“We Outside: 8 Family Friendly Things to Do in Illinois”

Written By: Krystin Hargrove

Illinois is a must-visit for families looking for a mix of culture, history, and adventure. From vibrant city life to serene natural landscapes, there's something for everyone. Its rich heritage, family-friendly attractions, and a mouth watering culinary scene makes it a bucket list state your family should visit. Illinois offers everything you need to create unforgettable moments, celebrate diversity, and embrace new experiences together.

History and Culture

DuSable Museum of African American History: Immerse your family in this cultural gem located on the south side of Chicago. With beautiful artifacts and a rich sense of history, this museum is dedicated to the study and conservation of Black culture and art. It’s the oldest African American museum in the United States. The acclaimed exhibitions document true stories of Dutch colonial slavery, offering innovative experiences for children to learn and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity through play. Exhibitions such as the iconic rise of the Johnson Publishing Company, publishers of EBONY and JET magazines, recount the story of the first Black-owned building in Chicago’s downtown area.

Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum: If you’re looking for Illinois specific contributions to black history and culture you’ll want to stop here. This museum focuses on preserving and showcasing the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Central Illinois and beyond. Make a stop here before or after visiting the Lincoln Tomb and support this fairly new and expanding museum. The museum is primarily focused on African American families' generational impact in and around Springfield, preserving their contributions and impact on the state of Illinois. 

Explore and Adventure

Rock Cut State Park: This park near Rockford offers great opportunities for active families like mountain biking, trail running, rock climbing, and fishing in its scenic lakes. Featuring over 40 miles of trails  that wind through diverse landscapes, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands. Trail options include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Fishing isn’t the only water option for outdoor enthusiasts, the park also offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. There’s something for all adventure types including tent and RV camping sites, cabins, and equestrian camping on the grounds too! 

Chicago Helicopter Tours: Experience the city's beauty, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere from a completely different perspective by taking your family on a helicopter tour of Chicago. The city’s world-renowned panoramic skyline features iconic skyscrapers like the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and the John Hancock Center. Depending on the time of year the city offers unique seasonal views, like autumn foliage, winter snowscapes, spring blooms, or summer life along the lakefront. The piers, parks, and lake Michigan views aren’t too bad either! A must-do activity for adventure seeking families.

Nature and Outdoors

Shawnee National Forest: Situated in southern Illinois, this forest offers scenic drives, hiking trails, rock formations, and the Garden of the Gods wilderness area. A scenic and geologically significant natural area known for dramatic rock formations, including sandstone cliffs, hoodoos (tall, thin spires of rock), and balanced rocks. Garden of the Gods boasts several scenic overlooks that provide panoramic views of stunning surrounding landscapes. It’s home to a diverse range of plant and animal species typical of the Shawnee National Forest. Don’t be alarmed if you encounter wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, songbirds, and various reptiles and amphibians. Allow your family to become one with the wilderness.

Lake Michigan Shoreline: The shoreline offers the best of both worlds if your family loves a mix of slow and fast pace travel options. The Lake Michigan shoreline offers miles of pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and picturesque sunsets, if soft life is your family’s vibe. If your family prefers a more vibrant atmosphere, the shoreline hosts a ton of seasonal events and festivals throughout the year, including beach concerts, art fairs, fireworks displays, and boat parades for visitors of all ages.

Arts and Entertainment

Illinois Wine Country: Families looking to enjoy the best of Illinois wine country will need a few days to take it all in. Wine country is primarily located in the southern and central parts of the state. Here are a few wineries throughout Illinois to get you started. Stops like Shawnee Hills Wine Trail offer scenic views and a variety of wineries producing a range of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Alto Vineyards, Blue Sky Vineyard, and Feather Hills, are a few wineries in close proximity to try. Other noteworthy wineries to bookmark include the Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, StarView Vineyards, Danenberger Family Vineyards, and Village Vintner Winery, Brewery & Restaurant. The diversity of Illinois wine country is vast, with each area offering unique wine experiences and beautiful landscapes.

Peoria: Located in central Illinois best known for its vibrant arts scene, Peoria offers endless galleries and exhibitions for artsy families. The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria and Peoria River Museum are a few stops that’ll spark your creativity while visiting Peoria. Outside of art, head to Glen Oak Park to visit the Luthy Botanical Garden or the Peoria Zoo. Wildlife Prairie Park offers forest trails and where you could spot native animals like bison, cougars, and bears. ​​Overall, Peoria is a vibrant and welcoming city with a mix of urban amenities, outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a strong sense of community.

Alright family, run, don't walk to plan your trip to Illinois. For more ideas on making your family’s trip unforgettable, head over to Enjoy Illinois.