With a wide variety of interesting activities and experiences, the Southland Chicago area has all the right reasons to host your family here
The Southland Chicago area is the perfect setting for family reunions. Along with being conveniently located near Chicago, it is complemented by a wide variety of attractions and festivities. Groups can enjoy family activities, historical and cultural sites, outdoor adventures, sporting events, live entertainment and delicious food in the area. Here are six reasons why families should host a reunion in Chicago Southland.
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Family Activities in the Southland Chicago Area
Observe exotic animal species at Brookfield Zoo in the Southland Chicago area. Credit: Chicago Zoological Society
Chicago Southland has something for every member of your family. Culture enthusiasts can learn about history at neighborhood historic sites. Foodie families can expect to be treated to an array of restaurants in including exceptional family-friendly diners, farm to table eateries, elegant fine dining and casual cafés, all of which are sure to satisfy the most discriminating palates. Indulge in some family retail therapy at trendy shopping centers and malls as well as local flea markets where you can unearth treasures at antique and specialty stores. Other fun things to do together as a family include visiting national monuments, museums, a zoo and the world-class attractions in nearby Chicago.
Family Activities in Chicago’s Great Outdoors
Forest preserves and outdoor areas are abundant in Chicago Southland
Exploring the great outdoors in the Southland Chicago area provides fun family recreations. With several nature centers and preserves to visit, enjoy over 40,000 acres of forests and gardens, each with unique features including natural water bodies, trails and picnic areas. Family activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, horse riding, railfanning, teambuilding and birdwatching. There are also opportunities to learn about ecological conservation efforts in Chicago Southland. Active and athletic families will love the abundance of sporting facilities here where basketball, golf, football, baseball and soccer are popular pursuits. Locations across the Southland Chicago area are also chosen host venues for regional and national sporting events like NXL – Chicago Open Paintball Event, Midwestern Amputee Golf Association All-Disability Open and National College Baseball Association Great Lakes Regional Tournament.
Fairs, Festivals and Events in Chicago’s Southland
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre located in the Southland Chicago area.
Rain or shine, there is always something going on in Chicago Southland. Hosting over 800 events annually, families can have their pick. Choose from live music concerts, comedy shows, arts and crafts exhibitions and sporting events. There are also a host of seasonal fairs and holiday celebrations including 4th of July festivals and Christmas markets. Some standout events in and near the Southland Chicago area are the Blue Island Dragon Boat Festival, Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest, Frankfort Fall Festival, Lansing Autumn Fest and the many nearby Chicago festivals and events.
Southland Chicago Area’s Convenient Location
Getting to the Southland Chicago area is as convenient as convenient gets! Located within minutes from both Chicago Midway International Airport and O’Hare International Airport, which are serviced by domestic and international flights, Chicago Southland is also well-connected to downtown Chicago by public transportation. There are six interstates that connect to Chicago Southland, which is within a five-hour drive from eight different states including cities in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and Wisconsin. No matter where your family members are coming in from for your reunion, Chicago Southland is accessible from any direction.
Expansive Suburban Coverage
Map of the Southland Chicago area.
Spanning 63 municipalities and 400 square miles, Chicago Southland spans the south and southwest suburbs of Chicago with notable family-friendly neighborhoods like Tinley Park, Frankfort, Homewood, Park Forest, Orland Park and Mokena. Each area has its own distinct character and offers a unique feel of experiences that include everything from historic sites and nature preserves to entertainment centers and sporting venues. With a variety of things to see and do, Chicago Southland has it all. With several customizable Chicago Southland itineraries available for your reunion, Chicago Southland is perfect for any family get-together.
Variety of Family-Friendly Accommodation Choices
Big or small, Chicago Southland has the ideal accommodation choices for any and every family reunion size. With More than 5,000 guest rooms across various categories of accommodation and budgets, Chicago Southland has full-service hotel chains like Doubletree by Hilton, Holiday Inn and Homewood Suites along with a boutique hotel like La Banque Hotel and select service hotel chains like Best Western, Comfort Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites.
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