Amusement Parks Near Chicago

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford is home to Illinois’ most popular attraction, the largest wave pool in the state, Tsunami Bay. Alternating between wild ocean waves and calm relaxing waters, the waves can reach as high as 6 feet! If that sounds too wild for you, relax on the beach-like shore or head to the calmer Splash Magic River and tube down the 1,200-foot-long river. Little Lagoon is made specifically for the little ones so that younger guests can have just as much fun splashing in the pool, floating on a raft, going down the slides, or getting soaked under a fountain.

7820 Cherryvale N Blvd, Cherry Valley, IL 61016, Phone: 815-966-2442

Indiana Beach has it all for fun seekers, including accommodation, an amusement park and water park as well as many other organized fun activities for all ages. You can have the time of your life riding the 6 thrilling roller coasters, the terrifying Sky Coaster and several other gravity-defying rides. There are also some tamer rides for younger visitors including bumper boats, dodgems and Beach Buggies. The water park is equally exciting offering several slides and tubes, a splash pad, lazy river and beach-entry pool. The resort has a campsite and several cottage and lodge rental options.

2371 Untalulti Drive, Monticello, IN 47960, 574 583 4141

Open from June to August, Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park901 Leicester Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, Phone: 847-439-2683

Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Older Kids

Thrill rides, kiddie rides, family classics – there is all this and more at Santa's Village Azoosment Park. In addition to all the rides offered, there is a complete lineup of shows and fun games for all ages because everyone wants to be a part of Santa’s Workshop. As if rides and shows weren’t enough, Santa’s Village is home to over 200 animals, birds, and fish, which visitors can get up close and personal with. Some of them include the cows and horses on Old McDonald’s Farm, the turtles in Tortoise Island, and the wallabies in the Aussie Area.

601 Dundee Ave, East Dundee, IL 60118, Phone: 847-426-6751

Head on over to Six Flags Great America and attempt to conquer Goliath – a 72-mph racing, 165-foot-high climbing, gut-wrenching wooden roller coaster that will flip you through the air. If that’s too extreme for you, why don’t you take a scenic raft cruise down the lazy river? Even the little ones have fun at this amusement park, with a range of rides made just for them! As with all Six Flags amusement parks, ticket prices vary depending on height and whether the ticket is purchased online or at the entrance; reserve your ride and skip the line with the park’s THE FLASH pass.

1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031, Phone: 847-249-1776

America’s Action Territory is the place to go for year-round fun and entertainment for all ages. The facility has great indoor activities to keep you busy when the weather is bad and even better outdoor facilities for sunshine days. Outdoor activities include racing around the track in a single or double-seater Go Kart, having splashing good fun on the bumper boats and demonstrating your skills on the putt-putt course or in the batting cages. On miserable days you can move inside to try a variety of the latest arcade games, explore Hologate Virtual Reality, play Laser Tag or have some fun on the bumper cars.

12345 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142, 262 857 7000

For a fun day out you can take the whole family to enjoy the varied attractions at Grady’s Family Fun Park (children need to be older than 3years to ride). Activities on offer include NASCAR themed Go Karts, Bumper Boats and Bumper Cars and around 10 rides suitable for younger children. There are also several thrilling action rides for older children and adults, including the Roundup, Paratrooper, Tornado and the Spider ride. Grady’s first became famous for their pizza back in the 1950’s – today you can still enjoy the same famous pizza at the park restaurant, along with several other delicious food options.

1501 Morrissey Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701, 609 662 3333

Little Amerricka Amusement Park is a unique fun destination where you will get to ride a wonderful collection of restored vintage rides from days gone by. At the heart of the park you will find their wonderful 1950’s wooden roller coaster which should bring back many memories for older visitors. The park is mainly aimed towards younger children but teens and adults will also find fun activities to keep them occupied, including the Whiskey River Railway and the Tobaggon coaster, one of just three remaining coasters of its kind in the world. There is also mini-golf, bumper boats, bumper cars and a scenic monorail ride around the park.

700 E. Main Street, Marshall, WI 53559, 608 620 5224

Safari Land is a safari-themed indoor family entertainment center where you can have hours of fun regardless of the weather. Rides for little visitors include a classic merry-go-round (with zebras), the Monkey Jump, Tilt a Whirl, the Tiger Roller Coaster and much more. Older children will enjoy racing around on the Bumper Cars or trying out the Maxflight Simulator. Other fun activities for older children and adults include bowling, pool and arcade games. The center is open daily from noon and makes an ideal children’s birthday party venue – special birthday packages can be arranged. There is an on-site restaurant serving classic burgers, sandwiches, pizza and other popular cuisine.

701 W. North Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181, 630 530 4649