Illinois Staycation: 6 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

There are various attractions for adults and kids of all ages in the "Land of Lincoln." Whether you're planning a long family vacation or staycation, or a quick excursion to the park, Illinois has more than enough excitement going on year round. 

Here are six places to visit when visiting Illinois:

1. Six Flags Great America: This park is located in Chicago and houses nine themed sections, which include a 20 acre water park that offers two special areas just for kids. This park also has nine roller coasters including the wooden American Eagle, the Superman, X Flight and Vertical Velocity, that reaches speeds up to 70 mph. Everyone in your family can enjoy.

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2.Oz Park: Located in the Lincoln Park Community, this public park celebrates "The Wizard of Oz" theme. It features many statues fashioned after characters from the classic movie. The park's garden is named ''The Emerald Garden" and the playground is called ''Dorothy's Playlot.''

3. Chicago's Children's Museum: This fun museum for kids is a place they can "create, explore and discover together through play." It is the fourth largest children's museum in the United States and includes three floors of educational exhibits. It’s located at Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. The little ones will truly enjoy their staycation after their visit to this mesmerizing museum.

4. Garfield Park Conservatory: One of the largest conservatories in the country, containing plant exhibits incorporating specimens from around the world. The park's recreational features include baseball and soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, playgrounds and an ice skating rink.

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5. Brookfield Zoo: Considered one of the first zoos in the country to exhibit giant pandas. Everyone in the family can enjoy this visit. In the 1980s, the zoo introduced Tropic World, the first fully indoor rain forest simulation and one of the largest indoor zoo exhibit in the world.

6. Oak Street Beach: Located in Chicago, Oak Street Beach is the neighborhood hot spot during the summer. The beach offers many luxuries including a breathtaking view of the city skyline.

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