Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a 155-acre “living museum” filled with spectacular gardens and rare trees. A handicapped-accessible paved path winds through the arboretum, and kids will have fun navigating the maze in the Children’s Garden.

CITY: Rockford

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

Vaughn Athletic Center Water Park

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

CITY: Aurora

Monticello Railway Museum

View various pieces of steam and electric railroad equipment. Offers vintage train rides on Sat. and Sun. May through Oct., as well as a number of special events throughout the year.

CITY: Monticello

Stoney Creek Inn

This Northwoods-themed lodge features a total of 165 rooms, including 13 theme suites, 17 fireplaces, and 4 Premiere suites. The extensive meeting facilities accommodate events for up to 350. The lodge also includes an enclosed "Wilderness Park" with an indoor/outdoor swim through pool, whirlpool, sauna, game room and two outdoor patio areas. The Cottages at Stoney Creek Inn, a 12 room extended stay property, including 2 Premiere suites. Each room features full kitchen, deck, high speed internet access, desk and laundry access. All guests at Stoney have access to our exercise room, in-room movies, evening Health Bar and hot breakfast served daily. Located on the marina, 3/4 miles from the Casino.

CITY: East Peoria

NickelWorld

This family amusement center has more than 78 free and five-cent games; 40 redemption games that dispense tickets for prizes; and 30 video and novelty games.

CITY: Rockford

FireZone

The FireZone is the first firehouse adventure providing an imaginatively fun look into the world of firefighting. What better place to go, have fun, and for a couple of hours, become that firefighter!

CITY: Schaumburg

Wrigley Field

The Friendly Confines is the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues behind Boston's Fenway Park (1912).

CITY: Chicago

WhirlyBall Chicago

WhirlyBall is a combination of basketball, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one. WhirlyBall also features laser tag.

CITY: Chicago

Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary

Tour Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary. Personally guided tours are available seven days a week year round for up to six people per tour, but all tours are by appointment. Animal lovers can learn about, pet, hold and feel some of the 350 rescued animals, comprised of 30 different species. All income supports the rescued animals. Critter Camp is a non-profit, tax exempt, charitable, volunteer operated, no-kill facility that does not buy, breed, sell or exploit any animal.

CITY: German Valley

Bandy's Pumpkin Patch

This fun fall destination (open Oct. 1-30) features mazes, inflatable games and face painting for the little ones, and hayrides. Grab a snack from the concession stand (try the sweet rock candy) before heading home with the perfect pumpkin.

CITY: Johnston City

Redmoon Theater

Redmoon Theatre was founded in 1989 in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. Redmoon has won national acclaim as the country's leading creator of spectacle theatre -- a highly visual and inventive theatre style that embraces the act of transformation through pageantry, puppetry, contraption-type mechanical objects, robust physical movement, and surprising use of scale and special effects. Using this unique visual language, Redmoon transforms streets and stages into places of public celebration, capable of speaking across cultural, ethnic, and generational boundaries.

CITY: Chicago

Bike Chicago

Rent a bike and ride along the city's breathtaking Lakefront Trail with a guide from Bike Chicago, or pick up a free map and take your own self-guided tour. The section of the bike path that winds along North Avenue Beach is featured in the dramatic comedy The Break-Up.

CITY: Chicago

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

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

Wacky Pirate Cruise

Kids (2-10) swashbuckle with Buccaneer Bob aboard Chicago’s only Wacky Pirate Cruise. During the 60-minute lake and river sightseeing boat ride, little buccaneers receive their own pirate bandana; learn how to tie nautical knots; are “knighted” by Buccaneer Bob with their own pirate name and tattoo and “captured” by mom and dad in great family photos. It’s a one-of-a-kind cruise aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline.

CITY: Chicago

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

Haunted Trails - Burbank

The Burbank outpost of this year round family entertainment center features hundreds of games, rides, miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages.

CITY: Burbank

Boomers Stadium

Located in the heart of the Chicago suburbs, the Schaumburg Boomers Stadium is the ideal destination for family-oriented fun! The Schaumburg Boomers are a minor league baseball team competing in the Independent Frontier League. Schaumburg Boomers store sells Boomers clothing and other items.

CITY: Schaumburg

Adventure Creek Alpaca & Goldendoodle Farm

The Netzel's will show you their prized alpaca farm. Their alpacas are quiet, stately, regal animals that are friendly to people - especially to smaller children. While there, make sure to meet Quincy, a TV star. Take one of the alpacas for a walk or learn about their lives. Or come down to the farm just to say hello to the alpacas and goldendoodles.

CITY: Galena

Krape Park

This beautiful Freeport park offers an antique carousel, waterfall, seasonal duck pond, miniature golf course, 18-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a quarter mile nature trail, paddle boats, canoes, fishing, hiking, biking, a performance amphitheater, gardens, picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds including "Kid's Kastle", and sledding in the winter. The Yellow Creek Adventure Golf Course (miniature golf) is open daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day from Noon to Dusk. The Disc Golf Course is open during regular park hours and is free to play. The carousel is open prior to Memorial Day on weekends from Noon to Dusk and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is open daily from Noon to Dusk. Yellow Creek boat rentals, including the duck paddle boats or the larger swan boat, are available daily from Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekend from Noon to Dusk. Park attractions are open seasonally; call ahead to confirm availability of specific attractions.

CITY: Freeport

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

York Theatre

Enjoy first run films in a renovated 1924 Spanish-style movie theater with five auditoriums all equipped with Dolby digital sound. Baby Barton Pipe Organ is played on Friday and Saturday nights.

CITY: Elmhurst

Windy City Thunderbolts

The Windy City ThunderBolts baseball brings affordable family entertainment all summer long at Standard Bank Stadium. 2007 & 2008 Frontier League Champions! Call to reserve groups or parties today!

CITY: Crestwood

Aurora Arena Skate Center

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

CITY: Aurora

Luigi's Pizza and Fun Center

Enjoy the fun here that includes laser tag, an arcade room and great pizza.

CITY: Aurora

Edwards Orchard

Come visit our farm this fall to share in our rustic culture and enjoy a taste of the season. Many varieties of apples to taste. Also available, in season, are raspberries, pumpkins, home-made goodies, and our famous apple cider donuts. Take a horse drawn ride out to the orchard to pick your own apples too. Family tradition starts here! There's a petting zoo too.

CITY: Poplar Grove

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

Splash Country Water Park

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

CITY: Aurora

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Open from mid-September through October 31, The Great Pumpkin Patch features 300 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds from around the world, all grown on the farm. The beautiful grounds feature various mazes and gardens, farm animals, a u-pick pumpkin patch and the Homestead Bakery, offering fresh-baked goods. Live entertainment is presented on fall weekends.

CITY: Arthur

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

Best Western Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center & CoCo Key Water Park - Rockford

Located right off of Interstate 90. Guests traveling for work can make the most of their stay with many businesses and organizations within just a few miles of this Rockford hotel. The spacious, clean rooms offer wireless Internet access, a coffeemaker, cable or satellite television with in-room movies and much more. There are two dining options right on property with the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery and the Calalloo Grille in the water park. There is an indoor and outdoor heated pool, fitness center, business center, free complimentary WiFi and more. CoCo Key, one of Illinois' largest indoor water parks, offers over 60,000 square feet of fun with water slides, activity pools, a lazy river, an interactive play island, private cabanas and party rooms, and a 10,000 square foot arcade. We happily accept birthday parties and group outings!

CITY: Rockford

American Girl Cafe

Chicago’s American Girl Cafe is the place for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and parties. For reservations and seating times, call toll-free 877-247-5223.

CITY: Chicago

Fairview Water Park

Fairview has an activity pool featuring arched water jets, a polar bear slide and a water mushroom. The park also features six lap swim lanes, a deep pool with two thrilling drop slides, multiple diving boards and two sand volleyball courts.

CITY: Normal

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

Grant Park

This park features a pavilion with tables, a gazebo, fountain, a play lot, basketball court, historic cannons and monuments, and a walk bridge across the Galena River to Galena's downtown historic shopping district.

CITY: Galena

Bronzeville Children's Museum

First and only African American children's museum in the country for children ages 3-9. Interactive exhibits, unique programs. Focus on culture, history and contributions of African Americans.

CITY: Chicago

Family Aquatic Center

This aquatic center has a frog slide, water slide, wet playground area, a sand playground, concessions, a shaded picnic area and a bath house.

CITY: Shelbyville

John Deere Historic Site

This historic site is where John Deere (1804-1886) first developed and produced his steel plow, changing the face of farming in the Midwest. Deere erected a simple, one-and-a-half-story clapboard house that resembles a type found in New England. Although the original Deere blacksmith shop was demolished, its archeological excavations and interpreted artifacts are open, sheltered by a pavilion. A reconstructed blacksmith shop located southwest of the original site is furnished with old tools, farm equipment, pioneer utensils, and a working forge. The John Deere Home in Grand Detour was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 1966. Copy and descriptions courtesy of AIA Illinois and the 150 GreatPlaces in Illinois www.illinoisgreatplaces.com

CITY: Dixon

Centerfield Park

Spend the day tackling go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and a video arcade.

CITY: O'Fallon

eSkape

This 60,000-square-foot entertainment complex includes 36 lanes of bowling, a multi-level leaser tag arena, indoor batting cages, an arcade, nightclub and the Grillworks Restaurant.

CITY: Buffalo Grove

Sears Centre Arena

A new 11,000 seat arena located in Hoffman Estates featuring world-class entertainment including concerts, family shows, and sporting events. Home of the Chicago Slaughter Indoor Football (IFL) and Chicago KICK Indoor Soccer (MISL).

CITY: Hoffman Estates

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

The Corn Crib

The state-of-the-art Corn Crib Stadium is home to the Normal CornBelters and Heartland Community College athletic teams. The Corn Crib seats roughly 7,000 patrons for CornBelters games, and many more for concerts and special events.

CITY: Normal

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

Del's Popcorn

Multitudes of flavors of popcorn and ice cream as a tasty stop on your visit.

CITY: Springfield

Melton's Fish Camp Cabins

Fishing cabins on Horseshoe Lake. Daily and weekly rates, kids stay free and pets welcome. Boat & motor rental. Bait, tackel, hunting & fishing license available.

CITY: Olive Branch

Stoney Creek Inn

Come and experience the Great Outdoors...indoors. Our unique Northwoods décor, atmosphere and incredible service create a truly enjoyable lodging experience! Guests love our extended continental breakfast and our 'Wilderness Park.'

CITY: Galena

Orpheum Children's Science Museum

The Orpheum Children's Museum, located in the 1914 Orpheum Theatre, is one of the finest buildings in downstate Illinois. Children of all ages are given the opportunity to learn science at their own pace in an informal setting.

CITY: Champaign

Splashdown Water Park

Central Illinois' premier family water park is located at the Eastside Centre Sports Complex. Play in Splash Tower Island, ride the lazy river, or spend time in the splash and play area designed for little ones.

CITY: East Peoria

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

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

Round Barn Farm and Museum

This 94-acre farm features picnic and recreational areas, antique farm equipment, a petting zoo, pony rides and barrel train rides. In fall find a pumpkin patch, haunted barn and pig races.

CITY: Manhattan

Blackhawk War Monument

This monument is located on the site of Kellogg's Grove, an early settlement established in 1827 on a mail route between Peoria and Galena, and now on the National Register of Historic Places. It honors those killed in the Blackhawk War, including in the final Illinois Battle which occurred at this grove in June, 1832. Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Illinois militia, helped bury five of the slain men. The remaining soldiers were originally buried throughout the area at the spots at which they fell. Fifty years after the war, local farmers collected the remains and buried them in one enclosure on top of this hill overlooking the Yellow Creek Valley. The 34-foot high monument was dedicated in 1886.

CITY: Kent

Family Fun Tyme

Located in Maryville, this facility has an indoor arcade, batting cages and lots more fun for kids. Alfonzo's Restaurant is right next door for pizza lovers.

CITY: Maryville

Bonner Farm

Get into the swing of spring at Bonner Heritage Farm! Enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities, crafts and demonstrations. Wagon rides, farm animals, food and entertainment round out the afternoon. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Bonner farmhouse.

CITY: Lindenhurst

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

Sherwood Forest

During Christmas, Sherwood Forest is adorned with decorations and twinkling lights. Any time of year view a variety of animals, including turkeys, rabbits, peacocks, llamas, and miniature goats and deer.

CITY: Prophetstown

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

Aquatic Center

Splash around at the Aquatic Center. Climb up four stories and launch down your choice of two waterslides with more than 320 feet of winding turns and diving wells, or take a dip in the pool.

CITY: Wood River

Hap Parker Family Aquatic Center

Fun for the whole family! Highlights include two amazing water slides that splash down into 350,000 gallons of crystal clear water. The zero-depth entry pool also features water toys for children, lanes for swimmers, and diving boards. The 14,000 square foot facility also has a full bath house with accessible restrooms and changing rooms, along with a full-service concession stand, shaded and open lounge areas, picnic tables and much more.

CITY: Rantoul

Laser Quest

The laser tag maze is a multi-level game floor with black lights, music, sound effects and automatic computerized scoring.

CITY: Rockford

Ultimate Sports Dome

This sports spot features go-karts, batting cages, miniature golf and an indoor driving range.

CITY: Aurora

Airtastic Playland

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

CITY: Aurora

Science Storms at the Museum of Science & Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago presents Science Storms, an unprecedented and dramatic permanent exhibit in the Allstate Court that reveals the extraordinary science behind some of nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena—tornadoes, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion. Inside the 24,000-square-foot exhibit, you’ll investigate the basic scientific principles responsible for nature’s biggest wonders while you get a hands-on, up-close look at these wonders themselves. Science Storms puts you in the middle of the action and lets you search for answers as to how and why things happen in nature.

CITY: Chicago

Sculpture on the Avenue

Come explore the sculptures that have transformed the City of Effingham's avenues into an art gallery! Over 40 sculptures created by some of the Midwest's best known and unknown sculptors bring life to the streets of Effingham through this outdoor exhibition. The Sculpture on the Avenues program is a self-guided walking tour that begins at City Hall in downtown Effingham. From there, the exhibition winds in and out of downtown Effingham. An informative guide, which facilitates a walking tour, is available at Effingham hotels, downtown businesses, the Effingham Visitor Center (Tourism Office) and City Hall.

CITY: Effingham

Splash Station Waterpark

Railroad-themed, outdoor water park featuring a 6 person racing slide, body slides, tube slides, lazy river and zero depth pool.

CITY: Joliet

Scotties Fun Spot

Quincy's newest indoor attraction, offering Laser tag, Spin Zone Bumper Cars, Ball-O-City, Mini-Lane Bowling, and large game arcade along with indoor skating arena and Winners Grill Restaurant. Open daily from 10 am-9pm and Sundays at 11 am. Fri/Sat open until 11 pm.

CITY: Quincy

Jacoby Arts Center

Jacoby Arts Center is dedicated to creating opportunities for individual artists in their pursuit of artistic excellence and economic success. The stunning gallery presents works of regional and national artists and the retail shop, known as The Artist Shop, showcases items in a variety of media while providing artists a retail outlet to their audiences.

CITY: Alton

Ultimate Play Space- Spray & Play Park

This 13-acre park allows kids to exercise their mind and body! Water park runs Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting.

CITY: Clinton

Donley's Wild West Town

Wild west displays and genuine cowboy memorabilia including train rides, horse rides, panning for gold, cowboy shows and more. Extensive antique phonograph and music box collection on display. Seasonally open April - October.

CITY: Union

Royal Oak Farm Fruit Orchard

Enjoy 22 varieties of pick-your-own and pre-picked apples from August through October, breakfast or lunch in the Country Restaurant, a miniature train ride, carousel, petting zoo, gift shop and bakery, and seasonal events that include Applefest and Pumpkinfest.

CITY: Harvard

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

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

Oswegoland Civic Center Aquatic Park

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

CITY: Oswego

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