Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, is the ultimate destination for families seeking a perfect mix of fun, learning, and adventure. This area is filled with engaging activities, delicious dining options, and family-friendly attractions that cater to kids and parents alike. Whether you’re exploring hands-on exhibits at the Children’s Discovery Museum, saying hello to red pandas at Miller Park Zoo, or enjoying a scenic stroll along the Constitution Trail, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, with a variety of indoor and outdoor options, this itinerary ensures the fun continues no matter the weather.

Day 1:

• Breakfast: Fort Jesse Café – This cozy spot offers a family-friendly atmosphere and hearty meals like stuffed French toast or fluffy pancakes. Parents can enjoy artisan coffee while kids dive into the playful menu items.

• Morning Activity Option 1: Children’s Discovery Museum – Perfect for curious young minds, this museum offers three floors of interactive exhibits. Watch your kids light up as they explore the Luckey Climber, create in the Innovation Lab, and use your imagination and splash around in the water play area. *Fun fact: You can spend most of your day here if you have a younger child. 
• Morning Activity Option 2: Stroll or bike along the Constitution Trail. Stop at Tipton Park for an engaging playground with climbing structures and swings. Enjoy a nature walk while spotting ducks in the pond.
  • Free Option on Tuesdays: McLean County Museum of History – Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s connection to the area, browse the fascinating exhibits, and let kids explore. * Better for older kids! 

• Lunch: Avanti’s in Normal – A lively restaurant that the whole family can agree upon. No matter the age, they have something everyone will enjoy. They have pizza, sandwiches and pasta dishes. * Highly recommend their Famous Gondola. You won’t be disappointed. Fun idea: Get your order carry out. Bloomington-Normal has several parks that would make a great spot for a picnic. Check out local parks at Parks – Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.

• Afternoon Activity Option 1: Run, jump, climb and become a ninja at Iron Coyote Challenge Park. This place will have your kids worn out. This 20,000 sq/ft facility offers a ropes course with over 35 obstacles, ninja warrior-style obstacle courses, climbing walls, zip line, party rooms, snack bar and an observation mezzanine to enjoy it all!
• Afternoon Activity Option 2: Visit Miller Park Zoo, offering many habitats and Zookeeper interaction opportunities that are enjoyed by the whole family. Some highlights include Sumatran tiger, greater flamingos, American Alligator, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagle, Pallas’ cat, snow leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. The Zoo features many large indoor and outdoor habitats such as a Tropical America Rainforest, ZooLab, Katthoefer Animal Building, Wallaby WalkAbout, Children’s Zoo. Check out the large park right outside of the zoo. *Fun fact: Fridays are free the entire month of February. 

• Dinner: BloNo Pizza Co. – Enjoy a menu featuring pizza, wings, and a great beer menu. With tons of TV’s, a gaming room, driving range, arcade machines, a wide array of most excellent Weekly Events and so much more, there’s a little bit of
•  something for everyone. They also offer the only Top Tracer Range in Central Illinois!
• Hotel: Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center – This modern hotel offers spacious rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and an indoor pool that’s perfect for an evening swim.

Day 2:

• Breakfast: Coffee Hound – Sip on expertly crafted lattes and grab a quick bite like freshly baked muffins or bagels. Kids will love the hot chocolate! There are a wide variety of coffee and tea selections. There are locations in Uptown Normal and Downtown Bloomington. Both locations offer outdoor spaces to explore. If you have a happy kid that morning, there are cool murals in both locations for some fun trip photo ops. Or another great option is The Cat’s Meow Cafe. Sip Coffee, have breakfast all while kids can play with adoptable cats. What could be a better breakfast?

Day 2 Activities options depending on the season:

• Day Activity Option 1: Sugar Grove Nature Center – *spring summer and fall Located a few minutes outside of Bloomington, known for its beautiful landscapes, the space provides hiking trails through woodlands and prairies, perfect for nature walks, birdwatching, and photography. With its commitment to conservation, the area serves as an educational resource, showcasing native plants and animals while promoting sustainability. Ideal for visitors seeking tranquility and connection with nature, Sugar Grove Nature Spaces is a hidden gem for those in Central Illinois.
• Day Activity Option 2: Season Reopens Open Saturdays and Sundays 11 – 3, April 4, 2026.  The Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, Illinois, celebrates the rich history of aviation and its impact on the world. Featuring a diverse collection of aircraft, helicopters, and aviation memorabilia, the museum offers an up-close look at the innovation and bravery that have shaped the skies. Visitors can explore static displays, learn about the stories behind historic aircraft, and even participate in interactive events like Open Cockpit Days. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Prairie Aviation Museum provides a fascinating journey into the world of flight.
• Day Activity Option 3: All year long The Arcadia: America’s Playable Arcade Museum in McLean, Illinois, is a nostalgic haven for gamers of all ages. This unique museum combines the charm of a retro arcade with the hands-on fun of classic gaming, featuring a wide array of vintage pinball machines, arcade games, and consoles, all in working condition and ready to play. Visitors can relive the golden age of gaming while learning about the history and evolution of the arcade industry. Perfect for family outings or a trip down memory lane, Arcadia offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves games. *Games take quarters

Check out Rader Family Farms during the Fall and throughout the year for special seasonal events. Over 50 activities are located on site. Check out their calendar for upcoming events.

• Lunch: Garden of Paradise – Dig into home style favorites such as meatloaf and St. Louis style ribs to mediterranean specialties and everything in between. This great eatery will fill you up and not break the bank.

This sample itinerary is designed to give you a taste of what Bloomington-Normal has to offer, but it’s just one of many ways to explore our community! We do not prefer or endorse one place over another—there are countless incredible options to discover.

For more ideas or for more personalized itineraries, call us at 309-665-0033 or visit the Things to Do section on our website. Let us help you create your perfect Bloomington-Normal experience! 🌟