Norcross and Scott

If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven is a perfect place to visit. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 40 exotic, free-flying butterflies and several stunning bird species from the Southern Hemisphere. The greenhouse, which spans 2,700 square feet, features serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees, and over 1,000 butterflies, giving you the feeling of being in summer all year round. If you're interested in witnessing the life cycle of a butterfly from caterpillar to chrysalis to the very first flight, you should take advantage of the First Flight Butterfly Release. Moreover, they offer weekly Butterfly Haven Yoga sessions if you want to spend more time in the Butterfly Haven.

Old St. Patrick's Church is a historical landmark in Chicago that was designed to withstand the test of time. Built in the 1850s, it is among the few structures that survived the devastating Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The church's architecture is rooted in the Celtic Revival movement, making it an outstanding example of Chicago's unique architectural style. Today, Old St. Patrick's Church is a vibrant community of more than 3,000 members, warmly welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds. Located at the intersection of Chicago's diversity, the church celebrates its rich historical legacy while looking toward a promising future. Apart from Sunday masses, the church organizes guided tours and annual block parties, fostering community and joyous celebration.

If you're searching for an exciting day trip near Chicago, look no further than Raging Waves Waterpark. With nine waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a giant sandbox, kids and adults alike will have a great time. Since opening to the public in 2008, Raging Waves has expanded to cover 58 acres, adding 15 more waterslides, 43 private cabanas, and 11 dining options. It's hard to believe that it all began with only 17 waterslides, a ¼ mile-long lazy river, a 350,000-gallon wave pool, a sand area, a leisure pool, and two restaurants.