A family vacation doesn’t have to involve long travel or cost a lot of money.

Those looking to conserve vacation funds, should consider a staycation.

Staycation activities give locals the ability to plan a destination outing without having to travel far from their own homes, according to state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego.

“Being able to have a good-quality family outing without spending a lot of money is always desirable, but also [for] families that have younger kids that find it harder to sit in a car for long periods of time, staycations are great because you can drive less than an hour,” said Kifowit.

Kifowit hosted a staycation seminar in the Aurora Public Library June 16. The seminar provided attendees with many different destination outing ideas, “from the kayaking chute in Yorkville to the Farnsworth House to the Casino … ,” she said.

So here they are, 25 of our favorite staycation ideas for the whole family to check out in and around the Fox Valley area.

25. Raging Waves Waterpark, Yorkville

This thrilling waterpark in Yorkville features 14 unique attractions and fun for all ages. The park’s newest attraction “Wonambi” is a fast-paced, four person raft water slide named after a terrifying Australian reptile. There are seven other raft rides in the park as well as two body slides. For anyone seeking a more mellow experience, Raging Waves also has a large wave pool and a quarter-mile long lazy river. For younger kids, Raging Waves has “Kangaroo Falls” —‘’ their wet ’n’ wild playground and “Koala Kove” — a zero-depth entry pool with four slides.

One-day admission is $31.99 for customers over 48 inches tall and $19.99 for customers under 48 inches tall and seniors (62 years and up). Individual season passes are $79.97 for Yorkville and Bristol residents and $129.99 for nonresidents. With the Raging Waves family discount, season passes are $79.99 if you buy three or more together.

Raging Waves is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, but will stay open till 7 p.m. during July as well as the first week of August.

For more information call (630) 882-6575 or visit http://www.ragingwaves.com/

24. Kane County Cougars baseball games, Geneva

The Kane County Cougars minor league baseball team plays at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark in Geneva. Bring the whole family, grab a hot dog and don’t forget to get a picture with their mascot, Ozzie T. Cougar. The Kane County Cougars host many different events and themed nights throughout the year.

Kane County Cougars games are no longer just for minor league baseball fans. The team was happy to unveil the new Cougars Music Garden presented by the Acres group, which will host a range of concerts alongside games.

Individual tickets range from $10-$30 and season passes are also available. For more information visit http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t446.

23. Phillips Park Zoo and Park, Aurora

Phillips Park in Aurora spans more than 325 beautiful acres and has been open year-round with no admission charge since 1915. Inside the park is the Phillips Park Zoo, which is home to many different animal species native to the area and is also free of charge. The Phillips Park Zoo offers many different events year round and features a “Kids Zone” where kids can learn more about local wildlife.

For more information, visit http://www.phillipsparkaurora.com/zoo_08232c233a0060bc.html.

22. Garfield Farm and Inn, LaFox

The Garfield Farm and Inn Museum in LaFox is an 1840s style prairie farmstead that was restored and transformed into a museum that gives locals a look into a 19^th century lifestyle in the Midwest.

The museum holds a number of events and specialty shows, including its rare-breed animal show where they seek to educate the public on the effects of genetic diversity loss in domesticated animals, specifically those used as livestock. The museum also hosts an antique tool show

For more information on this fun and educational outing, visit the website at http://www.garfieldfarm.org/ or give them a call at (630) 584-8485.

21. Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin

The Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin is a fun way to learn more about the historic electric trolley car with scenic views of the Fox River. Open since 1966, the museum features many restored trolley cars. Families can take a ride on trolley car No. 20 along the beautiful Fox River line and through the John Duerr forest preserve.

Ticket fares are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children 11 years old and under. For more information, visit www.foxtrolley.org .

20. Pottawatomie Park, St. Charles

Historic and beautiful Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles pays tribute to the Pottawatomie Native Americans that once settled across northern Illinois. The park is an ideal spot for boating, fishing or even just a quick picnic by the river.

Pottawatomie Park is also home to the Jack Kerr Memorial Riverwalk, a breathtaking trail around the park that honors the memory of St. Charles Park District Commissioner of 25 years, John ‘Jack’ Kerr. The Riverwalk is a very short distance from St. Charles’ historic downtown shopping districts as well as a number of amazing restaurants.

For more information, visit http://www.stcparks.org/VW-Systems/Map/map-details.asp?varID=669 .

19. Fermilab, Batavia

The Fermilab in Batavia may seem like a rather odd venue for a destination outing, but its guided tours offer a fun and educational, hands-on experience that is sure to delight. Their guided tours explore numerous scientific exhibits and displays, they even allow guests to have a look into Fermilab’s laboratory.

“Get to Know Fermilab” tours are held on Wednesdays year round, starting at 10:30 a.m. and every third Sunday of the month, during the summer from 1-3 p.m. Guided tours of the Lederman Science Center in Fermilab are also available on the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.

For safety reasons, children must be at least 10 years old to attend the tours and children between the ages of 10 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

To schedule your guided tour or to get more information on Fermilab, visit their website at http://ed.fnal.gov/programs/tours/guided-tours.shtml

18. Air Classics Museum of Aviation, Sugar Grove

The Air Classics Museum, located at the Aurora Municipal Airport in Sugar Grove, includes a variety of aircraft, vehicles, uniforms and other aviation memorabilia from the 1930s to the present. Families can come observe the memorabilia and even sit inside of an A-7 aircraft or a UH-1 Huey Helicopter.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.airclassicsmuseum.org/ or call (630) 466-0888.

17. Blackberry Farm Pioneer Village, Aurora

Blackberry Farm in Aurora is a living history museum that spans across 54 acres and teaches patrons more about 19^th century rural life through interactive activities such as train rides. Blackberry Farm’s Pioneer Village contains a Carriage House, the Farm Museum, the Early Streets Museum and the Huntoon House, all featuring artifacts from the 19^th century. The farm also offers paddle boating and carousel rides.

For more information, call (630) 892-1550 or visit their website at http://www.illinoisadventuretv.org/index.asp?page=st&site=1173

16. Lords Park, Elgin

Lords Park is a large recreation area in the heart of Elgin featuring a museum, zoo and even a waterpark. Lords Park is sure to be great fun for the whole family and is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Lords Park Zoo is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free of charge. The park also features basketball and sand volleyball courts, a pavilion, playground, tennis courts and scenic nature trails. Lords Park provides a completely free staycation alternative for families of all ages.

For more information, visit http://www.cityofelgin.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lords-Park-48 .

15. Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden, featuring Fabyan Windmill, Geneva

The Fabyan Villa Museum is one of Fox Valley’s most treasured preservation efforts and a great place for a family outing or a romantic adventure. The museum is centered on Colonel George Fabyan’s historic home and enchanting Japanese garden. The museum is only open to the public from May 15 to Oct. 15 each year. They are open on Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4:30 p.m. only in the summer and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. Thursdays are kids’ days and feature self-guided “mystery tours” around the museum.

For more information, visit http://www.kaneforest.com/historicsites/fabyanVilla.aspx .

 

14. SciTech Hands on Museum, Aurora

The SciTech Hands on Museum in Aurora is a great local attraction that is true to its name with countless interactive displays for kids of all ages. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every other day of the week and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Museum is free for children under the age of 4, $6 for senior citizens and $8 for everyone else. The SciTech Museum is proud to say that it is a Blue Star Museum, which means that it offers free admission to active U.S. military members and their families from now until Labor Day.

June 25 is Super SciTech Saturday meaning that children’s admission is free.

To learn more, visit http://scitechmuseum.org/

13. DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville

The DuPage Children’s Museum is great place for kid-friendly interactive fun. The museum features numerous attractions that encourage curiosity, creativity and problem solving while still having a blast. The museum also offers classes and summer camps for all ages.

The museum is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. One-day tickets as well as year-round membership passes are available for purchase.

To learn more about the DuPage Children’s Museum, visit their website at https://dupagechildrens.org/

12. Naper Settlement, Naperville

The Naper Settlement Museum in Naperville is a 12-acre fun and interactive museum established in 1969 that mimics the lifestyle of 19^th century Naperville. The museum features 19^th century actors in costume and 30 historical buildings to explore. This is a great way for the whole family to learn more about the Naper Settlement and their way of life.

General Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $8 for children between the ages of four and 12. Children under the age of 4 get in for free. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is not open on Mondays.

For more information, visit http://www.napersettlement.org/

11. Summer camps at North Central College

North Central College in Naperville offers a variety of summer camps for kids of all ages. They offer athletic, academic, performing arts and faith-based camps for kids with all different types of interests. Most camp programs last from 4-6 weeks during June and July.

To register for summer camp at North Central College, visit https://northcentralcollege.edu/community-and-visitors/camps-workshops .

 

 

10. Centennial Beach, Napervile

Centennial Beach in Naperville is an abandoned quarry that has been transformed into a public aquatic park for good quality family fun. This aquatic attraction is sure to make a splash in the hottest summer months for kids and adults alike. Centennial Beach features a large pool with diving boards, beach volleyball courts and plenty of shady space to relax and enjoy the day.

Centennial Beach is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Sunday when it closes at 6 p.m. The beach also allots specific two-hour windows that are dedicated to “adult float,” giving adults a chance to swim peacefully.

For residents, admission fees are $8 for adults, $6 for children and $3 for anyone entering the beach after 5 p.m. For nonresidents, fees are $12 for adults, $10 for children and $3 after 5 p.m.

To learn more about Centennial Beach, visit http://www.centennialbeach.org/

9. Morton Arboretum, Lisle

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a protected green space covering roughly 1,700 acres with a multitude of unique trees and plant life from around the country. The arboretum is a beautiful space to spend the day hiking, learning about nature and picnicking in the grass.

April through November, admission fees are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $6 for children. The arboretum is open 365 days out of the year from 7 a.m. to sunset.

To learn more, call (630) 968-0074 or visit their website at www.mortonarb.org .

8. DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton

The DuPage County Historical Museum offers an exciting look into the area’s rich history. Formerly the Adams Memorial Library, this beautiful building contains countless historic artifacts carefully arranged into themed displays to provide patrons with an unforgettable experience.

The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on weekends. The museum is completely free to the public.

For more information, visit http://www.dupagemuseum.org/

7. Cosley Zoo, Wheaton

Cosley Zoo in Wheaton is an affordable way to teach your children about wildlife while having a fun and memorable experience. Cosley Zoo is five acres of close-up exhibits, featuring farm animals and native wildlife. The zoo seeks to educate patrons on the importance of wildlife conservation by allowing them to experience a variety of animal species in their natural habitats.

The zoo is free for Wheaton Park District residents as well as children under 18 years of age. Admission fees are $5 for adults and $4 for adults over 55 years old. From April to October, Cosley zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit their website at www.cosleyzoo.org and plan your trip today!

6. Kline Creek Farm, West Chicago

Kline Creek Farm, located in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in West Chicago, gives locals an inside look at what it’s like to live on a farm in the rural Midwest of the 1890s. The farm is a fun way for families to experience a day in the 19^th century through observing daily farm activities such as baking, canning, planting, harvesting, sheep shearing and ice cutting.

Kline Creek Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. It is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Admission is free for all ages.

For more information, call (630) 876-5900 or visit http://www.dupageforest.com/Education/Education_Centers/Kline_Creek_Farm.aspx

5. Whitewater and Sea Kayaking, Yorkville

The Yorkville Outdoor Center provides a multitude of fun family activities on the river. From whitewater rafting to canoeing and kayaking, a trip down the river is an inexpensive way for thrill seekers to see the Fox Valley area.

To rent a Kayak, Canoe or raft for the day, visit http://www.genevakayak.com/rentals/ . The Yorkville Outdoor Center also offers half-day guided tours every Thursday and Sunday.

4. Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin

Although, the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin isn’t a trip for the whole family, it is an excellent destination outing idea for a romantic weekend getaway or a night out with friends. This breathtaking casino boat, docked on the Fox River, is part of a 300-acre resort complete with a hotel, golf course, live music area and fine dining. The casino includes a thrilling variety of slots and table games.

The casino is open every day year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. For more information about Grand Victoria Casino, visit http://www.grandvictoriacasino.com/

3. Farnsworth House, Plano

An iconic and breathtaking representation of modern architecture designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1945; the Farnsworth house is a must-see artistic landmark. A model of the Farnsworth house is featured in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The historical and artistic significance of the Farnsworth house is something that can only truly be experienced when visited in person. Visit the house during the day or sign up for a moonlit tour.

For more information about the Farnsworth House or to plan your visit, go to http://farnsworthhouse.org/ or call (630) 552-0052.

2. Fine Dining in Batavia at The Turf Room.

Kifowit recommends a unique dining experience at The Turf Room in Batavia. This warm and rustic lounge offers an eclectic and refined menu that is sure to make for an excellent destination date. The Turf Room is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Make a reservation by calling (630) 906-9300.

1. Kayaking down the Fox River

Finally, Kifowit’s personal favorite staycation activity in the area, kayaking down the Fox River. With Fox River Canoe and Kayak, families can rent canoes or kayaks and choose from three different trips down the Fox River — the Batavia trip, the St. Charles trip or the North Aurora trip. All three trips are sure to amaze and take approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Fox River Canoe and Kayak also arranges pick-ups at the end of the trip to bring customers back to their original starting point.

Trips for all three locations begin at either 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. canoe or kayak rentals are $40 per person for the Batavia trip and $60 per person for the St. Charles and North Aurora trips.

To plan a trip, visit http://www.foxrivercanoe.com/Home.html or call (630) 443-8921.

 

 

 

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