Amusement Parks In and Outside of Chicago
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No matter if you’re looking for thrill rides or rides geared towards kids or families, you’ll be sure to find a fun amusement park nearby Chicago! From outdoor amusement parks to indoor entertainment centers, we’ve also got theme parks for you that are worth the 2 hr drive.
Photo via Six Flags Great America Facebook page
As Chicagoland’s largest amusement park, Six Flags Great America has rides for all ages, including thrill rides, family rides and rides specifically for kids. There is no short of entertainment, shopping and dining, and there are also special events around Halloween and the holidays.
Santa’s Village Amusement & Water Park
601 Dundee Ave
East Dundee IL 60118
Photo via santasvillagedundee.com
Santa’s Village is one of our favorite summer pastimes; in fact, we’ve had season passes for the past few years! I’d say the park is geared towards children ages 10yo and under, with so much to see and do, including a petting zoo area and carnival games. There’s even a waterpark that can be enjoyed during the hot summer months.
Pirates’ Cove Children’s Theme Park
901 Leicester Rd
Elk Grove Village IL 60007
Perfect for children ages 2-9, Pirate’s Cove has smaller amusement attractions for young kids such as an express train, a carousel, jump house and pirate-themed carnival ride. Additionally, there is also a playground & climbing structures, and so much more!
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Ave
Chicago IL 60611
Photo via navypier.org
Did you know that Navy Pier is now home to Pier Park, which has a wide variety of rides, games and amusements for all ages? In addition to the well-known Centennial Wheel, there are also a couple of drop rides, tea cups, a swing ride and a carousel. All of this is on top of the many attractions, restaurants, shopping and events at Navy Pier.
Amusement Parks Worth the Short Road Trip
Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park Resort
5224 E Indiana Beach Rd
Monticello IN 47960
2 hrs from Chicago
Photo via indianabeach.com
There IS more than corn in Indiana! Indiana Beach boasts over 50 rides and attractions at their amusement and waterpark. With rollercoasters, slides, ferris wheels and many other thrill rides, there really is something for everyone. In addition to the amusement park, there is plenty of lodging to choose from: from RV & tent sites at the campgrounds to lakeside and parkside cabins to comfortable hotel rooms.
Little Amerricka Amusement Park
700 E Main St
Marshall WI 53559
2 hrs 15 mins from Chicago
Photo via littleamerricka.com
Located right outside of Madison WI, Little Amerricka features vintage and restored rides, such as their 1950s wooden roller coaster, The Meteor. There is also a Tilt-a-Whirl, the Scrambler and other classic amusements. What really makes this theme park great though, is that there is no entrance fee into the park; instead, it’s a pay-as-you-ride model or with wristband options.
1501 Morrissey Dr,
Bloomington IL 61701
2 hrs from Chicago
A glorified carnival park, Grady’s Family Fun Park has 11 kiddie rides and 8 adult / teen rides. There are also bumper cars, bumper boats, mini-golf, go-karts and batting cages. In between the amusements and entertainment, enjoy their famous Grady’s Pizza and large array of specialty ice cream, shakes and sundaes.
Photo via safarilandfun.com
The West suburb’s only indoor family entertainment center, Safari Land has thrill rides, bowling, arcade games and other attractions like a huge jungle maze and activity bouncer. There is also a full service restaurant, offering homemade pizza, pasta, hamburgers and much more.
1423 N Broadway St
Joliet IL 60435
Photo via hauntedtrailsjoliet.com
Both an indoor and outdoor entertainment center, the indoor attractions at Haunted Trails Joliet, includes a thrilling spin ride and a free fall plunge for kids. The inside also has arcades, laser tag and an escape room. Outdoors, the amusement park has another thrilling spin ride, as well as go-karts, miniature golf and batting cages.
7759 S Harlem Ave
Burbank IL 60459
Photo via hauntedtrailsburbank.com
Similar to the location in Joliet, the Haunted Trails in Burbank also has both indoor and outdoor amusements, although the rides at this location are all outside, where there is a rollercoaster and a thrilling spin ride.
Where is your favorite amusement park to go to with your kids? Let me know in the comments!
Halloween season is a popular, fan-favorite amongst us Chicagoans— and for good reason: we’ve got some of the most festive and exciting events all over the area! Don't miss these amazing family-friendly special events, parades, fall festivals and jack-o-lantern displays.