Chicago Southland | Illinois

Chicago Southland abounds with family-friendly attractions and experiences that make it a great choice for family reunions | Chicago Southland is an easy and fun family reunion destination

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Chicago Southland

Highlights

  • Relax and refresh outdoors and be amid nature’s best at the many parks and gardens in Chicago Southland, IL
  • Year-round, family-friendly adventure activities for all ages to enjoy
  • Easily accessible to downtown Chicago and its famous sites, restaurants and shopping
  • Chicago Southland is within a five-hour drive of eight states
Dave and Busters

Activities Galore in Illinois

Kick off your family reunion at Dave & Busters in Orland Park and throw an epic reunion opening event. Dave & Buster’s has private rooms complete with everything you need to host the perfect reunion, combining great food with the latest in VR, Arcade, tabletop, air hockey or traditional gaming. Dave & Buster’s has it all. For some heritage fun, Stellwagen Farm in Orland Park showcases the agricultural heritage of the area and includes a farmhouse and outbuildings. Various programs, events and history tours are offered throughout the year.

Don’t miss visiting Brookfield Zoo Chicago in Brookfield, a 235-acre nature park that is home to more than 5,000 animals and where visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences that include opportunities to touch and feed animals. Weather permitting, visitors can also enjoy a carousal and motor safari at the zoo. For this year only and in honor of the Zoo’s 90th anniversary, guests will be able to ride the Anniversary Ferris Wheel, a towering new 110-foot Ferris wheel located just east of the Zoo’s newly landscaped Roosevelt Fountain. For a unique experience, see 30+ masterworks of large-scale sculptures spread across 100 acres of prairie landscape at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park in University Park. The park is open year-round and is free for visitors. The Windy City ThunderBolts in Crestwood, a minor league baseball team, offers family entertainment at Ozinga Field all through the summer.

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Chicago’s Best of Nature

Chicago Southland is home to some of the best outdoor activities and destinations in the Chicagoland area.

Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens in Palos Heights, an 85-acre park comprising woodlands, prairie, wetlands, gardens and a 10-acre lake, and where the entire family can enjoy hiking, cycling and nature walking. The Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center in Olympia Fields is a one-of-a-kind, 38-acre nature preserve offering programs in nature education along with adventure activities like climbing walls, high ropes, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Monee Reservoir in Monee protects a 46-acre lake and is a wetland habitat with over 120 species of birds and other wildlife. Here, families can enjoy activities like picnicking, hiking, kayaking, fishing and cross-country skiing.

For an educational and entertaining day out, visit the Sand Ridge Nature Center in South Holland, which includes interactive exhibits and a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, fish and more. The center has demonstration gardens, nature trails and a play area for the little ones. Plumb Creek Nature Center in Beecher is an ideal place for families to reconnect with nature with hands-on, interactive exhibits. Amenities include a dog park and camping areas in addition to activities like skiing and horseback riding.

Chicago Southland | Illinois Tour Video

Dive Deeper into Chicago Southland 

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Family-Friendly Restaurants

Embark on a culinary adventure through Chicago Southland, perfect for your next family reunion. This region, steeped in both history and flavor, boasts a diverse array of dining experiences suitable for all ages.

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Family-Friendly Attractions

Chicago Southland offers a wealth of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families seeking fun, educational, and memorable experiences.

Chicago Southland

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Ideal for families and reunion gatherings, every accommodation option ensures a stay that blends relaxation with cherished memories in Chicago Southland.

Sand Ridge Nature Center

Family-Friendly Venues

Chicago Southland presents a delightful fusion of history, natural beauty, and an array of venues perfectly suited for your family reunion.

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Tobie Fitzpatrick

Tobie Fitzpatrick

Sales & Services Manager

Contact Tobie Fitzpatrick

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