ExperienceGuide2023 - 40

(for all ages)
Champaign County Balloon Festival
RECREATION
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
Parade of Lights
Get Up Close to Wildlife
Whether you want to pet some goats, get kisses from
reindeer, or marvel at exotic animals, we have a spot to bring
out your inner child.
Hardy's Reindeer Ranch
Visiting with the reindeer is a bucket list item when you're in the
area. In Rantoul, you'll find a dozen reindeer who will give you a kiss
in exchange for graham crackers. This magical spot is extra special
leading up to the holidays as kids await a visit from Santa. In the
fall, play in their 10-acre corn maze, always with an impressive and
challenging design.
Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Camels, zebras, wildebeest, emus, snakes, birds, and tortoises
are among the 90 species at Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola.
Curate your experience with up-close encounters, wagons, drivethrus,
and walking trails to see these exotic creatures. Stop in their
Museum of Prehistoric Life for impressive models of dinosaurs and
other extinct animals.
Prairie Farm
This seasonal petting zoo from the Champaign Park District is
perfect for your young kids to meet farm animals such as cows,
sheep, and pigs as they wander the farm backdrop. A variety of
programs throughout the summer keeps kids engaged. Visit them
during the holiday season for the holiday lights walk.
Go Up in a Balloon
The Champaign County Balloon Festival, one of the newest events
in town happening every September, lights up the sky with dozens of
hot air balloons at Dodds Park in Champaign. Go on a tethered balloon
ride, or watch the balloons fill our big skies.
Get Festive at the Parade of Lights
Holiday cheer is in the air in downtown Champaign each Thanksgiving
weekend during the annual Parade of Lights. Explore holiday-themed
events throughout the district before the parade, like sipping on hot
cocoa at area cafés or hunting for elves at local boutiques as you
start your holiday. Stake out a spot along the parade route to see the
sparkling floats, holiday music from local bands, and finally, spotting
Santa as he makes his way to light the tree at One Main Plaza.
All Things Radio-Controlled
With drone racing, an RC car dirt track, and an airfield, Eli Field in
Monticello is your spot to play with all things RC. Events throughout
the year, like Horizon Hobby's RC Fest, give you opportunities to watch
the pros or participate yourself.
LOCAL LOVES
Melissa-Champaign-Urbana is one of the
nation's most accessible and affordable tennis
communities! We have great players at all levels,
tons of outdoor courts, two indoor facilities-and the
thing I LOVE-LOVE most? The Atkins Tennis Center (the same
facility that has played host to the NCAA championships) is
also home court for our local USTA leagues.
40 Official Champaign-Urbana Area Experience Guide

https://www.experiencecu.org/things-to-do/sports-and-recreation https://champaigncountyballoonfestival.com/ https://www.reindeerranch.com/ https://champaigncenter.com/parade-of-lights/ https://aikmanwildlife.com/ https://www.elifield.com/ https://www.horizonhobby.com/rc-fest.html?campaignid=11330476983&adgroupid=109773452823&extensionid=&targetid=aud-902446263070:dsa-19959388920&loc_interest_ms=&loc_physical_ms=9022196&matchtype=&network=g&device=c&devicemodel=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk96lBhDHARIsAEKO4xbQggU8cCPcaEwAV_AwLPlF1ZIS7vqMc-gxO7sFKrltoJHpgl7pZRQaAkPWEALw_wcB&creative=472120871891&keyword=&placement=&target=&adposition=&utm_campaign=search&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google https://champaignparks.com/prairie-farm/ https://fightingillini.com/facilities/atkins-tennis-center/17

ExperienceGuide2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ExperienceGuide2023