Location: Brookfield, Illinois Years Active: 1934 – Active Brookfield Zoo isn’t just another place to see animals. It’s a world-class zoo, and it shows. Think huge, modern exhibits where you can feel the spray from a waterfall or stare right into the eyes of a gorilla. They house tons of incredible animals, way more than…
Location: Grafton, Illinois Years Active: 1990 – Active Raging Rivers Waterpark…it’s been a Grafton staple since 1990. Love it or hate it, this place draws a crowd – especially on those sweltering summer days. They’ve got the classics: the “Endless River” for chilling, those crazy “Cascade Body Flumes” if you like a thrill, and a…
Location: Chicago, Illinois Years Active: 2008 – Active Think LEGOLAND Discovery Center is just for kids? Think again. This Chicago gem is a blast for families, yes, but it’s a haven for anyone in love with those iconic bricks. It ain’t cheap, but hey, neither is therapy! At LEGOLAND, your inner creative genius gets to…
Location: McCall, Idaho Years Active: 1961 – Active Brundage Mountain Resort – it’s the kind of place where locals still outnumber tourists, tucked away in the Idaho mountains near McCall. Don’t come here expecting five-star dining or slopeside condos. This place is about one thing: the snow. They call it the “Best Snow in Idaho,”…
Location: Boise, Idaho Years Active: 1942 – Active Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area isn’t some fancy resort. It’s a local legend nestled in the Boise mountains, the kind of place where you’ll rub shoulders with seasoned Idahoans and wide-eyed newcomers alike. Been around since 1942, so it’s got that down-home, authentic vibe. Winter brings epic…
Location: Lava Hot Springs, Idaho Years Active: 2000 – Active Love it or hate it, everyone knows about the Lava Hot Springs Olympic Swimming Complex. Since it opened, this place has been a fixture. Sure, the hot springs are the main draw, but if you want to swim or get some sun, this is where…
Location: Boise, Idaho Years Active: 1916 – Active Zoo Boise isn’t some stuffy nature exhibit. It’s a lively place, right in the middle of Boise, with a ton of fascinating animals. Think lions, tigers – even snow leopards! They’ve been around forever, over a hundred years, and they’re always working to protect wildlife. Want an…
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Years Active: 1934 – Active The Tautphaus Park Zoo It started small. Back in 1934, Idaho Falls took over a modest park. Think local critters – bears, elk, even badgers. The zoo director? A guy named Al Heslop, living right there on-site. Talk about dedication! Fast-forward to today. This place is…
Location: Meridian, Idaho Years Active: 2008 – Active Wahooz Family Fun Zone…it sounds like the kind of place kids go wild and parents go broke. But hey, sometimes escaping the ordinary is worth the splurge, right? This Meridian amusement park has all the classic draws – go-karts, mini-golf, even a water park next door. Summer…
Location: Meridian, Idaho Years Active: 1999 – Active Roaring Springs Water Park – it’s a full-on summer party in Meridian, Idaho. Since 1999, they’ve been splashing families, thrill-seekers, and anyone who hates being too hot. Get twisted on Corkscrew Cavern, plummet down Cliffhanger, or chill with the little ones in Bearfoot Bay. Weekdays are way…
