Best Family Weekend Destinations in Illinois

Illinois's family destinations range from Chicago's world-class museum campus to Lincoln sites to Starved Rock's canyon hikes.

Chicago Museum Campus
Three major museums in one campus: the Field Museum (natural history — the largest T. rex skeleton ever found, Sue, was here before moving to its own space; a new titanosaur skeleton is the main display), the Shedd Aquarium (the world's most visited aquarium — beluga whales, sea otters, Amazon exhibit), and the Adler Planetarium (space science, Chicago skyline views). All three share a parking structure. Allow 2 days minimum. Navy Pier (Ferris wheel, IMAX, Chicago Children's Museum) is 1 mile north.

Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site (Petersburg)
A fully reconstructed 1830s Illinois frontier village — the community where Abraham Lincoln came of age (age 22–28), working as a store clerk, postmaster, and store owner. The 23 restored log buildings are staffed by costumed interpreters in summer. The site conveys frontier prairie life more effectively than any other Lincoln site.

Starved Rock State Park
For families — the canyon hikes at Starved Rock require no special skill; the 0.5–1.5 mile canyon spur trails are appropriate for children 5+. The Starved Rock Lodge's indoor pool makes it a full-weekend destination. The Illinois River eagle watching boat tours in December–February add a wildlife dimension.

Brookfield Zoo (Brookfield)
One of the finest zoos in the US — 216 acres, 450 species, and innovative habitats including Tropic World (the world's largest indoor zoo exhibit when built), the Fragile Kingdom desert habitat, and the Great Bear Wilderness. The zoo was the first in the US to display animals in outdoor open habitats rather than cages.

Museum of Science and Industry (Chicago, Hyde Park)
The largest science and technology museum in the Western Hemisphere — the U-505 WWII German submarine (captured 1944) is the centerpiece. Also notable: a full-size coal mine, a German village at Christmas (Christkindlmarket), and the 40-foot Tesla coil.