After a year and change of quarantining, remote learning, in-person school and siblings nearly at each other's throats, as summer is officially in session.
There are plenty of summer fun activities for your youngsters as we stroll into a more normal season with the land of lakes open for business across the board.
Explore the land of lakes nature settings, bask in the sun along the shore, discovering historical nuggets, filling your belly with world-class eats and playing with a few creatures just scratches the surface of what summer fun your kiddies can get into.
Lake County's natural beauty and diverse attractions make it the perfect place for an extended vacation. So let the ride take you to the land of lakes and take advantage of summer fun the land of lakes has to offer. Continue scrolling for your summer fun guide for kids in Lake County.
Great news for the thrill-seekers, young and old, Six Flags Great America has reopened its doors. The Gurnee theme park is home to 17 coasters, with three of the rides making history in the “Guinness Book of World Records.” Glide down the globe’s longest wooden coaster drop, Goliath, blast through the park with Maxx Force’s record-breaking launch, sprinting from 0-78 mph in under two seconds, take a spin on the world’s largest looping ride, Mardi Gras Hangover. Joining the ranks at Hurricane Harbor Chicago is Tsunami Surge, the soon-to-be world’s tallest water coaster. So take a dip in the drink, and experience all the thrills at Hurricane Harbor Chicago. The H2O haven is equipped with numerous waterslides; the main swimming area is Monsoon Lagoon, a kid zone play area that utterly soaks attendees, an interactive surf area and so much more. Hurricane Harbor Chicago is open through Labor Day. Summer fun is always on the horizon at the Looney Tunes and D.C. Comics amusement park.
When the summer breezes roll in, there’s no better way to spend a night than under the stars, on a blanket, listening to live music at the oldest outdoor concert series in North America. This Highland Park fest is a pure celebration of summer in Lake County and an awesome opportunity to expose your youngsters to live entertainment. Easily accessible by the Metra Train Union Pacific North Line, it’s just a few stops north of Chicago. While music is what brings everyone together at Ravinia, the real magic is in the unique ambiance. Don’t hesitate to turn a little spot of lawn into your own outdoor living room.
The land of lakes is home to over 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, which means the beaches are abundant. Searching for an adventure in one of the Great Lakes? Illinois Beach State Park in Zion or Waukegan Municipal Beach is your destination. Taking your little guppies for a more youngster-friendly environment? Lake Zurich’s Paulus Park Beach has lifeguards and a water playground. So take a dip and cool yourself off this summer along one of Lake County’s relaxing shores. So kick back and relax, and remember, life’s a beach!
Ahhhwooooo! The wolf has risen. Your little slip and sliders can have some summer fun in the Northwoods-themed park and accommodation. Whatever the temperature may be outside, it’s always a comfortable 84 degrees in the Gurnee resort. Your woodsy adventure starts and ends with the 80,000 square foot facility with water slides, a river to be lazy on, a wave pool, a kiddie area and so much more. Great Wolf Lodge is also highlighted by mini-golf, an arcade, a bowling alley, fun and games with Wolf characters and so much more. Venture to the Gurnee facility for a fam glamping experience. Mosquitos aren't invited.
Turn back time and travel just north of Lake County to the 16th-century at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. The festival’s opening weekend is highlighted by delectable food, a marketplace with unique handcrafted wares, an interactive theatrical gaming experience and a slew of other 1500s festivities. There is plenty of excitement for youngsters as the Bristol Renaissance Faire has been voted as the top 10 family-friendly festivals for nearly a decade. However, adult shenanigans can commence if you’re visiting without kiddies, as adults 21 and older can take a tour of the Kenosha, WI facility that hosts their legendary pub crawl. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Renaissance-era attire while enjoying the sights and sounds of Medieval Europe. The Olde English fest will run on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day weekend.
Lake County Road Trips showcases five different experiences via car, bike or hoofing to create an adventure on Illinois arterial highways Illinois Route 21, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41 and U.S. Route 12. Sure, your kiddies maybe aren't licensed to drive yet, but these road trips will produce memories with the fam and them. Take in the scenery on a new road and see where it leads. The places you’ll discover will leave lasting memories you’ll want to experience again. But first, choose your ride. A car ride on a summer’s day. A bike on a fragrant forest path. Kayaking on a serene river. Boating, then docking at a lakeside restaurant. Or strolling down a quaint, boutique-lined main street. This summer, don’t just take a road trip. Let the Ride Take You to the beauty, history, nature and discovery of Lake County, Illinois, as children will have a fond memory of this experience.
From nuggets about the Greentown griot, learn the history of Grayslake, the men and women who sing anchors aweigh to the critters that inhabit Lake County, and the roadsters in our favorite Hollywood flicks and more. Get some education and culture into your youngsters while they are on summer break.
One of the most beautiful destinations in Illinois is none other than the Chicago Botanic Garden. Just south of Lake County (literally, you just have to cross Lake Cook Road from where Ravinia is located and you’re there), this 385-acre sanctuary features 27 gardens and four natural areas situated on nine islands and surrounded by tranquil lakes. There’s so much more natural splendor, but you have to see it with your own eyes to believe it. Your youngsters will be ecstatic to visit the Butterflies & Blooms and the Model Railroad Garden: Landmarks of America exhibits.
Miller’s Dog N Suds is the home of the Coney dog and their famous creamy root beer. The Ingleside drive-thru-styled eatery is a four-generation, family-owned business that recently celebrated its 50th birthday in 2017. A little touch of the past is still relevant today because you can’t pass up a delicious hot dog. Miller’s Dog N Suds regularly hosts concerts and classic car nights as well. At one point, there were 600 locations of the restaurant. Currently, 14 Dog N Suds is still in operation with one other place in Lake County (Grayslake). Other items on the menu at the iconic restaurant include Texasburgers, corndogs, cheese dogs, chicken sandwich and their shake of the month. Miller’s Dog N Suds is open from May through October.
“My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in the corner of nature” – Claude Monet. Camping season is officially upon us. Lake County may have a few spots to camp, but boy, are they mighty. Visit these three locations in the land of lakes where the deer and the antelope play. The three campsites remain open through October.
Bump, collide and compete against your friends in the unique bumper car sport WhirlyBall. Everyone's favorite lacrosse/basketball/bumper car fusion game is the perfect place for summer fun. The play place also has a little something for adults in the libation department. Besides delectable eats, WhirlyBall has a vast selection of brews while the youngsters duke it out (or you join in on the fun). You can also have a sci-fi expedition as you and the kids zap either in laser tag.
Bet you and your kiddies didn't know horses can bust a move. These trusty and elegant steeds may not be choreographing TikTok dances, but they will jeté, pirouette and dazzle your hearts. The Tempel Lipizzans season is officially underway and the Old Mill Creek farm. So have a meet and greet, learn the history of these borderline unicorns and see the Lipizzans in their awesome majesty.
