13 Best Activities for Kids in Bloomington-Normal, IL

Jul 15

When traveling with kids, one of the most important things to plan is fun activities! If you’re in the area, Bloomington and Normal offer a wide range of activities for kids of all ages.

Whether you’re just stopping through or staying for a while, you’ll have a great visit in Central Illinois by making House of Games your home base! Not only will you have great access to all the best activities for kids in Bloomington-Normal, but the family will have nonstop fun with arcade games, a rec room, and more right where they stay. Book today to reserve your space!

1. Children’s Discovery Museum

Located in Uptown Normal, the Children’s Discovery Museum is a favorite among locals. It provides hours of fun for kids aged toddler through elementary school. Features include an expansive play supermarket and pizza kitchen, water play, an agricultural exhibit, pretend theater, arts and crafts activities, and more.

2. Iron Coyote Challenge Park

Of all the fun activities for kids in Bloomington, Illinois, this one will help them get their energy out! Kids love the challenge of this unique climbing venue with a ninja gym, ropes course, zipline, bouldering wall, and more.

3. Altitude Trampoline Park

Keep kids entertained for hours in over 23,000 square feet of jumping fun. This trampoline facility includes trampolines of all sizes, a giant foam pit, monkey bars, and a variety of other challenges for people of all ages.

4. Upper Limits Rock Gym

Located in an old grain silo, Upper Limits is a fun place for kids to test their climbing skills. It features opportunities for all skill levels, including bouldering, auto-belays, top-roping, and lead climbing. You can also sign up for lessons to improve your skills.

5. The Proving Ground Bouldering Gym

This locally owned and operated, family-friendly rock climbing gym in Normal features 6,500 of bouldering, with auto-belays for beginners. Get a day pass for the family and climb for the entire day.

6. Miller Park

There are many activities for kids in the City of Bloomington’s Miller Park. The Miller Park Zoo is open year-round and features a variety of animals year-round. Just outside the zoo’s gates is a large playground, which operates a splash pad in the warm months. Guests can also enjoy mini-golf, paddle boats, or simply a walk around the spacious grounds.

7. Bloomington Ice Center

The whole family can enjoy an afternoon of ice skating at Bloomington Ice Center, located in Grossinger Motors Arena. Sign up for open skate and get skate rentals if you need them.

8. Normal Parks and Recreation Aquatic Centers

If you’re in Bloomington-Normal during the summer months, the Town of Normal has some impressive water parks that kids will love. Anderson and Fairview Aquatic Centers feature a variety of slides, diving boards, and even splash areas for toddlers. They’re a great way for the whole family to cool off while spending time outside.

9. Grady’s Family Fun Park

Another place to enjoy some kids’ activities in Bloomington-Normal during the summer months is Grady’s Family Fun Park. Kids (and adults too!) can enjoy go-carts, mini-golf, batting cages, bumper boats, bumper cars, an arcade, and a handful of rides. And if you’re hungry, be sure to stop in for some pizza!

10. Urban Warfare Paintball

Enjoy paintball year-round in this facility which features indoor and outdoor paintball courses. It’s a perfect place to host a party, or just hang out with some friends. It also offers laser tag

11. Pheasant Lanes Family Fun Center

Few activities for kids are more fun and cherished than bowling! Pheasant Lanes offers 32 lanes as well as mini-golf, an arcade, and volleyball courts. Adults can also hang out in the pub while the kids play.

12. Rader Family Farms

If you’re visiting Bloomington-Normal between September and October, don’t miss out on this unique experience at a local pumpkin farm. There are a variety of kids activities available including a bouncy pillow, slides, corn mazes, apple blasters, and more.

13. House of Games Private Arcade Rental

Last but not least, our favorite activities for kids in Bloomington-Normal are right here at House of Games! Our one-of-a-kind vacation rental features a basement with 10 vintage arcade games, a rec room with air hockey, ping pong, and foosball, complimentary soda and ice cream, and more goodies the whole family will enjoy!

Book your stay today and enjoy the best activities for kids Bloomington has to offer!

Ryan Curtis