Central Illinois offers loads of family-friendly sights, from the dazzling Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum that celebrates the Lincoln Bicentennial all year long, to a knight-themed action/water park, zany zoos and amusing museums made just for kids.
FUN THINGS TO DO
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Dress up like Abe and play with Lincoln logs in Mrs. Lincoln’s Attic, see historic ghosts and feel the cannon rumblings of a Civil War battlefield at this cool museum that celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday with special Bicentennial exhibits and events.
- Springfield
- www.alplm.org
Lincoln Home
Pay a visit to the Lincoln Home, where the future president lived with his family for 17 years, and hear tales of their life in Springfield.
- Springfield
- www.nps.gov/liho
Illinois State Museum
View vivid dioramas and artifacts that bring the Land of Lincoln’s history to life. Check out the special Lincoln Bicentennial exhibit Humble Beginnings: Lincoln’s Illinois 1830-1861 showing now through Jan. 10, 2010.
- Springfield
- www.museum.state.il.us
Knight’s Action Park & Caribbean Water Adventure
Knight’s Action Park (open in April) offers miniature golf, go-karts, batting cages, carnival rides and an arcade. The Caribbean Water Adventure (open in late May) features a wave pool, bumper boats, water slides, pedal boats and a lazy river.
- Springfield
- www.knightsactionpark.com
Children’s Museum of Illinois
Located in the scenic Scovill Park Complex, this Decatur museum was ranked one of the top 25 children’s museums in the country by Child magazine.
- Decatur
- www.cmofil.com
Scovill Zoo
Overlooking Lake Decatur, this zoo (open for the season on April 10) features animals from around the world, the Z.O.& O. Express train and the Endangered Species carousel.
- Decatur
- www.decatur-parks.org/zoo
Children’s Discovery Museum
Here you can make your own work of art on the Paint Wall, shimmy up the two-story suspended Luckey Climber, shop for healthy foods at the Fresh Market and splash around in the Sugar Creek Water Play area.
GOOD EATS
O'Charleys
Everyday, kids 10 and under eat free from the delicious kids’ menu. So be sure to try a tasty burger or mini corn dogs.
- Springfield
- www.ocharleys.com
The Pizza Machine
See giant pies hoisted by a pizza crane and watch a magician perform slick tricks at this fun pizza place.
- Springfield
- www.thepizzamachine.net
Cozy Dog Drive In
Try the original corn dog-on-a-stick with a side of fresh-cut fries and a frosty root beer at this Route 66 landmark in Springfield.
- Springfield
- www.cozydogdrivein.com
Paul’s Confectionery
This nostalgic spot serves homemade ice cream and fountain drinks, along with its famed chili that’s made from a family recipe.
- Decatur
- www.experiencedecatur.com
Medici
Try the “garbage” burger or one of the specialty pizzas at this Italian hot spot in downtown Normal.
- Normal
- www.medicinormal.com
Emack & Bolio’s
Grab an ice cream cone or smoothie at this sweet shop that’s located right by the Children’s Discovery Museum.
- Normal
- www.emackandbolios.com
Avanti's
Take a trip to Italy at this yummy Italian eatery in Normal. Indulge on pizza, pasta or the famous Gondola sandwich – made on special homemade bread.
- Normal
- www.avantisnormal.com