8 Amusement Parks Drivable from Chicago

Navy Pier offers restaurants, entertainment, a children's museum and a friendly venue for year-round special events. You'll also find a quick swing ride, spinning tea cups, carousel, drop tower and more. The 200-foot Centennial Wheel is available year round (weather permitting). The enclosed gondolas offer 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. This iconic ride is a 'must-do adventure' for local and tourist families alike.

Haunted Trails, located in Chicago's southwestern suburbs, specializes in family-fun for all occasions and ages. Even though it's got "haunted" in the name, this park isn't scary! Park attractions include: mini golf, go-karts, jr. karts, batting cages, junior roller coasters, and a game room.

Safari Land is a monster-sized entertainment center with eight indoor attractions, including the Tiger Terror roller coaster, bowling, arcade games, go-karts, and a large indoor play area for little ones to explore.

Kristy Pepping:  Pirates Cove, located in Chicago's northeastern suburbs, is referred to as Elk Grove's "hidden treasure." This is a local theme park, though non-resident families often make the trip to uncover what the pirates have in store! Kids love the playful pirate ship, paddle boats, slides, carousel, train and daily performances. All attractions are themed and aimed to please the youngest buccaneers.

Kristy Pepping:  Six Flags Great America, located in Chicago's northern suburbs, has attractions running the gamut from roller coasters to gentler options for tots. It is Chicago's largest theme park, and most popular for thrill-seeking families. Plan for an entire day here if you've never been before. You'll find thrill rides like roller coasters, family rides, kiddie rides and even water rides at the adjacent Hurricane Harbor (separate admission).

Kristy Pepping:  Santa’s Village AZoosment Park, located in Chicago's northwestern suburbs, offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy animal encounters like pony rides and feeding goats, rides, games, shows and more. Adrenaline-packed rides include Xtreme Elevation which is a 140-foot free fall, and the twisty-turny Super Cyclone Roller Coaster. But Santa's Village really shines best with their kiddie and classic family rides (e.g., Tilt-A-Whirl, flying jets, pendulum ship, carousel, etc.).

Kristy Pepping:  Donley's Wild West Town, located in Union, Illinois, is a family amusement park. All will have fun as they share the experience of panning for gold pyrite at the Sweet Phyllis Mine, shooting slingshots at Huck Finn's and watching a live action Wild West Stunt Show. There are pony rides, a smaller (yet exhilarating) roller coaster, carousel, lazy river canoes, hand carts, a train ride, and more! The museum can be enjoyed by all ages too, showcasing cowboy memorabilia, Civil War artifacts, etc.

Rides and attractions including a 1950s era wooden roller coaster and a two-mile train ride through natural Wisconsin countryside hark back to the good old days. Most of the rides, such as the little-dipper roller coaster and fire truck rescue merry-go-round, are suitable for young children. Older kids will enjoy the go-karts and larger roller coasters.