If you are headed to Illinois on vacation, Chicago is definitely a must-see destination. With amusement parks, zoos, museums and festivals, you’ll find there is always something to do and see in Chicago. However, a number of other family vacation hot spots are located in Illinois. Read on to learn more about these destinations.
Rockome Gardens
Over 200 acres, this park is nestled among the amazing flora and fauna, hills and rivers. Rockome is known for its spectacular gardens and rock formations. Families enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, pony rides, the petting zoo and more. Rockome Gardens also highlight Amish cheese making, a traditional bakery, pottery making, buggy rides and other century-old traditions of the area.
125 N County Rd 425 E, Arcola, Illinois 61910. Hours: Vary; Admission: Guided tour: $30 per vehicle; Meal in Amish home: Adults: $15.95; children ages 6-11: $7.95; children under 6: free. Various tours and other activities are also available with rates starting at just $4 per person.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Teach your kids a little something about history by taking a tour of this two-story home of Abraham Lincoln. The 1 1/2 story cabin was constructed in 1839, and Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary lived here from 1844 until Mr. Lincoln was elected president in 1861. The 86-acre site includes the re-constructed cabin and a living history farm. It’s a fun piece of U.S. history that your family will appreciate.
426 S. Seventh Street, Springfield, IL 62701. Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m-5 p.m.; Admission: Free; get your free tour ticket to enter the Lincoln Home at the Visitor Center.
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum
Located in Champaign, this museum allows children to explore exhibits to combine both learning and fun. The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibits, after school programs, summer camps, classes, and other special events. Exhibits include Critter Corner, Waterworks, Dinosaur Dig, Flying Pixels, S.S. Ackermann Tugboat, Castle Workalot and more.
346 North Neil, Champaign IL 61820. Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekends: 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; closed Mondays; Admission: Adults: $4; children ages 2-18: $3; children under 2: free.
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park
For winter outdoor fun, take the whole family to the snowboard park. From beginners to experts, everyone will enjoy the snow at the Raging Buffalo. Located on the bank of the Fox River on the Mc Henry-Kane County border, this location was officially the world’s first snowboard exclusive area (though it now allows skiing). If you are looking for a place to take the kids this winter, Raging Buffalo offers lessons, group activities, and a whole lot of fun.
19-265 Western Avenue, Fox River, IL 60118. Hours and admission vary; see website for details.
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