Looking for ideas on how to enjoy a family vacation outside of Chicagoland? Dive in to a weekend getaway in the Aurora Area of Illinois, where you can visit the largest waterpark in Illinois and round out your stay with epic burgers, outdoor adventure, and sky-high fun at area entertainment centers.
Make A Splash at Raging Waves
Suit up and make a splash at Raging Waves, the largest waterpark in Illinois, featuring dozens of on-site attractions like the new Aussie Mat Dash, lazy river, and private cabanas available to rent. Save your appetite for epic burgers & shakes at Crusade Burger Bar in Yorkville, then take a walk through Yorkville's Bicentennial Riverfront Park to see paddlers test their skills on the Marge Cline Whitewater Course. Still hungry for dessert? You're just steps away from a classic riverside ice cream parlor at Foxy's.
Sky high fun and a sunset view
Fuel up for a full day of family fun at Grace Coffee & Wine. Take the kids to Altitude Trampoline Park for a day of sky-high fun, or enjoy go-karting and mini golf at Sugar Grove Family Fun Center. Treat yourselves to the big, bold flavors of Two Brothers Roundhouse for lunch or dinner, and within steps you can visit "the hottest museum in town," the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, home to the history of firefighting in the region. Hit the trails using the Fox Valley Bike Share and enjoy a sunset over the Fox River from the viewing deck at Red Oak Nature Center. For more indoor & outdoor fun, including roller skating and bumper boats, head to Funway, the largest family entertainment center in Illinois.
Enjoy a day on the farm
Find breakfast bites and Harner's donuts at Moka, a favorite drive-thru location for coffee and blended drinks in North Aurora. Visit an attraction where history comes alive at Blackberry Farm, a family-friendly destination that tells the story of pioneer life in the Aurora Area through interactive exhibits and a park-wide train ride. Splash Country Water Park is just across the street, making this an easy way to spend the better part of a day. Take the family to shop exclusive deals on designer goods at Chicago Premium Outlets, home to a variety of kid-approved outlets like Disney, Carter's, and Zumiez. Locals love the pizza at Ach-N-Lou's, a favorite for generations of Aurorans just south of the outlet mall — prefer tacos? Jefa Tacos, an independent women-owned fast casual favorite is also located nearby. For bowling and the region's largest arcade, visit Round 1 Entertainment at Fox Valley Mall, where you can also dine on gourmet snacks at Banana Pudding Twist or do a real life video-game style maze challenge at MISH MASH Adventures. Enjoy dinner with a kid-friendly menu and more of the Aurora Area's finest craft beverages at Hopvine Brewing Co. before calling it a night with friendly and affordable lodging options in the Aurora Area.
More family fun in the Aurora Area of Illinois
Looking for more options to enjoy the Aurora Area with the kids in tow? Visit our Family Fun listings to find entertainment centers, parks & trails, museums, farms and orchards, and more great water parks in the region.