Hollywood Park - Lansing

Voted Chicago Southland's best family entertainment center, Hollywood Park features more than 100 games, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, and Flicks 'n' Toons Diner.

CITY: Lansing

Braeutigam's Orchards

Blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, and eggplant are the specialties at this orchard.

CITY: Belleville

Coral Cove Water Park

Dive into this beach-themed water park with 2 tall tube slides, drop-slide, diving well, walk-in swimming pool, splash ‘n spray playground, sand play area and café. Locker rooms, showers & family restrooms. Available for group rentals for 50-1500 people.

CITY: Carol Stream

Kartville

The family fun here includes go-karts, off-road ATVs, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and more. Open daily April through November 1.

CITY: Peoria

Crete Family Fun Center

From mini golf to the best arcade games around, we’ve got enough entertainment for the whole family! A family entertainment center featuring hundreds of games, rides, award-winning miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages. Open year round.

CITY: Crete

Chaplin Creek Historic Village

Chaplin Creek is an evolving, full-scale historical restoration project depicting a prairie settlement typical of the mid-19th century. Several historically significant buildings and artifacts have been relocated here from the surrounding area. Photo courtesy of Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition

CITY: Franklin Grove

The People's Family Fun Center of Waukegan

The Fun Center consists of a 43,000 sq. ft. Entertainment Facility containing over 150 redemption and arcade games, a Redemption Area with over 1,000 items from which to choose, Rocky's Pizzeria, a food court, Hershey's® Ice Cream Shoppe, a main party area with a 12 ft. movie screen that can host multiple parties or field trips, three private party rooms for birthdays, showers, meetings or any occasion and Rocky's Fun House Miniature Golf. This is an indoor 18-hole, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course with a combination fun house, circus, and midway theme. The arcade area also has Animaland, where children and adults alike can stuff and make a unique furry friend. Packages available for birthday parties, field trips and other special events. Visit the website for monthly specials and weekly specials.

CITY: Waukegan

Apple Branch Orchard

This orchard offers apples, jellies, honey, jams and many other fruits for sale.

CITY: Lawrenceville

Cernan Earth and Space Center

The Cernan Earth & Space Center of Triton College features a variety of earth and sky shows, children's shows, laser light shows, earth and space exhibits, and the Star Store gift shop.

CITY: River Grove

Chicago Chocolate Tours

Take a fun, educational guided walking and tasting tour of select chocolate shops along the Magnificent Mile or in the Loop. Learn about the history of chocolate and sample chocolate delights on this tasty tour

CITY: Chicago

Little Toot Railroad

Ride the rails and experience train travel as it was decades ago on a 15-inch-gauge Crown steam locomotive that runs through Charley Brown Park.

CITY: Flora

Whitewater Junction

Kids will love this railroad themed aquatic center featuring a spiral slide, tube slide, water geysers and playful water features. Open during the summer months 7 days a week, Whitewater Junction is located inside the lovely Longview Park in Rock Island, Illinois.

CITY: Rock Island

Tanner's Orchard

Central Illinois' most unique farm market. Wagon rides, playground, corn maze, farm animals, Apple Express train. Farm market filled with unique gifts, fresh produce and specialty foods such as jams, salsas, soups, etc. The large bakery provides an assortment of fresh baked goods and a great lunch on weekdays. Lunch served on weekends in September and October from The Old Market Eatery.

CITY: Speer

Alice T. Virtue Water Park

Beautiful family water park with waterslide, drop slide, diving board, and full menu concession stand adjacent to full-service park.

CITY: Galena

Shoal Creek Nature Preserve

This 260-acre site offers nature trails for visitors to explore wetlands, prairie openings, and sandstone bluffs and ledges. The preserve is home to more than 700 plants and 70 bird species, including bald eagles during the winter months.

CITY: Litchfield

Galesburg Railroad Museum

Museum celebrating the shared histories of Galesburg and the railroad. Tour a real steam locomotive. See the authentic railroad memorabilia. Great for kids and rail fans! Right next door to the Amtrak Depot.

CITY: Galesburg

Orangeville Farmers Market

First Saturday in July through Second Saturday in October -- enjoy fresh produce, fresh baked goods, crafts and more provided by local farmers.

CITY: Orangeville

Laser Quest - Arlington Heights

Laser Quest is a family entertainment venue combining the classic games of hide-and-seek and tag with a high tech twist. Our multi-level arenas have specialty lighting, swirling fog and energetic music to add to the excitement for up to 30 or more players in each game.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Bigard Orchard & Berries

Stop by for fresh strawberries May-June, and peaches from July-August.

CITY: Newton

City of Zion - Shiloh Park

Whether it’s by offering wholesome programs, activities and special events, by providing enjoyable facilities or by preserving the aesthetic beauty of our community, the sole purpose of Zion Park District is the enrichment of lives.

CITY: Zion

Rice Pool & Water Park

Rice Pool and Water Park facilities include a zero-depth pool, thrilling slides, sand play area for children, adult lounge deck and sand volleyball courts.

CITY: Wheaton

Hollywood Park - Crestwood

This family entertainment center features two miniature golf courses, a large game room, a restaurant and Fangalangus Island, a children's interactive playland.

CITY: Crestwood

WhirlyBall Vernon Hills

WhirlyBall is a combination of basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one exciting sport. The Lake County location also includes a two-level laser tag arena, climbing wall, video games, pool tables and a sports bar. A second suburban outpost is located in Lombard.

CITY: Vernon Hills

SciTech Hands On Museum

An interactive, hands-on science and technology center with over 200 hands-on exhibits and an outdoor science park. Discover science and math can be interesting, accessible, and fun!

CITY: Aurora

Alpine Slide at Chestnut Mountain Resort

Fun for all ages. Ride your own sled down 2,050 feet of terrain-tailored track to the banks of the Mississippi.

CITY: Galena

Boone County Conservation District

The enchanting charm of Boone County’s Buffalo Creek creates a picturesque scene of nature at its finest. With a mission of preserving nature for generations to come, the area offers numerous educational events and festivals.

CITY: Belvidere

Charleston Putt-n-Swing

This family fun spot features an 18-hole miniature golf course and batting cages.

CITY: Charleston

Ballard Nature Center

Located just minutes outside of Effingham, Ballard Nature Center is home to dozens of species of birds and wildlife. Natural prairie, wetlands, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, ponds, and creeks round out the outdoor experience. Activities at the Nature Center includes trail walks, kids' fishing, bird watching, picnics, and much more. An indoor activity center provides plenty for the whole family to do any time of year.

CITY: Altamont

Woodridge Town Centre

A multipurpose open play area, Woodridge Town Center hosts a variety of festivals in Woodridge.

CITY: Woodridge

Del's Popcorn Shop -- Decatur

"The Popcorn Shop" was opened in 1934 by John Baldwin. In 1945, Mr. Baldwin leased his business to Del and Emily Barnett. A year later the Barnetts purchased The Popcorn Shop and changed the name to "Del's Popcorn Shop". Lou Ann Jacobs purchased the Decatur business in 1978 and has added her own flare and expertise to the business taking it way beyond what anyone could have imagined. Del's always has a large variety of tempting treats, most of which can be found and ordered right here online. A package from Del's Popcorn Shop is always sure to put a smile on every face.

CITY: Decatur

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts & Mitchell Museum

Exhibitions, a children's gallery, a permanent collection and special events. Grounds include 85 acres sculpture park, nature trails and bird sanctuary. Hosts annual Cedarhurst Craft Fair.

CITY: Mount Vernon

Artesian Well at Paradise Cove

Nestled along Indian Creek is a natural artesian well where thousands of gallons of pure water flow each day - as it has since 1927. A ten foot water wheel is turned continually by the flowing water. The sire, which is accessed by Stephenson County's only covered bridge, includes a waterfall, large flower beds and gazebo to enjoy while sipping the bubbling water

CITY: Winslow

Didley's Place

Didley's is a '50s outdoor restaurant with carhops on rollerblades, a playground, an outdoor movie theater, a miniature golf course and a concession stand.

CITY: Metamora

Sycamore Family Sports Center

Enjoy family fun at the Sports Center with a golf driving range, an 18-hole mini golf course, six batting cages from Little League to professional, go-karts and soccer kicking cages.

CITY: Sycamore

Schulz Tree Farm

Cut your own scotch pine, white pine, Norway and blue spruce Christmas trees. Also visit the barn, where you'll find unique Christmas gifts and crafts, wreaths, swags and free cocoa.

CITY: Pontiac

Jane Addams Recreation Trail

This multi-use 15 mile recreational trail offers beautiful scenery and is highlighted by 21 decked bridges passing over and through wetlands, creeks, woods, prairies, geologic formations and farmland. The trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail that traverses Northern Illinois. Its crushed limestone surface may be used by hikers, bicyclist, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers. An additional two miles of paved trail to Highway 26 has been constructed at the southern end. The final two mile connection into historic downtown Freeport will soon be under construction. The Jane Addams Trail connects at the Wisconsin state-line with Badger Trail which extends to Madison, Wisconsin. It will also connect, in downtown Freeport, with the Pecatonica Prairie path currently under development between Freeport and Rockford. Access to the trail is available at the Wes Block Access, Freeport (exit off Highway 26 1/4 miles south of the Highway 20 intersection).

CITY: Freeport

Libertyville Sports Complex

Libertyville's Sports Complex offers something for everyone in the family. A 360° climbing mountain for rock climbing, a 40 tee automated heated driving range for year round practice and a fitness center offering group exercise classes, life fitness with cardio and hammer strength equipment, personnel trainers, a free weight room, ¼ mile running/walking track and a kids club. It also offers an open gym for indoor soccer, basketball, youth sports and training sessions. There is also 3,503 sq. ft. of meeting rooms suited for events from small family gatherings to corporate events and trade shows.

CITY: Libertyville

Righter's Christmas Tree Farm

Cut your own Christmas scotch and white pine trees here.

CITY: Sullivan

Bowen Park

The newly renovated Bowen park's theme for the new playground is "Forest Findings". The overall layout offers tiered play areas arranged on the northwest hillside of Bowen Park. Fun and learning will go hand-in-hand as children and their families enjoy modern playground amenities, combined with several environmental learning stations that represent a forest ecosystem. Parents and kids alike will also enjoy the six-station fitness/exercise trail located on the perimeter of the playground.

CITY: Waukegan

Backwoods Berry Farm

Pick up fruits of the season from the roadside stand or head to the fields to pick your own strawberries, black raspberries or asparagus.

CITY: Hettick

Dollhouses Then & Now

Museum that houses over 70 vintage furnished doll houses from the 1920’s- to current. The architectural designs and fashions depict and present the evolution of homes and furnishings from then to now. The Then and Now gift shop is complete with collectable doll house furnishings for sale. Children enjoy playing the scavenger hunt and viewing the 1949 “Disney House” and the 1924 Tootsie Toy house furnished with Tootsie toy pieces. Located inside Taylor’s Furniture Store, along the square in Quincy’s downtown business district.

CITY: Quincy

Clark 54 Drive-In Theatre

Outdoor Big-Screen theatre offering double features every weekend from April to September, complete with full concessions.

CITY: Summer Hill

Challenger Learning Center for Science & Technology

The mission of the center is to honor the memory and spirit of the Space Shuttle Challenger 51L crew by providing hands-on space exploration curriculum and center that enhances thinking skills and inspires those to meet the challenges of 21st Century.

CITY: Woodstock

Dowell Farm

Stop by and pick your own sweet corn.

CITY: Greenview

Fever River Railroad

For model railroad aficionados -- and everyone else who ever enjoyed model trains -- this model railroad is something to see. The Fever River Railroad is a 120X24-foot HO scale model of a hypothetical railroad running from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. This fully operational model railroad has detailed scenery, rail yards, factories, and interchanges with many other railroads. The model railroad allows for the operation of multiple trains along railroad right-of-way that portrays typical towns along the Duluth to St. Louis route. The Fever River Railroad is an ongoing project with upgrades to the layout and scenery that provides an exciting model railroad experience. A collection of railroad memorabilia and pictures, many from the surrounding area, are on display throughout the facility. The Stephenson Society of Model Trainmen, who operate the railroad, host an open house twice a year, and visitors are welcome at other times by appointment.

CITY: Freeport

Black Dog Gelato

Located in the Ukrainian Village, Black Dog Gelato serves artisanal gelatos an sorbets with unique flavor combinations.

CITY: Chicago

O'Leary's Chicago Fire Truck Tours

Board a genuine open-air antique fire truck and take a tour that focuses on the Chicago FIre, and stops at two Chicago fire stations. Reservations required.

CITY: Chicago

Pirates' Cove Theme Park

A unique park for children ages two to nine years. Pirates' ship, paddle boats, train ride, climbing wall, and many more creative attractions for children. Concession and picnic areas. Birthday parties and rentals. Open daily June through August. Admission fee for children. Adults are always free.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Silver Creek and Stephenson Railroad and Silvercreek Museum

All aboard, as a 36-ton, 1912 Heisler steam locomotive pulls three cabooses, including an antique red caboose reported to be the oldest in the state, for a four-mile ride through farmlands. Purchase your ticket at the Silver Creek Depot, a turn-of-the-century replica filled with railroad artifacts, and browse the Freight House Gift Shop and Silvercreek Museum that's filled with early Americana.

CITY: Freeport

Lenz Field

Not your ordinary youth baseball and softball parks, the fields here are entirely covered in Players Turf, making it virtually rain-out proof and allowing for a variety of different levels of play. Facilities are lighted, and include 20-foot scoreboards, concrete dugouts, concession stands and sound systems.

CITY: Jacksonville

Center Children's Farm

Experience life down on the farm during guided family tours, or take a hike on the peaceful nature trail.

CITY: Palos Park

MB Financial Park at Rosemont

MB Financial Park at Rosemont, the new entertainment district, features lively bars and restaurants with live music, casual dining, bowling, and outdoor patios. A seasonal courtyard is in the center of it all- perfect for farmers markets, movies under the stars, music festivals & ice skating. MB Financial Park at Rosemont is only a block from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and is anchored by Muvico 18- Movie Theater, a number of hotels and the vibrant Rosemont Theatre.

CITY: Rosemont

Richardson Farm Corn Mazes

Enjoy hours of fun solving giant mazes. Varying difficulty, new theme each year. Picnic area, concessions, petting zoo, and ample parking. Christmas Trees in December.

CITY: Spring Grove

Midwest Museum of Natural History

The mission of the Midwest Museum of Natural History is to encourage an appreciation of the world's diverse natural environment and human culture through exhibits and interactive learning experiences for children and adults. Offering a kid's play area with hands-on learning fun, a gift shop, national traveling exhibits, and world-renowned celebrities Ruud Kleinpaste, Jack Hanna and Jeff Corwin.

CITY: Sycamore

Lena Area Historical Museum

The Lena Historical Museum tells the history of Lena and the surrounding area, with galleries focusing on various historical topics. Highlights include a Civil War regimental flag and an extensive clothing collection. Also on the grounds are a summer kitchen, the first log schoolhouse built in Lena, an Illinois Central Railroad caboose, a general store, a recreated chapel, and a barn filled with antique vehicles and farm tools.

CITY: Lena

Adventure Stage Chicago

Adventure Stage Chicago creates dynamic and transformative theatre for young audiences that activates the imagination, inspires dialogue and strengthens community among families, educators and artists.

CITY: Chicago

Drost Park

Drost Park features a 7-acre lake, pavilions, 1-mile walking trail, boat ramp, playground, and restroom facilities. The University of Illinois' Master Gardeners keep it seasonally beautiful.

CITY: Maryville

Shoot for the Moon

This exciting permanent exhibition features the fully restored Gemini 12 spacecraft and tells the story of astronaut Captain James A. Lovell, Jr.'s life and career using artifacts from his personal collection. Opens Nov. 6, 2008

CITY: Chicago

Wonder Works

Wonder Works is 6,400 square feet of fun, a place of creative play for kids birth to age eight. Located in Oak Park, Illinois at 6445 West North Avenue, the children's museum helps kids, their parents and caregivers unleash their imaginations through art, performance, design, building and more.

CITY: Oak Park

Lindo Theater

This historic movie theater, built in 1922, features first-run movies presented in the latest 4K digital projection and sound on nine screens. Stadium seating, digital 3D and party room.

CITY: Freeport

Camp Shaw

Camp Shaw was established in 1956 and is the best kept secret in all of beautiful Kankakee County! Camp Shaw is also a wonderful place to hold a variety of outdoor and indoor events. It provides overnight accommodation; horseback riding, guided trail rides or group lessons and weekend packages are available. It is also an outdoor, environmental science education program encouraging interest and participation in the balanced management of natural resources.

CITY: Manteno

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

Ferguson Fine Arts Theatre

Located on the campus of Highland Community College - features a variety of fine arts programming including vocal and music concerts, live theater, special performances, and the popular Summerset Theater Program, a community performing arts theater.

CITY: Freeport

Lake County Forest Preserve

We currently manage 25,268 acres of land and offer innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. Visitors enjoy nearly 112 miles of trail for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, fishing ponds and lakes, public access to the Fox River, award-winning nature and history education programs and events, and three public golf courses. Facilities of special interest include Independence Grove near Libertyville, Ryerson Conservation Area near Deerfield, Lake County Discovery Museum near Wauconda, Greenbelt Cultural Center near Waukegan, and three golf courses (Brae Loch near Grayslake, Countryside near Mundelein, and ThunderHawk near Beach Park). Most Forest Preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year. Special hours apply at the golf courses, Discovery Museum, Greenbelt Cultural Center and Ryerson Woods.

CITY: Libertyville

Challenger Learning Center

The Challenger Learning Center at Heartland Community College offers interactive, simulated space and science experiences through scheduled team missions for students and the public.

CITY: Normal

Wolfe Wildlife Refuge & Bike Path

Explore the natural beauty and animal habitats of this 45-acre wetlands preserve. Nature programs for all ages include bird surveys, seed collections, planting, clean-ups and hiking.

CITY: Oak Lawn

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge covering approximately 43,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and grasslands. Hunting, fishing & boating available.

CITY: Marion