Elgin, a vibrant northwest city celebrated for its rich history and thriving arts scene, offers endless opportunities to keep kids entertained.
From thrilling amusement parks and interactive zoos to captivating museums that bring history to life, Elgin is packed with family-friendly adventures. This city has everything you need for unforgettable memories. Check out some of our top recommendations for kid-approved fun in Elgin!
Kid-friendly spots in Elgin
Whether you’re a resident of this lively suburb or planning a day trip, Elgin offers a variety of family-friendly activities including:
- Best Indoor Play Places in Elgin
- Best Playgrounds in Elgin
- Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Elgin
- Best Over-the-Top Desserts in Elgin
Check out some of our top picks for things to do with kids below.ย
Lords Park Zoo
- Address: 207 Grand Blvd, Elgin
- Cost: Free
Lords Park Zoo, on Elginโs east side, features a Farm Zoo in the summer with pigs, a cow, miniature horses, lambs and a donkey. Year-round, visitors can see bison, elk and deer in the pasture. Kids will love watching bison feeding events hosted by the zoo.
The Centre of Elgin
- Address: 100 Symphony Way, Elgin
- Cost: Varies by program. Visit the website for more information.
The Centre of Elgin is the cityโs foremost recreational facility providing residents with nearly 185,000 square feet of leisure space. Areas include a fitness center, basketball, racquetball and pickleball courts, a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, running tracks, climbing walls and more.
Gail Borden Public Library
- Address: 270 N. Grove Avenue, Elgin
- Cost: Free
This Wizard of Oz-themed library boasts decor and life-sized versions of characters from this classic childrenโs tale. Inside, children will find plenty of great books and helpful librarians who help them find their next great read. Thereโs also rotating museum-quality exhibits and an ongoing array of programs offered at the library, ranging from storytime and indoor play to battle of the books.ย ย
Elgin History Museum
- Address: 360 Park Street, Elgin
- Cost: $5/adults; children under 18 are free
The Elgin History Museum is housed in an 1856 landmark building known as Old Main that was once part of the Elgin Academy campus. Permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Elgin National Watch Co. and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. Through changing temporary exhibits, the museum brings to life Elginโs rich heritage.
Rayโs Diner
- Address: 801 St. Charles St., Elgin
Ranked best in America by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Rayโs is a cozy neighborhood restaurant that treats all customers like family. Theyโve got an extensive menu of deliciousness: all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner selections! Kids love picky eater items like Mickey Mouse waffles, chicken strips and hotdogs while parents love that everything on the kidโs menu is less than $10. Save room for dessert โ Rayโs offers wonderful homemade pies.
Hawthorne Hill Nature Center
- Address: 28 Brookside Drive, Elgin
Hawthorne Hill Nature Center offers a variety of engaging indoor activities for kids, like โfishing,โ exploring a tree’s interior, and creating crayon rubbings. Outdoors, families can enjoy 67 acres of open space with trails, ponds and a nature-themed play area featuring a birdโs nest and tree stump walk. Itโs a great spot for hands-on nature exploration and outdoor fun.
Herbโs Bakery
- Address: 1020 Larkin Avenue, Elgin
Since 1954, Herb’s has been creating and baking delicious, real bakery treats for the Fox Valley area. From old-fashion cake donuts, hand-made Danish, kringles and the soft Bavarian German pretzel roll, to elegant and fun custom cakes and desserts, they create pretty much anything.
Fox River Bike Trail
- Address:ย 1436 Duncan Ave., Elgin
The Fox River Bike Trail offers scenic river views and plenty of fun stops in Elgin, including Walton Island, Festival Park and the Gail Borden Library. Families can enjoy playgrounds, murals and even a spray fountain along the way. In summer, donโt miss the downtown farmerโs market on Fridays.
Fanny’s Thai Rolled Ice Cream
- Address: 7 N. State St., Elgin
For a unique treat, visit Fannyโs Thai Rolled Ice Cream, where ice cream is crafted with fresh fruits or cookies on a frozen machine right before your eyes. Choose from signature creations like Green Tea, Coconut Flake or Monkey Business, or design your own masterpiece.
Festival Park
- Address: 132 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin
Festival Park has a playground/heated splash pad combo, making for the perfect day out during the warmer months. There are some areas geared towards the younger set (musical section, see saw), but the playgroundโs main draws are the towers and giant slides, and the bridge that connects them.ย
Bumblebee Play Cafeย
- Address: 1015 N. Randall Road, Elgin
- Cost: $16/child
Bumblebee Play Cafe is a family-owned indoor playground with separate play areas for kids aged 4 and under and those aged 5 to 10, plus a climbing wall and karaoke room. The space encourages imaginative play, physical activity, and social interaction in a fun, safe environment.
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