FamilyFun, Milwaukee

Completed in 1916, Navy Pier is undeniably one of Chicago’s top attractions. Stretching into Lake Michigan, this year-round destination truly comes to life in the summer, with fireworks displays, live music, theatre, and cruises setting sail daily. Come fall and winter, Navy Pier is still hopping, with special events, sights, and activities that span all ages and interests. Pier Park is the epitome of fun. It’s where you’ll find the amazing Centennial Wheel, the Pepsi Wave Swinger, a 1920s-inspired musical carousel, and other nostalgic fairground rides. Just so you know, the Centennial Wheel soars to nearly 200 feet, with year-round, climate-controlled gondolas for the most spectacular Ferris wheel ride ever. It’s an iconic part of the Chicago skyline and a treasured piece of Chicago history, harkening to the city’s 1893 World’s Fair. You can even book a VIP Centennial Wheel experience in a glass-bottomed, plush-seated gondola. Fireworks perfectly synchronized to music have become a Navy Pier tradition. Biweekly shows are scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For an extra-special experience, watch the fireworks from the water on the deck of a cruise boat. https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/attractions-and-tours/navy-pier/

With 25 acres of awe-inspiring landscape, breathtaking architecture and an iconic collection of public art, Millennium Park is Chicago’s premier green space. Millennium Park celebrated its 10th anniversary season in 2014 and continues to present dozens of free events and programs including art installations, outdoor concerts, films screenings, alfresco workouts and more. https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/parks-and-outdoors/millennium-park/

Shedd combines the best of early 20th-century aquariums — a diverse, global animal collection surrounded by mouth-dropping architecture, and a commitment to 21st-century advances in animal care, environments and interpretation. Here, you'll not only find 32,600 of species of sea life, but one-of-a-kind experiences, such as shark feedings, penguin encounters, and even the chance to be a "Trainer for a Day." https://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Extending out into Lake Michigan from its Museum Campus home, this is America's first planetarium and it has become a recognized leader in science education. The Adler is home to one of the largest and most significant collections of historic scientific instruments in the world. The Adler’s collections also include rare books, manuscripts, archival materials, models, and photographs. Immersive theater programs, special exhibitions and events such as lectures and viewing parties allow you to journey through the vast universe – from the depths of powerful black holes to the heights of Voyager 1, the farthest human-made object from Earth. https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/#5Q8Zfmcg1t8I4heb.97

With over 5,300 animals representing over 750 species, The Toledo Zoo is one of the world’s most complete zoos—it’s also the region’s top family destination! Let The Toledo Zoo whisk you away, from the Arctic tundra to the wilds of Africa to the tropical rainforest and all points between—all in one great day. During the 1980s The Toledo Zoo introduced many exciting and significant improvements. Foremost among them, the African Savanna provided a stunning recreation of the plains and jungles of Africa. The now world-famous Hippoquarium - the first of its kind in the zoo world - was developed as part of the Savanna. More recently, the Kingdom of the Apes, exhibits for Siberian tigers, Asian sloth bears and African wild dogs have been added, as well as a renovated Aviary and the Primate Forest. Zoo Visitors are also welcomed by a new parking lot, entry complex, gift shop and a ramped pedestrian bridge over the Anthony Wayne Trail. The popularity of the Zoo has increased dramatically over the last decade. Restored facilities, new exhibits and a concerted effort to address the needs of the visitor have resulted in an average attendance of 875,000 people each year, with over 1,000,000 visitors in 1988, 1994, and 1999. Special promotions such as the Lights Before Christmas capture the charm and character of the Zoo and have become traditions for Toledo families. https://www.toledo.com/area-directory/microsite/microsite-toledo-zoo/

Located along the scenic riverbanks in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo is conveniently located near beautiful downtown Indianapolis with easy access to walking and biking trails into the city. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums. Run with cheetahs on the African plains, or swim with dolphins in deep blue oceans. Wherever your adventure may take you, the Indianapolis Zoo will be your guide! https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

An animal lover's paradise, the Detroit Zoo is situated on 125 acres with many naturalistic habitats. Major exhibits include the Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, Penguinarium and Butterfly Garden. The Detroit Zoo is home to animals from A to Z, including anteaters and zebras and hundreds of other species in between. More than 2,000 animals representing 230 species of amphibians, mammals, birds and reptiles live in the Zoo’s 125-acres of true-to-life habitats that bring visitors face-to-face with these exotic creatures. https://detroitzoo.org/

Gather your entire family and jump into an explosion of water fun! Greenwood has a new state-of-the-art aquatics facility featuring a lazy river, lap pool, slides, zero-depth entry pool, kids’ play zone, and more!! You will find everything you need for a SPLASHtacular family time! http://www.greenwood.in.gov/division/blocks.php?structureid=21

Since the 1870s, Cedar Point amusement park has been a summertime tradition for families across the Midwest. The rich history and modern world wonders have created one of the most successful entertainment attractions in the world. Every year Cedar Point hosts more than three million people from around the world. Its popularity continues to grow due to world-recording-breaking roller coasters and amazing attractions. With 68 rides, including 16 roller coasters, Cedar Point has more rides and more roller coasters than any park in the world. Two of its newest coasters are legends. Built in 2003, Top Thrill Dragster is 420 feet tall and reaches speeds of 120 mph! On the other side of the peninsula, the Millennium Force stands 310 feet in the air and reaches speeds of 93 mph along more than 6,500 feet of track. The Magnum XL-200 steel roller coaster features a huge hill of more than 200 feet while the maXair ride, Cedar Point's newest ride, swings guests 140 feet in the air. Riders sit in outward-facing suspended seats that form a giant circle of 50 passengers as their legs dangle freely in the air. Both attractions reach speeds of 70 mph. https://www.toledo.com/attractions/cedarpointamusementpark/

Located just minutes south of Mall of America, the Minnesota Zoo brings education and entertainment to life! The zoo is home to penguins, a lush tropical forest and aviary, marine center, boreal forest, tundra and a family farm. With more than 4,300 animals, you're bound for a new adventure on every visit! The zoo also has banquet facilities and picnic rentals available and group discounts for 20 or more. https://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/3079/minnesota-zoo

One of the last free zoos in the United States, Como is home to a wide array of animals (from monkeys to polar bears) and exotic plants and welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Located next to Como Town Amusement Park, the historic Cafesjian's Carousel, and in Como Park, the zoo and conservatory are great fun for visitors of all ages. http://www.comozooconservatory.org/

Every Zoo goer who passes through the turnstile at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium embarks on an adventure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Here at the Zoo, we are passionate about creating lasting and unforgettable experiences for each and every one of our guests. We welcome you to share with us and the world your magical guest moment to inspire others to visit the Columbus Zoo. https://www.columbuszoo.org/home

Opened in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the second-oldest zoo in the nation and a National Historic Landmark that is consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the country. http://cincinnatiusa.com/things-to-do/attractions/cincinnati-zoo-botanical-garden

COSI, Columbus’ dynamic Center of Science and Industry, has combined science learning and fun since 1964 with 300-plus hands-on exhibits, Ohio’s largest Planetarium, Giant Screen Theater, live shows and more. And now, through a unique and unprecedented partnership with the renowned American Museum of Natural History, COSI’s offerings are only growing! Located on Columbus’ Scioto Peninsula, COSI is near the downtown core and the Ohio Statehouse. A brand new 6.5-acre park sits directly west of the museum featuring a splash pad, playground, picnic tables, swings and much more. COSI introduced the new Dinosaur Gallery – a permanent exhibit that allows guests to get up close to a full-sized cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, 100 million-year-old fossilized amber, an 8 foot titanosaur femur cast and much more. https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/listing/cosi/5658/

A Christmas Story House, now restored to its movie splendor, is open year round to the public for tours and overnight stays. Directly across the street from the house is A Christmas Story Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving A Christmas Story at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. http://www.achristmasstoryhouse.com/

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari are a family theme park/water park combo located in Santa Claus, Indiana. The theme park celebrates Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July with top-ranked roller coasters, rides, live entertainment, games and attractions. The popular website TripAdvisor.com named Splashin’ Safari the #1 water park in the nation, home to the world’s two longest water coasters, numerous family raft slides, two wave pools, water slides and water activities for children. Holiday World offers guests free unlimited soft drinks, free parking, free inner tube usage, free sunscreen and free Wi-Fi. Together, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari were named the nation’s Top Value Park in a recent issue of Consumers Digest. https://www.gotolouisville.com/directory/holiday-world-splashin-safari/

The Akron Zoo offers 35 acres of exhibits & guest amenities. Create lasting memories and ride the train or carousel, and view 8 animal exhibits. How did the jaguar get its spots? How does the Andean condor carry the sun into the sky? Learn the answers to the legends of these animals and more in Legends of the Wild. Travel through South America with the jaguar and capybara, Madagascar with the lemurs and the Himalayan Mountains with the snow leopards and Himalayan tahr. Come on down to the farm! You can pet, feed and get nose-to-nose with domestic farm animals like Boer goats, Oberhasli goats, Nubian goats, and pygmy goats. Make sure to see our sheep, pig and barn owl too. Buy food for these animals at our granary and then hop aboard a solar powered train, the A&K Wilber Express (April-October). If you are not too tired get lost in Ohio Farmland maze. Navigate the seven seas on the pirate playground, have a picnic in the Wild Prairie Pavilion and enjoy a snack from our Grasslands Café. Make sure you stop by the butterfly waystation and learn about the amazing migration of butterflies. http://www.akronzoo.org/about-the-zoo

Cherokee Park Family Campground invites you to spend your next camping vacation on our quiet, scenic grounds in Portage County, near Akron in Northeast Ohio. The Park campground features gorgeous surroundings, quality facilities, excellent campsite amenities and friendly service. Set on 50 acres, just a short drive east of Akron, Ohio, Cherokee Park offers a peaceful setting with wooded and open space surrounding two small tree-lined lakes and an activities area. Enjoy the beauty of nature and the calming effect of a campfire. You might even spot an occasional deer during your stay. Cherokee Park offers 120 campsites with 30 amp electric and water hookups. Choose a sunny, open RV site or one that is shaded by trees. Pull-thru sites are available for today's larger RVs. Pets are welcome so long as they are leashed and attended. Cherokee Park offers a few family tent sites during the summer for a limited stay. http://cherokeeparkcampground.com/

Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the globe. Science North maintains the second and eighth largest science centres in all of Canada and features an IMAX® with Laser theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and so much more! Head to the second floor of the science centre for some one-of-a-kind visitor experiences. Polish a mineral in the Lapidary Lab, visit tropical butterflies in the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, handle exotic invertebrates, and trade some natural artifacts at the Nature Exchange. Take a voyage through Ontario’s natural landscapes with Northern Ecosystems. Visit Science North’s animal ambassadors and learn about the wildlife found in our own backyards. Discover what fish live in Ramsey Lake, learn how you can help at-risk species in Ontario, and even come face to face with a snake! Tinker, play, and have fun in our Tech Lab. Build race cars, learn about space exploration, and take a spin in the Gyroscope. Or discover the latest breakthroughs in biology in our Bio Lab. https://www.sciencenorth.ca/science-north/

Travel through the 28-acre African Grasslands exhibit with the likes of elephant, white rhino, cheetah, sable antelope, bongo, ostrich and impala rising into view upon your every move. See eye-to-eye with reticulated giraffe from the all-new Giraffe Encounter. Feed and brush the African pygmy goats at the kraal. View the African lions from the peak of the exhibit, while they gaze into the distance over the entire exhibit. Immerse yourself in a desert environment at the Desert Dome, the world's largest indoor desert located under the world's largest glazed geodesic dome. See plant and animal life from three of the world's deserts: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Navigate the ocean floor as sharks and other marine life circle overhead in the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, the largest aquarium within a Zoo. Discover polar regions, temperate oceans, coral reefs and the Amazon, as well the wildlife that inhabit these areas, from Antarctic penguins, puffins, sea turtles, jellyfish, stingrays, Giant Pacific octopus, moray eels and colorful fish. And explore the natural rainforest environment as you walk through the Lied Jungle, North America's largest indoor rainforest. Cross a unique swing bridge, through wet caves and beyond swooping tree limbs to the sounds of crashing waterfalls, see gibbons and other primates swinging in the canopy and experience exotic plant life. http://www.omahazoo.com/

Centreville Theme Park is the ultimate summer destination for families! Located on the Toronto Islands, Centreville offers a full day of family fun — featuring more than 30 kid-sized rides & attractions, alongside beautiful beaches and 14 casual restaurants for grown-ups and kids to enjoy. One of the top attractions for families in Canada, guests are invited to revel in Centreville’s new & improved Sky Ride. You are welcome to explore 600 acres of natural parkland, interact with farm animals and experience stunning lake and city views. Getting to Centreville is almost as exciting as the park itself. Everyone likes the scenic Centre Island ferry ride across Toronto Harbour. You can choose to arrive by private boat or water taxi just minutes from downtown Toronto, along the Harbourfront. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/centreville-theme-park/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

With a huge range of creatures from around the globe, the Toronto Zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain and the Tundra Trek. Animals can be seen indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in naturalistic environments. The Toronto Zoo also participates in many conservation initiatives including captive breeding and reintroduction, habitat and species research and much more. Set in the beautiful Rouge Valley in the east end of the city, the Zoo is open 364 days a year and is accessible by car and public transit. https://www.seetorontonow.com/attractions/in-the-spotlight-toronto-zoo/

More Zoo for you to explore with more than 200 acres of adventure filled with more than 1,700 animals. See penguins like never before at Helzberg Penguin Plaza. Watch king and gentoo penguins torpedo through the water in their 100,000 gallon cool pool and see the Humboldt penguins bask in the sun and get their flippers wet in the 25,000 gallon warm water pool. Dip your hands into a shallow pool and discover the unique texture of stingrays and bamboo sharks at Stingray Bay. Journey to the Polar Bear Passage and marvel at our polar bears' beauty and strength. Swing into the Orangutan Canopy and get nose to nose with these orange apes. Take a walk-about through a mob of kangaroos. Get a birds-eye view of zebras, giraffes and rhinos on the African Sky Safari. Visit animals from the tropical rainforest, the African Savanna, the Australian Outback, the Asian mountainside, the north and south pole and everywhere in between. https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/kansas-city-zoo?cid=18602#sm.000184edndt4sfcyt9010c9rxvdb6

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum welcomes the young at heart! Housed in the National Register-listed Allan Herschell Carrousel Factory building, this attraction has exhibits, demonstrations, two antique carousels, a children’s gallery, gift shop and more. https://www.visitbuffaloniagara.com/businesses/herschell-carrousel-factory-museum/

From moonlight zip tours to aerial courses to couples adventures, Adventureworks offers a range of treetop fun. Adventureworks has two Nashville-area locations, including Nashville West (Kingston Springs) and The Fontanel. Both locations have canopy zip tours year-round. The Nashville West location also features an aerial adventure course, specialty monthly tours, and team-building courses. If you’re looking for high-flying activity, consider these upcoming experiences at Adventureworks. http://nashvilleguru.com/92771/adventureworks-nashville-zipline

Located in beautiful countryside outside Nashville, Lucky Ladd Farms offers a unique farm experience. Home to Tennessee’s largest petting farm, featuring over 100 friendly animals and exotic livestock; Lucky Ladd’s is brimming with fun, wonder and adventure. Families love the award-winning 60-acre farm park for its inventive attractions that appeal to all ages, acres of playgrounds, exciting hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, nature trails, educational exhibits and more to fill your day with good old fashioned fun. http://luckyladdfarms.com/

The Memphis Zoo has been named as one of the best zoos in the country according to TripAdvisor, and for good reason! From the time you step inside the grand entrance, you know you’re in a very special place. The main entrance and courtyard pays honor in its design to the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt. The meandering streams, crisp waterfalls, native plants and tranquil gardens alone are a great reason to visit. With 19 unique exhibits and thousands of animal species, you can “travel around the world” within the perimeters of the zoo. Visit Teton Trek which brings the Yellowstone National Park to Midtown. The Great Lodge and replica of Old Faithful are surrounded by grizzly bears and wolves. (And yes, you can play in the geyser.) Catch a playful sea lion performance at Northwest Passage where you can also get nose-to-nose with polar bears, see totem poles (that actually received a Native American blessing), bald eagles, black bears, and the list goes on. Pay a visit to China where you can stand a few feet away from giant pandas, Le Le and Ya Ya. The Memphis Zoo is one of only four zoos in the United States to provide this rare opportunity. http://www.memphistravel.com/article/go-wild-memphis-zoo

The Farm in the Heart of the City! The Museum offers programs and exhibitions on Canada’s agricultural heritage, food literacy, and on the benefits and relationship of agricultural science and technology to Canadians’ everyday lives. Visit the animal barns and explore the captivating exhibitions. Celebrate a Canadian crop in the Museum’s newest exhibition — Canola! Seeds of Innovation. Other exhibitions include Tractors, Food Preservation: The Science You Eat (presented by Nestlé Canada), and Discovery Park. Programming includes special weekend theme events, school programs, summer day camps, interpretive tours, and demonstrations. All admission prices do not include applicable taxes and are subject to change without notice. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canada-agriculture-and-food-museum/

A 135-plus acre zoo nestled in Druid Hill Park, the Maryland Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the country. Maryland Zoo is Baltimore's wildest attraction! The zoo is home to 1,500 exotic mammals, encompasses birds, amphibians and reptiles representing nearly 200 species. http://www.marylandzoo.org/

Experience three unique attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Ripley’s Moving Theater where you ride the movies, and 2,000 sq. ft. of the mind-bending Marvelous Mirror Maze! https://www.ripleys.com/baltimore/

Experience the wonders of an aquarium, zoo, science museum, and 3D theatre all in one attraction! See sharks, penguins, otters, stingrays, a fishing cat and other amazing animals from around the world in NEW The Wiseman Aquarium. Get eye-to-eye with tigers, meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles and other unique animals in Animal Discovery Zoo. Roam through Dinosaur Gallery, take a journey through the human body, experience extreme weather, and have fun in Kid’s Alley in the Museum. Watch amazing 3-D shows that pop out of the screen in the OmniSphere Theatre. https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/things-to-do/animal-discovery-zoological-park-at-the-greensboro-science-center/

Six hundred-forty acres of pristine prairie beauty are waiting to welcome you to this natural oasis, which is located right inside the city. In the summer feel the wind in your hair canoeing or sailing on one of FortWhyte’s several lakes; in the fall sip a locally brewed beer on their restaurant patio while witnessing North America’s largest animal (the bison) roam in its natural habitat as migrating birds fill the sky; in winter go cross country skiing on their many trails or take the kids out for a ridiculously fun day of sliding on the Richardson Rrrun Toboggan slide. No matter what the season, there is always an adventure to be had at FortWhyte Alive. https://www.fortwhyte.org/

Saturated in 6,000 years of history, the meeting of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has always been a gathering place for people. Across 54 beautiful acres you’ll find a bustling central market, exceptional dining and accommodations, vast tree-lined paths overlooking all the bends in the riverbank, a world-class skate park, a children’s play area and water park, and all the best things a Winnipeg winter has to offer like skate rentals and access to one of the world’s longest skating trails. It also bridges, via the sexy Esplanade Riel, très-European St. Boniface — with its restaurants, cafes, artistic flair and francophone flavour — and the downtown core. https://www.theforks.com/