Family Fun: The Top Things to Do in Schaumburg

It’s here, it’s here! Thanksgiving week equals fall break for most kids and they are usually ready to let loose and have some fun. We made it home to Illinois for the holiday, but just because we are home, doesn’t mean we are sitting still. We picked up our nephews and took a ride to Chicago’s northwest suburb of Schaumburg for an overnight adventure.

According to my oldest nephew, “it was the best day ever!”

Who could blame him for making such a big proclamation? They watched a helicopter take off while eating lunch, constructed an actual LEGO brick with a pump of the hand, and were noble guests of the king for an exciting tournament of courage.

The Best Things to Do in Schaumburg with Kids
Schaumburg Things to Do

Where is Schaumburg, Illinois

Schaumburg is roughly 30 miles from downtown Chicago and 10 miles from O’Hare International Airport. It is home to Woodfield Schaumberg Mall, the 11th largest mall in the United States.

It was Black Friday, an American shopping holiday of sorts which is pure madness, so we purposely avoided the mall on this occasion. Honestly, I don’t know how we would have fit shopping in with our busy day. The city of Schaumburg kept us entertained all day long.

Top Things to Do in Schaumburg

Family Fun in Schaumburg
One of our all-time favorite restaurants to go with the kids.

Pilot Pete’s Restaurant – Where the Adventure Begins

The first stop of our action-packed day was for lunch at Pilot Pete’s. The aviation-themed restaurant is right on the landing strip at Schaumburg Regional Airport.

From the moment we got out of the car, the boys were captivated by the location. We walked around to look at the planes before heading in.

Pilot Pete's Restaurant: Where to eat in Schaumburg with kids.
Outside at Pilot Pete’s Restaurant
Where to eat with kids in Schaumburg, Illinois
Hoping to see a plane take off from Pilot Pete’s in Schaumburg.

Tip: Looking for things to do in Schaumburg in December? Go to Pete’s. The employees were just starting to deck the place out for the holidays and I was told the decorations are over-the-top once completed. They also have a few days where Santa makes an appearance and flies into Pilot Pete’s. Check Facebook for specific dates.

Pilot Pete's Restaurant: Where to eat in Schaumburg, Illinois
Pilot Pete’s all decked out for the holidays!
Pilot Pete's Restaurant in Schaumburg
Airplane seats to sit in while we wait for our table. Are you ready for takeoff?

While waiting for our food there was not one dull moment. The boys were constantly noticing different things on the ceiling or walls and pointing them out. They waited patiently for a plane to land or take off.

The clouds were low so we explained that we didn’t think we would see any in action while we were there. Then we were fortunate to see a helicopter take off. They thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Family Fun in Schaumburg

Pilot Pete's Restaurant in Schaumburg, Illinois
Huge menu at Pilot Pete’s

We ordered the unique lobster nachos, which landed (no pun intended) the restaurant on WGN’s, Chicago’s Best, Best Family Spots.

The homemade individual tortilla chips topped with a New England lobster mix, melted Colby Jack cheese, and jalapenos did not disappoint. We also tried the chicken finger waffle sandwich with a honey mustard sauce. The boys ordered macaroni and cheese and a hot dog off the kids menu. All in all, everyone was happy with their meal and thrilled with the restaurant itself.

Check out Other Schaumberg IL Restaurants Here 

Schaumburg things to do with kids. Make sure to stop at Pilot Pete's Restaurant.
Lunch at Pilot Pete’s Restaurant
Pilot Pete's Restaurant: Schaumburg Things to Do with Kids
Airplanes everywhere at Pilot Pete’s!

Heading to Chicago next? 100 Awesome Things to Do with Kids

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

Next on our itinerary was LEGOLAND Discovery Center located at the Streets of Woodfield. Since both nephews said they would like their birthday parties there next year, I’d say it was a hit.

Things to Do in Schaumburg, Illinois: Do not Miss Legoland
Legoland in Schaumburg, Illinois

Our experience started with an entire section dedicated to the city of Chicago. The recreation has everything quintessential Chicago: Soldier Field, Navy Pier, the skyline, the Bean, the river, and O’Hare Airport. We were impressed with the amount of detail throughout the exhibit.

Legland Discovery Center: Schaumburg Things to Do
 Hey, it’s Chicago!
Family Fun in Schaumburg: Legoland Discovery Center
Is that the Hancock Building?

As we walked through the Jungle Expedition after, the most asked question was, “how many LEGO bricks do you think it took to make that?”

Family Fun in Schaumburg: Legoland Discover Center
That face!
Legoland Chicago: Top Things to Do in Schaumburg
I wonder how long it took to make these?

Next, we climbed aboard our chariot to rid the world of trolls and dragons on the Kingdom Quest laser ride. A rematch was declared loudly as we finished and I, the only girl in the group, was the ultimate champion.

Legoland in Schaumburg, Illinois
Ready for a ride at Legoland!

After the ride, we giggled through the short 4D movie. At 12 minutes long, it is the perfect amount of time to keep the attention of any child. The escapade came alive while we dodged, ducked and grasped at objects that seemed like they were within arm’s reach. Air blew in our face as the characters raced down the street, making us feel like we were right there with them. It was one of the highlights of the afternoon for sure.

Tip: There are multiple movies that rotate throughout the day.

Family Fun in Schaumburg: Legoland Discovery Center
4D is cool. Legoland Discovery Center

Another great experience at LEGOLAND Discovery Center is in the factory room. Professor Brick-a-Brack took us through the entire process of how a LEGO brick is made from start to finish.

At the end, the boys were able to press the button to complete the process and make their very own LEGO brick to bring home.

Legoland Discovery Center: The best things to do with kids in Chicago.
We made our own Lego bricks!

We laughed, we learned, we built, and we played. It was a great afternoon at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Family Travel in Schaumburg, Illinois: Legoland

legoland-discovery-center-7

Looking for other Fun Midwest Adventures: Indy’s Children Museum is A Must-Experience

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Our day wasn’t over just yet! For dinner, we joined the royal court for a four-course feast and a tournament of skill at Medieval Times.

Medieval Times: Things to Do in Schaumburg, Illinois
We are ready to cheer our knight on!

We were transported back to a time of allegiance and bravery. Knights battled in the name of honor and chivalry. Spanish horses bolted across the arena as the crowd cheered. We watched as the competition unfolded and the knight with the most strength and ability became champion of the realm. The boys were mesmerized the entire show, I couldn’t think of a better way to end the best day ever!

Tip: Remember to check Groupon for discounted ticket prices!

Family Fun in Schaumburg

Family Fun in Schaumburg

Lodging in Schaumburg

Know Before You Go

Pilot Pete’s

  • 905 West Irving Park Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193 (847) 891-5100
  • Kitchen Hours Mon – Saturday: 11am – 10pm, Sunday: 11am – 9pm

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

  • 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 (847) 592-9700
  • Hours: Mon – Friday 12pm – 7pm, Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
  • Last admission is 2 hours before closing.
  • Check website for holiday hours.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Chicago

  • 2001 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, IL 60195 (847) 882-1496
  • Showtimes vary, see website.

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Thank you Meet Chicago Northwest CVB and its associates for hosting us in the city. All words and opinions, however, are my own.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, if you book through our link we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

We were looking for family fun things to do in Schaumburg and it was a huge success! What’s your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

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Fun things to do with kids in Schaumburg, Illinois: Legoland, Pilot Pete's, and Medieval Times. #schaumburg #illinois #family #travel #chicago

Knights, airplanes, jousting and LEGO's what more can you ask for? If you are looking for a family fun day in the Midwest, look no further!

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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

17 Responses

    • Dang Travelers

      They did…we all did actually. 😆 We were hoping the places wouldn’t be super busy since most kids are out of school and luckily they weren’t.

  1. Chris Travels

    Well, Dang (aka Energizer Bunnies) you are at it again, this time with two nephews in tow. You packed into a couple of days what most parents could only manage in a week’s vacation! My idea of fun is far more relaxing, but I’m sure with all the kid friendly activities you planned, you are at the top of the list as favorite Aunt and Uncle in those boys’ eyes!

    • Dang Travelers

      Thanks Chris, we better be at the top of the list! hahaha We were exhausted and I thought, “how do parents do it?” but you are right they probably don’t try to pack in so many things at once… that’s how! As always, thanks for following along on our adventures.

  2. Tiffany

    What a cool restaurant. I love planes and I think I would even like this place. What a fun Aunt and Uncle you guys are.

    • Dang Travelers

      Thanks Tiffany! We try…ha! Pilot Pete’s is so entertaining. It would have been a bit more awesome if more planes were coming in and out. My husband is a pilot so he especially likes it.

  3. Sarah Stierch

    How fun. The only thing I remember about Schaumburg was IKEA! (I lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, so we’d drive up there to go to IKEA). I love aviation stuff and totally think the restaurant is cute – burgers on waffles? Wow! I haven’t been to a LegoLand yet, but, it’s always been on my agenda.

    As a child free person, I admit, I love the idea of all three of these things!

  4. Kerri

    Oh to be a kid again. What a hoot. It’s incredible to think there are places like this that are just all about kids and having fun. Not enough of it in the world.

  5. Lara Dunning

    I lived in Lisle as a kid and I don’t think we ever went to Schaumberg. Not sure why, maybe the mall wasn’t built then? Sounds like the boys had a great day!

    • Dang Travelers

      Lisle is close by so I’m surprised you never went. I think it was built in the 70’s so it was probably there. Not 100% though. Yes, the boys enjoyed themselves for sure!

  6. The Clueless Abroad

    While we wouldn’t go to a tournament reconstruction with animals involved, the LEGOLAND looks amazing. 🙂 We’d probably get stuck there for hours. 🙂

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