Illinois offers a variety of options for family vacations. Whether you visit the picturesque small towns of Northern Illinois, meander through the Amish country located in Central Illinois or hang out in the faster-paced Chicagoland area, there is plenty to do. With so much to choose from, affordable attractions, outings and accommodations are easy to find.
In Northern Illinois, visitors will find picturesque small towns and a vast landscape that showcases Illinois' natural beauty. Visit Starved Rock State Park and enjoy miles of hiking trails, picnicking, fishing and natural beauty of the canyons and waterfalls that dot the park. Admission to the park is free.
Starved Rock State Park
2668 E. 875th Rd.
Oglesby, IL 61348
815-667-4726
starvedrockstatepark.org
Another affordable family attraction is the Burpee Museum of Natural History. As of October 2010, admission is $7 for adults and children aged 3 and up. The museum is host to displays such as The First People, Windows to Wilderness, the Ordovician Sea and Diary of a Dinosaur. The museum is hands-on and a thrill for kids of all ages.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
737 N. Main Street
Rockford, IL 61103
815-965-3433
burpee.org
Visit Galena, Illinois and walk along the "Best Main Street in the Mid-West". Explore the more than 90 shops that line Main Street and enjoy the storefronts designed to resemble the way the town was in the 19th century.
Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau
101 Bouthillier Street
Galena, IL 61036
877-464-2536
galena.org
Central Illinois offers several affordable activities for families. Visit the Amish country in Arthur, Illinois, where you can explore over 150 craft shops situated amongst the green farms and pastures. Visit the Illinois Amish Museum and Rockome Gardens. Admission for adults is $8, children 5-12 is $4 and children 4 and under are free, as of October 2010.
Illinois Amish Interpretive Center
125 N. County Road 425E
Arcola, IL 61910
888-452-6474
amishcenter.com
The Children's Discovery Museum in Normal, Illinois is another option where kids can learn and enjoy themselves at the same time. At $6 per person (aged 2 and over), this kid-friendly museum is brimming with exhibits. Kids won't want to leave until they've explored every inch of the museum including the Oh Rubbish Landfill, the Museum Paint Wall, Sugarcreek Water Play and the Dig It Pocket Garden.
Children's Discovery Museum
101 E. Beaufort
Normal, IL 61761
309-433-3444
childrensdiscoverymuseum.net
If you want to venture closer to Chicago, but don't want to be in the city, Chicagoland is for you. With over 216 acres, the Brookfield Zoo is an adventure. Whether you spend your time in the Great Bear Wilderness, Tropic World, the Seven Seas exhibit or just meander the park, the zoo offers hours of enjoyment. The all-in-one tickets include admission to the zoo and a variety of attractions.
Chicago Zoological Society
Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
708-688-8000
czs.org
The Long Grove Historic District is a German village founded in the early 19th century. With a variety of shops and restaurants to visit, you can easily spend a day here.
Long Grove Historical Society
338 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
847-634-6155
longgrovehistory.com
The Morton Arboretum includes a wide variety of international trees and plants on 1700 acres. Walk the extensive hiking trails, wander through the maze, visit the Children's Garden or ride an open-air tram. A gift shop and restaurant are also available on site.
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Rte. 53
Lisle, IL 60532
630-968-0074
mortonarb.org
