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| Turn off the tablets, unplug the WiFi and get the family outside for fun-filled days of memory-making.
· Now that hibernating season’s over, it’s a great time to visit the zoo. Opening May 11 at Brookfield Zoo, the new Brick Safari exhibit features over 40 life-sized animals made from millions of LEGO bricks. More than 900 exotic animals make up the exhibits at Niabi Zoo in the Quad Cities (pictured above).
· Enjoy 15 heart-pounding roller coasters, a water park with over 30 rides and spectacular shows at Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor.
· Get siblings cheering for a common cause at a minor-league baseball game, often featuring fun and unique promotions, like letting kids run the bases. |
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| When in Doubt, Pedal It Out: Bike Trails in Illinois |
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| There’s nothing quite like a relaxing bike ride to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of spring. Grab your helmet and visit some of these bike-friendly trails across Illinois.
Running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad is the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Surfaced with crushed limestone, the trail is suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. Challenge yourself with the steep climbs up Tunnel Hill, or take it easy and break your trip at one of the communities along the way.
Connecting the northwestern neighborhoods of Chicago, The 606 is an innovative park space that brings together arts, history, design and trails for bikers, runners, and walkers. Glide on at any of the 12 access points and cruise through several of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods.
For an outdoor adventure that’s off the beaten bike path, cruise through Southern Illinois’ river towns along the Sam Vadalabene Bike Trail (pictured above), or venture toRock Cut State Park for some mountain-biking action. The terrain includes single and double tracks with side trails, log jumps and stream crossings. |
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| Surround Yourself with Color at Illinois’ Gardens |
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| The arrival of spring brings a splash of color to botanical gardens all over Illinois. Got a favorite garden? Be sure to share your #amazingILmoments and use the tag#EnjoyIllinois for a chance to be featured in our Instagram feed.
· Anderson Japanese Gardens has been named one of the best Japanese gardens in North America. Koi ponds, winding paths, gentle streams, cascading waterfalls and raked gravel gardens all come together to form a colorful oasis in the City of Rockford.
· Chicago Botanic Garden is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and marvel at the kaleidoscope of color blooming among 26 different gardens.
· In Springfield, Washington Park Botanic Garden boasts over 1,200 species of plants. Enjoy the fragrance of the Rose Garden and refreshing shade of the many evergreen and deciduous trees. |
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| Trip Ideas: The Best Places to Golf in Illinois |
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| In Illinois, we love craft beer. On May 10, breweries all over the state will celebrate the joys of independent brewing during Illinois Craft Beer Week. Sip back, relax and check out some of the events below.
· Savor the sparkle of five regional craft beers during the Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beer Week. A special brew collaboration, celebrating Illinois ingredients and the work of the five breweries, named Farmhouse 66, will also be unveiled.
· In 2018, the city of Chicago became the nation’s craft brewery capital. Celebrate with a special brew cruise on Friday, May 17 with Shoreline Sightseeing.
· Complete your beer passport and get an awesome prize at the new Dixie Highway Brewery Trail. |
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Extended Weekend Getaways