There are always so many special museum exhibits, immersive attractions and more new things to do in Chicagoland! How can you choose the best? It can be difficult to decide which attractions are worth the hype and which ones your family is better off skipping.
We’re putting the spotlight on some of our favorite new attractions in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. These are places we are truly excited to check out with our families this year!
This article was recently updated on Dec. 5, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her featuring the best new family attractions to check out in Chicagoland in 2025. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Harry Potter Store
Opening in Spring 2025Â
- Address: 676 Michigan Ave., Chicago
This Harry Potter store is only the second store of its kind to open in the United States. It will be around 12,000 square-feet and feature original film props, photo opportunities, interactive displays and a real-life version of Honeydukes and the Butterbeer Bar.
Wrath of Rakshasa at Six Flags Great America
Opening in 2025
- Address: 1 Great American Parkway, Gurnee
The Wrath of Rakshasa will be the steepest and most invented dive roller coaster in the world! It stands at 180 feet tall and you ascend down into a 171-foot drop at a record-breaking beyond-vertical 96 degrees. It reaches speeds of 67 miles per hour and takes you along 3,239 feet of steel track. It even goes upside down!
EXP
Opening September 2025
- Address: 9900 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont
This immersive entertainment destination will offer rotating programming, beginning in September 2025. It will offer virtual, augmented and mixed reality experiences along with a 7,500-square-foot restaurant
Tropical Forests at the Brookfield Zoo
Opening in 2025
- Address: 8400 31st St., Brookfield
Zoogoers will be able to check out an indoor and outdoor habitat for two gorilla troops and a state-of-the-art learning space called the Gorilla Conservation Center. The gorilla habitats will feature nearly 75 new trees, 500 shrubs and several pollinator gardens along with vines, running water features, grasses and climbing structures. High school students will also be able to participate in science programming at the King Conservation Leadership Academy.
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