Summer Activities for Kids in Bloomington, IL

It’s that time of year when you want to get the kids out of the house and keep them busy. Whether you want to take the family out for some fun in the sun or for a full day of exploration, Bloomington, Illinois, has something for you. Check out these activities for kids in Bloomington and plan a day where you can all have some fun.

Bike Rides in Bloomington, ILImage via Flickr by woodleywonderworks

Enjoy Hands-On Fun at the Children’s Discovery Museum

The Children’s Discovery Museum offers lots of hands-on fun for kids of all ages. The exhibits include a grocery store, waterworks, and even a farming display. The kids can always enjoy the permanent Art Studio exhibit, which has nine different centers, each with its own theme and hands-on activity. The areas allow the kids to explore different mediums and materials, and there are instructions that guide you and your children through every step.

In the summer months, the exhibits expand outside, with an area packed with sand for the kids to dig and play in.

Visit With Animals at Miller Park Zoo

Bring the kids to the Miller Park Zoo to see a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals. This zoo is home to several exotic animals and provides zookeeper interactions for the whole family. Explore the grounds to see the Sumatran tiger, Galapagos turtle, river otter, Amur leopards, and even red pandas. The large exhibits include the Wallaby Walkabout, Animals of Asia, and the newest exhibit, the Tropical American Rainforest, which has plants and animals that live in the rainforests of South and Central America.

You’ll find the zoo on Morris Avenue, right in Bloomington. Admission is just $4.95 for kids up to age 12 and $6.95 for adults. Children two and under can go in for free.

Ride the Rides at Grady’s Family Fun Park

Spend a summer day at Grady’s Family Fun Park where you can ride bumper boats, try the Tilt-a-Whirl, and experience the thrill of the Roundup ride. The fun park also has go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, and kiddie rides such as the Dragon Wagon and Super Fun Slide for the little ones. Other rides include the bumper cars, the Sizzle, and the Thrilling Paratrooper. 

When your family is tired and hungry, you can grab a pizza or fun carnival food like funnel cakes and corn dogs. You’ll find Grady’s on Morrissey Drive in Bloomington. 

Jump and Play at Jumping Jax Family Fun Center

The kids can enjoy endless hours of fun at Jumping Jax Family Fun Center. This Bloomington attraction has lots of inflatables for the kids to jump on, slide down, and bounce around on. It’s the perfect place for your children to burn off energy while you sit back and watch. The center also has arcade games and some challenging obstacles for older kids.

Jumping Jax welcomes kids up to age 12 to get in on the fun. Keep in mind that everyone has to wear socks, and if you forget to bring some, you can buy a pair right on-site for just $2. Jumping Jax Family Fun Center is located on Sunnyland Plaza in Washington, IL.

Go Climbing at Upper Limits

If you want to take your entire family out for a climbing challenge, then Upper Limits is the perfect activity. It’s a rock gym with climbing walls both inside and out. The silos stand 65 feet tall, with climbing available all the way to the top. The kids can also learn how to boulder, auto-belay, top-rope climb, and lead climb. The gym offers classes for kids and adults who are just getting started, and there are youth programs, including climbing camps. 

Upper Limits is the perfect spot for a summer birthday party. The experience includes lots of climbing time, a private room for the party, pizza for all the guests, and tons of fun. 

You can find Upper LImits on West Washington Street, and the facility is open from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Walk or Ride on the Constitution Trail

Constitution Trail is a well-maintained trail that runs between the towns of Bloomington and Normal. Most of the trail follows the old Illinois Central Gulf Railroad and has an even paved surface. All in all, it runs for about 37 miles. It’s a perfect spot to bring the kids for biking or walking, with trail access in several places in both communities. Leashed pets are also allowed, so you can bring the family dog too. The trail is open every day an hour before sunrise until an hour after sunset.

You can download a map of the trail or get one at the parks department of either town. There is also a nature guide available with information about the flowers, trees, and animals you might see along the way. Many of the parking areas along the trail have picnic tables, shelters, and restrooms, and if you need to take a rest while walking, there are also benches where you can sit down.

Bowl at Pheasant Lanes

If you need something to do inside on a rainy day, head to Pheasant Lanes Family Fun Center. This bowling center has much more than just bowling, but there’s lots of that too. The center has youth bowling, leagues for adults and kids, and tournaments. For even more fun, you can head to the arcade where there are lots of games, including the virtual reality attraction, Hologate. This activity brings gaming to a new level with a VR headset that puts you right in the middle of a new dimension. 

Pheasant Lane Fun Center also has a mining game, mini-golf, and even sand volleyball.

Thanks to Hustedt Jewelry, you now have a list of things you can do with the kids this summer. With activities both inside and out, you can stay busy rain or shine. This list is just the beginning. If you know of others that you think should be on this list, let us know! Don’t forget to take some time for yourself this summer, too! Check out our list of the best bars in the BloNo area.