12 Illinois Attractions That Will Take Your Mind Off Of Winter
By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on November 18, 2022(Originally published November 12, 2022)
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
It is the time of year when you may prefer warm indoor things to do in Illinois rather than face the cold. These 12 are especially nice because they will help you forget about winter. From tropical restaurants to indoor playgrounds, this list has something for everyone. Scroll on to check it out:
This northern Illinois tavern is known for its aquarium bar that is actually home to several types of fish. To go along with the theme, order a fishbowl drink or other tropical delight to help you forget about the cold weather raging outdoors.
No matter what generation you're from, you likely remember LEGOs. These fun building blocks allow kids to take their imaginations anywhere. At the Legoland Discovery Center in Chicago, you'll see all the fun and exciting places they really can go to.
Bahama Breeze Island Grille is a beach-themed restaurant with a Hawaiian-inspired menu that will take you to the islands and help you forget all about winter. From the drinks to the food, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly eatery.
If you ever do a search for "indoor activities near me," Funtopia will surely appear near the top of the list. When it comes to indoor activities, everything offered is pure joy for kids of all ages. Crawl, climb, jump, run, hang, swing, and balance your way through all sorts of obstacle courses at this unique play place with several locations dotted throughout the state.
Learn more on the Glenview location website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
In business since 1952, this Hawaiian-themed restaurant is known for its décor and excellent drinks. This is the place to be for a classic luau experience!
Editor’s Note: Monkey Joe’s no longer has locations in Illinois. However, if you travel quite a bit, you can find them in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
With two locations in the state, this world of inflatables, slides, obstacle courses, and other fun features is one of the best indoor attractions at any time of the year. It is especially enjoyable when the weather is unpleasant, such as during the winter, so be sure to show up early before everyone else has the same idea.
Space Golf, an indoor, blacklight mini-golf course, is one of the most unique things you'll ever find in the state. There are 18 holes of fun at this attraction that has been around for more than 15 years. Indoor activities in Illinois don't get much more fun than this!
The Tiki Terrace is another Hawaiian-inspired restaurant known for its live entertainment, authentic meals, and over-the-top décor that will really transport you to another place and time. You may even get to go back in time with a visit from the King of Rock and Roll.
Open all year long, Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park has both indoor and outdoor portions that keep guests satisfied despite the weather. Water slides, giant hot tubs, pools, and more make this fun for the whole family.
You can find all sorts of tropical delights and exotic dishes at the Three Dots And A Dash restaurant, a trendy restaurant that will make you feel like you're anywhere besides Illinois. Enjoy Hawaiian spins on all your favorite meals as well as drinks that will leave you speechless!
Located in central Illinois, the wonderful Sunset Inn & Suites hotel has amenities like a 24/7 pool and game room but also themed luxury suites. Some will whisk you away to Hawaii, the jungle, Africa, the deep sea, Arabia, and many other places that will help you forget all about winter.
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill, a central Illinois restaurant and bowling alley, has a nautical theme that will blow your mind. Attached to Bass Pro Shops, this eatery features unique décor, delicious meals, and an entire bowling alley right in the shop!
Have you been to any of these exciting spots? Which ones were your favorites? What other indoor activities do you enjoy this time of year? Please share your thoughts and photos with us below in the comments section!
For a fun winter getaway in Illinois, you might consider a stay at a cozy cabin. You can find them all over the state and they are the perfect place to hunker down, especially if the weather is a bit nasty outside. A few to choose from include:
The Kishauwau Country Cabins in Tonica
The Whitetail Crossing Cabins in Shelbyville
The Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins in Elizabethtown