📌 Bring the kids. We got you covered.

Northwest Illinois isn’t just for leaf peepers and antique hunters. It’s full of experiences that balance learning, laughter, and a healthy dose of the outdoors—perfect for memory-making with the younger generation. So pack snacks, charge those tablets for the drive (no judgment), and see what Lee and Ogle counties have waiting for you.

LEE COUNTY: Small-Town Charm, Big-Time Fun

My Play Village – Dixon
📍 1347 N. Galena Ave., Dixon, IL | 📞 815-677-9428
Imagination runs wild at My Play Village, an adorable indoor space designed just for kids. Picture a miniature town built at toddler scale—grocery store, café, doctor’s office, even a post office—all ready for role-playing adventures. Located in Dixon Plaza, it’s a solid win for families with kids under 10 and a great way to burn off energy (without worrying about the weather).

Lowell Park – Dixon
📍 2114 Lowell Park Rd., Dixon, IL | 📞 815-284-3306
A slice of nature right in town, Lowell Park offers more than just scenic river views. Kids can explore the playground or hike the wooded trails in search of birds, bugs, and squirrels. History bonus: This is where a young Ronald Reagan worked as a lifeguard and saved 77 lives—a commemorative marker tells the story at the beach. It’s nature and nostalgia rolled into one peaceful family outing.

Plum Hollow Family Center – Dixon
📍 1933 IL Route 26, Dixon, IL | 📞 815-288-7102
Bowling, arcade games, mini-golf, and even laser tag—Plum Hollow checks all the boxes for an afternoon of good old-fashioned fun. It’s clean, friendly, and refreshingly affordable. Bumpers and lightweight balls make bowling beginner-friendly for kids, and there’s plenty of variety to keep everyone entertained. Bonus: their pizza is also quite popular.

Nachusa Grasslands – Franklin Grove
📍 2075 Lowden Rd., Franklin Grove, IL | 📞 815-456-2340

Yes, you read that right—bison roam these parts. Nachusa Grasslands is a 4,000-acre restored prairie where bison have been reintroduced to help rebuild native ecosystems. While you may not always spot them, just knowing they’re out there makes for an exciting hike. The visitor center and well-marked trails offer an educational and picturesque experience perfect for curious kids and patient parents.

OGLE COUNTY: Nature, Nostalgia, and Splashy Surprises

Jarrett Prairie Center – Byron
📍 7993 N. River Road, Byron, IL | 📞 815-234-8535

Part museum, part nature-lover’s dream, the Jarrett Prairie Center is a hidden gem for curious kids and their grown-ups. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits with fossils, prairie wildlife, and even a life-size bison replica perfect for photo ops. Outside? Over 400 acres of trails, scenic overlooks, and wide-open space to roam—plus a huge wraparound deck with jaw-dropping views of the prairie. It’s educational without being stuffy, and a great place to spark a little wonder about the natural world.

Splash Canyon Spray Park – Oregon
📍 200–208 14th St., Oregon, IL | 📞 815-732-3101
When summer heats up, the Oregon Park District’s splash pad is a top choice for cooling off. It’s free, fenced in, and features shaded seating areas for adults to relax while the kids splash and play. Located within a full-featured park, it’s convenient and easy to pair with a picnic or some playground fun. Simple and effective.

Rochelle Railroad Park – Rochelle
📍 420 N. 6th St., Rochelle, IL | 📞 815-562-7031
Train-obsessed toddlers and curious teens alike will enjoy this one-of-a-kind park where you can safely watch active trains crisscross at a rare double-diamond crossing. There’s an observation shelter, picnic area, and a small gift shop to round out your visit. It’s a throwback kind of stop that manages to feel timeless.

The Rink at Pine Creek – Mt. Morris
📍 6929 W. Pines Road, Mt. Morris, IL | 📞 815-946-9988
Want to cap off the day with some classic fun? The Rink at Pine Creek offers family-friendly roller skating in a charming, small-town setting. It’s Northern Illinois’ largest roller rink, complete with top 40 tunes, arcade games, and a snack bar. It gives off serious “birthday party in the ’90s” vibes—in the best way possible. Everyone will sleep well after a night here!

🚗 Make It a Day (or Two)

With so many options just a short drive apart, it’s easy to create your own mini road trip. Start the day in Dixon for indoor play or museum time, drive south to Nachusa for prairie hikes and bison watching, then cross into Ogle County for a splash, skate, and sunset picnic by the river.