Winter Getaway for Families

Start your trip with the basics, checking in to where you’ll be staying. Hotels in the area sometimes offer deals and specials to winter 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. 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 museum experience throughout the fall and early winter.

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!

After checking-out, head over to Burnt Toast or Southern Belles for an amazing breakfast to start the day.

Then for an all-day activity, head over to Villa Olivia for winter-time fun as the weather allows! Typically from mid Feburary through March, Villa Olivia offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing and includes seven runs, a chairlift, six rope tows, and a tubing hill. With 100% snow making, ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, and rental equipment available, Villa Olivia has something for everyone, including a place to warm up and get some food! Be sure to check out opening/closing, run availability and conditions by calling 630-540-4199.

Looking for a little less outdoor adventure? Visit 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!

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 Amusement 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.

Whenever the grumblies hit, stop by wonderful restaurant the kids will love. In nearby East Dundee, visit D.C. Cobb for some different sights while enjoying all the Americana menu or enjoy River Street Tavern for a menu of options. Also, there’s Alexander’s Cafe which is conveniently located near many of our Elgin Area hotels. Alexander’s serves up an amazing breakfast and great lunch options as well!

Start Day 3 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.

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!

If you want to grab a quick bite before hitting the road back home, stop byDanny’s Pizza, a local favorite pizza place and Paul’s Family Restaurant, a homey all-day diner.  Or plan on another unique experience and visit The Milk House, an Illinois Made maker, for some outstanding ice cream treats!