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Gurnee

Overview

Home to one of the Six Flags Great America Theme Parks, Gurnee is great for family getaways. Located north of the city, everyone in the family can find something to satisfy them. While the kids experience Six Flags and its newest water park addition, Hurricane Harbor, mom and dad can shop down the street at the Gurnee Mills Mall, which harbors more than 200 unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Shopping

The Gurnee Mills Mall is an expansive retail space offers all of your favorite stores with merchandise at discounted prices. Complete with a movie theater and dining options, it’s a great way to get lost for an afternoon. Intrepid shoppers can explore the world of outdoors-themed equipment at Bass Pro Shops and affordable fashion at H&M.

Dining/Nightlife

Restaurant-wise, Gurnee is very family-friendly, from theme-oriented places like Planet Hollywood and Rainforest Cafe to a small, but on-top-of-it selection of pan-Asian restaurants and it's not a bad spot to keep an eye out for a classic Chicago hot dog.

Culture & Attractions

The Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center is a perfect place to get the whole family together. With everything from laser tag to an ice skating arena, it's a great way for the entire family to enjoy what this Gurnee institution has to offer. Of course, there's the aforementioned Six Flags Great America here.

The Low Down

The Chicago metro area is full of strong communities that identify themselves with Chicago, but have forged their own unique identities at the same time: Gurnee is no different. If driving, expect the trip from downtown to take at least an hour--thanks to traffic--and enjoy the wares of this commercial paradise.