium. 2007 & 2008 Frontier League Champions! Call to reserve groups or parties today!

CITY: Crestwood