If you’re in Chicago this summer, stop everything you’re doing, pack up the family, and head to one of the Windy City’s many amusement parks.
Many of them, such as Six Flags Great America or Michigan’s Adventure, have a combination of thrilling roller coaster rides and wild and wet waterslides.
Magic Waters is home to Tsunami Bay, where you can ride the 6-foot waves in the largest wave pool in the state. Donley’s Wild West Town and Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park are more suitable choices if you are only taking younger kids between the ages of 1 and 12.
1. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford
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
2. Amusement Parks Near Chicago: Indiana Beach
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. More Day Trips from Chicago
2371 Untalulti Drive, Monticello, IN 47960, 574 583 4141
3. Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park Near Chicago
Open from June to August, Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park will stimulate imagination and encourage creative exploration. The park is filled with attractions, games, and shows that are suitable for children between the ages of 1 and 9. There are special events held on Fridays. These include Safari Day, Sci Fi Day, Wizard Fest, Superhero Day, and Santa’s Summer Vacation. Children are encouraged to wear socks and gym shows when visiting Pirates’ Cove and can bring a picnic lunch with them or purchase food from the park’s concession stand. Day Trips from Chicago
901 Leicester Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, Phone: 847-439-2683
4. Santa's Village Azoosment Park Near Chicago
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
5. Six Flags Great America
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
6. Amusement Parks Near Chicago: America’s Action Territory
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. More Weekend Getaways from Chicago
12345 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142, 262 857 7000
7. Amusement Park near Chicago: Grady’s Family Fun Park
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. More Places to Visit in Illinois
1501 Morrissey Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701, 609 662 3333
8. Little Amerricka Amusement Park Near Chicago
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. More Things to Do in Illinois
700 E. Main Street, Marshall, WI 53559, 608 620 5224
9. Amusement Parks near Chicago: Safari Land
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. More ideas: Romantic Getaways in Illinois
701 W. North Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181, 630 530 4649
10. Amusement Park Near Me: Sugar Grove Family Fun Center
Sugar Grove Family Fun Center is a popular attraction for outdoor fun in Sugar Grove. The center provides a selection of fun activities for children of all ages and their parents. Topping the list of activities are their two popular Go Kart tracks, one of which is especially suited to younger children. After your ride you can try your hand at mini-golf on their carefully designed course which will challenge you with sand traps and obstacles. Avid golfers can improve their game or book a lesson at the Driving Range and Golf Center. On hot days the Bumper Boats and Water Wars are at the top of everyone’s to-do list. More ideas: Beaches in Illinois
9 S 825 State Route 47, Sugar Grove, IL 60554, 630 466 3866
The 10 Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago near me today according to local experts are:
- 1. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford
- 2. Amusement Parks Near Chicago: Indiana Beach
- 3. Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park Near Chicago
- 4. Santa's Village Azoosment Park Near Chicago
- 5. Six Flags Great America
- 6. Amusement Parks Near Chicago: America’s Action Territory
- 7. Amusement Park near Chicago: Grady’s Family Fun Park
- 8. Little Amerricka Amusement Park Near Chicago
- 9. Amusement Parks near Chicago: Safari Land
- 10. Amusement Park Near Me: Sugar Grove Family Fun Center
More Ideas: Davie School Inn in Anna
Located in the shadows of the Shawnee National Forest along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the Davie School Inn that offers comfortable accommodations and a warm and welcoming ambiance in the heart of Southern Illinois. Built in 1910, the building served as a public grade school until 1996 when it was bought by the Dahmer family who transformed the building into the guesthouse it is today. Retaining the atmosphere of the old school house with original hardwood floors, bookcases, and chalkboards, the Inn now features luxury guest suites with air-conditioning and whirlpool tubs. The Inn also offers delicious breakfasts, upscale amenities, and an ideal location for exploring the region.
The Davie School Inn features 11 well-appointed, individually decorated guest rooms, three of which are luxury suites with original wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer natural light and beautiful views, contemporary décor, and modern furnishings. Every suite has a king-size bed with pillow-top mattresses, luxury linens and hypoallergenic pillows, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower, whirlpool tub, single vanity, and signature bath products.
The three luxury suites have spacious sitting rooms with fireplaces, comfortable sofas, and spa whirlpool tubs, while the Green and Yellow Suites can accommodate up to five people with two king-size beds and an extra queen-size sleeper sofa. Modern amenities in every suite include kitchenettes with mini fridges, microwaves, 12-cup coffee makers, glasses, utensils and crockery, AM/FM alarm clocks, televisions with cable channels, and complimentary wireless Internet access.
A hearty breakfast is served every morning in the comfort of the suites. Each suite has its 12-cup coffee maker, which can be enjoyed with breakfast, which includes fresh fruit and juices, baked goodies, toast and preserves, and hot entrées.
The Davie School Inn offers an array of amenities and guest services, including a complimentary breakfast served in the comfort of the guest rooms, fully equipped kitchenettes with all the essentials for easy self-catering, and luxurious in-suite spa massage and romance packages.
Located near Carbondale, the 1910 schoolhouse-style Davie School Inn is ideally located for exploring the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and Giant City State Park. Notable attractions in the area include the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City Park, Bald Knob Cross, the Lincoln Heritage Winery and Blue Sky Vineyards & Winery. The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is nestled between Anna and Carbondale in Union County and consists of 12 wineries that producing a range of award-winning wines. Other notable attractions in the area include the Union County Museum, The Iron Furnace, Blueberry Hill Farm, and Flamm Orchards, as well as numerous shops, restaurants, cafés and markets.
300 Freeman Street, Anna, Illinois 62906, Phone: 618-833-2377
More Ideas: Victorian Rose Garden Bed & Breakfast
Located in historic downtown Algonquin, 45 miles northwest of Chicago, the Victorian Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast offers a relaxing country getaway. Situated within walking distance of several excellent restaurants, cafés, boutiques, shops, and other attractions, such as the River Fox, the lovely 1886 Victorian inn features comfortable home-away-from-home accommodations, home cooked cuisine, beautiful Victorian gardens, and beguiling hospitality.
The Victorian Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast features four well-appointed guest rooms on the second floor of the inn with elegant, country-style décor and plush furnishings, comfortable beds in premium linens, and en-suite bathrooms with showers and tubs, fresh towels and quality bath toiletries. Modern amenities include air-conditioning and ceiling fans, televisions with cable channels, mini fridges, and complimentary wireless Internet.
The Presidential Chamber is a stately, spacious room with a twin-to-king-convert bed in premium linens, and an en-suite bathroom with an antique claw-foot tub and a separate marble shower, toilet/bidet, and double vanities. A capacious sitting area has a beautiful armoire and dressing table, gas log fireplace, and a mini-refrigerator with complimentary bottled
Miss Alicia’s Room is light and airy with a wall of east windows, wicker furniture, a queen-size bed in premium linens, and a daybed for additional guests. The room also has a medium sized vanity and an en-suite bathroom with a marble shower, pedestal sink and hand-painted ivy décor.
Lady Teresa’s Room combines elegance and sophistication and is decorated in soft shades of cream. The room has a queen-size bed with an antique headboard and premium linens, a beautiful armoire, and oak rocking chair. An en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower, pedestal sink, fresh towels and quality bath toiletries.
Sir James Room is a welcoming gentleman’s room decorated in rich tones of blue and burgundy with beautiful original woodwork, a queen-size bed in premium linens, an antique dresser, oak rocking chair, and an en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower, pedestal sink, fresh towels and quality bath toiletries.
A gourmet breakfast is served in the formal dining room or on the wraparound porch or brick patio in sunny weather and includes fresh fruit, granola and yogurt, hot entrées and coffee, tea and fresh fruit juices.
Amenities at the Victorian Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast include a delicious gourmet breakfast served every morning, homemade goodies and beverages served throughout the day, a guest refrigerator with complimentary soda and water, and a common room on the main floor for relaxing and socializing. A parlor has a grand piano to tinkle with, the Great Room has a fully stocked library with reading materials, and the Rose Room is a perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Special events held at the Victorian Rose Garden Bed and Breakfast include Children’s Teatimes, which can be scheduled for anytime, except Sundays, and Manners Classes for children between the ages of six and 11, which include instruction on introductions, table manners, and social etiquette.
Located in historic downtown Algonquin, the Victorian Rose Garden is ideally located for exploring the region which is home to several attraction, including the Algonquin Historic Village Hall, Raging Buffalo Snowboard Ski Park, the Terrace Hill Golf Course and Three Oaks Recreation Area. Take the Old Town Walking Tour and explore the historic town, dine at one of several excellent restaurants or cafés, meander along the Fox River, or enjoy the Prairie Path/Fox River trail or foot or bicycle.
314 Washington Street, Algonquin, IL, 60102, Phone: 847-854-9667
