Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Each year, nearly one million people visit the Garden's 26 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on 385 acres of land on and around nine islands. Six miles of shoreline extend along 81 acres of water, including the Great Basin, North Lake, and Skokie River Corridor. The Garden also has a renowned Bonsai Collection.

CITY: Glencoe

Morton Arboretum

Magnificent, 1,700-acre museum of trees and plants from around the world. Hiking trails, paved roads, restaurant, gift shop, open-air tram and handicapped accessible facilities. A perfect place to visit this fall.

CITY: Lisle

Safari Land

Family entertainment center featuring Illinois' largest indoor roller coaster, go-karts, bumper cars, Tilt-A-Whirl, bowling, and hundreds of video and redemption games.

CITY: Villa Park

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Step inside LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and it's like you have just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks ever! Journey through a medieval castle on the Dragon Ride and pedal to the skies on the Technicycle, feel a part of the story in the 4D cinema, learn top LEGO® building secrets from the Master Model Builder, see iconic landmarks in "Miniland" and much more!

CITY: Schaumburg

Azoosment Park at Santa's Village

Azoosment Park at Santa's Village is an amusement park/petting zoo. Unlimited pony rides and amusement rides with one paid admission.

CITY: East Dundee

Brookfield Zoo

There's more than 200 beautifully landscaped acres to explore at Brookfield Zoo. Highlights include dolphin shows at Seven Seas, ape encounters at Tropic World and the chance for kids to dress up and play veterinarian at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The zoo also offers an old-fashioned carousel and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.

CITY: Brookfield

Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex

Chicago's premiere entertainment complex! 60,000 sq. ft. of fun featuring: indoor go karts, laser tag, bumper cars, 200+ games, mini golf, Kid's Quest Softplay plus a 625-seat restaurant w/ great food and song (karaoke)., Sir Bounce-A-Lot Jumpland coming this summer! Great team building and corp. events for up to 1,800.

CITY: Lombard

Cantigny Park

Consisting of the Robert McCormick Mansion Museum, the First Division Military Museum, ten acres of gardens and parks, 27-hole championship golf course and nine-hole Cantigny Youth Links.

CITY: Wheaton

Kane County Flea Market

Browse the wares of hundreds of dealers at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, held the first weekend of each month (rain or shine) at the Kane County Fairgrounds.

CITY: St. Charles

Mayan Adventure Indoor Waterpark by The Waverton Hotel

237 newly remodeled guestrooms, Holidome Recreation Center, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna & fitness room. Two diverse dining establishments - Hang Time Restaurant and Hang Time Bar & Eatery. 3,500 square feet in meeting space.

CITY: Elmhurst

Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village

Go on a one of a kind country adventure you'll never forget! Become pioneers for a day on a real 1800s farm and village. Miniature train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, pioneer craft demonstrations, and special events.

CITY: Aurora

Odyssey Fun World

Out of this world family fun featuring a four-level exploration playland, tag team laser trek, interactive video/prize redemption/games and outdoor amusement park. Caters to groups.

CITY: Naperville

Phillips Park Zoo

Established in 1915, this free zoo is open daily, year round. Exhibits include bald eagles, wolves, mountain lions, foxes, otters, elk, goats, llamas, turkeys and peacocks.

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

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

Exploritorium

Named “Chicagoland’s Best Rainy Day Activity Site” by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is much more than an indoor playground. It is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play. Make-believe in our costumed dress-up area, run your fingers through our water play area, make music, play with trains, and experience new heights in the two-and-a-half story maze of tubes and tunnels.

CITY: Skokie

Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm and Garden Center

Fall: festival with haunted house, corn maze, farm animals, and more. Spring/Summer: large selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, roses, planters, and gourmet food items. Admission is free - cost for some activities.

CITY: South Barrington

Model Railroad Garden

The 7,500-square-foot “Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America” exhibition features trains running on 1,600 feet of track, for train and garden enthusiasts to enjoy the delightful sights and sounds of the miniature trains traversing high and low through tunnels, across bridges and around buildings.

CITY: Glencoe

C & A Robot Factory

This fun factory is the perfect place for LEGO fans ages 2-14. Come and build your own creation, and learn about LEGO machines and robotics.

CITY: Libertyville

Sunken Garden

View the spectacular display of 15,000 flowers of 15 varieties, plus a three-tiered fountain and the Four Seasons statues that complement this exquisite English garden.

CITY: Aurora

Fabyan Japanese Garden

A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature.

CITY: Geneva

Paradise Bay Water Park

Check out the Lombard Park District's NEW aquatic facility! State-of-the-art amenities are endless and include a 140,000-gallon leisure pool, bowl slide, zero-depth pool, bubble bench, lap pool, drop slide and much, much more!

CITY: Lombard

Bolingbrook Golf Club

Bolingbrook Golf Club combines the elements of a world-class facility and championship golf. Featuring an Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest designed golf course, a learning academy, clubhouse with lounge, two full-service restaurants, and banquet facilities.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Eaglewood Resort & Spa

Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat whether you arrive for a conference or relaxing getaway. The architecturally stunning resort, constructed in Frank Lloyd Wright- influence Prairie-style architecture, features upscale hotel accomodations, luxurious amenities, sophisticated technology, and a myriad of recreational options.

CITY: Itasca

Wilderness Falls

Two mini golf courses, batting cages and an arcade are located at this family fun spot near Clow Airport.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Batavia

Dotted along the 179-mile byway, you’ll find an unprecedented series of interpretive murals. Each artistically embodies the cultural heritage of the community where it is located and the legacy of the historic highway. Needless to say, taking a road trip to all or a couple makes for a nostalgic adventure.

CITY: Batavia

Glencoe Beach

Want to relive Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Then visit this North Shore beach that was featured in the hit flick.

CITY: Glencoe

Kane County Fairgrounds

Open area with both indoor buildings and outdoor displays. Special events are held here nearly every weekend, including the famous Kane County Flea Market.

CITY: St. Charles

EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours

EagleRider is the largest motorcycle rental and tour company in the world. Rent a Harley Davidson for a day or a week and experience the open road!

CITY: Countryside

Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing at The Morton Arboretum

Explore a winter wonderland at The Morton Arboretum, where you'll find 3.5 miles of groomed ski trails. Bring your own or rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis (in children's and adult sizes). Ski trails are open when there are four or more inches of snow on the ground.

CITY: Lisle

Arabian Knights Farms

Ten-acre horse farm offers hayrides and riding lessons, plus a petting zoo, exotic animals and even a monthly line dancing event.

CITY: Willowbrook

Cantigny Golf

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Set among mature oak and hickory trees, lakes & streams, this full-service event facility with 27 holes of golf offers both 18 and 9-hole play and is nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in America. Cantigny Golf is a part of the McCormick Foundation, committed to making life better for our children, communities and country. As one of the nation’s largest public charities, we’ve granted more than $1 billion to organizations in local communities across the country. The golf course is part of the historic 500-acre Cantigny Park, where memorable family experiences happen. The grounds include museums, formal gardens and picnic areas.

CITY: Wheaton

Cheney Mansion

One of Oak Park's finest showplaces, the 12,000 sq. foot, 1913 mansion is located in the Historic District. Reminiscent of a gracious English country home and surrounded by 2 acres of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and coach house.

CITY: Oak Park

Cog Hill Golf and Country Club

The public is invited to play any of Cog Hill's four award-winning, 18-hole championship golf courses, including the world-famous Course #4, Dubsdread. Dubsdread was host to the PGA Tour's BMW Championship from 2009-2011.

CITY: Lemont

Wagner Farm

A visit to Wagner Farm affords you the opportunity to take part in and experience first-hand the workings of a genuine American farm. Wagner Farm is an 18.6 acre farm preserved for the educational and recreational enjoyment for all. See how bread was made in a wood cook stove, hear the rooster making time with his crow or milk one of the farm’s many cows. Explore the world of agriculture and rural life as it existed in 1920-1950’s.

CITY: Glenview

Phillips Park

Located on over 325 acres, popular attractions include the Mastodon Gallery, the gorgeous Sunken Garden, an 18-hole golf course/driving range, the zoo, a 28-acre fishing lake with a one-mile multiple use trail, war memorials and the Winter Recreation Area. Phillips Park Visitors Center & Mastodon Gallery showcases the mastodon bones that were unearthed in the park during a 1934 Civil Works Administration Project. The skull being the largest of the artifacts, weighs 188 pounds.

CITY: Aurora

Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park

World's first exclusive snowboard area, USASA regional event location, state of the art snowmaking system.

CITY: Algonquin

Funway Entertainment Center

This year round entertainment center offers bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, roller skating, an arcade and outdoor entertainment from April-September.

CITY: Batavia

Aloha Falls Minature Golf

Hawaiian-themed miniature golf course offering two different courses which both wind and weave around a breathtaking waterfall and multiple beach areas that make you wish you brought your swimsuit and an umbrella. Great place for birthday parties, graduation parties, corporate outings and special events.

CITY: Libertyville

North Branch Bicycle Trail

Bicyclists and hikers can travel this trail that runs from Caldwell and Devon Avenues in Chicago, to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The 20-mile trail winds along the Chicago River past the Skokie Lagoons and through forest preserves.

CITY: Niles

Lambs Farm

Lambs Farm features a farmyard with a petting area and a variety of attractions like mini-golf, a mini-train ride, cow bounce house and an Old World carousel. There is also a pet shop, the Country Inn Restaurant, a thrift shop, and a country store and bakery that benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities.

CITY: Libertyville

Vaughn Athletic Center Water Park

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

CITY: Aurora

Batavia Riverwalk

A 32-acre park built in cooperation with Batavia Park District, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Riverwalk Committee. Park your bikes by the Depot Museum and stroll the boardwalks through the wildflower garden.

CITY: Batavia

Splash Country Water Park

This deluxe water park features tube slides, a simulated river, zero-depth pools and sand activity areas.

CITY: Aurora

Rainbow Falls Water Park

A tropical paradise waterpark. Three giant water slides, tot pool, vortex pool, drop slide, three-story funhouse with plunge pool. concessions, picnic areas, locker rooms with family changing areas. Daily admission and season passes. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Oak Park Conservatory

Discover this botanical gem that includes fern, tropical and desert greenhouses. Special floral displays are presented in winter and spring. The Tropical Room boasts birds, and a bridged lagoon with fish and turtles. A display conservatory with three show houses, fern and floral room.

CITY: Oak Park

Hall Quarry Beach

Hall Quarry features a zero-depth sand beach, two islands, a youth water slide, drop slide, and a diving tower with two- and four-meter platforms.

CITY: Batavia

Downtown Itasca

Restaurants and shopping line this downtwon area. Home to the Itasca Art and Wine Festival. Scenic Riverwalk takes you from the nature center to the waterpark.

CITY: Roselle

Pinstripes

Features a distinctive entertainment and dining venue. Celebrate "sophisticated fun" in our warm and inviting 45,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor facility complete with 20 bowling lanes and 10 bocce courts. Exceptional Italian-American bistro with wine cellar, outdoor patio, fireplace, and beautifully appointed event and party rooms that can accommodate groups from 20-600.

CITY: Schaumburg

Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge - Lombard

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Lucky Strike Lanes is America's premier bowling lounge. The cozy artistic atmosphere features 18 lanes of state-of-the-art bowling, customizable multi-screen video system, exclusive VIP & event room facilities, and unforgettable cuisine!

CITY: Lombard

Cosley Zoo

Over 45 exhibits of native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals; tree-shaded picnic area - seating for 300; "Exclusive Use" facility rentals; private party room; open year-round.

CITY: Wheaton

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Willow Springs

Forest preserve nature center designed to educate the public about the importance of wildlife and our environment.

CITY: Willow Springs

Brunswick Zone - Naperville

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.

CITY: Naperville

Fox River Bike Trail

Dawn until dusk, a 36 m. trail is the forefront of outdoor recreation passing through Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora. It winds along the banks of the Fox River through miles of prairie grass, overshadowing trees and blooming flowers.

CITY: Elgin

Atcher Island Water Park

All new tropical-themed water park with water slides, wading pool, unique circular drop slide, children's spray ground, locker rooms, concession stands, and more!

CITY: Schaumburg

Sugar Grove Family Fun Center

Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, a driving range and a game room are the draw at this entertainment center.

CITY: Sugar Grove

Aurora Skate Center

Skate to the sounds of Top 40 music. The skate center also features special live organ music dance sessions.

CITY: Aurora

Kuipers Family Farm

Kuipers Family Farm is a 230 acre entertainment farm. U-Pick Apple Orchard September thru October. Orchard Store is open thru Mid December offering apples, pasteurized apple cider, our famous cider donuts, home baked pies, cream & butter fudge & country gifts and goodies. Have we grown a challenge for you at The Amazing Maize Maze open weekends only thru October. U-Pick Pumpkin Farm Mid September thru October features Scarecrow Acres where customers can enjoy hay wagon and pony rides, the Haunted Forest, a petting corral and much more down-on-the-farm fun! U-Cut or precut Christmas Trees Nov. thru Mid Dec. Apples: McIntosh, Prima, Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonamac, Cameo, Ozark Gold, Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Golden Supreme, Spartan, Shizuka, Goldrush, Blushing Golden, Breaburn, Ida Red, Mutsu, Red Delicious, Rome Beauty, Granny Smith plus new upcoming varieties.

CITY: Maple Park

Wilder Park Conservatory

A historic tradition lives on at the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory and greenhouses, located in Wilder Park. The conservatory holds four main plant displays a year: a Easter and Calla Lilies in the spring, Chrysanthemums in the fall, Poinsettias in December and an Environmental show with various themes in the Winter. In addition youth education programs are offered with our in house Horticulturist.

CITY: Elmhurst

Itasca Caribbean Theme Waterpark

Features a new zero-depth entry main pool with 6-lanes attached, new separate diving well with drop slide, and high and low diving boards, 185-foot waterslide, separate zero-depth interactive play pools, and more. Call today for birthday party package information.

CITY: Itasca

Airtastic Playland

A fun and exciting play land offering 10 inflatable play structures, four party rooms and two age-appropriate play areas.

CITY: Aurora

Rocket Ice Arena

Come feel the thrill of the chill at the Rocket Ice Arena, offering programs for all ages and ability levels in figure skating and hockey.

CITY: Bolingbrook

Fox River Games Paintball

Bring a group of friends to play a round of paintball at Fox River Games. Open play or "walk-on" play is recreational play for all ages (age restrictions) and skill levels. Play as an individual or play in groups. Typically we are open every weekend Saturday and Sunday and during the summer we operate on Wednesdays and Fridays too. Please check our website for our operating schedule and specific hours of operation.

CITY: Aurora

Devonshire Aquatic Center

The Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with play equipment, a water play structure, drop slide and diving board. You'll also find lockers/showers and a concession stand.

CITY: Skokie

Canoe Shack

Canoe and Kayak rentals along the Fox River. These trips offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small lime bluffs, and the country's only waterfall. Relax and enjoy the beautiful Fox River.

CITY: St. Charles

Gillson Park

Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, including a harbor and beach. It is ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, tennis and other outdoor sports.

CITY: Wilmette

Community Park

Plays host to community festivals in Hanover Park.

CITY: Hanover Park

St. Charles Paddlewheel River Boats

Cruise the scenic Fox River from Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles on the Fox River Queen or the St. Charles Belle paddlewheel riverboats.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Oswegoland Civic Center Aquatic Park

This community water park features colorful slides, tubes, a zero-depth pool and concession booth.

CITY: Oswego

Oak Brook Sports Core

269-acre sports facility that offers upscale banquets, weddings, corporate picnics, golf and polo outings for 250-400 people. Tents can be added for larger groups.

CITY: Oak Brook

Arrowhead Golf Club

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs -- Arrowhead Golf Club facilities include 27 holes, driving range and new clubhouse with elegant banquet facilities.

CITY: Wheaton

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Over 25,000 acres, nearly 140 miles of trails and educational facilities. Enjoy relaxing, volunteering and exploring the forests, lakes, prairies, and open spaces.

CITY: Wheaton

Great Western Trail

This 17-mile trail replaces the abandoned main line of the Chicago Great Western Railroad. It is a flat easy ride connecting the communities of St. Charles and Sycamore.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Kline Creek Farm

A "living history" farm depicting life in the 1890s DuPage County. Original structures, authentic recreations and livestock combine to make a realistic 1890s working farm.

CITY: Wheaton

AMF Valley Lanes

This bowling alley has 40 lanes, and features glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday and Saturday. Monday is 99¢ night.

CITY: North Aurora

Lake Arlington

Sail boating, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends in September and October. Includes boat rentals (sailboat and paddleboat), 2 mile bike/walk path, picnic area, and playground.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Columbia Woods Forrest Preserve

Offers places to fish and picnic. Canoe access. Biking. A host for "A River Thru History" each September, where you can step back 200 years into Chicago's past with a festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertains along the banks of the Des Plaines River - www.ariverthruhistory.com.

CITY: Willow Springs

Oak Meadows Golf & Banquet

Professional caliber 18-hole golf course. Banquets/meetings up to 400 year-round. Four distinct rooms for meetings, seminars or receptions. Accessible from O'Hare Airport and major expressways.

CITY: Addison

Arlington Lakes Golf Club

The challenging 18-hole layout spans 90 acres of superbly manicured fairways and greens with 14 beautiful lakes to negotiate during a round. Features clubhouse, snack bar area, pro shop, and patio area.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Walnut Greens Golf

Championship 9-hole. Perfect course for beginners and teens. Great practice course for all skill levels. Unique Killian and Nugent design.

CITY: Schaumburg

Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center

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

CITY: Lemont

Fox Bend Golf Course

Fox Bend offers a challenging and scenic tour of streams, ponds, willow trees and elevation changes. This highly regarded course has played host to several tournaments and qualifiers.

CITY: Oswego

Fermilab

Fermi is the site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator, where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns and a buffalo herd are also on display.

CITY: Batavia

Lombard Park District

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - In addition to quality parks and facilities, enjoy a variety of recreational programs and special events for all ages.

CITY: Lombard

Mastodon Lake at Phillips Park

Remains of the extinct elephant-like mastodon were found in this lake in the 1930s. Today, see a life-size sculpture of a mastodon and a restored prairie grass development.

CITY: Aurora

Fox Run Golf Links

Par 70. Open Sunrise to Sunset. 18 hole golf course, club house, pro shop, and restaurant and bar. Private parties upon request and availability.

CITY: Elk Grove Village

Schaumburg Golf Club

27 challenging regulation holes, driving range, two practice greens, full-service pro-shop and elegant clubhouse with an array of amenities.

CITY: Schaumburg

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

Bonnie Dundee Golf Course

Offering good par fours with difficult par threes, this course is architecturally classic and slightly rolling, with medium-size greens.

CITY: Carpentersville

Brunswick Zone Romeoville

Brunswick Zone XL is a full- feature, family- friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Bowling, billiards, video games and more!

CITY: Romeoville

Nickol Knoll Golf Course

Large bentgrass tees and greens give this fun layout a big course feel. Several shots from elevated tees provide a beautiful view of the area. Features pro-shop, snack bar and club house.

CITY: Arlington Heights

Wing Park Golf Course

Accessible and perfect for a quick nine, Wing Park's greens are small and hard to hit. The course is a manageable length for beginners and seniors.

CITY: Elgin

Espo's Country Lanes

Elgin's finest 40-lane bowling center.

CITY: Elgin