A 3 Day Itinerary
Summer is a great time to escape with the family. The Elgin area has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. See the many attractions and outdoor activities geared for kids, teens and adults. Visit to relax, have fun, unwind and enjoy summer with your loved ones.
Day 1
Schedule
Start your trip with the basics, checking in to where you’ll be staying. Hotels in the area sometimes offer deals and specials to Summer travelers. Check out this page for a Full List of Accommodations→ in the area. As you are coming into town you may even pass 2 Toots Train Whistle Grill, a fun stop for lunch where meals are delivered via toy trains!
After checking in, head to South Elgin for the afternoon. Epic Air Trampoline Park and Panic Escape Room Games are both fun ways to expel that extra energy from the car trip into town. But if fresh air and time outside are what you’re looking for, stop by SEBA Park for picnicking and play. During the Summer, food trucks set up across the street at Panton Mill Park to provide a fun dining experience. Also visit South Elgin’s inclusive playground at Panton Mill Park.
Plus, the Fox River Trail runs directly through it, so you and the family can hop on the trail and do some natural sight-seeing! You will also find the Fox River Trolley Museum nearby for a unique outdoor museum experience.
If you haven’t eaten, you’ll probably be pretty hungry! The Village Tavern, Nick’s Pizza and Pub and The Village Squire, all serve excellent food and are very family-friendly locations!
Day 2
Schedule
Start Day 2 learning something new together and creating memories as a family.
Gail Borden Public Library features world-class exhibits and events throughout the year. The exhibits here are temporary so check to see if there’s one ahead of time.
Visit one of the several area museums for interactive exhibits and learning: Elgin History Museum, Elgin Public Museum, and Elgin Fire Barn No.5, the last fire barn to be decommissioned in Elgin. Built in 1903, this historically recognized landmark now houses the city’s fire-related collection of memorabilia, including trucks!
Near the Elgin Public Museum, you will find Lord’s Park, known for its beautiful pavilion and zoo.
Families will find plenty to do at The Centre of Elgin, where you can spend time swimming or rock climbing! Schedule time with Escapade 360, an award-winning escape room venue with multiple rooms!
Then head to Festival Park near the riverfront to cool off in the splash pad and explore the unique playground!
Whenever the grumblies hit, the downtown area in Elgin is home to a wonderful restaurant the kids will love. The Blue Box Cafe is a Doctor Who-themed café serving up breakfast and lunch fare. There’s also Danny’s Pizza, a local favorite pizza place and Paul’s Family Restaurant, a homey all-day diner. Also, there’s Alexander’s Cafe which is conveniently located near many of our Elgin Area hotels, they serve up an amazing breakfast and great lunch options as well!
Day 3
Schedule
After checking-out, head over to Burnt Toast or Southern Belles for an amazing breakfast to start the day.
Then for a final all-day activity, head over to Santa’s Village Azoosement and Water Park, this Christmas-themed amusement park is home to thrill rides, a zoo, kiddie rides and Santa Springs, their water park! It’s easy to spend a whole day here, or you can just come by to enjoy the water park!
For more outdoor adventure, you can stop by Randall Oaks Zoo– a barnyard zoo home to a variety of kid-friendly farm animals for viewing, petting and feeding. Come visit the cows, mini horses, emus, alpacas, reptiles, fox and Great Horned Owls!
You can also experience a working farm at Enjoy Pioneer Farm in Hampshire, where you may be able to hold baby farm animals in the Spring and Summer months!
If you’re looking for indoor fun, visit Underground Retrocade which features unlimited arcade games when you purchase a wristband, and the Ninja courses at Adrenaline Monkey.
You can also visit the newly reopened Polar Dome at Santa’s Village Azoosement and Water Park during public skate times and experience a slice of history on this classic rink. Or simply enjoy a drink and the fireplace while the family skates.
If you want to grab a quick bite before hitting the road back home, stop by The Milk House, an Illinois Made maker, for some outstanding ice cream treats!
