Top 10 family-friendly things to do in Illinois

From museums and man-made marvels to the wonders of the natural world, Illinois has near-limitless opportunities for family fun. Check out this list for some of the top kid-friendly spots and activities in Illinois.

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Crain’s: “Illinois actually is a pretty normal state when it comes to the overall tax burden imposed on business”

Illinois seems to get a bad reputation for its tax burden on businesses. However, a recent report from the Anderson Economic Group LLC found that Illinois was ranked 27th for its tax burden on businesses. The tax burden is based on income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes, unemployment compensation charges, license fees and other costs.

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Illinois is a nationwide leader in wind energy

While Chicago is known as the Windy City, the entire state of Illinois is harnessing the natural power of the wind to produce clean energy and reduce pollution. The first wind farm in Illinois, Mendota Hills near Paw Paw, was activated in 2003. In the decade since this first installation, wind energy capacity in Illinois showed extraordinary growth. Illinois law pushed this wind innovation. By 2025, under the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard, 25 percent of Illinois electricity must come from renewable sources. In 2013, wind energy accounted for 4.7 percent of all electric generation in Illinois, enough energy to power the equivalent of 880,000 homes.

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Signs of a turnaround? Latest CoGFA report highlights positive economic indicators

Every month, the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability puts out a report on the state’s budget and economy.

In July’s edition, the commission’s numbers continue to show a stronger economy than in 2013. Key economic indicators including new car and truck registrations, single-family housing permits, exports and the Chicago Purchasing Index are all up over last year. At the same time, unemployment is down.

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