8 Swashbucklin' Summer Attractions In Illinois Where You Can Be A Pirate
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
If you love everything tropical, these amazing parks, restaurants, and cruises will be right up your alley. Everyone loves these stunning pirate attractions where you’ll have a swashbuckling good time.
Discover eight magical places in the state where imagination and fun abound. Scroll on for all the details.
When it comes to pirate attractions, this indoor waterpark takes the cake. Guests enjoy a lazy river, water slides, and a dump bucket at this fabulous place. Open from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. daily, this may very well be the best aquatic attraction in the state. Check it out at 2558 N 3653rd Rd., Sheridan, IL 60551.
Enjoy an hour-long cruise that is guided by a pirate host. Along this Lake Michigan voyage in Chicago, guests learn how to tie nautical knots and more. Dress as a pirate for your chance to win a prize. The cruise line is located at 112 E Upper Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601.
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Though it features many other activities like golf and go carts, the splash pad at this epic action park will instantly transport you to the Caribbean where you can pretend to be a pirate. Kids of all ages are welcome to enjoy this amazing waterpark daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 1700 Knights Recreation Dr., Springfield, IL 62711.
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This is the most popular of all pirate attractions in Illinois. Available June through August, this kids' paradise is for the true young ones in your life and features a gigantic ship to explore, mini paddle boats, a carousel, a train, rock climbing, a bounce castle, and more. It is located at 901 Leicester Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, and is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
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Now here's something for the big (and little) kids. Guests enjoy a slew of water slides, a lazy river, and wave pools. Just about any aquatic activity you can imagine can be enjoyed here. It is a part of Six Flags Great America, which is located at 1 Great America Prkwy., Gurnee, IL 60031.
Situated right on the Ohio River, this impressive boulder was once a hideaway from river pirates. It is rumored that treasure was buried here long ago and that this was once a very dangerous place. Today, it is ideal for hiking and nature adventures. Learn more about it here.
Open six days a week, this pirate-themed recreation center is a laser tag arena, arcade, and indoor playground all in one. There is also a tropical-themed restaurant that will instantly transport you. On weekdays it is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Find this incredible place at 3000 W Deyoung St. #800C, Marion, IL 62959.
While there are many different exhibits and activities to enjoy here, one of the best is the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner, which lets kids pretend to be pirates in the best ways. Ropes, bridges, and nautical decor bring this experience to life. Find it at 700 E Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611. The museum is open daily at 10 a.m. and closes between 5 and 8 p.m.
For more great summer attractions, check out 11 tropical-themed restaurants in Illinois that will transport you to the beach.
What other pirate attractions do you enjoy? Share your favorite places with us in the comments.
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