Recommendations for north Illinois e! 41

Question

Hello,

We're flying in and out of Chicago in August and doing a road trip up to Door County and back down with our three young boys and looking for places to stop for a couple of nights or to visit en route to somewhere else.

Please can you let me know your suggestions of where could be good to visit in North Illinois? Or anywhere to avoid?

Our three young boys are very active and 6, 4 and 1 so will need stuff to entertain them. We like outdoor activities such as hikes, bike riding, swimming or boat hire. We like fun interactive museums. The boys particularly love farming vehicles and trains. My middle loves fire fighters etc. I love the living history museums we find in the states. We also love food and nature. We prefer smaller towns to bigger cities and don't like really busy places.

Thanks for any help!

Answer

It sounds like you have an exciting road trip ahead, and Illinois has some great spots that would be perfect for your active and curious young boys! Below are some recommendations for fun stops, with plenty of outdoor activities and interactive attractions that would be a hit with your family:

Starved Rock State Park – Located in Utica, this beautiful state park is famous for its canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails. There are family-friendly hikes, and kids will love exploring the natural landscape. You can also take a scenic boat tour on the Illinois River. The park’s Visitor Center has exhibits on the natural history of the area, which might appeal to the boys. Starved Rock is an excellent stop for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.
Champaign-Urbana – If you take a detour through Central Illinois, Champaign-Urbana offers a number of family-friendly activities. You can visit the Orpheum Children's Science Museum, which has interactive exhibits, or explore the Spurlock Museum for exhibits on world history and culture. The nearby Allerton Park & Retreat Center has lovely grounds for a walk or picnic, and the kids might enjoy exploring the gardens and forest areas. It’s a peaceful spot with lots of green space for playing and outdoor exploration.
Rockford – Rockford, located in northern Illinois, has a wealth of family-friendly attractions. Rockford’s Discovery Center Museum is a hit with kids, offering interactive exhibits on science, art, and history. If your boys are into trains, you’ll want to visit the Illinois Railway Museum just outside of the city. It has a great collection of old trains, and the kids can enjoy train rides in the summer. The Anderson Japanese Gardens is also nearby for a more peaceful, nature-filled stop.
Geneva – A charming small town along the Fox River, Geneva is known for its picturesque downtown area and outdoor activities. Take a walk or bike ride along the Fox River Trail, where you can enjoy scenic views. Geneva also has lovely parks where the kids can run and explore. For a unique experience, consider stopping by the Geneva History Museum, which has some great interactive exhibits.
Ottawa – This small town along the Illinois River is home to Buffalo Rock State Park, a great spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Kids can enjoy the open spaces, and it’s less crowded than some of the larger parks in the area. Nearby, you’ll also find the Illinois and Michigan Canal for some scenic views. Ottawa has a laid-back, small-town feel that’s perfect for a quiet stop.
Elgin – Elgin is another small town with fun attractions for the whole family. Visit the Elgin Public Museum, which offers exhibits on natural history and science. The Fox River Trolley Museum in nearby South Elgin is perfect for train lovers, offering rides on old trolleys and a chance to learn about the history of rail travel. It’s a great place for your boys to explore their love of trains.

Along the way, I would also recommend checking out some farm markets, especially if you're traveling in the summer when there are lots of local produce and farm experiences. Many smaller towns have local markets where the boys can see farm animals and learn about farming. It’s an easy, fun way to incorporate their interest in farming vehicles and nature.

For avoiding the busiest places, I’d recommend steering clear of large cities like Chicago and focusing on the smaller towns that offer more peaceful, less crowded environments. Most of the stops I've suggested are smaller towns with a laid-back feel, and they tend to have fewer crowds while still offering plenty of activities for kids.

Lastly, as for food, most of these smaller towns have great local dining options. Make sure to try some classic Illinois dishes like deep-dish pizza (in the Chicago area) or locally-grown produce in the smaller towns. Many places also offer outdoor dining, so you can enjoy the nice summer weather while eating.

Enjoy your road trip! I’m sure the boys will have a fantastic time exploring these places, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty and charm of Northern Illinois along the way.

Recommendations for north Illinois e! 41

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