Illinois is what some might consider a popular state.
A lot of the credit for that goes to its most populated city, Chicago, which also happens to be the 3rd largest in the US.
The state also happens to be in a pretty interesting spot, right in the middle of the US.
Let’s not forget, that Illinois also gets national attention each year for the horrific winter storms that sweep through, often leaving many to abandon their vehicles.
As you can tell, there’s always a lot going on in the state.
How about for kids?
We’re going to go through a list of great things to do with children throughout Illinois.
10 Things to Do in Illinois with Kids
1. Chicago Children’s Museum
Of course, you can’t start a list of the best places to take kids in Illinois without mentioning the Chicago Children’s Museum.
The museum has been delighting the little people since the early 80s when it opened.
Funny enough, the whole idea started as a way to get back at the city for cutting back funding to the city’s public schools.
To keep in that spirit, there are days throughout the year that are family-free days so that no matter what kind of economic background kids have, they can partake.
A large part of the exhibits cater to elementary school age, but they haven’t left out babies, toddlers, or middle school children.
Because of how busy it gets, purchasing tickets online is the best way to ensure you get to go during a planned trip.
2. Adler Planetarium
Max Adler had a passion for astronomy and astrophysics.
He just so happened to be quite a successful businessman, which made him able to share that interest with the city.
Almost a century ago, the first planetarium in the US was opened right here in Chicago.
It takes about three hours to get through, but it’s likely you’ll want to see more than one of the shows.
If this is the first planetarium experience for anyone in the group, it will be something they won’t forget.
Sitting in the dome room with chairs that face the ceiling is different enough but to compound with a show about space or the moon, it’s a special display.
Shows are appropriate for ages four and up.
Those shows are about 20 minutes long to accommodate youth.
3. Discovery Center Museum
In Rockford, the Discovery Center Museum hosts 300 exhibits that are hands-on and interactive to engage children of all ages.
One of the best features of this museum is that it’s not just something to look at.
Kids can take part in workshops and make crafts to take home.
If that’s not creating memories and interest in science, what is?
What are some of the things your child will get to do?
There’s an art studio where kids can let loose their inner creative spirit.
Air and Flight is an exhibit that teaches how things fly.
Want to convey how power works?
Electricity Station walks participants through.
There’s even an area called the Tot Spot for especially young learners.
4. Kohl Children’s Museum
If you have been looking for something to stimulate the babies, too, this is the museum!
The catchphrase says this is where awesome lives so, that’s a lot to live up to.
Founded in the mid-80s, Kohl Children’s Museum entertains mostly ages eight and under.
Their goal is to foster the love of discovery and research from as early an age as possible.
There are 17 exhibits where participation is strongly encouraged.
Kohl’s may be for children, but they want parents to stay involved, so no drop-offs.
The museum is closed on Mondays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
5. Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo is the fourth oldest in North America and is one of the handful of zoos that’s free to visit.
Established in 1868, just after the end of the Civil War, the zoo has over 1,100 animals spread and 200 species out over almost 50 acres.
Plan for at least three hours at the zoo to see everything.
One thing you won’t see, though, is an elephant.
Even though elephants are a staple animal to most zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo decided almost two decades ago to keep its focus on other areas.
Of course, it may behoove you to take a look at the event calendar before showing up.
There are often special presentations or exhibits going on that you wouldn’t want to miss.
6. Santa’s Village Azoosment Park
This place is a little bit of every kind of entertainment all rolled into one.
To start, it’s an amusement and water theme park.
Santa’s Village also doubles as a zoo.
Since 1959, the park has been destination fun for locals and tourists alike.
Something else that helps its reputation is that it’s free.
That means no one has to miss out because of money.
Due to the lengthy list of activities behind the gate, it would be wise to get in as early as possible, so your group can spend the whole day doing things.
Heck, you might even want to plan for two days to get everything packed in properly.
7. Illinois Beach State Park
Despite having the word beach in the name, this state park is about more than swimming.
With well over 4,000 acres, this is a place to keep everyone entertained no matter what their boredom threshold is.
In addition to getting in the water, there’s space for hiking, fishing, picnics, boating, and taking in the views.
There is no entrance fee for the park, but the beach does charge $1 to use.
8. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Since the late 1850s, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has been inspiring new generations of nature lovers.
The variety of exhibits ensures that there is something to learn for each age group.
Photography, painting, and RiverWorks are a few that cater to the lighthearted guest.
For older or more interested visitors you have Mysteries of the Marsh, Sustainability Center, and Natural Consequences.
You’ll probably want to devote at least half a day to checking out all the exhibits.
9. Garfield Park Conservatory
One of the largest botanical conservatories in the US, Garfield Park makes the trip worth it throughout 184 acres.
In addition to showcasing a wide array of plants and teaching their significance, there are all kinds of special events.
For example, a popular one among kids is the fairy garden.
Who couldn’t use a little more whimsy in their lives?
Garfield Park Conservatory is free but does come with the requirement of reserving your spot in advance.
Ever take the kids out and everyone wants to eat somewhere different, perhaps even your spouse?
At Navy Pier, there are a ton of options that will satisfy even the pickiest eater.
Everyone can eat from a different restaurant and no tears will commence.
Aside from eating, Navy Pier has the most incredible view of Chicago.
Around for over a century, this 3,300-foot-long pier looks out to Lake Michigan.
Depending on when you visit, you might catch fireworks, live music, theater, games, and even a cruise from the dock.
Illinois Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Illinois Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from Chicago, what are some things Illinois is known for?
For whatever reason, Illinois has always attracted a lot of people and happenings.
From the political, such as historically abolishing slavery, to cultural, having the first McDonald’s, this Midwest state is a hub for attention.
Here are a few more things you might associate with Illinois.
Let’s start with food, the deep-dish pizza is a Chicago favorite that has now spread across the US.
Illinois is also called the Land of Presidents, and it’s not just because of Lincoln.
Overall, there have been eight presidents who called this place home, most recently Barack Obama.
For road trip enthusiasts, Route 66 actually starts in Chicago and continues to LA.
Why does the Chicago River turn green?
The river has been dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day since the early 60s.
Doing so has given tourists one more reason to come visit the Windy City.
Present day, it’s a big celebration where locals and visitors alike congregate for festivities.
Water stays green for a few days.
It takes 40 pounds of dye to achieve the desired shade.
The process didn’t start out this way, but the powder is vegetable-based and environmentally friendly.
What are the most popular outdoor spots in Illinois?
Despite the climate that takes getting used to, there’s plenty to keep visitors busy outside.
To start, there are five national park locations in Illinois.
The state itself did not shy away from protecting land, either.
There are 69 state parks and over 300 recreation sites, refuges, and other historic areas.
In total, 475,000 acres of Illinois are for the public to enjoy.
Out of those, a few of the most visited are the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and Starved Rock State Park.
When is the best time to visit Illinois?
The one time you’ll want to avoid no matter how comfortable you are with the cold is winter.
Between ice storms and blistering winds, even locals dread the impending doom of the season.
January is the coldest and snowiest month, which means it’s the least busy time of year.
But at what cost?
Actually, depending on where you’re from, it might be chilly for you until early May.
To get to the optimum temperatures, plan a trip for June or even September.
Both are sort of the sweet spots of the year when getting outdoors feels spectacular.
