7 Family Vacations You Can Take Right Here In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published June 12, 2017
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
Entertaining the entire family in one trip is difficult, but our great state is full of attractions with something for everyone. Whether you like to golf, swim, relax, or go on wild adventures for fun, this list has the perfect getaway for you.
All of these vacation spots have lodging onsite or nearby, so you can stay multiple nights (which you’ll need) to enjoy all there is to do at these family-fun attractions. Keep scrolling for the deets:
1. Colona Scott Family Park - 5775 Poppy Garden Rd. in Colona
Our first family-fun spot has many different options to accommodate your stay. Guests can sleep in their own RVs or tents, or stay in a wooden cabin or farmhouse apartment. The whole family will enjoy spending time by the pool, boating, fishing, or playing mini golf.
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2. Harpole's Heartland Lodge - 10236 393rd St. in Nebo
This upscale, country chic lodge is popular for weddings, but there are also plenty of activities for the kids. Guests may partake in horseback riding, four-wheeling, and more before retiring for the day to the rustic and gorgeous living quarters.
3. Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort - 2643 IL Route 178 in Utica
Located near Starved Rock, this beautiful resort features rustic-style suites, cabins, and villas. There are also several casual dining options onsite as well as mini golf, an arcade, hiking trails, and this wonderful indoor waterpark.
4. Wildlife Prairie Park - 3826 N Taylor Rd. in Hanna City
Ideal for the train lover in your life, this wildlife park features more than just animals. While you could stay in a regular old cabin, tent, or guest room, there are also Sante Fe train cabooses and a World War II era grain bin that have been repurposed into suites. The park itself features over 150 animals, and guests may also enjoy fishing, mountain biking, disc golf, an adventure trek, and the wildlife railroad.
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5. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - 1405 Lakeview Hts. in Pittsfield
While there are many Yogi Bear resorts across the states, this one in West Central Illinois sits on about 105 acres and has a 40-acre fishing pond. Guests stay in tents, cabins, or cottages and enjoy an over-sized pool, an arcade, splash hay rides (which sounds fun), and fireworks on the 4th of July. You may also get a visit from Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy Bear.
6. Six Flags Great America - 1 Great America Pkwy. in Gurnee
You definitely need more than one day to enjoy this two-in-one park. Take one day for the amusement park and another for the waterpark. Both have plenty of rides, food, and fun for everyone, plus you can catch one of their events celebrating everything from girl empowerment to funnel cakes. There are plenty of places to stay nearby, including hotels and camping at Fish Lake Beach.
7. Four Seasons Hotel - 120 E Delaware Pl. in Chicago
Chicago is an obvious destination if you need a wide range of activities. The Four Seasons Hotel has a playroom, indoor pool, and spa. In addition to amazing views of the city, you'll also be close to a plethora of family-fun museums, such as the aquarium and planetarium.
