The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago

Haunted Trails Joliet

In the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, this indoor/outdoor family-fun-center and small amusement park has go-karts, arcade games, laser tag, batting cages, and smaller fair-style rides. It's a fun outing if you're in the area or need to get away from the city for some good old-fashioned fun.

Pirates' Cove Children's Theme Park

For the very young kids, this small theme park offers miniature boats, a carousel, a safari train, and a pirate ship ride. There's also a playground and a stage as well as a small concession stand. You can also bring your own picnic lunch. This is a nice place to spend some time on a warm summer day.

Safari Land

This indoor fun center is popular with kids age 10 and under. It makes a nice rainy day activity with simple rides like a merry go round, monkey jump, tilt-a-whirl, and Tiger Terror roller coaster. There's a restaurant with pizza, burgers, and pasta on site as well.

Santa's Village Azoosment and Water Park

Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, this Christmas themed amusement park includes popular rides such as The Blizzard and the Tri-Nado. There are rides for kids and adults of all ages including a carousel and bumper cars for the young kids. There's also an attached water park with water slides, pools, and an interactive water playground. Animal lovers will appreciate the petting zoo.

Six Flags Great America

Six Flags is a popular American amusement park chain. It is also the largest and most thrilling amusement park near Chicago. There are 45 rides and attractions including 17 roller coasters. This amusement park can thrill and entertain kids and adults of all ages. There are classic rides like spinning teacups and bumper cars, as well as newer, high adrenaline coasters that are not for the faint of heart. Six Flags is open during the summer months with hours changing depending on the time of year.