Location
Pinball Palace in Carlyle, IL, is a beloved local arcade and diner that opened its doors in 1987. Known for its vibrant 1980s atmosphere, it offered a nostalgic experience with a collection of pinball machines, classic arcade games, and a menu featuring affordable comfort food. The venue became a community favorite, especially among those seeking a retro gaming experience. Over the years,…
Lincoln Land Amusement Park was a groundbreaking indoor amusement park located in Effingham, IL. Opened in 1977 by local developer Gene Mayhood, the park was adjacent to the Village Square Mall and spanned 100,000 square feet, making it one of the largest indoor amusement parks of its time. The park featured a full-size Ferris wheel that nearly touched the ceiling, a giant carousel, the…
Kristof’s Entertainment Center, located in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, has been a cornerstone of family entertainment since its establishment in 1974. Founded by brothers Jim and Tom Kristof, along with their mother Lorraine, the venue began as a modest 12-lane bowling alley and bar called Kristof’s Beef-n-Bowl. Over the decades, Kristof’s has undergone significant transformations, evolving into…
”That’s Entertainment” was a massive but short-lived family fun center located at 1475 E. Thorndale Avenue in Itasca, Illinois that opened in 1994. Owner Jeff Coghill built this 14,000 sq ft. Family Fun Center on 23 acres that his family had owned for over 40 years. It included over 75 arcade games, mini golf, bumper boats and go karts, all couched in a Hollywood theme. Coghill had big plans…
Skate West was a roller skating rink located at 2333 Theodore Street in Crest Hill, Illinois. It has since been rebranded as Family Fun Zone, which continues to operate at the same address. It includes an arcade with a number of games. Originally, it was known as Rosalie’s Roller Skate, owned and operated by Rosalie Roderick, who passed away in…
PGN Fun Village in Hickory Hills, Illinois, has been a notable destination for family entertainment since its establishment in 1993. Over the years, it has evolved to offer a diverse array of attractions catering to various age groups. The facility features two 18-hole miniature golf courses, enhanced in 2017, that incorporate elements such as a giant castle, cascading waterfalls, rivers, and a…
KeyLime Cove was a tropical-themed indoor waterpark resort located in Gurnee, Illinois, near Six Flags Great America. The resort opened in 2008, offering guests a 65,000-square-foot waterpark, multiple dining options, an 8,000-square-foot arcade, and a spa. In 2012, TripAdvisor named KeyLime Cove the #1 Family Hotel in the U.S. and #2 worldwide. Despite its initial success, the resort closed in…
Stella’s Batting Cages, located in Lyons, Illinois, was established in 1986 by Carey and Anna Matson. The facility was inspired by their son, Al, who, after overcoming a childhood cancer diagnosis, developed a passion for baseball. This led the Matsons to create a space where baseball and softball players could practice and enjoy the sport. Over the years, Stella’s has expanded its offerings to…
Wilderness Falls is a family-friendly outdoor fun park located at 145 S. Clow International Parkway in Bolingbrook, Illinois, easily accessible from Naperville, Joliet, and Chicago. The park features two 18-hole miniature golf courses, each offering unique challenges. In addition to mini-golf, Wilderness Falls offers batting cages and an arcade. It likely opened or around 2004, when it first…
LazerMaxx Family Fun Center was a prominent entertainment venue located at 941 S. McLean Blvd. in Elgin, Illinois. Established around 2010, it transformed a vacant industrial building into a vibrant space for family-friendly activities. The center’s main attraction was its expansive 5,000-square-foot, multi-level laser tag arena, featuring fog effects, glowing pillars, black lighting, and…