23 Outdoor Activities in ILLINOIS (Fun, Stunning & Amazing)

From beautiful hillsides to towering buildings, Illinois has it all.

The amazing sights, fantastic climate, and grand infrastructure make the Prairie State an excellent destination for sightseeing and adventure.

In each of its cities, there’s always something unique to take part in and a whole new outdoor activity to explore.

Whether you love the heart-racing thrills or the kind that puts you in a good mood, this is the perfect guide to finding your type of outdoor activity in Illinois.

You can start with hiking, golfing, beach parties, and art gallery visiting, or with the several options available.

All you need is to take a friend along; now, it is your time to explore!

And by the way, you may also want to check out the best indoor activities in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Aurora, Illinois.

1. Enjoy a bowling experience at Parkside Lanes (Friendly & Funky Vibe)

Whether out with friends or riding solo, your sixth sense of fun is about to rise through the roof.

Nostalgia immediately comes to mind when stepping into this fantastic place.

The atmosphere has a friendly, funky vibe, making it an instant attraction.

It also has fancy lights and excellent catchy music, setting the mood for a fantastic experience.

The Parkside Streets, being reputed for having the best lanes in the town, have a lot of attractions worth checking out.

Enjoy a great time with family and friends while trying to knock down bowling pins.

If you want to grab a bite or some cold refreshments, Parkside Lanes has a fantastic restaurant serving freshly-made treats.

It is a place worth revisiting.

Address: 34W185 Montgomery Road, Aurora, IL 60504, United States.

2. Hiking at the Waubonsie Lake Park and Trails (Nature’s Magical Touch)

Waubonsie Lake Park is an outdoor gem embodying the long relationship between the human race and mother nature.

For the moments where we need nature’s magical touch to be energized and reinvigorated, this is where you need to be.

Sited in a calm and serene environment, you can try plenty of fun activities there.

Go for a refreshing walk along its paved, winding trails and a 6-mile loop while immersing yourself in spectacular scenes of nature.

It has little lakes, making it an ideal fishing spot. Create beautiful memories by taking stunning images of its fantastic scenery.

With the comfort of its visitors as a top priority, it features amenities that include a playground, picnic shelters, well-maintained restrooms, and a modern pavilion.

Address: 9S080 Kautz Road, Aurora, IL 60504.

3. Picnicking at the Spring Lake Park (Beautiful Plains Haven)

Have you ever wondered why the best moments are often created outdoors?

Step into a haven of beautiful plains at Spring Lake Park, and it will all begin to make sense to you.

Spring Lake Park is a 23.7-acre natural park that serves as a ground for many outdoor activities.

Get drawn in the beauty of its picturesque greenery and enjoy its panoramic view from all sides.

For nature lovers, the park offers its guests the opportunity to get up-close encounters with beautiful fauna and tundra.

As the ideal ground for a lovely picnic on a warm afternoon, the Lake also offers a good spot for fishing and boating activities.

Suppose you want a pleasant evening stroll along its paved and easy-to-navigate trails; you will enjoy every moment.

It is a pet-friendly zone, meaning your furry friends can have as much fun as you.

 Address: 3500 McCoy Dr, Aurora, IL 60504, United States.

Also see our article on Family Activities in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Chicago, Illinois.

1. Enjoy fishing and more at the Chicago Jetty Riverwalk (Ideal Fishing Spot)

Grab your fishing gear and prepare for an engaging experience on the Jetty Riverwalk’s steel platforms.

Nestled along the freshwater coastline of the Chicago River, the Jetty is the dream destination for all who love fishing.

Whether you’re visiting Chicago for the first time or have never been here, a trip to this iconic place is highly recommended for an eye-opening experience.

The lively nature of the Chicago Riverwalk means that it is more than just an ideal fishing spot for people, as there are many things to see and do here.

If you want to try out some fine cuisine or groove to some good music, here is a place for every occasion and situation.

As a fantastic place lined up with fancy restaurants, brilliant architecture, and beautiful gardens, it’s hard to imagine that this place used to be a shipping channel, all thanks to intensive care and renovation of its structures.

If you need further convincing about the awesomeness that awaits you here, then all you have to do is to be here.

Address: 260 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606, United States.

2. Shopping at the Water Tower Palace (Fashion & Lifestyle Hub)

As an enterprise of fashion and a high-quality lifestyle, there is little wonder why the city of Chicago remains an ideal destination for several people.

Water Tower Palace is a large urban establishment covering a 758,000 square ft. area and has about 74 stories which house many structures such as stores, malls, and restaurants.

You can get almost anything from exotic accessories to groceries at Water Tower Park.

First established in 1976, Water Tower Palace has continued to be a shopping center due to its size and many shops.

The mall has eight levels, all containing over a hundred shops, live theatre, and a chain of restaurants.

Water Tower’s architecture of this magnificent place is intricately designed and ultimately imbues it with stunning views and a powerful aura.

Great location with a lot of stores to explore.

Address: 835 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, United States.

3. A Visit to the Chicago Loop Walking Tour (Expressive Mosaics & Stunning Architecture)

Learning about a city can be a lot of fun.

But what is even more exciting is learning in a place that offers a beautiful life experience.

Brace yourself for a fantastic journey through the winding path of discovery while touring the Chicago Loop Walking Tour.

The Chicago Loop Walking Tour is a significant attraction for tourists and residents.

Expressive mosaics and stunning architecture imbue the Loop with picturesque scenes to behold.

Experience the beauty of the metropolis on foot.

You can also stop to check out busy commercial centers and quiet corners you didn’t know existed through the help of its well-informed tour guides.

From the heart of downtown Chicago to the rest of the city, the Loop gives you first-hand information on the history and architecture of this vibrant city.

Here is an ideal place if you’re looking for a fun tour without dull, history-lesson vibes.

Address: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602, United States.

Also see our article on Playgrounds in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Springfield, Illinois.

1. Golfing at Lincoln Park Disc Golf Course (Nature Enthusiast’s Playground)

Enjoy the warmth and great satisfaction of engaging in fun outdoor activities that will remain forever green in your memories.

The Lincoln Park Disc golf course is a fun playground for nature enthusiasts and all who look forward to having some casual amusement.

Lincoln Park has a course length of  6,646 ft. and 336 disc golf courses.

The park is surrounded by vast woodlands, greenery, and stoic hills, offering visitors a panoramic view of its beautiful terrain.

And on the grounds of being unique and aesthetically pleasing to the eye, Lincoln Park qualifies as a park gem.

Lincoln Park is also a classic site for a picnic and a pleasant stroll along its paved trails.

View the world from a realistic perspective, and I guarantee you will keep returning for the same fantastic experience.

Address: 1601 N 5th St, Springfield, IL 62702, United States.

2. A fantastic experience at the David Borland Gallery (Unique Contemporary Art)

Want to go on an excellent art-hunting expedition in the suburbs of Springfield?

The David Borland Gallery provides the perfect exhibition space for beautiful art masterpieces.

It is in a relaxed, relaxing atmosphere that gives visitors a sense of elevation.

The gallery is home to unique contemporary art pieces worldwide, with unique designs and backstories.

Here, you see various antique pieces hung up in beautiful frames.

You can also restore an old family portrait or buy one of the lovely works on display. 

Art is life, and without it, you will discover a world that is bland and void of color.

Whether you are a collector or an art enthusiast, the David Borland Gallery is the place to be. 

Address: 939-C S Durkin Dr, Springfield, IL 62704, United States.

3. Safari at the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center (Calming & Relaxing Aura)

There is little debate that visiting a nature center is one of the best ways to spend a nice warm day.

The calm and relaxing aura of the Lincoln Memorial Garden can take you on a refreshing journey to happiness.

Strolling the beautiful trails will amaze you if you’re a nature enthusiast.

The Lincoln Zoo has plenty of picturesque, natural features worth exploring.

Its paved paths are a perfect destination for taking pleasant evening strolls.

You also get to see a wide variety of exciting wildlife.

Parts of the park are covered with extensive plains, making it ideal for a nice picnic.

The park has woods which always teem with a wide variety of wildlife.

Unsurprisingly, you will see some of the most elusive animals and bird species in their natural habitat.

Address: 2301 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield, IL 62712, United States.

Also see our article on Apple Picking in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Waukegan, Illinois.

1. Visit the Genesee Theater (Stage Plays & Live Performances)

 If you love to watch stage plays and live musical performances, the Genesee Theatre is the approved place.

Located along the northern shore of Lake Michigan and Milwaukee, the Genesee Theatre is a center for many events and exciting activities.

The Genesee Theatre is a grand building that has a 2,400-people seating capacity.

Thanks to years of proper management and remodeling, It boasts a rich history and a classic architectural style.   

The variety of beautiful music, stunning visual art presentations, and surreal stage performances of the Genesee make Waukegan a destination for high-quality entertainment.

As an ideal entertainment venue, you can sit back and enjoy breathtaking music, comedy, and dance performances.

That makes it the perfect place to absorb the magic of pure artistry.

Address: 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States.

2. Explore the People’s Choice Family Fun Center (Arcade & Joyous Rides)

Who doesn’t love the electric atmosphere and thrilling activities of arcades?

And if you’re looking for some amusement outdoors, the People’s Choice Family Fun Center is a unique place to add to your growing list.

One easily noticeable thing about this place is its super-charged atmosphere.

The feel-good vibe about this place is contagious and invites people to get in on the action.

Here is quite the place to be if you want to relive childhood and enjoy moments of childlike fun.

There are a lot of fun activities to engage in at the People’s Choice Family Fun Center.

You also have a lot of joyous rides and energetic games to try out.

And if you like to dance, knock yourself out on the dance floor and groove to funky beats.

Address: 2650 Belvidere Rd, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States.

3. An afternoon in Waukegan Municipal Beach (Lake Michigan Beauty)

Nature has its way of expressing its love for us, and the Municipal Beach is one of the many gifts it uses to do so.

The beach is located on the banks of Lake Michigan and stretches about a mile long.

Endowed with spectacular views and a magnificent aura, the Waukegan Municipal Beach is regarded by its people as a premium relaxation paradise.

The sandy trails of the beach provide visitors with the perfect place to take a pleasant stroll while enjoying the fantastic scenery.

It is also a great place to go on a hike.

Enjoy different flavors of ice cream at the beach and see a live band perform.

The calm tides are perfect for surfing and swimming.

For a complete experience at the Waukegan Municipal, explore the lighthouse on the other side of the beach.

Address: 100 N Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States.

Also see our article on Kayaking in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Naperville, Illinois.

1. Fun with Paddle Boat Rides (Thrilling Boating Experience)

Rowing is one of the most exciting outdoor activities that you can do in Illinois.

It can be called a tradition among its people, and the city of Naperville is no exception.

Fast-flowing rivers and the sheer presence of water bodies make Naperville the perfect place for a thrilling boating experience.

And at Paddle Boat Rides, all the fun will be elevated further.

The beautiful banks harmoniously merge with the bright, blue Naperville sky to produce stunning views.

Its evening view is equally just as captivating.

The Paddle Boats is a fun place for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck.

Whether you’ve planned the perfect date or want to enjoy a nice picnic while soaking up the wonderful atmosphere, the Paddle Boat Rides is a place you won’t regret going.

Address: 441 Aurora Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, United States.

2. Golfing at Springbrook Golf Course (Peaceful & Serene Environment)

Another place on our exclusive list of unique places to have a great time outdoors is the Springbrook Golf Course.

Springbrook is a peaceful, serene environment to relax and release stress.

You’ve come to the right place if you fancy a nice picnic or a refreshing stroll in a friendly atmosphere.

It is covered in luscious greenery with well-trimmed grass and colossal trees.

For people who love a challenging golf course, the Springbrook course takes golfing experience significantly. 

This fantastic ground is a crowd magnet, making it an ideal place to meet new people.

It also regularly hosts events for small gatherings such as weddings and family gatherings.

Here is an excellent place to create special memories.

Address: 2220 83rd St, Naperville, IL 60564, United States.

3. A visit to Naperville’s Centennial Park (Reinvigorating Atmosphere)

Throughout a beautiful revelation of unique places, you will realize how important parks are to outdoor fun.

Stunning views and lovely glimpses of nature never fail to impress people, and at Naperville’s Centennial Park, you’re sure to be immersed in all of these things.

It is a beautiful haven reputed for restoring weary souls to life.

The atmosphere in this park is simply reinvigorating.

Heavily wooded areas of Naperville’s Centennial Park provide a lot of shade, which makes it a good rest destination for its visitors.

There are a lot of fun things to do at Centennial Park.

Massive stretches of well-maintained fields make it a popular destination for family gatherings and picnics.

It is linked to the DuPage River trail, an excellent trail for biking enthusiasts.

There are also makes provision for amenities such as restrooms and playgrounds.

Have you been searching for a place to relax and release all that tension you’ve bottled?

Let nature work its magic through you at Naperville’s Centennial Park.

Address: 500 Jackson Ave, Naperville, IL

Also see our article on Snow Tubing in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Lombard, Illinois.

1. Experience action-filled fun in WickedBall Chicago (Round-the-Clock Entertainment)

A thrilling experience is one people are willing to travel great distances for.

At the WickedBall, the thrill never ends.

WickedBall provides round-the-clock, enthralling entertainment for people of all age brackets.

With a space of over 9,000 sq. ft., WickedBall is easily one of the most prominent entertainment establishments in the city.

Also, for your special events and ceremonies, it has a lot of amenities to make it a smooth one.  

It offers a mini-arcade, some of the most exciting, competitive activities you can ever find.

Take on fun and exhilarating games such as Dodgeball, Nerf Battles, Laser Tag, Sumo Suits, a Mechanical Bull, and more!

Want a nice cool drink?

No problem – It has a nice bar that offers a great selection of drinks ranging from craft beers to cocktails.

It is the ideal place to go on a night out with friends and family.

Address: 332 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148, United States.

2. Explosive axe throwing at Axe Throwing Lounge (Extreme Sports Thrills)

Have you ever thought of doing something cuckoo for a fun day?

The Axeplosion offers a fantastic experience for lovers of extreme sports.

Step into the calm environment and be taken aback by the super-charged atmosphere.

If you’re looking for the thrills of a satisfying axe throw, this is your kind of place.

For all who have no idea about axe throwing but still want to participate in the fun, you have nothing to worry about at all.

The highly skilled and experienced staff are reliable teachers who personally and safely teach the sport.

There are also different categories for every age grade.

At the Axeplosion, an electrifying experience awaits everyone.

It is a perfect place for a fun date and family night out.

You can certainly rest assured that every second here is worth it.

Address: 850 Dupage Ave, Lombard, IL 60148, United States.

3. Movie watching in AMC Dine-in Theatres Yorktown 18 (Exquisite Styling & IMAX Screen)

Only a few outdoor activities beat a fantastic time at the movies.

At the AMC Dine-in Theatres, a memorable experience is to be expected.

There’s always a nice buzz of excitement about the atmosphere, and it frequently attracts many visitors.

The theatre is exquisitely styled and very well maintained.

It has comfortable seats, which certainly help in making you feel right at home.

If you need refreshments, there are many options from an exclusive comfort food list.

One of this theatre’s significant highlights is the quality of its IMAX screen.

It is quite a massive screen, significantly improving the viewing experience.

The AMC is a beautiful place to hang out with family and friends.

Address: 80 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148, United States.

Also see our article on Bowling in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Peoria, Illinois.

1. Thrilling driving experience at Grand View Drive (Exciting Road Trip)

Want to go on an exciting, mind-refreshing road trip while enjoying nature’s works?

The Grand View Drive gives drivers the best terrain for a hitch-free experience.

It is easily one of the most beautiful places on a leisure drive.

The drive spans about 2.52 miles, full of winding paths and pleasant terrain.

It offers visitors numerous picturesque sights of the Illinois River Valley and the opportunity to see many historic and remarkable homes.

The linear park is incredibly alluring in autumn, with the ever-changing colors of fall leaves.

Grand View Drive also has 1.75 miles of paved sidewalk for hiking.

Here is a dream location for a family trip.

If you are keen on reaching fitness goals, biking, and other exercises are everyday activities you can do at the Grand View.

Address: 4000 Grandview Drive, Peoria Heights, IL 61616, United States.

2. On water tour with Spirit of Peoria – Day Tours (Authentic Paddle-Boat Ship)

A good old boat cruise is one of the sensational things on many people’s to-do lists.

Indeed, a beautiful experience on the Spirit of Peoria is a worthy addition to a compilation of beautiful memories.

It is an authentic paddle-boat ship initially designed as a passenger ship.

Built-in 1998, the vessel has a unique model already rare in the modern ship archetype.

There are a lot of cruising options on this mammoth ship.

The ship offers a tour of its antique but very well-maintained cabins and decks.

It also presents visitors with a thrilling time along the Mississippi.

Everything on the Spirit of Peoria is perfectly set for a memorable experience.

It hosts several fun activities to do on the ship.

Address: 100 Northwest Water Street, Peoria, IL 61602, United States.

3. Diving in Do Dive In Scuba Center (Fully Functional Diving Facility)

Nothing is quite as impressive as an exhilarating attempt to test your strength and limits in the depths of the waters.

The Do Dive In Scuba Center is a fully functional diving facility in Peoria.

Established in 1974, Do-Dive has a long history of training highly skilled divers.

The expertise of the diving coaches will leave you in awe as they are fully committed to bringing out your best diving abilities.

Here, you are sure to be rewarded with a fun time.

For all who love snorkeling, where else would you rather be than the dive in the center?

You can also explore natural wonders, such as underwater caves and taverns.

Dive into a world beneath the deep waters and be dazzled by the beautiful paradise that awaits you here.

Address: 8111 N University St, Peoria, IL 61615, United States.

Also see our article on Safari in Illinois.

Outdoor Activities in Rockford, Illinois.

1. Sightseeing at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens (Scenic Views & Lush Greenery)

A unique natural experience of a lifetime awaits you at The Nicholas Conservatory and Garden.

Scenic views, lush green plants, and fantastic architecture make this place a paradise.

Nicholas Conservatory covers a space of about 11,000 sq. Ft and also houses different environmental structures.

The greenhouses host other flower and plant species, beautiful sculptures, and blooming flower gardens add to the aesthetics of the environment.

It also features a landscaped lagoon with fountains and lovely patios.

A train display that runs through the foliage adds an extra pop to the plants.

You want to make sure to take advantage of the kaleidoscope planter.

There’s a variety of unique plants, playful koi throughout the waterways, and a nice set of trails that make the conservatory easy to navigate.

Address: 1354 N 2nd St, Rockford, IL 61107, United States.

2. Explore great artistry at 317 Art Collective (Contemporary Art Gem)

Contemporary art is fun to make and observe.

The level of contentment contemporary art brings to people is simply incredible.

317 Art Collective is a gem of an art gallery located in the suburbs of Rockford.

With a 100-year history of making contemporary art, it houses and displays many stunning art pieces.

It is such a beautiful and ample space that it is a ground for participatory art education and work produced by some of the best artists.

All while maintaining a uniquely friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

The openings are a lot of fun too.

Want to bring your inner Michelangelo to life?

Come here with your friends and family for a paint party and have a blast.

Not minding each individual’s skill level, everyone can have just as much fun.

Address: 317 Market St, Rockford, IL 61107, United States.

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Dog-friendly activities, pumpkin patches, and planetariums in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the best Outdoor Activities in Florida and New York.