Family Travel

Ideas for Family Summer Vacations in Illinois with your Kids

What does the Midwest have to offer in terms of family summer vacations? If you make your way throughout the state of Illinois with your family this year, you’ll come home with more answers to that question than you might have expected. Of course, there’s the unique urban landscape of the metropolis that is Chicago which undeniably offers a lot of activity for you and your kids, but there are also interesting spots all throughout rural Illinois which might surprise you with their fun-filled family activities.

Chicago

A trip to Chicago with your family is an adventure that requires a page all on its own. This city is filled with rich cultural experiences, museums for families of all ages, a magnificent thriving arts scene and many activities that can’t be experienced elsewhere. It’s as urban as urban gets and offers a really unique experience whether your family is from an urban area such as New York or Los Angeles or from a rural area somewhere else in the country. The animals of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the astounding elevator ride and view from Sears Tower, the major league baseball games and the activities of Lake Michigan will all wow your kids and make for an exciting trip for your whole family.

The rest of Northern Illinois

Chicago may be the big attraction for spending time in Northern Illinois, but there is a lot to see and do in the quieter Northwest portion of the state as well. Take the kids hiking amidst the canyons and waterfalls of Starved Rock State Park. Visit Galena, where the historic main street will give the kids a glimpse into nineteenth century lifestyles and the historic sites will make for an education vacation. Take a trip to the Railway Museum in Union, IL. Or see something unique at the annual Sandwich Fair in Sandwich, IL.

West-Central Illinois

Heading south, but not too far south, you’ll find that the center strip of Illinois also has some fun activities for your family. These tend to be more in the area of nature and give the kids a chance to explore Illinois wildlife. A favorite here is the 2000 acre Wildlife Prairie State Park where wolves, cougars and bears can be seen from afar. History can come alive at the many Abraham Lincoln sites that exist in this area. And a day spent at the Amish Villages can give your kids a look at history played out in modern life. If the rural life in the area makes the kids too antsy, you can make a stop at inPlay, an interactive gaming and entertainment center that will make them go wild - and will probably wear them out!

Southern Illinois

Families which are traveling up from the south and only have a little bit of time to spend in the state won’t have to worry that there’s nothing to do because the southern portion of Illinois is also filled with activities. Outdoor activities are in abundance here, with activities along the Ohio River being a favorite of the area. River taxis are good for the more relaxed families while horseback riding and hiking in the area’s state parks are better for more active families. If you’re going to be driving through this part of the state, make sure you brush your kids up on their old Popeye cartoons and then go see the statue located in Chester, IL.

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