Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest and most popular zoos in the country. Located just outside of Chicago, the zoo was opened in 1934 and is home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. Some of the zoo's most popular exhibits include the dolphin show, the Children's Zoo, and the Great Bear Wilderness. The zoo also hosts special events throughout the year, including Boo! at the Zoo during Halloween and Holiday Magic during the winter holidays.
Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park is a beautiful 500-acre park located in Wheaton, Illinois. The park was once the estate of Robert R. McCormick, who was the editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Today, the park is home to a museum dedicated to McCormick's life and legacy, as well as several gardens, a golf course, and a playground. Kids will love the McCormick Museum, which features exhibits on McCormick's life and career, as well as a collection of military vehicles and equipment.
Website: https://cantigny.org/
Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is a 1,700-acre outdoor museum that is dedicated to the study and conservation of trees and other plants. Founded in 1922, the arboretum is home to over 222,000 live plants and over 4,200 different species from around the world. The arboretum offers a variety of activities for kids, including hiking trails, a Children's Garden, and a maze. Kids will also love the Troll Hunt, an exhibit that features large, wooden sculptures of trolls hidden throughout the arboretum.
Website: https://www.mortonarb.org/
Enchanted Castle
Enchanted Castle is an indoor amusement park located in Lombard, Illinois. The park features a variety of attractions, including laser tag, bumper cars, mini golf, and arcade games. There's also a restaurant on-site that serves pizza, burgers, and other family-friendly fare. The park is a popular destination for birthday parties and other celebrations.
Website: https://enchanted.com/
Odyssey Fun World
Odyssey Fun World is another indoor amusement park located in Tinley Park, Illinois. The park features a variety of rides, including bumper cars, go-karts, and a Ferris wheel. There's also a mini-golf course and an arcade. The park is open year-round and is a popular destination for families.
Website: https://odysseyfunworld.com/
Pilcher Park Nature Center
Pilcher Park Nature Center is a 640-acre park located in Joliet, Illinois. The park features several walking trails, a pond, and a variety of wildlife. The nature center offers a variety of educational programs and activities for kids, including nature hikes, animal presentations, and art classes. The park is a great place to take kids for a nature walk and to learn about the environment.
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn
The Children's Museum in Oak Lawn is a great place to take kids for a fun and educational day out. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits designed for children of all ages, including a play supermarket, a construction zone, and a science lab. Kids can also explore a real fire truck, climb a giant treehouse, and create their own works of art. The museum is a non-profit organization and is committed to providing hands-on learning experiences to children in the community.
Website: https://www.cmoaklawn.org/
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre is an outdoor concert venue located in Tinley Park, Illinois. The venue features a variety of musical acts and other performances throughout the year, including concerts by popular artists and festivals like Lollapalooza. The amphitheater is a great place to take kids for a fun night out under the stars.
Website: https://www.livenation.com/venues
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a 2,492-acre preserve located in Darien, Illinois. The preserve features several hiking trails, including one that leads to a beautiful waterfall. Kids will love exploring the different trails and spotting wildlife like deer and birds. The preserve is also a great place to have a picnic or go fishing.
Silver Cross Field
Silver Cross Field is a minor league baseball stadium located in Joliet, Illinois. The stadium is home to the Joliet Slammers, a professional baseball team that plays in the Frontier League. Kids will love watching a game and cheering on the home team. There are also a variety of promotions and events throughout the season, like fireworks shows and giveaways.
We hope this list of 10 unique things to do in the Illinois southwest suburbs of Chicago with kids has inspired you to plan a fun day out with your family!
And last but not least, if you are moving or looking for a home in the area, contact Jill Jackson!
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