You can never have enough fun and interesting places to take your family. If you’re looking for new ideas that both kids and adults can enjoy, we’ve got you covered. Here are five family attractions you can find right here in Glenview with tips on how to get the most out of your trip.

The Grove

Image via Flickr by edenpictures Licensed CC BY 2.0

If you’re looking for somewhere outdoors to be on a nice day, try out The Grove. This nature preserve and museum is a national historic landmark with so much to see and do. 

Walk trails through gorgeous natural landscapes like the oak-hickory savannah and wetland pools. Follow the trail to find sites like the log cabin and Native American village. Explore the Kennicott House, built in 1856 and restored to its full beauty with careful attention to historical detail. At the Blacksmith Shop, you can learn about historical woodworking, tinsmith, and stone carving tools.

Don’t leave without stepping into the Interpretive Center. At this nature center, you and your family can admire live birds, turtles, snakes, and fish. Take advantage of educational resources like animal specimens, environmental exhibits, and historical information. Afterwards, you can visit the gift shop for cute souvenirs to remember your trip.

The Grove is also a unique and fun birthday party option. They offer special themed programs just for the party guests. At a Wildlife Adventure party, kids get hands-on experience with animals and a trail walk. The Buggy Birthday includes games, a trail walk, and a close-up look at bugs and insects in their natural habitats. Kids who love to dress up can take the Tea Party option with provided fancy hats, decorations, games, and activities.

Kohl Children’s Museum

Are your kids curious and ready to have a load of fun, all while learning? Check out Kohl Children’s Museum and their 15 permanent exhibits that focus on areas like art, nature, engineering, cooperation, and more. They also have rotating special exhibits designed by early childhood education experts and host traveling exhibits. Kids will love the many hands-on activities, and parents will enjoy watching their kids explore and learn.

There’s something at the Children’s Museum for every kid. The ones who love building can use the giant building blocks in the Build It exhibit, including blocks with magnets and translucent blocks, or construct a house in the Hands On House exhibit. Kids with a strong desire to care for others will love the Baby Nursery, where they can pretend to be a doctor or nurse and take care of baby dolls, or the Pet Vet, where they can examine X-rays of pets, use the grooming station, and conquer the pet obstacle course.

Historic Wagner Farm

Take your family back in time to the early 20th century and experience life on a historic—but still working—farm. Tour the Wagner farmhouse, built in 1920, and explore the interactive and educational silo exhibit, which includes stepping into a real two-story silo.

Kids who love animals will definitely enjoy the Wagner barn and livestock sheds, where they can visit real animals like sheep, hogs, and cows. They can also go into the chicken coop or watch horses at work.

For a more active experience, check out the Farm Adventure Area. Farm-themed play equipment like a swinging tire, corn crib, and life-size dairy cow sculpture let kids pretend they’re real farmers. They can also pretend to run a farm stand.

Before you leave, stop in at the shop for a variety of organic vegetables and fresh eggs. If you’re visiting in October, you can also purchase pumpkins for baking, carving, or decoration.

Funtopia

There’s something at Funtopia for everyone. It’s no regular playground: It’s an adventure. Kids can explore their Caving System while learning about minerals and geology or play in the expansive Jungle Gym area. Parents can relax in the Funtopia Cafeteria with coffee, tea, and other beverages, or they can get in on the fun.

The best part about Funtopia is that it’s not just for kids. Most of the activities at Funtopia can accommodate both children and adults, including the site’s 30-plus interactive climbing walls, their giant slide, and activities where you jump and fly through the air. Families can compete in Funtopia Fun Competitions to see who’s got the best skills. 

One thing you’ll never have to worry about at Funtopia is safety. Every session begins with a mandatory safety briefing video, and their expertly trained staff are always on hand to help. Their extensive safety rules keep everyone protected and ensure everyone has a great time.

Funtopia sessions are available in lengths of one hour, an hour and a half, and two hours, plus two and half hours options for birthday parties. They recommend that you register online. You can also complete the facility waiver online an hour before your session or arrive 15 minutes early to complete it on-site.

Splash Landings Indoor Aquatic Center

Do you want some more water-based fun? Look no further than Splash Landings Indoor Aquatic Center, where you and your family can get in the water year-round. They have an activity pool, water slide, lap pool, and warm water therapy pool. The best time to attend as a family is during the public swim, available Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at designated times. During those times, swimmers have full access to the activity pool and water slide and get to use up to two lanes of the lap pool. Their Aqua Shop sells swim diapers, pool noodles, and goggles.

Splash Landings is a great place for birthday parties. You get a two-hour session that includes 45 minutes in the party room, where you can enjoy any food and beverages you want to bring. Birthday parties get full access to the activity pool and water slide plus two lanes of the lap pool.

You can get into Splash Landings by paying the entrance fee or by having a membership. They also offer a punch card for people who want to return again and again, meaning you can get a deal on multiple visits.

Where do you like to take your kids during a day out in Glenview? We love having new suggestions to share with the parents of our kids here at Crème de la Crème, so let us know what you think is a can’t-miss spot.