Hologram Zoo Illinois: Indoor Family Activities Near Chicago in Vernon Hills

When families look for indoor family activities near Chicago, the usual suspects — The Bean, Navy Pier and the world-class downtown museums — rightfully top the list. But a short drive north to Vernon Hills, a world-first attraction has arrived that gives Lake County something the city doesn't have.

Welcome to Hologram Zoo Illinois, inside Hawthorn Mall. Recognized by TIME Magazine as a Best Invention of 2023, it is a walk-through holographic experience where life-sized animals appear to stand in the room beside you — no headsets, no screens, no cages.

A Zoo Without Cages

Imagine standing inches from a trumpeting African elephant, or watching a 65-foot blue whale glide overhead. At Hologram Zoo Illinois these encounters are produced with advanced laser projection rather than virtual reality.

Unlike VR, which isolates each visitor behind a bulky headset, Hologram Zoo uses lightweight tracked glasses. Your family can see one another, talk and share the moment together while walking through giant holographic tunnels. Take the glasses off and the room looks completely ordinary — which is why it works for children as young as three.

Why It Tops "Family Things to Do in Chicago" Lists

For parents tired of the same weekend rotation, this is one of the few indoor attractions near Chicago that is genuinely educational as well as exhilarating. Explore all the exhibits and experiences:

• Safari and ocean encounters — Travel from the Serengeti plains to the Arctic depths without leaving Illinois.
• Dinosaur encounters — A 60-foot walk-through dinosaur exhibit brings you face to face with prehistoric giants that look and move remarkably solid.
• Climate-controlled comfort — A fully indoor attraction and a reliable rainy day activity, in January as much as July.
• Interactive habitats — These aren't films. The holograms appear as solid animals floating in mid-air, so you can walk around them and explore their habitats from every angle.

Kids Birthday Party Places in Vernon Hills and Lake County

Hologram Zoo Illinois has quickly become one of the most requested kids birthday party places in Lake County and the north suburbs of Chicago. Private birthday party rooms hold 12 to 36 guests, packages start at $225 for 10 guests, and the birthday child always attends free. Because everything is indoors, a winter party runs exactly like a summer one — no weather backup plan required.

School Field Trips and Group Visits Near Chicago

Looking for field trip ideas near Chicago? The venue hosts school field trips and group visits for preschools, daycares, elementary classes, summer camps, scout troops, homeschool co-ops, youth organizations and senior groups. It is a STEM-friendly, fully accessible outing that runs in any weather, making it a dependable option for educational field trips across Lake County and the Chicago suburbs.

Plan Your Visit: Things to Do in Vernon Hills

Located at Hawthorn Mall, a trip to Hologram Zoo Illinois pairs easily with a day of shopping and dining in Lake County. Whether you are local or coming up from the city, it has become a fixture on lists of things to do in Vernon Hills and among family attractions in Lake County. Book tickets and group reservations online.

Local Expert Tip: "Hologram Zoo is the perfect bridge attraction. It combines the awe of a museum with the high-tech thrill of a theme park, which makes it one of the most unique immersive experiences in the Midwest."

318 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061 · 847.281.7030

Hours of Operation

• Mon-Sat: 11AM-8PM Sun: 11AM-6PM

Additional Information