Rolling. Coasting. Thrashing. Bumping. Sliding. Riding. Swimming. Are you ready for some summer FUN? This year, summer is coming to Chicago and the surrounds with tons of amusement park fun for the whole family. If you want to know where to have your next adventure, below, we’ve compiled a list of the top amusement park destinations in Chicago and Illinois that will give you the most thrilling and unforgettable experience yet! Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
- Six Flags Great America – Gurnee, Illinois
Great America is the premier and most popular Amusement Park in the Chicago area as well as the Midwest. Located in Gurnee, Illinois, it’s known as the “Thrill Capital of the Midwest”!
With a total of 45 rides and attractions, among which are 17 exciting roller coasters, you can enjoy rides on the Maxx Force, X Flight, and The Joker. Of course, this amusement park wouldn’t be complete without water rides to cool off on a hot summer day so why not enjoy Splash Island, the Logger’s Run, too? Stay late and the whole family can enjoy thrilling fireworks every Saturday night all summer long!! For the little ones with a height under 42 inches, enjoy the Dino Off Road Adventure, spinning teacups, mini airplanes, bumper cars, and a vintage carousel. Kids can spend time with the Peanuts Gang in Planet Snoopy. As for the food, go wild on the fairground with famous funnel cakes, turkey legs, pizza, cotton candy, and Dippin’ Dots!
- Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park – East Dundee, Illinois
When it comes to getting the adrenalin pumping, nothing will quite do it like The Blizzard and Tri-Nado rides which spin and lift. However, there is also Xtreme Elevation which enables you to go all out into a free fall. And for the younger members of your family, there are balloon rides, a carousel, bumper cars, and riding in Kringle’s Convoy in individual mini-style semi-trucks. Of course, for those who’d like to cool down after all the excitement, Santa’s Springs opens this summer. A new water park, it features water slides, a zero-depth pool, and an interactive water playground. For the animal lovers, you’ll love the petting zoo and koi pond. And for the snacks, there is a Route 66 Grill, a Gingerbread Ice Cream Shop, and you can also enjoy pizza and sandwiches from Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen!
- Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park – Elk Grove Village, Illinois
This nautical-themed park has everything for those who like to splish and splash! For example, kids can enjoy pedaling miniature boars at Pebble Pond. But there is also a Captain’s Carousel, a Soaring Schooners pirate ship ride, a safari train, Pirate’s Plunge giant slide, and for those with a lot of energy to burn – there’s also a climbing wall. And to top it all off, there is also Camelot’s Castle Playground and the whole family can enjoy a show at the Swashbuckler Wharf Fun Stage.
- Haunted Trails Burbank – Burbank, Illinois
Featuring a go-kart raceway for children over 54 inches and a junior speedway for those between 42 and 53 inches, you and the whole family can also enjoy Milner Mike’s Coaster for a thrill ride. Don’t worry, it’s great for kids aged three and up! Other activities the family can enjoy include laser tag, miniature golf, a game room, and crazy cabs.
- Haunted Trails Joliet – Joliet, Illinois
If you’re looking for free-fall rides, then Haunted Trails Joliet’s Monster Hop is perfect for you! There, you’ll also be able to enjoy the Tornado Ride and the Bone Shaker spinning tea cups. Of course, there are also go-kart tracks, mini golf, laser tag, and a game room.
- Grady’s Family Fun Park – Bloomington, Illinois
Looking for something classical to try this summer? Grady’s Family Fun Park offers it all. For adults and big kids, you’ll absolutely love the Tilt-a-Whirl, Round-Up Sizzler, Tornado Wheel, or Swinger. Meanwhile, for the younger members of your family, there’s a lot of fun to be had on the Dragon Wagon, Junior Ferris Wheel, Super Slide, or Bumper Cars. There is also mini golf to be played, go-karts, and batting cages.
- Safari Land – Villa Park, Illinois
For those who prefer to have an indoor adventure, Safari Land is a 62,000-square-foot indoor fun center. It’s ideal for children aged 10 and under, and it’s perfect for a great and fun time, even if the weather isn’t too great. Rides that kids can enjoy include the Merry Go Round, Monkey Jump, Tilt-a-Whirl, Tiger Terror roller coaster, or Snake Pit bumper cars. Older kids can take full advantage of a Maxflight simulator and bowling alley. Meanwhile, the little ones will love the Lion’s Den soft play area.
- Skokie Water Park – 4701 Oakton St. Skokie, Illinois
One of Chicago’s best water theme parks, Skokie Water Park features five different kinds of slides, a lap pool, a children’s pool, and spray features. Also featured is an interactive play area where teams can play against each other.
- Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center – 2025 Miner Street, Des Plaines, Illinois
A fantastic outdoor waterpark with a large pool, massive slides, and a river with a cafe alongside it. Families can enjoy cliff jumping and the smaller ones can build sandcastles. The tube slides are fun, as well!
Getting there
Of course, the last thing you want to think about when it comes to a fun day out is the logistics like getting there and back and finding parking. And the challenge is compounded when you have multiple family members and friends joining you because that means driving several cars to the same location. Don’t worry! Bus Connection has you covered!
With our range of vehicles and buses with multiple seats and our promise to get you there and back safely while enjoying the journey, you have one less thing to worry about! Simply get in touch with us to plan your trip within Illinois and focus on what matters most – making memories with your family and loved ones!