Sometimes I find myself out and about with my kids, needing something to do and searching on my phone for a family-friendly activity nearby. But it’s hard to know what to search for sometimes! That’s why a great map comes in so handy. We’ve filled this one with a selection of fun places to go and things to do with kids in Chicagoland! Below the map, you’ll find even more goodies: our insider guides to local attractions in the area. We hope it’s helpful, whether you’re planning a fun day out with the family or trying to find a nearby activity while you’re in a new town for an appointment.
Places to Go and Things to Do with Kids in Chicago’s Suburbs
This map features local zoos, farms, nature playgrounds, beaches and outdoor waterparks, indoor waterparks, indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks and inflatables, children’s museums, arcades/game rooms/laser tag spots, rock climbing spots, amusement parks and centers and mini golf courses.
Are there more things to do in Chicagoland than we’ve put on this map? Of course! Our whole site is full of them. But these places are a great starting point if you’re wondering what is there do to around here? while you’re out and about — or looking to discover new fun close to home. We’ve also created maps within some of our favorite articles, such as 10 Best Donut Shops or Splash Pads.
If we missed a spot you think should be on the map, or if there’s a category you think would be helpful, please let us know in the comments. We always love hearing from you all.
Insider Guides: Places to Go in the Suburbs
Below, you’ll find all our insiders guides for things to do with kids. We’ve scouted out all the details, from must-see stops to bathroom locations and parking tips.
Attractions
- Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora
- MISH MASH Adventures at Fox Valley Zoo in Aurora
- 2Toots Train Whistle Grill in Glen Ellyn
- Brookfield Zoo
- Kohl Children’s Museum in Glenview
- The Forge: Lemont Quarries (use code KIDLIST20 for 20% off)
- DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville
- iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Naperville
- Naper Settlement in Naperville
- Electric Gamebox in Oak Brook
- Puttshack in Oak Brook
- The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago in Schaumburg
- Go Ape Chicago in Western Springs
- Cosley Zoo in Wheaton
- Cantigny Park in Wheaton
- Raging Waves Waterpark in Yorkville
Indoor Play Areas
- Peppa Pig World of Play in Schaumburg
- Playroom Cafe Two in Naperville
- Kids Empire Indoor Playground in Villa Park
- Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center in Lake Station
Playgrounds
- Hope D. Wall Inclusive Playground in Aurora
- Harvester Park in Burr Ridge
- Walker Park in Burr Ridge
- Darien Community Park in Darien
- Downers Grove Playground with Wheelchair Swing
- Lester Community Park in Downers Grove
- Owen’s Playground in Downers Grove
- Hawks Hollow Nature Playground in Geneva
- Sensory Garden Playground in Lisle
- The Glen in Lombard/Glen Ellyn
- 95th Street Community Plaza in Naperville
- Wolf’s Crossing Community Park in Naperville
- Central Park in Oak Brook
- Sandlot Universal Playground in Oak Brook
- Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground in Schaumburg
- Meineke Park (ninja warrior course) in Schaumburg
- Summerlakes Park (ninja warrior park) in Warrenville
- Spring Rock Park in Western Springs
- Willow Pond Park and Splash Pad in Willowbrook
Art and Nature
- Red Oak Nature Center in Batavia
- Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Bolingbrook
- Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien
- Elwood Children’s Garden in Elwood
- Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva
- Mallard Lake in Hanover Park
- Springbrook Nature Center in Itasca
- Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum in Lisle
- Morton Arboretum in Lisle
- Knoch Knolls Nature Center in Naperville
- Oak Park Conservatory and Rehm Park in Oak Park
- Creek Stomping in Oswego
- Lake Katherine in Palos Heights
- Sculpture Park in Schaumburg
- Blackhawk Waterfall in South Elgin
- Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center in Willow Springs
- Tubing at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville
Farms
- Blackberry Farm in Aurora
- Peck Farm Park and Hawks Hollow Nature Playground in Geneva
- Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm in Lockport
- The Children’s Farm in Palos Park
- St. James Farm in Warrenville
- Sonny Acres Farm in West Chicago
- Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee
Sports
- Kane County Cougars Professional Baseball in Geneva: Use the code KIDLIST for buy one, get one free tickets!
- Chicago Bandits National Pro Fastpitch Softball Team in Rosemont
- Chicago Dogs Independent Professional Baseball in Rosemont
Chicago Guides and Reviews
- Immersive Monet & The Impressionists
- Color Factory Chicago
- Pixar Putt (through August 21, 2022)
- WNDR Museum
- Immersive Van Gogh Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry and the Art of the Brick Exhibit
- Chicago Children’s Museum
- Field Museum
- Emerald City Theatre
- Chicago Children’s Theatre
- Blue Man Group
- Maggie Daley Park
- Broadway Playhouse in Chicago
- Garfield Park Conservatory
Road Trips
- Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin
- Jurassic Gardens at Volo Auto Museum
- Drive-Thru Safari in Lake Geneva
- Ice Castles in Lake Geneva
- Shalom Wildlife Zoo in Wisconsin
- Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee
- Sheboygan, Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Zoo (Note: Jelly Belly Factory Tours are no longer offered)
- Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
- Branson, Missouri
- Grand Bear Resort in Utica
For more things to do with kids, make sure to check out our indoor things to do and outdoor family fun!
2 Comments. Leave new
This is amazing!! I’ve been looking for something like this!
Valuable to know these places are out there….for post-corona virus days ahead!