Pack Your Bags and Hit the Road
Want to stay close to home, but also get out of dodge? Illinois is a perfect destination for any midwest roadtrip. From the city of Chicago to the Great Mississippi, there are so many things to do in Illinois!
Not sure where to start? We polled our readers for best things to do in Illinois in our annual Best of Grand Rapids and you answered.
Whether you want a family trip, girls weekend, or a romantic getaway, Illinois is the place to go.
* feature image by Dan Scott Photography, Navy Pier Facebook
Best Things to Do in Illinois
The following were voted as the best things to do in Illinois by our GRKIDS readers:
Winner: Shedd Aquarium
1. Shedd Aquarium
2. Navy Pier
3. Lincoln Park Zoo
4. Field Museum
5. Wrigley Field
6. Cloud Gate (The Bean)
7. Legoland Discovery Center
7. Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
9. Galena
10. Mississippi Palisades State Park
1. Shedd Aquarium
1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Shedd Aquarium is a Chicago hot-spot and one of the largest aquariums in the world. Kiddos (and adults!) of all ages will love it here!
You’ll find sea life from sharks, penguins, dolphins and beluga whales, to all kinds of fresh water fish. Explore habitats that mimic wetlands, the Amazon, oceans, and the Caribbean Reef.
Shedd Aquarium also has interactive exhibits where visitors can touch sea stars, and stingrays. Don’t forget to catch their iconic dolphin show while you’re there.
2. Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Navy Pier is known for its huge Ferris wheel. It offers visitors many shops, dining opportunities, and recreational activities.
Aside from the Ferris Wheel, Crystal Gardens is an indoor botanical garden facility that offers visitors one acre of indoor blissful nature exhibits. In the summer months, Navy Pier offers many festivals and events to locals and visitors to the city alike.
3. Lincoln Park Zoo
2400 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo is free and open year round. It offers over 200 species for visitors to see.
The zoo also features over 250 species of plants and offers over 49- acres of green space in Lincoln Park!
Slow down and discover the 7 best secrets of Lincoln Park Zoo, from local wildlife to yummy ice cream and local architecture!
4. The Field Museum
1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Come and explore the wall to wall exhibits at The Field Museum. They offer family friendly tours and seasonal activities throughout the year.
Have a dino lover in the family? Be sure to visit Sue, the world’s largest and most complete T-rex skeleton.
You can easily spend an entire day exploring all that the Field Museum has to offer.
Pro-tip: Members of the Grand Rapids Public Museum recieve free admission to the Field Museum!
5. Wrigley Field
1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Play Ball!
Catch a Cubs game at this iconic Major League Baseball field. Wrigley Field is the second oldest MLB ball park in the United States.
Pro-tip: Show up early and see the teams in action at the batting practice and watch the players warm up beginning about 90 minutes before each game.
Illinois is Beckoning
What are you waiting for? Make the plans, pack the car, and get on the road to visit Illinois for your next getaway.
