The greatest part of the northwestern suburbs of Chicago is all the open space. Compared to the city, there is so much breathing room that it’s hard to imagine living without it. It also makes us a little isolated from our neighbors, so it’s easy to forget some of the great attractions that you can only find in the wide open Hoffman Estates:
Brookfield Zoo
Bookfield Zoo in Hoffman EstatesSure, you could save a couple bucks and go downtown to the Lincoln Park Zoo, but there’s really no comparison. The open primate playground at the Brookfield Zoo is worth the price of admission alone. You can spend hours watching chimpanzees and gorillas swing along vines while you stand on a bridge right in the middle of the action. There are also multi-story enclosures with assorted reptiles, bug rooms, and huge dolphin and seal aquariums. If you love animals, you have no excuse not to pay the Brookfield Zoo a visit. If you don’t, you will after you go! (Admission is $17 for adults and $12 for children)
Medieval Times
“Dinner and a show” is always boring until it gets physical. At Medieval Times, you get both at once! The jousting competition and theatrical setting makes Medieval Times a great place for a family outing, but you don’t need kids to go (unless that’s your only excuse). What’s better than eating roast chicken with your bare hands while men riding horses try to stab each other? Located right around the corner in Schaumburg, tickets are $60 for adults, and include a meal fit for a king.
Prime Outlets Huntley Mall
Everyone in Hoffman Estates knows about Woodfield Mall. But while everyone is clogging the parking lots in Schaumburg to pay full price at Macy’s, you could dip over to Huntley to buy directly from brand names at a steep discount. Prime Outlets in Huntley features name brands in designer fashion and sportswear, fine leather and luggage, shoes, jewelry, and much more.
