Making positive memories with the family is one of the most important things parents and children can share together. With so many amazing outdoor activities in Illinois, including hundreds of fantastic parks, I truly believe that spending time together outside is one of the best ways to make those cherished memories. Growing up in rural DeKalb County, it was a rare treat when my mom would pack up my siblings and I and we'd hit the road to Chicago to spend an afternoon checking out a completely different world than ours. After visiting Millennium Park for the first time as a kid, I quickly realized that it was the ultimate outdoor family destination in Illinois.

Millennium Park is a 24.5-acre park located in downtown Chicago and is one of the top tourist destinations in Illinois and the Midwest, with more than 25 million visitors a year. With its number of features and exhibits, it's a favorite place for families to visit for a day packed with fun.

The park is accessible by Metra train, the "L" train, bus, bike, foot, and car, with a parking garage underneath.

The park is home to several iconic attractions, like "The Bean" sculpture — which is officially known as Cloud Gate.

It's also home to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a massive outdoor concert venue with a great lawn that often hosts free concerts and is a popular place for picnics.

This is one of my favorite places in Chicago to see a show.

A favorite kids' activity in the park is splashing in the whimsical Crown Fountain — a huge foundtain-meets-splash-pad that features tall screens with people's faces depicting smiles, spitting water, and funny expressions.

This is always a sure way to cool off on a hot summer day!

A pedestrian bridge will then take you over to Maggie Daley Park — a 20-acre kids' wonderland with an incredible Play Garden that showcases a playground with towers, bridges, and sculptures surrounded by plants and flowers.

Maggie Daley Park also contains an incredible rock climbing wall — something for the big kids!

Parents are included in the "big kids" category.

Back over the bridge again to Millennium Park, a peaceful boardwalk trail weaves through the Lurie Gardens, another gorgeous and serene spot to soak in some nature while surrounded by skyscrapers.

The garden leads right to the modern wing of the Art Institute of Chicago — an iconic place to view some of the world's best masterpieces of art.

One of my all-time favorite museums!

At the classic entrance of the Art Institute along Michigan Avenue are also the beloved lion statues — always a great place for a family photo!

There are plenty of places to picnic throughout the park, but if you'd prefer to buy something fresh for lunch or dinner, stop by Millennium Hall food court just below The Bean!

It has an umbrella-filled patio that turns into a skating rink in the winter.

The food hall serves a number of different menu items, including pizza, wings, sandwiches, burgers, and even beer, wine, and cocktails.

So, do you think Millennium Park is the ultimate outdoor family destination in Illinois? What's your favorite thing to do there? Have another great family destination in mind? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the City of Chicago website, the Millennium Hall website, and the Millennium Hall Facebook page. Learn more about the gorgeous Lurie Garden here, and keep Maggie Daley Park in mind come winter, it turns into a one-of-a-kind skating rink!