Who says you need a passport for an unforgettable family adventure? Sometimes, the best vacations are right in your backyard – or just a short drive away! For parents seeking incredible kid-friendly outing ideas, the Chicago area is bursting with exciting options for the ultimate Chicago family staycation. Ditch the stress of airport security and long drives; we've got recommendations for some of the top family fun destinations to help you play tourist right near home. Get ready to explore all the amazing experiences Chicagoland has to offer.
Here are some ideas for great local, family-friendly options that you can incorporate into your next Staycation itinerary. And find even more options for weekend getaways, must-see attractions, family-friendly Chicago hotels and neighborhood explorations and more in our new Staycation Guide!
Staycation Standouts:
Exploring Kayaking and Camping Adventures near Chicago1170 N. 27th Road, Ottawa, IllinoisBeginner, dog and family-friendly conveniently located right next to Starved Rock State Park. Unwind and recharge with a starved rock family kayaking adventure and waterfront camping options along the Illinois River, directly across from Starved Rock State Park. Begin by embarking on an unforgettable kayaking adventure with our guided tours which offer comprehensive instruction and safety lessons before setting out on the water. Take in towering Saint Peters Sandstone bluffs, Bald Eagles, great American white pelicans, lotus flowers and more as you take a relaxed journey in the calm backwaters of the Illinois river. Afterwards, unwind and recharge with our waterfront camping options - our kayak-friendly campground ensures that campers can seamlessly transition from exploring the waterways to sleeping under the stars.
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Oinktastic Fun Awaits at Peppa Pig World of Play Chicago!5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IllinoisThis summer jump into the world of Peppa Pig™ to laugh, learn and play! With 14 themed areas each lovingly created from the hit animation series, you can see the world of Peppa Pig brought to life to spark the imagination of your little ones. Explore the wonderful world of Peppa Pig and her friends! Meet Peppa, jump in Muddy Puddles, explore Peppa's treehouse and slide, crawl and play in Rebecca Rabbit's underground world. PEPPA PIG fans have a new reason to celebrate as Baby Evie makes her official debut at PEPPA PIG World of Play Chicago this summer! Be among the first to meet Baby Evie!
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Enjoy the ultimate 2-story indoor LEGO® Playground and build the BEST DAY EVER!Streets of Woodfield - 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IllinoisBring your family to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago and jump into a world of creativity, color, and playful learning. Step inside and you'll feel as though you've just jumped into the world's biggest box of LEGO bricks! With over 3 million LEGO bricks under one roof, what will you discover? Come back and visit all year with an annual pass - now through May 26, LEGOLAND is 30% off with their Endless Summer Sale, so get your passes soon!
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Family Fun Just Got SweeterHershey Super Sweet Adventure, 835 Michigan Ave., Chicago, IllinoisLooking for the perfect family outing this summer? Something new, exciting, and fun for the entire family? Inside Water Tower Place on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, Hershey Super Sweet Adventure invites candy lovers of all ages to tinker, twist, and taste their way through a super sweet, story-based journey. 3 tips for your trip: - Heading to fireworks at Navy Pier? Stop by beforehand. The attraction is located on Michigan Ave. next to all the top spots. - For the family that needs a little extra room in their schedule, flex entry tickets are available. - Set aside at least an hour to enjoy everything!
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Chestnut Mountain Resort8700 W Chestnut Rd., Galena, Illinois Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois is perched high, overlooking the majestic Mississippi River. Summer provides fun for the entier family - soar on the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, conquer the Farside Gravity Bike Park's downhill trails, or enjoy a leisurely round of mini-golf. High-speed thrills await on the Alpine Slide, while scenic Mississippi River cruises offer a relaxing way to explore. With an indoor pool, diverse dining, and accommodations catering to families, Chestnut Mountain Resort provides a quintessential Galena experience for all ages.
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Kalahari Resort1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WisconsinKalahari Resorts & Conventions offers an unparalleled family-friendly getaway with its immense African-themed indoor and outdoor waterparks. Beyond the thrilling "Wet 'n' Wild" aquatic adventures, guests can explore "Dry-Time Exploration" at Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, featuring hundreds of arcade games, 24-lane bowling at Volcano Lounge & Lanes, and 100,000 square feet of diverse indoor attractions. With varied dining options and a world-class spa for relaxation, Kalahari offers perfect staycation fun and comfort for all ages.
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American Girl Place835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IllinoisAmerican Girl Place in Chicago offers a captivating experience for girls and their dolls, extending beyond just shopping. Visitors can enjoy dining at the in-store café, complete with special seating for dolls, and treat their dolls to pampering services at the Doll Hair Salon, which also offers styling for girls. The store hosts various engaging activities, including fun crafts, seasonal celebrations, and special events. For a truly personalized visit, complimentary personal shoppers are available to assist with gift selection and planning the perfect day. Additionally, the store provides all-inclusive party packages for birthdays, and a Doll Care Center for any doll "emergencies," ensuring a memorable and magical visit.
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Grand Bear Resort2643 IL-178, Utica, IllnoisNestled near Starved Rock State Park, Grand Bear Resort provides an ideal blend of indoor waterpark excitement and outdoor exploration. Guests can choose from villas, cabins, or suites, and enjoy the 24,000-square-foot indoor waterpark featuring slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and hot tub, along with concession-style dining at the Wave Cave. For land-based fun, the resort offers an arcade with over 50 games and an 18-hole creekside mini-golf course, Canyon Creek, open during warmer months. Its proximity to Starved Rock State Park also allows for convenient access to hiking and nature adventures, making it a perfect year-round family getaway.
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360 CHICAGO Observation Deck875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th floor, ChicagoThe 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck offers an unforgettable family experience high above the city! From 1,030 feet up, you'll get breathtaking panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan, perfect for spotting famous landmarks with your kids. For the thrill-seekers in your family, brave the TILT experience, the highest thrill ride in Chicago, which literally tilts you out over Michigan Avenue! You can also enjoy the incredible city views from the CloudBar on the 94th floor. Open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, 360 CHICAGO makes it easy to fit this amazing adventure into your family's schedule.
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Museum of Ice Cream435 North Michigan Ave., Chicago, IllinoisHave the sweetest family adventure at the Museum of Ice Cream in Chicago! This isn't a traditional museum; it's a vibrant, interactive "experium" designed for pure fun and endless photo opportunities. Kids will delight in 14+ magical installations, including the world-famous Sprinkle Pool where you can dive into millions of colorful sprinkles, an ice cream-themed mini-golf course, and playful rooms with unique activities. Best of all, your visit includes unlimited ice cream treats in a variety of whimsical flavors! Kids and adults alike will love exploring the candy-colored environments, snapping memorable photos, and rediscovering their inner child. It's the perfect spot for a sweet family outing and creating unforgettable memories.
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French Lick Resort8670 West State Road 56, French Lick, Indiana The French Lick Resort is a bit longer of a drive - about 4.5 hours from Chicago - but is worth the trip! THe resort offers a luxurious and diverse family getaway, boasting two grand hotels, a casino, a spa, golf courses, and various engaging activities. Beyond horseback riding and a water park, the resort's Activities Center is a hub for kid-friendly fun, providing daily games, crafts, movies, scavenger hunts, and photo opportunities. Supervised by trained counselors, the center ensures a range of exciting and interactive experiences. Guests can also enjoy "Dive In Movies" on Friday and Saturday evenings, ride the rail trolley, hike the trails, take a bike or surrey ride, and play lawn games like badminton, frisbee golf, volleyball, or cornhole.
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Dinosaur Discovery Museum5608 10th Avenue, Kenosha, WisconsinThe Dinosaur Discovery Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin, offers a unique and educational experience focused on the link between meat-eating dinosaurs and modern birds. In collaboration with the Carthage Institute of Paleontology, the museum actively participates in dinosaur research, field work, and educational programs. Its main gallery houses the largest collection of meat-eating theropods in the nation, featuring over 20 exhibits, including life-scale replicas of dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex. Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation, and it is open Tuesday through Sunday.
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Visit our new
Staycation Guide and find great options to plan your Summer Staycation!