Christmastime is often the season of packed schedules and last-minute shopping. There’s pressure to buy the perfect gifts for loved ones, but the best presents don’t always come wrapped in paper and bows. Sometimes, the greatest gifts are experiences and memories made with loved ones.
osing to give an experience gift can be a refreshing change. It’s a way to focus less on things and more on moments to look forward to long after the holidays are over. Whether it’s learning new skills, enjoying thrills or staying somewhere unique, there are opportunities across Illinois that go beyond traditional gift-giving this holiday season.
s year, trade the checkout line and online retail for something more lasting. Explore Illinois Country Living’s list of experience gift ideas found throughout the Prairie State, each offering its own way to create memories.
ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES
All aboard
Gift a journey through railroad history with a certificate to visit the Illinois Railway Museum in Union. Ride vintage electric or steam trains, explore historic rail cars and step into a living railway museum. With more than 400 vintage rail cars and trolleys, it’s the largest transportation museum of its kind in the U.S. Plus, it is an interactive and educational experience for kids, too. Note that the museum is open seasonally.
Go on safari
Give someone a wild and wonderful day out at Aikman Wildlife Adventure, tucked between Arthur and Arcola. At this unique drive-through wildlife park, families can cruise through a mile-long loop in their own vehicle, getting up close to zebras, camels, antelope and more. There are also wagon and off-road adventures, as well as a walk-through area with smaller animals.
Summer fun
There’s nonstop family fun at Knight’s Action Park in Springfield — a summer-day playground open seasonally that’s packed with rides, water thrills and classic park charm. There are amusement park rides, like the Big Wheel and Paratrooper, a go-kart track, mini-golf courses and the main attraction — Splash Kingdom, with its lazy river, wave pool and water slides.
Up close to wildlife
Give the gift of wonder with a trip to the Peoria Zoo, nestled in Glen Oak Park in Peoria. This 14-acre gem is home to nearly 100 animal species and offers immersive, beautifully designed habitats to explore. A day pass creates space for discovery, conservation and animal encounters, as well as several educational experiences. For a lasting gift, consider a membership, which includes unlimited visits, early member mornings and gift shop discounts.
A petting zoo experience
Gift a hands-on, animal-filled day at Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo, a family-run farm in Nashville. On a guided 60- to 75-minute tour, guests walk through historic barns and pastures to meet more than 200 animals — everything from baby goats, sheep and pot-bellied pigs to more exotic friends like zebras, kangaroos, emus and even a “zedonk” (zebra-donkey). The zoo is open seasonally and accepts cash, Venmo or check only.
A hike with goats
Treat someone to a quirky and memorable adventure with a voucher for Hoof It Goat Treks in Galena — an experience where you don’t just walk in the woods, you walk with goats. The 45-minute to 1-hour guided goat trek takes you through meandering trails with curious goats at your side. The trek is suitable for all ages and abilities. It’s outside, immersive, playful and unlike the usual outing — perfect for animal lovers, families and friends seeking something different.
Discover science and history
Give the gift of inspiration and discovery with a visit to the Peoria Riverfront Museum in Peoria, a multidisciplinary destination that brings together art, science and history under one roof. The interactive galleries let families explore hands‑on science, historical artifacts and modern art. The Dome Planetarium offers immersive shows for all ages. The Giant Screen Theater shows educational films that entertain and enlighten.
Places to stay
Family fun
Give a getaway that combines family fun, nature and relaxation at Grand Bear Resort, tucked just off I‑80 in the scenic Illinois River Valley near several state parks. The 24,000-square-foot indoor waterpark — Grand Bear Falls — includes a wave pool, lazy river, water slides, splash tower and a big hot tub. The area is also perfect for hiking, waterfalls and exploring Starved Rock, Matthiessen and Buffalo Rock state parks.
Grain bins and cabooses
Give someone an experience that’s as wild as it is cozy — staying overnight at Wildlife Prairie Park offers an unforgettable getaway in the heart of nature, with some unique accommodations. While there are rustic cabins overlooking bison and elk pastures, grain bin cottages and train cabooses add to the experience. Visitors can also enjoy full access to the park, hike trails and unwind in nature under the stars.
Historic lodge and cabins
Giant City State Park offers hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding and overnight stays at Giant City Lodge. The lodge was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and features native sandstone and white-oak timber that give it a rustic, timeless feel. There are also three types of cabins available.
A mountain escape
Visit a mountain without leaving Illinois at Chestnut Mountain Resort, perched above the Mississippi River in the hills outside Galena, offering beautiful views. In winter, guests can ski or snowboard on Chestnut’s 19 trails. In warmer months, there’s an alpine slide, zip‑lining, Segway tours, a mountain bike park, mini golf, disc golf and hiking. The resort has more than 100 slopeside rooms, as well as a restaurant with panoramic river-valley views.
Cabins and tree houses
Give someone a one-of-a-kind getaway tucked in the Shawnee Hills — Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins located near Elizabethtown offers real treehouses, antique and Amish-built log cabins, and private homes for a rustic yet refined escape. It is located in close proximity to Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, hiking trails and more southern Illinois outdoor adventures.
More cabins and tree houses
Enjoy a unique stay in western Illinois near the charming community of Nauvoo. Ten Acre Treehouses offers stays in rustic cabins, whimsical tree houses and even an off-the-grid experience. It’s the perfect rustic and peaceful getaway for those who want an escape from everyday life.
Art and nature
Here’s a gift idea for a serene, art‑and‑nature‑infused getaway — Allerton Park and Retreat Center, located near Monticello, is more than a park — it’s 1,500-plus acres of forest, formal gardens, meadows and sculptures. The lodging options are historic and charming, including stays in the mansion, a secluded 1917 house in the woods, the former gardener’s home and a rustic lodge.
THRILLING GIFTS
Escape reality
Invite someone to step into the story at CU Adventures in Time & Space. Located in downtown Urbana, its escape rooms offer themed adventures where teams have 60 minutes to uncover clues, solve puzzles and escape. The experiences are imaginative, fast‑paced and perfect for groups of friends, families or coworkers. There are also online adventures that can be played at home.
A canopy tour
Treat someone to an unforgettable outdoor thrill at Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour in Makanda, set on 83 wooded acres in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. This eco‑friendly canopy course features eight zip lines (with the longest stretching more than 1,100 feet), three aerial suspension bridges and scenic short hikes through the trees. It’s ideal for anyone craving an adrenaline‐laced escape from the everyday who loves nature.
Soar above the clouds
Lift someone into the skies with the unforgettable experience of hot‑air ballooning just outside Galena with Galena on the Fly. Their flights depart from the grounds of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa and soar above Jo Daviess County’s rolling hills, historic landscapes and scenic countryside. Weather permitting, the rides are offered at sunrise or sunset, delivering breathtaking views. Gift certificates are available — perfect for giving now and scheduling later.
Enjoy the views
It’s an adventure with a view — Grafton SkyTour at Aerie’s Resort is an easy‑to‑access thrill for all ages. From a choice of open‑air chairs or enclosed gondolas, this sky‑high ride carries guests to the top of the bluff overlooking the dramatic confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The ride is suitable for families and couples.
Taking a dive
Surprise someone with the thrill of a lifetime and the ultimate adrenaline experience — a tandem skydive at Skydive Chicago in Ottawa. Perfect for first‑time jumpers, the tandem format means a licensed instructor handles the dive while the recipient enjoys the ride, all while taking in the Illinois countryside.
Paranormal thrills
Invite loved ones into the shadows of history with Amelia’s Galena Ghost Tours in Galena. A climate‑controlled luxury shuttle carries guests on an after‑dark expedition through haunted sites and hidden stories of the city. Equipped with ghost‑hunting tools like EMF detectors, every stop explores the paranormal. It merges historical intrigue with eerie exploration and works for thrill‑seekers, ghost‑story fans or simply a memorable night out.
Aim and throw
Axe throwing is a test of skill at The Game Yard in Highland. This is not your average axe‑throwing experience — participants step up to high‑tech projected targets in a relaxed, social space complete with a full‑service bar. In addition to axe throwing, The Game Yard also offers other activities, including a golf simulator, giant Jenga, iRacing and more.
HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES
Forge a knife
Give the gift of fire and steel — a knife-forging experience at Edge of Normal Workshop in Bloomington. Participants will work with an experienced bladesmith, learning how to heat, hammer and shape a piece of steel into their own knife. This is perfect for someone who likes hands-on adventures and metalworking. Plus, the finished piece is theirs to keep as a tangible memento of the experience. More options include knife sharpening, tomahawk and bottle opener forging.
Spoon carving
Perfect for someone interested in woodworking, Galena Spoon Co. offers three‑hour spoon‑carving workshops. Located in downtown Galena, the class is designed for beginners and takes participants through wood selection, tool handling, shaping and finishing their very own hand-carved wooden spoon. Since the class is taught in a small group (up to six people), buy yourself a spot, too.
Recipes for success
Surprise someone with a culinary experience at Lori’s Kitchen Store, located in Washington. The cooking classes aren’t just demonstrations — they’re engaging, hands-on experiences in a cozy and welcoming kitchen-store setting. Attendees receive recipe handouts and learn how to cook and bake a variety of dishes. Classes cover a variety of themes, including sourdough basics, pizza making, chocolate basics, dumplings and much more.
Paint your own pottery
Treat someone to a colorful, hands‑on adventure at Shewey’s Paint Your Own Pottery Studio, set in a welcoming, family‑friendly space in Paris with hundreds of ready‑to‑paint pottery pieces, glass fusing, clay, canvas, mosaics and more. Ideal for someone who likes hands‑on experiences and art, this gift offers the freedom to walk in during business hours, pick their piece and paint. Gift cards can be purchased online.
Create your own pottery
Surprise someone with a creative evening (or eight) at Mudslide Pottery Studio in Greenville. There are lively one‑night wheel‑throwing workshops — complete with instruction, clay and an informal, fun setting — or dive into an 8‑week pottery class that guides students from the first steps to finished pieces. This gift is perfect for anyone curious about the craft and ready to try something new.
Become an artist
Give the gift of creativity at Art Gecko Studio & Gallery in O’Fallon — a studio offering art classes for all ages and skill levels. Choose from adult drawing or watercolor classes, or pick a fun session for youth (preschool, elementary, junior or anime art). If you don’t want to pick a class, e-gift cards are available. The studio has a creative, supportive environment and a team of dedicated instructors helping people tap their artistic side.
The gift of music
Treat someone to the joy of music with a gift voucher to Taylorville Music Lessons in Taylorville. Whether they’re a complete beginner or ready to level up, this friendly local studio offers instruction across nearly every instrument — from piano, drums, voice and guitar to violin, ukulele, trumpet and more. Lessons can be held in person or online.
