1. See a working chocolate factory on the Long Grove Confectionary factory tour

This cute historic town has a luscious candy-making facility that you can tour for just $5. Visit during one of its kitschy festivals and make a day out of it.

2. Play in the Giant's Bathtub or the Devil's Paintbox at Matthiessen State Park

Pick a long or short trail and see amazing rock formations or even get a little wet stepping over stones in the rivers and basins.

3. Seek thrills at Six Flags Great America

Ride dozens of rides, including some of the most thrilling roller coasters in Illinois, at this Gurnee amusement park.

4. Look for the Wet Bandits at the Home Alone House

You can't go inside this privately owned residence, but fans can drive by the Winnetka mansion for a bit of nostalgia for the Christmas classic film.

5.  Explore Shawnee National Forest

See the breathtaking Garden of the Gods or hike across the Pomona Natural Bridge. This USDA National Forest in Southern Illinois allows camping and horseback riding. 

6. Visit Rockford's Discovery Center Children's Museum

Comparable to big city museums, this north central Illinois center has classics like a bubble exhibit and a dinosaur zone and other interesting activities like a fitness floor and a two-story outdoor climbing area.

7. Follow the path of discovery at the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and other Wright sites in Oak Park

Several of the famed architect's structures reside just outside Chicago in Oak Park, Illinois. Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, The Robie House, and Unity Temple on foot or via bike in guided tours.

8. See Illinois' only remaining beach ridge shoreline at Adeline Jay Geo Karis Illinois Beach State Park

The Midwest Coast is home to dunes, swales, sprawling marshes, and oak forests. You can hike or bike almost to the state's northern border in this picturesque state park.

9. Have a blast at Santa's Village Amusement and Water Park

From kiddie rides to thrill rides to animal attractions, this East Dundee holiday theme park has something for kids of all ages.

10. Re-live history at Naper Settlement

See what living in DuPage County was like from the early 19th century to the mid-twentieth century through historic buildings and re-enactments at this west suburban living museum.

12. Learn what lapidary art is at Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

It's carving gems and stones into unique shapes. You can see hundreds of examples from mosaics to dioramas to a giant castle at this Oak Brook Museum.

13. Learn about prehistoric civilizations at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

The archaelogical remains of the most sophisticated pre-Columbian civilization north of Mexico are in far southern Illinois near Collinsville. See replicas of the homes and public spaces that were part of Native American culture in the 13th century.

14. Get your kicks on U.S. Route 66

The historic route starts in Chicago and travels through Joliet, Pontiac, Springfield, and the Edwardsville area. Along the way, you'll find the Route 66 Mural and Hall of Fame Museum as well as several big roadside attractions.

15. Tour the home of Ulysses S. Grant

The Civil War general-turned-president lived in Galena in Northwestern Illinois in the late 19th Century. You can tour his home in the city that was once bigger than Chicago and see what life was like in the immediate post-civil war era.

16. Swim like a bear even when it's cold out at Grand Bear Resort

This indoor water park hotel near Starved Rock gives big and little kids a chance to swim and ride down water slides in between hikes at the amazing state park.

17. Dig up history at Burpee Museum of Natural History

Learn about dinosaurs, geology, bugs, and even live animals at this manageable museum in Rockford.

18. Go wild at Peoria Zoo

It may be downstate, but it still has plenty of animals from all over the world. See lions, tigers, monkeys and more at Peoria Zoo.

19. Enjoy a blast from the past at Midway Village Museum

Rockford's historic village has an old millhouse, a doll museum, a police station, fire station, town hall, and more to entertain and delight history-loving kids.

20. Have all kinds of fun at Miller Park in Bloomington

Near Illinois State University, this park includes one of our favorite zoos, a splash pad, paddleboats, miniature golf, a playground, and more! 

21. Learn about ancient cultures at the Spurlock Museum

This newer museum at the University of Illinois boasts lots of facts and artifacts about Native Americans, as well as other cultures from all over the world. Rotating exhibits feature everything from the Carribean resistance to unissued diplomas.

22. See a University of Illinois football or basketball game

Champaign's century-old football stadium and newly renovated basketball arena feature Big Ten sports at a fraction of the price you would pay for the professional equivalent.

23. Tour Walt Disney's Birthplace

The house in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood is being restored and offers tours on the last Saturday of every month. See where the original Mousekeeter grew up.

24. Believe in magic at the PT Murphy Magic Theatre

This 24-seat theater in downtown Galena gives viewers a chance to see magic up close. Grab a treat or go shopping in the cute northwestern Illinois town afterwards.

25. Rev your engine at the Volo Museum

This used to be known exclusively for its unique collection of automobiles, but now the Volo Museum is also home to exhibits like Jurassic Gardens, the Titanic exhibit, antique kiddie rides, animatronic displays, and a Disney gallery. If there's something unique and quirky to see in Illinois, it's here.

26. See Thomas the Tank Engine at the Illinois Railway Museum

Preschool boys rejoice:  A real life version of Thomas takes you on a ride from this cool museum featuring all things railroad a couple of times a year. Also check out special rides related to holidays including Easter and Christmas.

27.  Ride out west to Blackberry Farm

Visit Aurora's part farm, part amusement park attraction complete with old timey shop replicas, a miniature train, carousel, pony rides, paddle boats, and more.

28. Engineer your own equipment at Caterpillar Visitor Center

Learn how it feels to ride in a mining truck, engineer your own vehicle, and ride in the simulator of various Caterpillar vehicles at the company's headquarters in Peoria.

29. Tour the gardens and see the statues at Allerton Park and Retreat Center

Experience art, history, and nature at this Champaign retreat. It's famous for the Sunsinger statue, but also check out the mansion and formal gardens. We love the historic granite fu-dog statues from the 1800s.

30. See where Abraham Lincoln spent his early adulthood at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site

While Lincoln never owned a home here, this is where he served as postmaster general and ran for his first seat in the Illinois General Assembly. The tiny town northwest of Springfield has 12 log houses, the Rutledge Tavern, ten workshops, stores, mills, and a school have been reproduced and furnished as they might have been in the 1830s.

31. See three different states from the top of Horseshoe Mound

This bluff at the Northwest corner of Illinois is in a great forest preserve for hiking, and the overlook lets you see Iowa and Wisconsin on a clear day.

32. Metropolis, Illinois: Home of Superman

This southern Illinois town just across the border of Kentucky has a 15-foot statue and museum dedicated to the Man of Steel. The Super Museum features more than 70,000 Superman artifacts and visitors can attend the annual Superman Celebration every June.

33. Ride the waves at Raging Rivers Water Park

Visit Grafton, Illinois for this water park featuring slides, a lazy river, cabanas, an entertainment stage, and more.

34. Learn more about animals of the Midwest at Wildlife Prairie Park

Families can book an adventurous trip to get up close with animals like bison and elk, or go kayaking, play outdoor laser tag, ride the prairie zephyr, or ride bikes throughout the park in Hana City, Illinois. Stay in unique lodging like a caboose, a corn crib, or a log cabin.

35. Visit Hardy's Reindeer Ranch

This Rantoul institution is home to 16 reindeer and a 5 acre Christmas tree farm to give you the most Christmas spirit for your buck. You can even visit in the spring to see baby reindeer!

36. Do the same day over and over in Woodstock on Groundhog Day

The movie Groundhog Day was filmed in Woodstock, Illinois, and the town has really leaned into it—now you can tour the sites filmed in the movie and watch Woodstock Willie predict the seasonal change every February.

37. See the Butter Cow at the Illinois State Fair

From deep-fried anything to concerts to thrill rides, you can enjoy lots of fun foods and activities at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield every August.

38. Go strawberry picking and more at Illinois farms

From McHenry to Cairo, you can pick strawberries in every corner of Illinois. Blueberries, pumpkins, raspberries, peppers, sugar snap peas, and even peaches are available in some parts of the state.

39. Eat your spinach on the Popeye Character Trail

You may need to show your kids this classic cartoon before you head out to see 14 statues of its characters in Chester, Illinois. See Olive Oyl, Swee' Pea, Wimpy, Brutus, and, of course, Popeye, all of which were created with the donations of fans since 2006. 

40. Don't cry in baseball along the Rockford Peaches Fan Trail

See where the Rockford Peaches played in real life, visit the bar they frequented, and see the hotel that was central to the film. 

41. Feed and touch animals at the Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo

Located in Nashville, Illinois, this petting zoo is housed in a 170-year-old barn and is home to cows, goats, sheep, miniature donkeys, horses, a macaw, a giant rabbit, and a pot-bellied pig.

42. Support developmentally disabled workers while enjoying animals at Lambs Farm

This northwest Illinois farm employs developmentally disabled adults to take care of their farm animals and run a pet shop on site. Animal-loving kids will be in hog heaven.

43. Tour Bettendorf Castle

This Fox River Grove landmark was built by Theodore Bettendorf after he moved from Luxembourg in 1931. The building is now a hotel and event center, hosting kid-friendly events like Easter egg hunts and princess tea parties.

44. Take a cruise on Grafton Harbor's Hakuna Matata Riverboat

Cruise the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers in the southern tip of Illinois on this 49-passenger river boat. The boat's tiki bar serves drinks for grown ups and seasonally-themed foods.

45. Play for hours at Galloping Ghost Arcade

The largest video arcade in the U.S. is in the Chicago suburb of Brookfield. Games are set to free play, and kids can try out any of 885 games for just $25 a day.

46. Pretend you're in Italy at the Leaning Tower of Niles

Built in the 1930s, this scale model of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is 94 feet tall and leans 7.4 feet. Recently restored bells ring out at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. every day.

47. Turn back time at the Wheels 'O Time Museum

This Dunlap, Illinois museum gives kids a chance to see and even sometimes touch historic artifacts related to transporation, industry, and farm life. It's spread over multiple buildings and includes many different items from central Illinois.

48. Go beyond science kits at American Science and Surplus

Peruse the Niles science super store for all things science, from alchemy to zoology. Check out 99 cents sales and mystery bags for extra surprises.

49. Marvel at the World's Largest Things in Casey, Illinois

Since 2012, this small town has collected a dozen Guiness-certified World's Largest things. They include the World's Largest Wind Chime, Golf Tee, Pitchfork, Rocking Chair, Wooden Shoes, Mailbox, Gavel, Truck Key, Barbershop Pole, Teeter Totter, Golf Club, and Swizzle Spoon.

50. See an actual Viking ship in Good Templar Park, Geneva

This replica of the Viking ship Gokstad was built by Christen Christens's Frames Shipyard in Sandefjord, Norway in 1892 and sailed to Chicago for the World's Fair in 1893. Now, its permanent home is in Good Templar Park in Geneva, where kids can schedule a tour of it, or visit for Swedish Days!

51. Klein Creek Farm

This restored 1890s farm gives kids a chance to see what life was like in the olden days. Learn how to harvest ice in the winter, tap a maple tree in the spring, and shear sheep in the summer the way they would have at the turn of the 20th century.

52.American Giants Museum — Atlanta, Illinois

Remember giant fiberglass characters lining the sides of the highway so you could know where to get gas or food? There's many of them still here, from Paul Bunyan to the Texaco Man to Big Boy. Check out how they are made and restored.

53. Play old video games at Arcadia: America's playable arcade game museum

Visit southern Illinois to play old timey games that you may have forgotten about with your kids. There's no plastic scan cards or tickets here, just quarters and games.

54. See the future of yesterday at Buckminster Fuller's Dome Home

This Carbondale attraction was the home of futurist Buckminster Fuller. It's a house shaped like a geodesic dome, which was supposed to be highly efficient, where he lived with his wife Anne throughout the 1960s. 

55. Play life-sized Monopoly in its hometown: Macomb, Illinois

In 1904 in western Illinois, Lizzie Magie-Phillips invented a game called The Landlord's Game, which inspired the American classic Monopoly. Today, you can download an app to play life-sized Landlord's Game around Macomb's Courthouse Square. Check out life-size sculptures of Monopoly pieces along the way.

56. Visit Ronald Reagan's boyhood home in Dixon, Illinois

Ronald Reagan lived in this 1890s house from 1920-1923, when he was around 9 years old. See where the 40th president raised rabbits and shared a room with his brother.

57. See how the Amish live in Arthur, Illinois

Illinois has the 10th highest Amish population in the country, and about half of the Amish community lives in or around Arthur. The Amish invite tourists to check out their unique shops and restaurants and visit for their summer strawberry festival.

58. Check out the world's largest sock monkey collection at the Sock Monkey Museum in Long Grove

Learn about the socks used to make sock monkeys, browse hundreds of different examples, and learn to make your own sock monkey!

59. Go an an adventure at The Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park

This 300-acre, family-friendly park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts with the largest aerial challenge course, tallest climbing towers and longest ziplines in Illinois. Guests can enjoy mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and a designated kids' activity zone.

60.  Find your zen at Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford boasts one of the top Japanese gardens in North America with a 12-acre landscape complete with koi ponds, winding paths, and cascading waterfalls.

61. Explore Rock Cut State Park in Caledonia

This 3,000 acre park has camping, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. Olson Lake is best for swimmers, or go fishing or boating in Pierce Lake.

62. Get a taste of history and the outdoors at Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby 

Just 100 miles southwest of Chicago, this beautiful state park offers more than 13 miles of hiking trails with dramatic canyons, seasonal waterfalls, majestic bluffs, and lush woodlands. There are hikes for families of many differing ability levels.

 63. Get comfy at Cozy Dog Drive In in Springfield 

Home of the iconic corn dog on a stick, Cozy Dog Drive-In is a Route 66 legend. Dive into this nostalgic eatery and explore memorabilia honoring its deep-fried legacy. As an official Illinois Made Maker, Cozy Dogs is part of the Illinois Office of Tourism’s initiative to promote small businesses across the state.

64. See a drive-in movie at one of Illinois's last remaining drive-in theaters

There's just a handful of places left to see a movie in your car, including the restored Route 66 Twin Drive-in in Springfield, Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City, Golden Age Cinema in McHenry, and Route 34 Drive-In in Earlville.

65. Remember Honest Abe at Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield

Abraham Lincoln is bured at Oak Ridge Cemetary along with his wife and three sons. Don't forget to rub the statue's nose for good luck!

66. See how Lincoln grew up at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Take a free guided tour of the house with a Park Service Ranger, then explore the neighborhood with many Lincoln sites nearby on your own. 

67. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

Experience immersive exhibits and high-tech displays that bring Lincoln’s life to vivid detail. Highlights include interactive galleries and a reproduction of the White House as it appeared in 1861.

68. Kidzeum of Health and Science - Springfield

This interactive museum in downtown Springfield offers hands-on exhibits focused on health, science, and community. Active Alex, a three-story structure, is a climbing favorite for curious kids.

69. Take to the skies with Galena on the Fly: Hot Air Balloon Rides - Galena (3 hour drive from Chicago)

See what northwestern Illinois and the Mississippi River look like from high above with sunrise and sunset balloon rides departing from Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa.

70. Walk with the animals at Hoof It Goat Treks Galena

Learn about the natural landscape of the Galena area and how goats interact with it as you hike alongside them. Add on a bonfire with s'mores for the evening hikes.

71. Explore the terrain of Chestnut Mountain Resort

Perched on a wooded palisade overlooking the Mississippi River, Chestnut Mountain Resort is a year-round destination located just eight miles southeast of Galena. This 120-unit full-service resort offers a wide array of outdoor activities for all ages. Ski in the winter, ride a wheeled sled in the summer, or tour on a segway or take a chair lift up the mountain all year round. 

72. Zip down to the Mississippi River at Long Hollow Canopy Tour

Visit the beautiful wooded hills of Galena and take a thrilling aerial tour. The 2.5 hour guided canopy tour begins with a scenic UTV ride, followed by progressively more intense ziplines ending in three 700-foot zips that reach up to 40 mph.

73. Try a tractor at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline

Discover vintage machines and cutting-edge agricultural technology at this family-friendly attraction. Climb aboard equipment and explore exhibits celebrating innovation and land stewardship.

74. See the southern tip of Illinois at Grafton Aerie’s Resort & Skytour

Soar 300 feet above the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers on an open chair lift or enclosed gondola. Enjoy stunning views before sipping wine at Aerie’s Resort Winery. 

75. Giant City State Park & Giant City Stables - Makanda

Renowned for its towering sandstone bluffs and serene forest trails, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration. For a unique experience, visit Giant City Stables, where expert wranglers guide horseback trail rides through the park’s picturesque landscapes.

76. Explore the treetops at Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour 

This thrilling experience features eight ziplines, the longest spanning over 1,100 feet, along with 11 elevated platforms, three suspension bridges, and two short ground hikes. Traverse through tree canopies and enjoy panoramic views of the valley while learning about the area's flora, fauna, geology, and history. 

77. Get cozy at Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch

Meet the alpacas, feel the luxurious fleece, and explore another Illinois Made Maker at this charming, mother-daughter-owned alpaca ranch. Visitors can learn about alpaca farming practices, see fiber workshops, and browse local handmade products, including yarn, felted goat milk soaps, shawls, socks, and toys. 

78. Find Illinois's Bayou Country at Cache Bayou Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Rentals in Ullin 

Explore Illinois' hidden bayou with Cache Bayou Outfitters, offering canoe rentals and guided kayaking experiences on the Cache River. Paddle through ancient cypress and tupelo trees, some dating back over 1,000 years, as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of this natural wonder. 

79. Check out the land before time at the Field Museum

The world's most complete Tyrannasaurus Rex, Sue, is here on the second floor. Our other favorites include the hall of gems and the ancient Egypt exhibit.

80. Step out on the Ledge at Willis Tower Skydeck

See Chicago from the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, and step out on The Ledge to see how it looks while stepping out into a glass box over the street.

81. Shop 'til you drop at Water Tower Place

Where can you find an American Girl Place and a LEGO Store in the same building? On the Gold Coast along Michigan Avenue. Also check out Hershey's Super Sweet Adventure, Harrry Potter: Magic at Play, and other Things to Do in River North and Gold Coast. 

82. Ship out to Navy Pier and see the Chicago Children's Museum

This half-mile pier used to be where soldiers shipped out to war, but now it's a place for Chicagoans and tourists alike to be entertained. Check out the Chicago Children's Museum, Flyover, and all sorts of Things To Do on Navy Pier. 

83. Go wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

The 90-year-old suburban zoo is still thriving with all kinds of surprises in store in the coming years. Be sure to check out the new Tropical Forests exhibit opening in summer 2025.

84. Find some free fun at Lincoln Park Zoo

One of the country's last free zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo has lots to explore on the shores of Lake Michigan. See the farm, the flamingos, the lions and more!

85. Experience Chicago beaches along Lake Michigan

You don't need an ocean to feel the sand between your toes! From Kathy Osterman to Rainbow Beach, you can catch a few waves along the shores of Lake Michigan.

86. Go inside a WWII German submarine at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Whether your kid likes water play, baby chicks, miniature houses, farming, weather, or submarines, they'll find something to love at this awesome Hyde Park Museum.

87. See famous works of art at the Art Institute of Chicago

There's lots to see here — American Gothic, Sunday on the Grand Jette, Van Gogh, Monet, and more! Stop by the Ryan Learning Center to make some artwork of your own.

88. Admire the aquatic creatures at the Shedd Aquarium

See the giant Caribbean Reef tank, visit the penguins, and check out the sea otters, belugas, and other aquatic animals.

89 See a kid-friendly show at the Second City

The birthplace of sketch comedy is in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood. Look for family friendly shows around the holidays and camps in the summer.

90. Play at the DuPage Children's Museum

This Naperville museum is big and interactive enough to rival city museums. Plus, it's right next to the Metra.

91. Eat a Rainbow Cone

This Chicago original is starting to expand to other states, but there are plenty of locations (plus food trucks) in Illinois. Taste Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet all sliced (not scooped) onto a cone.

92.Visit the birthplaces of deep dish pizza- Lou Malnati's and Uno's

The nationally famous dish with thick bready crust and sauce on top claims two different birthplaces, both in the Chicago area. The original Lou Malnati's is in Lincolnwood while Uno's is in what looks like a house just north of the Loop.

93. Skate or play in the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park

The park hosts lots of fun things to do all year round. Skate on the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon, play in the water of the Crown Fountain, or see a concert or a movie in the summer.

94. Eat a Horseshoe downstate

Do you have a kid that likes mixing all of their foods together? They might enjoy a horseshoe, the signature dish of Springfield. This includes two pieces of Texas toast topped with your choice of meat, then a layer of fries, and finally, cheese sauce. The 217 area has plenty of places to get a variety of horseshoes.

95. Cantigny Park and the First Division Museum

Wheaton's gem of a park is the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Here, you can find the First Division Museum, which is devoted to American military history, a tank park with real tanks kids can climb on, a variety of gardens and hiking paths, and various programs for all members of the family.

96. Check out what's in bloom at the Chicago Botanic Garden

This 385-acre botanic garden hosts the Night of 1,000 Pumpkins in the fall, Lightscapes during the holiday season, and an orchid show in its greenhouses later in winter. During the summer, check out amazing blooms in the nature play garden.

97. See nature-themed statues at Morton Arboretum

The Lisle tree haven has had several iterations of giant nature-themed statues over the past five years. Kids can also play in the children's garden or look for the mudkitchen.

98.Wrigley Field and Gallagher Way

The Chicago Cubs play at this historic stadium, and the new Gallagher Way offers lots of fun and family friendly activities from outdoor movies to ice skating. Check out our favorite Things to do in Wrigleyville to help you find more. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Ice Cream

99.Check out history and have a sweet treat at Tribune Tower and the Museum of Ice Cream

The Tribune Tower may be best known as the offices of the biggest newspaper in Chicago, but look around its base to find bricks and stones from buildings all over the world and different time periods. Then, visit the Museum of Ice Cream on the building's first floor for all the sweet treats you can eat.

100. Pick a pumpkin in one of Illinois's many pumpkin patches

Illinois is the top pumpkin-producing state in the country, so there's no shortage of pumpkin patches. Check our our favorite pumpkin patches near Chicago. 

All photos are courtesy of  Enjoy Illinois, except where indicated.