Military history unfolds through immersive exhibits with authentic sounds and realistic lighting. Surrounding beautiful gardens and tree-lined courtyards create a calm atmosphere with well-marked trails and peaceful views. Outdoor tanks invite climbing, adding an interactive element for visitors of all ages.
A farm-themed playground offers fun for kids over 5 with swings and open play areas. The playground sits near a garden, making it a nice spot for families.
Exhibits focus on the 1st Infantry Division with a strong World War I theme. Tanks and military artifacts create an immersive experience that appeals to both kids and history fans.
"This historical site is a wonderful place full of history."
"You can climb on the tanks at the Museums."
"The farm-themed playground was awesome for kids."
Good to know
The museum is free to enter for all visitors.
Parking is free for military personnel with CAC cards.
There is a parking fee for general visitors.
Eighteen linked rooms showcase balloon-style art installations with unique lighting and music in each space. Interactive features like a ball pit, swings, and bubbles create a joyful, immersive atmosphere that appeals to all ages. The design balances colorful, emotional vibes with spaces for relaxation and creative engagement.
Ball pit and swings stand out as the main attractions. The playground also features bubbles and a balloon room for added fun.
Bright colors and interactive exhibits create a highly engaging experience. The museum offers spacious galleries that never feel crowded, making it easy to enjoy the art and sensory presentations.
Good to know
Parking is available on site for $10.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long waits.
The museum offers many interactive displays suitable for both adults and children.
Bright, clean, and thoughtfully designed space offers interactive play areas like a mini village, vet office, and recycling truck. Energy stays comfortable and inviting, ideal for toddlers through school-age kids to explore and socialize. Layout suits young children with age-appropriate activities and organized stations that encourage imagination and learning.
Play areas include a recycling truck, fire station slide, ice cream cafe, and spaceship corner. The space stays clean and welcoming with a no-shoes policy.
Numerous hands-on exhibits and interactive displays engage children of various ages. Creative activities and a calm environment make it enjoyable for both kids and parents.
Good to know
Parking is free with validation when visiting the museum.
The museum is suitable for children ages 1 to 10.
The facility is very clean and well-organized for children's play.
Interactive play areas and imaginative exhibits fill multiple rooms and outdoor spaces, creating a child-focused environment. The atmosphere is lively and sometimes chaotic, reflecting active exploration and play. Families often return for the ever-changing exhibits and outdoor water table, which stands out as a favorite feature.
Play areas include an outside section with a race track, climbing structures, and a castle playback. Indoor spaces feel more like a large playground with different themed zones rather than a traditional museum.
Exhibits offer fun, unique experiences designed for kids of all ages. The museum includes a playground and hosts birthday parties and kids programs regularly.
Good to know
The museum has multiple activities and playrooms designed for children.
Visitors can leave for lunch and return the same day with a hand stamp.
The museum features a playground and an outdoor play area with climbing structures.
Expansive grounds showcase beautiful gardens and historic mansion with elegant charm. Visitors find a peaceful atmosphere filled with pleasant scents and twinkling lights illuminating pathways. Family-friendly features include playgrounds, climbable tanks, and interactive musical swings.
Huge playground offers plenty of space and saucer swings spread throughout. Large picnic area and musical swings add to the fun for kids.
Exhibitions commemorate over 100 years of service by The Big Red One with great exhibits and a hands-on experience at the park. Admission includes access to the museum and is inexpensive.
Good to know
The entrance fee is $5 per car, but free on Veterans Day.
Dogs are not allowed in the park except on designated days.
The park hosts various events, including concerts and reenactments throughout the year.
Outdoor mall features beautiful landscaping and well-designed seating areas that create a relaxing atmosphere with a community feel. Families benefit from playgrounds that keep children entertained while adults shop or dine. Renovations keep the space updated, enhancing its clean and bright vibe year-round.
Built-in playgrounds offer an outdoor play area where kids can move freely and get tired out. These spaces make it easy to shop while spending time with little ones.
Exhibits focus on historical events like the Titanic and Downton Abbey. Presentations offer detailed information and engaging displays that draw in groups and families.
Good to know
Parking can be difficult to find during busy times, especially on weekends.
The Titanic exhibit features around 300 cars and runs for a limited time.
The Downton Abbey experience is popular and may require advance tickets.
Trails wind through a serene forest with beautiful river views and nature-inspired play areas for children. The atmosphere stays peaceful and conducive to mindfulness, inviting quiet walks and relaxation by the water. Wildlife exhibits and educational programs add an interactive element to the natural setting.
A well-equipped play area inside caters to young children. The playground offers a cute and interesting space for kids to enjoy.
Indoor exhibits focus on local wildlife with tanks featuring turtles, fish, and snakes. Animal exhibits include rescue animals and provide educational reads about nature.
Good to know
The center offers educational programs throughout the year.
Wildlife feedings and talks are scheduled on weekends.
Fishing is allowed with a valid fishing license.
Nature playground combines natural elements with ecosystem-themed zones and open-ended design. Atmosphere stays peaceful and picturesque, with quiet prairie trails and wildflowers. Kids explore water play areas, climbing structures, and sand zones, creating an engaging outdoor experience.
Offers a nature playground with water, mud, climbing, and slides for kids. Includes water features like a waterfall, river, and bridges, plus picnic tables and restrooms nearby.
Small play areas let kids pretend to be butterflies. Displays include many monarch chrysalis and recently emerged butterflies. Activities keep kids engaged throughout the museum.
Good to know
Kids under 2 are free at the playground.
The entrance fee is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents.
There is a small river running through the area, so supervise children closely.
Nature preserve offers quiet trails with colorful butterflies and diverse wildlife. Calm atmosphere includes wood-beamed and grassy paths, benches, and picnic spots for relaxation. Playground requires a fee, while indoor exhibits and outdoor gardens provide family-friendly activities.
Natural and bison-themed playgrounds offer engaging spaces for toddlers. The area includes a children's play area alongside a nature center, farm animals, and historic buildings.
The site features a heritage farm, a heritage museum, and an arboretum. The nature museum offers many activities for little ones, though the exhibits could use updating.
Good to know
Parking is available off both Schaumburg Road and Plum Grove Road.
There is a $3 entry fee for non-residents, while kids aged 2-12 pay only $3.
The center features a playground, nature center, farm with animals, and scenic trails.
Bright, interactive rooms invite touch, play, and photography with free digital photo stations in each area. The space offers a vibrant, colorful atmosphere that engages the senses and encourages fun. Small size and unique, themed installations create an immersive experience centered on color.
Green ball pools with slides and a ball pit create a playful space for toddlers. An ice cream treat adds a sweet finish to the fun.
Each room features a unique, interactive exhibit celebrating color in many forms. Activities and exhibits engage the senses with themed, colorful rooms that invite hands-on participation.
Good to know
Tickets cost $72, which includes treats and digital photos.
The entrance is located next to the Willis Tower Deck entrance.
Free items like ice cream and souvenirs are included with admission.
Nature preserve offers many well-kept trails and a variety of communal spaces including shaded picnic areas with grills. The center features an excellent exhibit building and a lookout deck with river views, creating a calm and educational atmosphere suitable for families and outdoor activities.
A decent sized play area sits at the center near the bike path. Lack of natural shade causes playground equipment to get very hot by late morning.
The building with exhibits offers an excellent educational experience. Inside, the nature center features native animals and interactive play exhibits to learn more about wildlife.
Good to know
The nature center often organizes scavenger hunts for children along the trails.
The bathrooms at the nature center are clean and well-maintained.
The parking at the nature center is convenient and easily accessible.
Nature center combines modern building with historic schoolhouse surrounded by well-marked trails and live animal exhibits. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing with plenty of benches and picnic areas. Family-friendly features include children's play areas and educational displays.
Indoor areas include interpretive displays and a museum alongside a play space for kids. Outside, a kids playground sits near the nature center, though flies can be an issue around the outdoor play area.
A modern nature center features a museum with exhibits inside a greenhouse and an old one-room schoolhouse. It offers indoor and outdoor activities along with a play area for kids.
Good to know
The center is free to visit with no admission fee.
There is usually plenty of parking available for visitors.
Restrooms are clean and accessible, including family rooms.
Spacious city park offers open green spaces and nature trails with smooth roads and scenic views. Atmosphere stays peaceful and serene, attracting people for relaxation, sports, and family activities. Features include outdoor pool, courts for basketball, soccer, and tennis, plus occasional music and food trucks.
Several playground structures exist with swings and equipment in good condition. Some areas have trash around the playground, and one playground near 5531 S. Russell Rd has many broken pieces.
Engaging exhibits include a play called Shady Hill and an MLK documentary. Some exhibits stay open after hours. Kids have a beautiful learning experience and enjoy their time there.
Good to know
Washington Park has no restrooms on site or nearby.
Some areas of Washington Park can be unsafe after dark.
Washington Park is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Outdoor space offers beautiful grounds with art sculptures and feature gardens including a labyrinth. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, inviting exploration and quiet enjoyment. Family-friendly zones include a fenced children's play area designed for nature interaction and skill development.
Adventure Woods offers streams, small slides, wooden homes, and digging areas for kids to explore. The children's garden includes swings, picnic tables, and ponds where kids can look for fish and frogs.
Outdoor museum features stunning exhibits with a mix of trees and art. It hosts excellent exhibitions like Vivid Creatures and Destination Asia, plus has a library, herbarium, and tree research programs.
Good to know
The entry fee is $26 per car for access to the park.
The Morton Arboretum hosts seasonal events like a holiday light show in December.
Check the website for the latest events and exhibitions before visiting.
Park offers multiple playgrounds, sports courts, and a small zoo with various animals. It maintains a peaceful and clean atmosphere with plenty of green space and shaded areas. Picnic pavilions and walking trails support both active and relaxed visits.
Two playgrounds offer varied play options for kids. The area includes a water park and picnic tables nearby for family fun.
A small public museum sits inside the park, offering an interesting visit. Memberships cost little, making it accessible for regular trips.
Good to know
The mini zoo is only open in the summer.
Parking is easy to find and paths are well-maintained.
The farm is free to visit when open.