It is the time of year when you may prefer warm indoor things to do in Illinois rather than face the cold. These 12 are especially nice because they will help you forget about winter. From tropical restaurants to indoor playgrounds, this list has something for everyone. Scroll on to check it out:
- A’Lure Aquarium Bar
Facebook/A’Lure Aquarium Bar
A’Lure Aquarium Bar Facebook Page This northern Illinois tavern is known for its aquarium bar that is actually home to several types of fish. To go along with the theme, order a fishbowl drink or other tropical delight to help you forget about the cold weather raging outdoors. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. A’Lure Aquarium Bar/Restaurant, 213 W Madison St, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
Facebook/Legoland Discovery Center (Chicago) No matter what generation you’re from, you likely remember LEGOs. These fun building blocks allow kids to take their imaginations anywhere. At the Legoland Discovery Center in Chicago, you’ll see all the fun and exciting places they really can go to. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
- Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Facebook/Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Facebook/Bahama Breeze Island Grille Bahama Breeze Island Grille is a beach-themed restaurant with a Hawaiian-inspired menu that will take you to the islands and help you forget all about winter. From the drinks to the food, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly eatery. Learn more on the entity’s official Facebook Page. Bahama Breeze, 406 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
- Funtopia
Facebook/Funtopia Glenview If you ever do a search for “indoor activities near me,” Funtopia will surely appear near the top of the list. When it comes to indoor activities, everything offered is pure joy for kids of all ages. Crawl, climb, jump, run, hang, swing, and balance your way through all sorts of obstacle courses at this unique play place with several locations dotted throughout the state. Learn more on the Glenview location website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. Funtopia Glenview, 2050 Tower Dr, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
- Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge
Facebook/Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge
Facebook/Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge In business since 1952, this Hawaiian-themed restaurant is known for its décor and excellent drinks. This is the place to be for a classic luau experience! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. 2834 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171, USA
- Monkey Joe’s Editor’s Note: Monkey Joe’s no longer has locations in Illinois. However, if you travel quite a bit, you can find them in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Facebook/Monkey Joe’s With two locations in the state, this world of inflatables, slides, obstacle courses, and other fun features is one of the best indoor attractions at any time of the year. It is especially enjoyable when the weather is unpleasant, such as during the winter, so be sure to show up early before everyone else has the same idea.
- Space Golf
Space Golf Facebook Page Space Golf, an indoor, blacklight mini-golf course, is one of the most unique things you’ll ever find in the state. There are 18 holes of fun at this attraction that has been around for more than 15 years. Indoor activities in Illinois don’t get much more fun than this! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. Space Golf, 15611 S 94th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA
- The Tiki Terrace
Facebook/The Tiki Terrace
Facebook/The Tiki Terrace The Tiki Terrace is another Hawaiian-inspired restaurant known for its live entertainment, authentic meals, and over-the-top décor that will really transport you to another place and time. You may even get to go back in time with a visit from the King of Rock and Roll. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. The Tiki Terrace, 1591 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA
- Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park
Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park Facebook Page Open all year long, Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park has both indoor and outdoor portions that keep guests satisfied despite the weather. Water slides, giant hot tubs, pools, and more make this fun for the whole family. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park, Bolingbrook Park District, 200 S Lindsey Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, USA
- Three Dots And A Dash
Facebook/Three Dots and a Dash
Facebook/Three Dots and a Dash You can find all sorts of tropical delights and exotic dishes at the Three Dots And A Dash restaurant, a trendy restaurant that will make you feel like you’re anywhere besides Illinois. Enjoy Hawaiian spins on all your favorite meals as well as drinks that will leave you speechless! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
- Sunset Inn & Suites
Facebook/Sunset Inn & Suites Located in central Illinois, the wonderful Sunset Inn & Suites hotel has amenities like a 24/7 pool and game room but also themed luxury suites. Some will whisk you away to Hawaii, the jungle, Africa, the deep sea, Arabia, and many other places that will help you forget all about winter. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
- Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
Facebook/Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
Facebook/Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill, a central Illinois restaurant and bowling alley, has a nautical theme that will blow your mind. Attached to Bass Pro Shops, this eatery features unique décor, delicious meals, and an entire bowling alley right in the shop! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page. Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill, 1000 Bass Pro Shops Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
Have you been to any of these exciting spots? Which ones were your favorites? What other indoor activities do you enjoy this time of year? Please share your thoughts and photos with us below in the comments section!
Facebook/A’Lure Aquarium Bar
A’Lure Aquarium Bar Facebook Page
This northern Illinois tavern is known for its aquarium bar that is actually home to several types of fish. To go along with the theme, order a fishbowl drink or other tropical delight to help you forget about the cold weather raging outdoors. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
A’Lure Aquarium Bar/Restaurant, 213 W Madison St, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA
Facebook/Legoland Discovery Center (Chicago)
No matter what generation you’re from, you likely remember LEGOs. These fun building blocks allow kids to take their imaginations anywhere. At the Legoland Discovery Center in Chicago, you’ll see all the fun and exciting places they really can go to. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago, 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
Facebook/Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Bahama Breeze Island Grille is a beach-themed restaurant with a Hawaiian-inspired menu that will take you to the islands and help you forget all about winter. From the drinks to the food, there is something for everyone at this family-friendly eatery. Learn more on the entity’s official Facebook Page.
Bahama Breeze, 406 E Golf Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA
Facebook/Funtopia Glenview
If you ever do a search for “indoor activities near me,” Funtopia will surely appear near the top of the list. When it comes to indoor activities, everything offered is pure joy for kids of all ages. Crawl, climb, jump, run, hang, swing, and balance your way through all sorts of obstacle courses at this unique play place with several locations dotted throughout the state. Learn more on the Glenview location website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
Funtopia Glenview, 2050 Tower Dr, Glenview, IL 60026, USA
Facebook/Hala Kahiki Tiki Bar & Lounge
In business since 1952, this Hawaiian-themed restaurant is known for its décor and excellent drinks. This is the place to be for a classic luau experience! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
2834 N River Rd, River Grove, IL 60171, USA
Facebook/Monkey Joe’s
With two locations in the state, this world of inflatables, slides, obstacle courses, and other fun features is one of the best indoor attractions at any time of the year. It is especially enjoyable when the weather is unpleasant, such as during the winter, so be sure to show up early before everyone else has the same idea.
Space Golf Facebook Page
Space Golf, an indoor, blacklight mini-golf course, is one of the most unique things you’ll ever find in the state. There are 18 holes of fun at this attraction that has been around for more than 15 years. Indoor activities in Illinois don’t get much more fun than this! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
Space Golf, 15611 S 94th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA
Facebook/The Tiki Terrace
The Tiki Terrace is another Hawaiian-inspired restaurant known for its live entertainment, authentic meals, and over-the-top décor that will really transport you to another place and time. You may even get to go back in time with a visit from the King of Rock and Roll. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
The Tiki Terrace, 1591 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA
Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park Facebook Page
Open all year long, Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park has both indoor and outdoor portions that keep guests satisfied despite the weather. Water slides, giant hot tubs, pools, and more make this fun for the whole family. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park, Bolingbrook Park District, 200 S Lindsey Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, USA
Facebook/Three Dots and a Dash
You can find all sorts of tropical delights and exotic dishes at the Three Dots And A Dash restaurant, a trendy restaurant that will make you feel like you’re anywhere besides Illinois. Enjoy Hawaiian spins on all your favorite meals as well as drinks that will leave you speechless! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
Three Dots and a Dash, 435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Facebook/Sunset Inn & Suites
Located in central Illinois, the wonderful Sunset Inn & Suites hotel has amenities like a 24/7 pool and game room but also themed luxury suites. Some will whisk you away to Hawaii, the jungle, Africa, the deep sea, Arabia, and many other places that will help you forget all about winter. Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
Facebook/Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill, a central Illinois restaurant and bowling alley, has a nautical theme that will blow your mind. Attached to Bass Pro Shops, this eatery features unique décor, delicious meals, and an entire bowling alley right in the shop! Learn more on the official website as well as on the entity’s Facebook Page.
Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill, 1000 Bass Pro Shops Dr, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
For more like this, check out 11 things to do in Illinois that you should add to your winter bucket list.
What other indoor activities do you enjoy this time of year? Share your favorite things to do in the winter with us below in the comments.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter Fun in Illinois November 17, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin What are some other indoor activities in Illinois? Besides the places highlighted above, you’ll find a wealth of places where you can engage in indoor activities in Illinois. These include:
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (also known as Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort) Odyssey Fun World (there are several locations) Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – especially during the holiday season
We’re looking for a winter getaway in Illinois. For a fun winter getaway in Illinois, you might consider a stay at a cozy cabin. You can find them all over the state and they are the perfect place to hunker down, especially if the weather is a bit nasty outside. A few to choose from include:
The Kishauwau Country Cabins in Tonica The Whitetail Crossing Cabins in Shelbyville The Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins in Elizabethtown
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter Fun in Illinois
November 17, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
What are some other indoor activities in Illinois? Besides the places highlighted above, you’ll find a wealth of places where you can engage in indoor activities in Illinois. These include:
Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (also known as Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort) Odyssey Fun World (there are several locations) Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – especially during the holiday season
We’re looking for a winter getaway in Illinois. For a fun winter getaway in Illinois, you might consider a stay at a cozy cabin. You can find them all over the state and they are the perfect place to hunker down, especially if the weather is a bit nasty outside. A few to choose from include:
The Kishauwau Country Cabins in Tonica The Whitetail Crossing Cabins in Shelbyville The Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins in Elizabethtown
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Besides the places highlighted above, you’ll find a wealth of places where you can engage in indoor activities in Illinois. These include:
- Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock (also known as Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort)
- Odyssey Fun World (there are several locations)
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens – especially during the holiday season
We’re looking for a winter getaway in Illinois.
For a fun winter getaway in Illinois, you might consider a stay at a cozy cabin. You can find them all over the state and they are the perfect place to hunker down, especially if the weather is a bit nasty outside. A few to choose from include:
- The Kishauwau Country Cabins in Tonica
- The Whitetail Crossing Cabins in Shelbyville
- The Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins in Elizabethtown
