THE 5 BEST Things to Do in Gurnee with Kids (Updated 2024) (2024)

Fright Fest! I wrote a review last year so not much to add. Again, my tip is to get in early and get to the back. For the second year, we were on Goliath immediately. Same with the Eagle, Viper and short wait for Raging Bull. We waited a bit for Batman (20 min). People hit Superman quickly, so wait gets long later. G-Force is same way. We stay overnight, and the second day we hit Superman (first and were on the first coaster), then over to Joker (about 10 min wait) and finish with X-Flight (waited about 10 min for first row). This is about an hour in and G-Force is already past 30 min and even Whizzer is at 20-25 minutes). FOOD: Choose wisely. We had decent chicken from Strutters last year. Johnny Rockets burgers are waaaay better than ThrillBurger in Food Court. Pizza is mediocre. Not adventurous to try anything else. ENTERTAINMENT: It's good. Shows don't change much year-to-year. The Ringmaster's Cabaret is a pretty good show. Scare Zones are fun; however, WATCH OUT FOR THE KIDS! They get "scared" and start running from the actors and will just run you over. Always an issue. HAUNTED HOUSES: They're okay. Sometimes more of a scenery visit than getting scared. Lines can get long so Express Entry may be worth it. We always do that. THOUGHTS: Wish the food & drink weren't so darn expensive. Just crazy to pay $14 for slice of pizza, $15-16 for a beer/drink. Also, many thanks to all the Jamaican workers at the park!

Good mall with a large variety of stores, and a lot of holiday decor. Clean, well maintained, with an ample and safe parking lot. It has a lot of snack / drink / food choices. It would also be nice to add a restaurant outside and even more events, and craft fairs each year.

We booked this for my 14 year old son for his birthday. It books up fast; I went to book a month in advance and most of the times for the day we needed were full. We drove from Milwaukee and arrived a bit early. We needed to be back to Milwaukee for an event, so I asked if we could start a little early. They were very accommodating and got my son set up right away. The 737 simulator is great. It looks just like the co*ckpit of a real plane. We were able to sit in the co*ckpit and watch him fly. On our way back to Milwaukee we asked him what he thought and it was one of his favorite things that he's ever done. We would return in a heart beat the next time we are in the area.

Took the boys here this past weekend, they always love jump America. They’ve installed a new wife about attraction, which the boys absolutely adored. The only thing is to use it you have to pay on a case-by-case basis or buy unlimited for $10. Do you live in it for $10 was worth it for the kids but the wife and I also purchased it and never even went in the attraction. The hamster wheel was also down to one which kind of took the fun out of racing in them. Outside of those issues, we always have a great time at jump America.

Having never done any kind of Escape Room experience prior to 60 to Escape, these Escape Rooms are really entertaining!
Went 3 times - once with a group of friends and twice with my parents. It does take a little bit of getting used to - knowing what to look for regarding clues, etc. But, the way the rooms are decorated, and not knowing what will happen next, keeps you on your toes.
We did Duke's Farm, the Temple of Doom-type room and the Haunted House-type room - they were all challenging in their own way, and each was quite different to the other.
The Game Masters are observant and will prompt you with hints when there's some pressure on the clock - even if you're reluctant to ask for hints yourself.
Doing the room with 3 people can be a bit challenging - 4 is a good number; I don't know if I could cope with a group of 8. It would depend on the group dynamics.
The location is great as well - within Gurnee Mills Mall, near the Ice Skating Rink and Food Court.
I would highly recommend these Escape Rooms and would return to play the other 3.

Ultra clean facilities, although only 2 bathroom stalls in the ladies room behind the ticket stand, what's up with that? Jumbo popcorn hit the spot. Was in town for the weekend and came here twice. Offers military discount. I would definitely recommend.