Diners, Dinos & Trains: The Ultimate Family Road Trip In Illinois

In the mood for an epic family road trip adventure in Illinois? This budget-friendly itinerary will definitely keep the smiles wide and the car full of laughter.

Family Fun in Illinois

I've lived in Illinois my entire life and I've always wanted to take off on road trip to see all the hidden gems this state has to offer, but I have 2 young daughters who don't love long car rides...so, what's a girl to do?!?

Find a road trip itinerary that is packed with family-friendly fun that you don't have have to drive multiple hours to get to!

The Best Family Road Trips to Take in Illinois

Only In Your State recently published an article full of difficult road trip itineraries to take in Illinois, but the places it highlighted for a family-friendly trip sucked me right in, so let's hit the road!

First stop: Junction Diner in Forest Park, Illinois, because everyone needs to eat, and everybody will love seeing their delicious food delivered to the table by a working train! 

Now that we're fueled up and ready to go, lets head north to Chicago!

Lincoln Park Zoo is a must.

This zoo is free to visit (score!), with amazing animals from around the globe. Lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) – there's something for everyone. Plus, it's right near the lakefront, perfect for a picnic lunch and some playtime.

Next stop, the Leaning Tower of Niles in Niles, Illinois.

It might not be Pisa, but this quirky roadside attraction is a great place for some quick, wacky photo ops.

At this point it may be time to rest, or more likely, unleash some pent-up energy, and Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois is the perfect place to do it!

Great Wolf Lodge is a favorite for my family, and this water park paradise is full of slides, pools, and splashtacular fun both indoors or out.

Now that we've splished and splashed, how's about we hop back in the car to see some dinosaurs at Jurassic Gardens in Volo, Illinois!

This 15,000 sq. ft. indoor animatronic dinosaur experience inside the Volo Museum is full of life-sized dinosaurs, games, mini-putt and more.

Now that the littles have been fascinated by dinosaurs, let's go see some more trains at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union.

The family will love climbing aboard historic trains, exploring fascinating exhibits, and learning all about the golden age of railroads.

Last but not least, we gotta refuel those happy tummies at Pilot Pete's in Schaumburg.

This aviation-themed restaurant is a full-on experience, complete with airplane-shaped booths and delicious food. (and once the family is full and content maybe Mom can sneak in a shopping trip at Woodfield Mall, LOL!)

Ready to hit the road this weekend? Remember, the best part of any road trip is the adventure itself. Crank up the tunes, pack the snacks, and get ready for some high quality family time!

Here are some more ideas of cool places to take the family this summer...