The suburbs that ring Chicago are bursting with awesome adventures for the whole family. Dive into water parks aplenty (both indoors and out), ride roller coasters, check out children's museums, pet friendly sharks and stingrays, and stand up to some of the biggest bugs you'll ever encounter.
Day One
Start the day at Six Flags Great America, where you can take a spin on the rides at Wiggles World and Camp Cartoon, or brave the thrilling new Dark Knight roller coaster. Cool down at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor as you zip along the water slides and get swept off your feet in a way-cool wave pool. For indoor water park fun with a Florida Keys vibe, head to KeyLime Cove, a brand-new water resort located right by Six Flags. At nearby Tempel Farms, catch the ballet-like performances of The Tempel Lipizzans white stallions and get a behind-the-scenes stables tour. Have dinner with the noisy jungle animals at Rainforest Cafe or sink your teeth into a gourmet burger at Monkey Dish Bar & Grill.
Attractions:
- Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor
- KeyLime Cove
- The Tempel Lipizzans *Open Wednesday and Sunday nights only
Dining:
Day Two
Pick up homemade goodies at the bakery and be sure to stop by and say howdy to the animals in the farmyard at Lambs Farm. Discover your inner artist during the Chagall for Children exhibit at Kohl Children’s Museum, where you can make a rubbing of a Chagall masterpiece. Head indoors for water fun at CoCo Key Water Resort, where you'll find water slides and a floating movie theater. In August, look for the grand opening of Legoland Discovery Centre at the Streets of Woodfield, where you'll be able to build Lego creations to your heart's content. Watch knights duel on horseback as you dine at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Save room for a delicious slice of cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory.
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Day Three
Nurse sharks and cownose stingrays are the stars of Sharks! at Stingray Bay in Brookfield Zoo. But don't worry, these marine animals are gentle, and you can even pet them as they swim by in their saltwater pool. Zoom down the tube slides or relax on the lazy river at Mayan Adventure Indoor Waterpark. Marvel at the 200-pound grasshopper and 12-foot-high spider web that are part of David Rogers' Big Bugs sculpture exhibit at the Morton Arboretum. Get blown away in a wind tunnel, huff and puff a gigantic bubble and climb a two-story tower at the DuPage Children's Museum. Bite into a cheesy deep-dish pie at Lou Malnati's Pizzeria or eat Italian dishes family style at Maggiano's Little Italy.
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