2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 203 items found in Outdoors & Play
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
Raging Waves Waterpark
Illinois' largest Waterpark offers 45 acres of family fun! 17 water slides, wave pool, lazy river, huge kiddie play structures, sandy beach area and a 2000 foot long 4 course zip line.
CITY: Yorkville
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
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
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
Gurler House
Bea Gurler was nine years old when her father George moved his family into the house in 1893. Her cousins, the children of her father’s brother Henry, had been living since 1888 in the Ellwood Mansion. Everyone said it was magnificent. Bea’s parents George and Zillah, evidently shared a taste in homes that favored the elegance of simplicity. It was the unimposing yet dignified structure on Pine Street–where the back door was always open. George and Henry Gurler were both prominent businessmen, and joint owners of a number of dairies. They quickly became world-famous and respected by many dairy farmers. Bea eventually made it a goal of hers to renovate The Gurler House to be the home that she once new and loved. The Gurler House hosts an annual Folk Music Festival every summer, where people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music. While you are at The Gurler House, make sure to take a walk through their beautiful garden.
CITY: DeKalb
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
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
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
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
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
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
The Homestead Sculpture Garden and Labyrinth
Art lovers will admire the beautiful brick labyrinth and distinctive contemporary sculpture garden here.
CITY: Plano
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
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
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
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
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
Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Gazebo - DeKalb
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition presents 16 Interpretive Gazebos along the Lincoln Highway, a 179-mile National Scenic Byway in Northern Illinois. The DeKalb gazebo offers a unique and interactive way for visitors to learn the significance of the highway in DeKalb while enjoying stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its other Illinois communities.
CITY: DeKalb
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
Yaeger's Farm Market
Farm products available for purchase include plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus a wide variety of Amish jams and jellies. A pumpkin patch and corn maze are featured in the fall.
CITY: DeKalb
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
Natural Resource Center
The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.
CITY: Genoa
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
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
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
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
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
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
Fox River Trail
This 32-mile paved biking/hiking trail along the Fox River features scenic parks, picnic areas and playgrounds located adjacent to restaurants and shops.
CITY: Geneva
Whisper Creek Golf Course
This beautiful course is set on 240 acres rich in bluegrass, protected wetland environments, and even magnificent rock formations with casading waterfalls.
CITY: Huntley
All Seasons Ice Rink
Two full-sized rinks are open for year-round skating. All Seasons also offers a game room, ballet room, pro shop and party room.
CITY: Naperville
Fox River Trail (St. Charles Illinois)
32 miles of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing featuring some of the most scenic trails of the Fox River. Points of interest include Carpenters Dam, Fox River Shores, Tyler Creek, Voyageur Landing, Shoemaker Nature Center and Fabyan Forest Preserve.
CITY: St. Charles
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
Woodridge Town Centre
A multipurpose open play area, Woodridge Town Center hosts a variety of festivals in Woodridge.
CITY: Woodridge
Bicycle Trails - Aurora
More than 35 miles of trails, from Aurora to Crystal Lake, pass through scenic landscapes. Routes include the Fox River, Virgil Gilman and Red Oak Trails, and the Illinois Prairie Path.
CITY: Aurora
Lyon Farm and Village
The farm and village have 15 historic buildings that trace the history of Kendall County. Learn more about native prairie grasses found around the farm and enjoy a variety of history oriented special events.
CITY: Aurora
