Family Friendly Itinerary

At times, it can be tough to plan a trip that is filled with activities that everyone will enjoy. Lucky for you, there are plenty of family-friendly activities throughout St. Charles that the whole family will love, regardless of age. Keep reading below to start planning a family-friendly weekend in St. Charles, IL!

Day 1

Morning

Photo 1 Courtesy of Colonial Cafe. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography

Start your morning with a St. Charles staple - Colonial Cafe. Known in the community for their delicious breakfast, ice cream, and rich history in the community. We can't think of a better way to start your trip! Plus, you can also stop by there later in the day for their famous Kitchen Sink, a banana sundae that packs a huge amount of flavor and ice cream!

Spend the rest of your morning into afternoon at Pottawatomie Park. There is ton you can do, from miniature golf, pedal boat rentals, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, Swanson Pool, and so much more.

Afternoon

Photo 1 Courtesy of Chums Shrimp Shack. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography

You'll need to grab some food after spending the whole morning at Pottawatomie Park, and since you were by the water, let's stay on theme and head to Chum's Shrimp Shack for their wide variety fried fish, grilled fish, handhelds, and of course, a kids menu!

After you've finished up your fare, walk on over to Rocket Fizz to pick up a sweet treat! Rocket Fizz is home to countless unique candies, craft sodas, and fun items, a perfect way to take a trip down memory lane, or perhaps find a new favorite treat!

Evening

Photo 1 Courtesy of Riverside Pizza & Pub

You are in the Suburbs of Chicago so it only makes sense that have to try a local pizza place! A must in St. Charles is Riverside Pizza & Pub. They have 6 different crusts to choose from, a plethora of appetizers, and handhelds that can't be beat.

After you finish eating the cheesiest pizza in town, walk along the river path to another Made in St. Charles Recipient - Kimmer's Ice Cream. Here, you can enjoy an array of fun, unique flavors which we recommend getting on their signature Sparkle Cones™!

Day 2

Morning

Photo 1 Courtesy of @Rachelkawate. Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast at Maple Leaf Coffee House. Their menu has an array of options that are certain to please your whole family, with a spacious area and breathtaking views of The Fox River.

Afterwards, you can take a quick walk across the bridge through downtown to work off your breakfast until you reach the St. Charles History Museum! Here, you can learn about the beginnings of St. Charles and how this city came to be. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Curious Fox Gift Shop to pick up a St. Charles souvenir!

Afternoon

Photo 1 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District. Photo 2 Courtesy of Beef Shack

Now that you've learned a little bit about St. Charles' beginnings, it's time to learn about the rich, natural history of the area! Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is the ideal place for nature activities, sitting on 130 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Plus, don't leave without saying hello to the animals that call the Discovery Center home!

On your way back into town, make a quick stop over at Beef Shack located on Main Street for a quick lunch. Here, you can enjoy their flavorsome food, like their famous "Cheezy Beef" or a classic Chicago Style Hot Dog.

Evening

Photo 1 Courtesy of Charlestowne 18

Start your evening by catching the newest movie at Charlestowne 18! This theatre, has luxury reclining seats, plus, the question that everyone is wondering: yes, they do offer free refills on popcorn, soda, and self serve ICEEs.

Once the final credits roll in, it's time to end your evening with one more sweet treat: Forever Yogurt. You and the kids will have a blast making a delicious frozen yogurt creation, with tons of candies other toppings to complete your masterpiece.

Day 3

Morning

Photo 1 Courtesy of Alexander's Cafe. Photo 2 Courtesy of St. Charles Park District

Start your morning off at a St. Charles favorite - Alexander's Cafe! Children will absolutely love their fun dishes like their Mickey Mouse Pancakes, Howdy Doody Eggs, or Chocolate Chip Waffles. For the grown-ups, your taste buds will be thanking you when you taste some of their popular dishes, like their Berry Good Pancakes or The Alexander Omelet.

Once you've got your fill from breakfast, make a trip over to James O. Breen Community Park on the same side of town, to enjoy Otter Cove Aquatic Park which is located there. This is a great chance to make a splash during your trip, and the kids will love all the amenities that the park offers.

Afternoon

Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of The Filling Station Pub & Grill

Next, if the kids still have energy to burn after playing at Otter Cove Aquatic Park, visit Urban Air Adventure Park to jump around and have a blast. Here, kids can play on so many different elements, including go-karts, a ropes course, climbing wall, and of course tons of trampolines!

After you've worked up an appetite, head to The Filling Station Pub & Grill, which has called St. Charles home for over 35 years! With an amazing patio and unique décor, it is the perfect spot for kid's meals while parents grab a refreshing cold one.

Evening

Photo 2 Courtesy of Kilwins

If the kids are brave enough, head across the street to Ghoulish Mortals - Chicagoland's only retail monster store. From floor to ceiling this shop is filled with unique products from tons of spooky artists and vendors - you never know what you'll stumble across! Plus, the kids will love to try their luck at one of their pinball machines, for a fun competition!

Before the trip comes to an end, stop by Kilwins for some fudge, chocolates, and other confections that the whole family can savor on your way home!

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