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If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with family and friends, then Illinois has plenty of amusement parks to choose from. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer more relaxed rides, there is something for everyone in this state. We will be exploring the top amusement parks in Illinois that you should visit.
One of the most popular amusement parks in Illinois is Six Flags Great America. Located in Gurnee, this park is known for its thrilling roller coasters, including the 72 mph Goliath, one of the world’s ten fastest wooden roller coasters. In addition to the rides, Six Flags Great America also offers a variety of shows and entertainment options for visitors of all ages.
Another must-visit amusement park in Illinois is Navy Pier. Located in Chicago, Navy Pier is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The pier is home to a variety of attractions, including an amusement park with rides for all ages, an IMAX theater, and a Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or a romantic evening with your significant other, Navy Pier has something for everyone.
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, IL 60031
Six Flags Great America is one of the best amusement parks in the state. With over 100 rides, attractions, and shows, Six Flags Great America is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Thrill Rides
Six Flags Great America is known for its thrilling roller coasters. Here are a few of the park’s most popular thrill rides.
- Goliath: This wooden coaster reaches speeds of up to 72 mph and features a 180-foot drop.
- Maxx Force: This coaster goes from 0 to 78 mph in under two seconds and includes a 60 mph zero-g roll.
- Batman: The Ride: This inverted coaster takes riders through five inversions and reaches speeds of up to 50 mph.
Family Rides
Six Flags Great America also has plenty of rides that are perfect for families with children. Here are a few of the park’s family-friendly rides.
- Whizzer: This classic coaster has been a park favorite since 1976 and is perfect for families with children.
- Hometown Park: This section of the park includes several rides that are perfect for younger children, including a carousel and a train ride.
- Buccaneer Battle: This interactive water ride is perfect for families and includes water cannons that riders can use to soak other guests.
Water Park
In addition to its rides and attractions, Six Flags Great America also has a water park. Hurricane Harbor is included with park admission and features several water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
- Tsunami Surge: This water slide features a 55-foot drop and reaches speeds of up to 28 mph.
- Mega Wedgie: This slide takes riders on a steep drop before launching them up a ramp and into the air.
- Castaway Creek: This lazy river is perfect for relaxing and includes several waterfalls and other interactive features.
Six Flags Great America is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun day out in Illinois. With its thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and water park, Six Flags Great America has something for everyone.
Santa’s Village Azoosment Park
601 Dundee Ave, East Dundee, IL 60118
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with the family, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park is a must-visit destination in East Dundee, Illinois. With a wide range of rides, animal attractions, and dining options, there’s something for everyone at this popular amusement park.
Rides
Santa’s Village Azoosment Park features a variety of rides for all ages. Thrill-seekers will love the park’s roller coasters, including the Whirling Wild Mouse and the Viking Sea Dragon. For those looking for something a bit tamer, there are plenty of family-friendly rides like the Santa’s Express Train and the Candy Cane Sleigh Ride.
One of the park’s newest attractions is Farmer’s Fling, a figure-eight spinning coaster that’s sure to get your heart racing. And for those who love water rides, there’s the Racing Rapids Water Coaster, which features a 50-foot drop and plenty of twists and turns.
Animal Attractions
In addition to its rides, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park is also home to a variety of animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with llamas, alpacas, goats, and other farm animals at the petting zoo. There’s also a bird sanctuary where you can see a variety of exotic birds, including macaws, cockatoos, and parrots.
For those who love reptiles, there’s the Reptile House, which features a variety of snakes, lizards, and turtles. And if you’re a fan of primates, be sure to check out the Monkey Island exhibit, where you can see a variety of monkeys and apes swinging from tree to tree.
Dining Options
After a long day of rides and animal attractions, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, Santa’s Village Azoosment Park has plenty of dining options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, burgers, or something sweet, you’ll find it all at the park’s various food stands and restaurants.
One popular dining option is the Mooseburger Lodge, which serves up juicy burgers, hot dogs, and other classic American fare. And for those with a sweet tooth, there’s the Candy Cane Confectionary, which offers a variety of candies, chocolates, and other treats.
Santa’s Village Azoosment Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun day out. With its wide range of rides, animal attractions, and dining options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Navy Pier is one of the most iconic attractions in Chicago and a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. This lakeside entertainment, dining, and retail complex offers a wide variety of rides, games, and amusements for all ages.
Centennial Wheel
The Centennial Wheel is the centerpiece of Navy Pier and one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. This 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. The wheel has enclosed and open-air gondolas that can accommodate up to eight people each. A ride on the Centennial Wheel is a must-do activity when visiting Navy Pier.
Carousel
The Carousel is a classic amusement ride that has been a fixture at Navy Pier for many years. This beautifully restored carousel features 36 hand-painted animals, including horses, tigers, and zebras. The Carousel is a great attraction for families with young children.
Climbing Walls
Navy Pier has two climbing walls that offer a thrilling and challenging experience for visitors. The walls are 25 feet tall and have different levels of difficulty, so climbers of all skill levels can enjoy them. The walls are staffed by trained professionals who provide safety equipment and instruction.
Navy Pier is a top amusement park in Illinois that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. From the iconic Centennial Wheel to the classic Carousel and the thrilling Climbing Walls, there is something for everyone at Navy Pier.
Legoland Discovery Center
601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day with your family, Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg is a must-visit destination. This indoor attraction is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a wide range of activities and attractions.
Rides
Legoland Discovery Center features two exciting rides that will take you on a thrilling adventure. The first is the Kingdom Quest ride, where you’ll hop on a chariot and use laser guns to shoot at targets and defeat the evil trolls. The second ride is the Merlin’s Apprentice ride, where you’ll pedal your way to the top of a tower and fly through the sky.
Build and Play Zones
One of the highlights of Legoland Discovery Center is the Build and Play Zone, where kids can unleash their creativity and build their own Lego creations. The zone is divided into several areas, including the Lego City Construction Site, where kids can build their own skyscrapers and bridges, and the Lego Friends Heartlake City, where they can build their own houses and shops.
4D Cinema
The 4D Cinema at Legoland Discovery Center is a must-visit attraction. The theater features a variety of 4D movies, including Lego City 4D: Officer in Pursuit and Lego Ninjago: Master of the 4th Dimension. The movies are shown in 3D and feature special effects like wind, water, and snow, making you feel like you’re part of the action.
Legoland Discovery Center is a great place to spend a day with your family. With its exciting rides, build and play zones, and 4D cinema, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
If you’re looking for a unique amusement park experience in Illinois, you can’t miss Brookfield Zoo. Located in Brookfield, Illinois, this 216-acre zoo is home to over 400 species of animals.
Animal Exhibits
Brookfield Zoo has a wide range of animal exhibits that showcase the diversity of animal life on our planet. From big cats to primates, birds to reptiles, and everything in between, you’ll find it all here. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
- Great Bear Wilderness: This exhibit features grizzly bears, polar bears, and Mexican gray wolves, all in a naturalistic habitat.
- Tropic World: This exhibit is a three-part journey through the rainforests of South America, Africa, and Asia. You’ll see primates, birds, and other animals in their natural habitats.
- Australia House: This exhibit features animals from Down Under, including kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species.
Interactive Experiences
In addition to animal exhibits, Brookfield Zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.
- Hamill Family Play Zoo: This interactive exhibit is designed for children and families. You can pet goats, sheep, and other animals, and learn about animal care and conservation.
- Dolphin Show: Brookfield Zoo has a dolphin show that features Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. You can watch the dolphins perform acrobatics and learn about their behavior and habitat.
- Giraffe Feeding: You can feed the giraffes at Brookfield Zoo! This experience allows you to get up close to these majestic animals and learn about their behavior and habitat.
Brookfield Zoo is a must-visit destination for animal lovers and families. With a wide range of animal exhibits and interactive experiences, there’s something for everyone here.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Top Amusement Parks in Illinois
What is the largest theme park in Illinois?
Six Flags Great America located in Gurnee, Illinois, is the largest theme park in Illinois. It has over 100 rides, including 16 roller coasters, and covers an area of 300 acres.
What is the biggest amusement park in Chicago?
Six Flags Great America is the biggest amusement park in Chicago. It is located about 50 miles north of downtown Chicago.
Does Illinois have any theme parks?
Yes, Illinois has several theme parks, including Six Flags Great America, Magic Waters Waterpark, and Santa’s Village Azoosment Park.
What are the best indoor water parks in Illinois?
Some of the best indoor water parks in Illinois include Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee and Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort in Utica.
What are the biggest Six Flags parks?
Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey is the biggest Six Flags park in terms of size. However, Six Flags Magic Mountain in California has the most roller coasters, with 19.
What are the top amusement parks near Illinois?
Some of the top amusement parks near Illinois include Cedar Point in Ohio, Dollywood in Tennessee, and Silver Dollar City in Missouri.
