Location: Woodridge, Illinois Years Active: 2002 – Active Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park… it’s the best way to beat the summer heat in Woodridge. But let’s be real – it’s not exactly a hidden gem. Expect crowds, especially on weekends. If you hate lines, arrive early or try going on a weekday. The place has…
Location: Coal Valley, Illinois Years Active: 1958 – Active Niabi Zoo in Illinois has been rocking the animal world since 1958. This place isn’t just about staring at animals – they want you to get hooked on conservation. We’re talking lions, giraffes, snakes, the whole wild crew nestled right in the Midwest. Get ready for…
Location: Peoria, Illinois Years Active: 1955 – Active Welcome to Peoria Zoo – it’s no paradise, but it’s got its charms. This place has been around since ’55, so expect older exhibits alongside the new. It’s small, so plan on a half-day visit, tops. But hey, that means you can really focus on the highlights….
Location: Decatur, Illinois Years Active: 1967 – Active Scovill Zoo ain’t the biggest, but it’s got heart. It’s been around since ’67, and you can feel the history and the love for animals. Calling itself “Bringing the World to Decatur” is a bit cheesy, but they’ve got some surprising animals for a small-town zoo. Lions,…
Location: Aurora, Illinois Years Active: 1915 – Active Phillips Park Zoo isn’t your standard mega-zoo experience. It’s a little older, a little smaller, with a focus on native Illinois wildlife. That’s the charm, though! There’s a real sense of history here, and you get way closer to the animals than at those huge zoos with…
Location: Chicago, Illinois Years Active: 1868 – Active Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo isn’t your standard animal attraction. This place is old – 1868 old – and that means they know their stuff. They’re big on conservation, so it’s not just about gawking at lions. You’ll learn something, and your kids will too. It’s tucked right…
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: East Dundee, Illinois Years Active: 1959 – Active Santa’s Village Azoosment Park is a bit of an oddball. It’s a Christmas-themed park open all year ’round in East Dundee, Illinois. Sounds weird, right? But it’s been a family favorite since 1959. The rides are the main draw. Get your thrills on the Super Cyclone…
