Deb Baker  

The Kohl Children's Museum is a fantastic place for children to have fun and explore. Geared towards kids aged eight and below, it offers various activities such as science, art, math, technology, teamwork, and outdoor games. The Kohlights holiday event is now an indoor/outdoor experience, where you can enjoy Twinkle Train rides, meet and greet with Anna & Elsa, and stroll through the interactive lights of Habitat Park. Additionally, you can explore all the indoor museum exhibits. The Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago boasts 17 interactive and hands-on exhibits, all carefully designed to align with the Illinois State Learning Standards and stimulate young children's love for learning. The Museum attracts an average of 300,000 visitors annually, and it has around 6,000 member families who enjoy the purpose-built facility, the interactive exhibits, and the easily accessible location.

The Northcenter neighborhood of Chicago hosts Ribfest Chicago, an annual three-day food festival during the summer. It has been celebrating the love for BBQ for 23 years and has gained immense popularity. Ribfest Chicago attracts over 60,000 visitors yearly who feast on an average of 50,000 pounds of pork. The festival has been featured in both local and national media, and BBQ experts from all over the Chicagoland area compete for awards such as "Best Ribs" and "People's Choice." But Ribfest Chicago is not just about delicious ribs but also a nationally recognized indie music festival. The event features top local and national acts on two stages, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy live music. Ribfest Chicago is not only for adults but also a family-friendly event. The festival offers a "Kids Square" that provides three fun-filled days for children, including sliding, climbing, jumping, riding, dancing, and live entertainment.

Visit the Hollywood Casino Joliet and try your luck at gambling. With a wide range of games available, including table games, poker machines, penny slots, and live poker, there's something for everyone. So, bring your best poker face and plenty of coins to experience the nightlife fully. Apart from the games, you can also enjoy live entertainment, delicious meals at the restaurants, and thrilling promotions to enhance your experience. And if you're looking for an overnight stay, they have 100 premier hotel rooms and 80 spacious RV sites away from the gaming floor and dining area. If you're looking for more things to do in the area, there are plenty of options available. Some popular attractions include the Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet Slammers - DuPage Medical Group Field, Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, and Pilcher Park.