By Isabel Prontes
If you want to take a vacation in Illinois with the entire family, you are in luck: Illinois is a state that is full of fascinating and exciting
family vacation destinations. From historical sites and national parks to theme parks and aquariums, there is no shortage of wonderful things for families to do and see while on vacation in Illinois.
Raging Rivers Water Park
Raging Rivers Water Park is located in Grafton. The park spans 20 acres and has a friendly atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Mississippi River. Families will have a blast at this water park, with rides including the Shark Slide, Endless River, Cascade Body Flumes, Swirlpool and Runaway Rafts. This is a particularly good place to take the family (especially the kids) during summer vacation. There are a lot of dining options as well, such as Casa del Rio (Mexican food) and Surf Side Cafe (hamburgers, french fries, hot dogs and more).
Raging Rivers Water Park
100 Palisades Parkway
(618) 786-2345
Six Flags Great America
Six Flags Great America is a large amusement park located in Gurnee, and it is in a convenient area because it's approximately halfway between Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago. This theme park is notable because it has 11 thrilling roller-coaster rides. Families can spend the whole day at Six Flags Great America, with its over 40 rides, attractions and entertainment shows. Some of the park's most thrilling rides include Batman the Ride, Superman: Ultimate Flight, Vertical Velocity, Giant Drop, Viper, Ragin' Cajun and many others.
Six Flags Great America
542 N. Route 21
(847) 249-3118
Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Chicago. This zoo is both an educational and fun vacation idea for the entire family. There are numerous animals to be mesmerized by at the Lincoln Park Zoo--from Aruba island rattlesnakes to dwarf mongooses, snow leopards and western lowland gorillas. There are well over a thousand animals residing at the zoo--both local and exotic creatures.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
(312) 742-2000
Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium is in Chicago and is the world's biggest indoor aquarium. There are approximately 1,500 different aquatic life species here, and about 35,000 individuals creatures. Be sure to check out the fascinating Oceanarium, and any of the several exhibits, including the Polar Play Zone, Waters of the World, Caribbean Reef and Amazon Rising. Whether you want to see red-bellied piranhas, Pacific white-sided dolphins, wattled jacanas, beluga whales or parrot fish, you will be able to view them at this aquarium.
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.
(312) 939-2438
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is located in Springfield, and is a wonderful educational and cultural vacation destination for the entire family. There are guided tours available of Abraham Lincoln's home--the only home he owned himself in his lifetime. Built in 1839, Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, resided on the premises between 1844 and 1861 (when Lincoln was elected president). There is also a museum shop at the site's Visitor Center. You can buy books, attire, CDs, DVDs and other souvenirs related to Abraham Lincoln and his life.
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
413 South Eighth Street
(217) 492-4241
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
