2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 198 items found in Outdoors & Play
Oak Meadows Golf & Banquet
Professional caliber 18-hole golf course. Banquets/meetings up to 400 year-round. Four distinct rooms for meetings, seminars or receptions. Accessible from O'Hare Airport and major expressways.
CITY: Addison
Raging Buffalo Snowboard Park
World's first exclusive snowboard area, USASA regional event location, state of the art snowmaking system.
CITY: Algonquin
Golf Club of Illinois
Hailed by Golf Digest as "The best example of target golf yet built," the Golf Club includes pot bunkers, double greens, fescue-covered mounds and water hazards.
CITY: Algonquin
Lake Arlington
Sail boating, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and weekends in September and October. Includes boat rentals (sailboat and paddleboat), 2 mile bike/walk path, picnic area, and playground.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Arlington Lakes Golf Club
The challenging 18-hole layout spans 90 acres of superbly manicured fairways and greens with 14 beautiful lakes to negotiate during a round. Features clubhouse, snack bar area, pro shop, and patio area.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Nickol Knoll Golf Course
Large bentgrass tees and greens give this fun layout a big course feel. Several shots from elevated tees provide a beautiful view of the area. Features pro-shop, snack bar and club house.
CITY: Arlington Heights
Leiseberg Park
Leiseberg Park plays host to local Bartlett events, festivals and fairs.
CITY: Bartlett
Jaynesway Farms (Bartlett)
A complete equestrian center offering English & Western riding lessons, boarding trail rides, pony rides, hayrides, carriages rides and barnyard zoo. Heated indoor arena.
CITY: Bartlett
Villa Olivia Country Club Ski Area
Skiwee for kids 4-9 years old, snow tubing, ski, dining, golf, lessons, snowboarding, sleigh rides.
CITY: Bartlett
Bartlett HIlls Golf Course
This 18-hole course features a practice range, pro shop, snack shop and banquet facilities.
CITY: Bartlett
Apple Orchard Golf Course
Apple Orchard is a par 27, nine-hole course with a pro shop and snack bar.
CITY: Bartlett
Villa Olivia Country Club
This Killian/Nugent-designed course features five water holes. An Olympic-size pool is available for free to golfers, along with sand volleyball, tennis, a softball area and more.
CITY: Bartlett
Batavia Riverwalk
A 32-acre park built in cooperation with Batavia Park District, the city of Batavia and the Batavia Riverwalk Committee. Park your bikes by the Depot Museum and stroll the boardwalks through the wildflower garden.
CITY: Batavia
Hall Quarry Beach
Hall Quarry features a zero-depth sand beach, two islands, a youth water slide, drop slide, and a diving tower with two- and four-meter platforms.
CITY: Batavia
Red Oak Nature Center
A visit to the center will help folks learn about the native plants and animals of the Fox River Valley. Interpretive center, hiking trails, and tours of Devil's Cave.
CITY: Batavia
Fermilab
Fermi is the site of the world's most powerful particle accelerator, where particles circle the four-mile ring 57,000 times each second. Restored prairie grass areas, historic barns and a buffalo herd are also on display.
CITY: Batavia
Funway Entertainment Center
This year round entertainment center offers bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, roller skating, an arcade and outdoor entertainment from April-September.
CITY: Batavia
Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Batavia
Dotted along the 179-mile byway, you’ll find an unprecedented series of interpretive murals. Each artistically embodies the cultural heritage of the community where it is located and the legacy of the historic highway. Needless to say, taking a road trip to all or a couple makes for a nostalgic adventure.
CITY: Batavia
White Pines Golf Dome
White Pines Golf Dome is one of the world's premiere indoor golf facilities. Measuring 300 feet wide, 300 feet long and 100 feet high, it is the area's largest golf dome.
CITY: Bensenville
Bensenville Park District
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Ten minutes from O'Hare, Bensenville Park District offers everything for your leisure, fitness & banquet needs. From the outstanding White Pines Golf Club to the award-winning Deer Grove Water Park, come and enjoy a variety of activities, parks & events.
CITY: Bensenville
The Arboretum Club
This beautiful 30,000-square-foot clubhouse features an upscale restaurant with patio seating and 18 holes of championship golf.
CITY: Buffalo Grove
Garfield Farm
Discover 19th century farming, food production and native Illinois prairie at this 1840's farm. Seminars on prairie, woodlands, wetlands management: bat, blue bird box construction and tree grafting are available.
CITY: Campton Hills
Carol Stream Park District
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Stay active! This award-winning parks & recreation agency offers over 400 acres of parks, 5 miles of paved trails, 3 recreation centers, free special events & hundreds of recreation, dance, gymnastics, summer camp, sports & fitness & active adult programs.
CITY: Carol Stream
Coral Cove Water Park
Dive into this beach-themed water park with 2 tall tube slides, drop-slide, diving well, walk-in swimming pool, splash ‘n spray playground, sand play area and café. Locker rooms, showers & family restrooms. Available for group rentals for 50-1500 people.
CITY: Carol Stream
Brunswick Zone - Carol Stream
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone offers bowling, billiards, Laser Tag, an arcade/game room plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY: Carol Stream
Bonnie Dundee Golf Course
Offering good par fours with difficult par threes, this course is architecturally classic and slightly rolling, with medium-size greens.
CITY: Carpentersville
Chalet Hills Golf Club
This championship 18-hole golf course with 6,950 yards offers bent grass fairways, and beautiful rolling hills and vistas. Power carts are required Friday through Sunday and holidays.
CITY: Cary
Lippold Park Family Golf Center
The mini putt courses have been designed with separate themes, including the handicapped accessible Sports-N-Courts with a sports theme, and Tees-N-Trees with a prairie theme.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Turnberry Country Club
This private member-owned golf club features an 18-hole course, along with a swimming pool and tennis courts.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Red Tail Golf Club
This 18-hole championship golf course has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, 4-1/2 stars by Chicagoland Golf, and has been voted one of the best values in all of Illinois.
CITY: Crystal Lake
Azoosment Park at Santa's Village
Azoosment Park at Santa's Village is an amusement park/petting zoo. Unlimited pony rides and amusement rides with one paid admission.
CITY: East Dundee
YWCA Camp Tu-Endie-Wei
Trails, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, cabins on Willow Lake.
CITY: Elgin
Fox River Bike Trail
Dawn until dusk, a 36 m. trail is the forefront of outdoor recreation passing through Elgin, St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia and Aurora. It winds along the banks of the Fox River through miles of prairie grass, overshadowing trees and blooming flowers.
CITY: Elgin
Elgin Park District
Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.
CITY: Elgin
Wing Park Golf Course
Accessible and perfect for a quick nine, Wing Park's greens are small and hard to hit. The course is a manageable length for beginners and seniors.
CITY: Elgin
Spartan Meadows Golf Club
This course is a challenge for all levels, with competitive rates and a friendly staff.
CITY: Elgin
Bowes Creek Country Club
Bowes Creek delivers a private club experience to the public golfer! It offers annual memberships for a day, or just enjoy Porter's Pub - an English inspired eatery.
CITY: Elgin
Pirates' Cove Theme Park
A unique park for children ages two to nine years. Pirates' ship, paddle boats, train ride, climbing wall, and many more creative attractions for children. Concession and picnic areas. Birthday parties and rentals. Open daily June through August. Admission fee for children. Adults are always free.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Rainbow Falls Water Park
A tropical paradise waterpark. Three giant water slides, tot pool, vortex pool, drop slide, three-story funhouse with plunge pool. concessions, picnic areas, locker rooms with family changing areas. Daily admission and season passes. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Fox Run Golf Links
Par 70. Open Sunrise to Sunset. 18 hole golf course, club house, pro shop, and restaurant and bar. Private parties upon request and availability.
CITY: Elk Grove Village
Wilder Park Conservatory
A historic tradition lives on at the Elmhurst Park District Conservatory and greenhouses, located in Wilder Park. The conservatory holds four main plant displays a year: a Easter and Calla Lilies in the spring, Chrysanthemums in the fall, Poinsettias in December and an Environmental show with various themes in the Winter. In addition youth education programs are offered with our in house Horticulturist.
CITY: Elmhurst
Mayan Adventure Indoor Waterpark by The Waverton Hotel
237 newly remodeled guestrooms, Holidome Recreation Center, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna & fitness room. Two diverse dining establishments - Hang Time Restaurant and Hang Time Bar & Eatery. 3,500 square feet in meeting space.
CITY: Elmhurst
Elmhurst Park District
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The Elmhurst Park District exists to provide opportunities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors, particularly those opportunities that people cannot supply for themselves. With facilities like the Sugar Creek Golf Course, the Elmhurst Art Museum, a skate park, two swimming pools, several fitness & recreation centers, over twenty neighborhood parks, and miles of bike paths and trails, the Elmhurst Park District will satisfy the needs of any audience.
CITY: Elmhurst
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Ft. Sheridan's history is closely tied to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Lt. Gen. Philip Sheridan was put in charge of settling the unrest after the fire. Members of the Commercial Club which represented Chicago businessmen petitioned to establish an artillery school and military installation north of Chicago for their safety. Ft. Sheridan is now a beautiful forest preserve with rolling terrain, bluffs and ravines full of rich history. Trails wind through the preserves for outdoor enthusiasts or tour groups may take a walking or motorcoach windshield tour of the preserve.
CITY: Fort Sheridan
Fox River Trail
This 32-mile paved biking/hiking trail along the Fox River features scenic parks, picnic areas and playgrounds located adjacent to restaurants and shops.
CITY: Geneva
Fox Valley Ice Arena & Fitness Club
Year-round sports complex with 3 ice surfaces, full-service pro shop, full-service fitness club, and on-site restaurant. Also home of The Chicago Freeze Junior A Hockey Team.
CITY: Geneva
Settler's Hill Golf Course
This unique 18-hole course was built on the site of the old County Farm and Home; the dairy barn has been remodeled and is now used as a clubhouse. The course is 6,449 yards, par 72.
CITY: Geneva
Mill Creek Golf Club
This 18-hole championship golf course, featuring wildflowers and elevated tees, offers spectacular views of the Fox Valley region.
CITY: Geneva
Fabyan Japanese Garden
A tranquil oasis where history melds with nature and design. This historic garden affords the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of Japanese gardening and enjoy a moment of harmony with nature.
CITY: Geneva
Oak Club Genoa
This picturesque, 18-hole watered course winds through wooded and lowland areas along the meandering Kishwaukee River. Oak Club is rated among the region's top 20 courses by Chicagoland Golf.
CITY: Genoa
Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Genoa
The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced many Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Genoa mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact on Genoa and the other communities along the Illinois route.
CITY: Genoa
Natural Resource Center
The Natural Resource Center is located at Russell Preserve, and is open to the public on weekends. The Center offers a great stop for exploration and live animal viewing for all members of the family. The Center can be reserved by school groups and other organizations for outdoor educational field trips. While there, take a walk through Russell Preserve, beneath mature oaks and hickories, surrounded by woodland wildflowers. In the winter, Russell Preserve is a great place for tobogganning.
CITY: Genoa
Willowbrook Wildlife Center
DuPage's premier wildlife rehabilitation and educational facility. Over 90 species of injured native wild animals are on exhibit. Open daily. Donations encouraged.
CITY: Glen Ellyn
Holes & Knolls Miniature Golf Course & Clubhouse in Maryknoll Park
The perfect setting for business & pleasure. Holes & Knolls features two 18-hole miniature golf courses and a clubhouse in a 25-acre park setting. The course design incorporates cascading waterfalls & streams. The clubhouse is available for rent.
CITY: Glen Ellyn
Glen Ellyn Park District
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Discover 300+ acres of fun: splash park, outdoor swimming, mini golf, tennis, sand volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, ice skating, fitness center, playgrounds, athletic fields, banquet facilities, special events and year-round programs for all ages!
CITY: Glen Ellyn
Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 88,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility: 40-yd. x 40-yd. indoor turf field; 3 basketball courts with wood floors; rock-climbing; Chicago Bulls/White Sox Training Academy batting cages; multi-lane running track; multi-purpose rooms; 7,000 sq. ft. fitness center.
CITY: Glen Ellyn
Glendale Lakes Golf Club
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 18-hole public golf course and golf shop. Restaurant open for lunch daily; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for dinner. Meeting rooms and banquet facilities for up to 250.
CITY: Glendale Heights
Make-A-Messterpiece
Ignite wonder, curiosity and creative exploration at Make-A-Messterpiece, the ultimate kids’ creative studio! Come see what the mess is all about by participating in hands-on activities: Kids’ Creative Kitchen, Bubble’ology, Drum Roll, Lil’ Sprouts, and Experimentation Station. Kids are encouraged to unlock their inner innovation and explore their inner creativity in an atmosphere built just for them. Say yes to the mess! Best of all, every child learns the responsibility of cleaning up after themselves. Also within Make-A-Messterpiece is Club M, a relaxing space for parents and caregivers to enjoy while kids explore and play. Adult take-home projects are available for groups of 10 or more with advance notice.
CITY: Glenview
Tipsy Paint
Explore your creative side at this unique painting studio. A team of talented artists will guide your painting stroke-by-stroke or, for the more advanced, unleash your creativity on your own canvas. Be amazed at the masterpiece that can be created with a little professional guidance. The studio’s carefully designed featured paintings are user-friendly and address all skill levels. Day and evening times are available with or without supervision. Wonderful entertainment option for individuals of all ages including children.
CITY: Glenview
Lake County Fairgrounds
The annual Lake County Fair runs for five days beginning the last Wednesday in July. The Expo Building is available for rent for meetings, shows, weddings, and events year-round. Monthly events including Antique Shows, Swap Meet, Crafts Shows, Dog and Horse Shows, and much more. Visit the website for event schedule.
CITY: Grayslake
Brae Loch Banquets and Golf Club
The golf course has 18-holes and it is a par-70 course. Brae Loch Banquets feature a bright space in a country setting overlooking the fairways at the Lake County Forest Preserves Brae Loch Golf Club. A fine balance of food, location and people are the three ingredients that an event at Brae Loch brings together for a truly memorable experience. The banquet facility comfortably seats up to 165. The menu includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts that are almost too beautiful to eat, but too wonderful to skip.
CITY: Grayslake
Willow Glen Golf Club
The Willow Glen Golf Club is home to a picturesque 18-hole layout that provides an enjoyable challenge for all skill levels. The new clubhouse is home to Buckley's Restaurant and Pub making Willow Glen one of the finest golf and dining experiences on the North Shore. Open to the public!
CITY: Great Lakes
Pinecrest Golf Course
This course includes a restaurant and pro shop, and hosts the McHenry Senior Amateur (a Pinecrest special event).
CITY: Huntley
Whisper Creek Golf Course
This beautiful course is set on 240 acres rich in bluegrass, protected wetland environments, and even magnificent rock formations with casading waterfalls.
CITY: Huntley
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Just 45 minutes northwest of Chicago is a state natural area featuring the state's only quaking bog with an open water center. Volo Bog State Natural Area was created when the melting of glaciers pushed deep into the ground 12,000 years ago.
CITY: Ingleside
Itasca Caribbean Theme Waterpark
Features a new zero-depth entry main pool with 6-lanes attached, new separate diving well with drop slide, and high and low diving boards, 185-foot waterslide, separate zero-depth interactive play pools, and more. Call today for birthday party package information.
CITY: Itasca
Eaglewood Resort & Spa
Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat whether you arrive for a conference or relaxing getaway. The architecturally stunning resort, constructed in Frank Lloyd Wright- influence Prairie-style architecture, features upscale hotel accomodations, luxurious amenities, sophisticated technology, and a myriad of recreational options.
CITY: Itasca
Itasca Country Club
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Itasca Country Club is rich in tradition and offers a cost-effective solution for golf outings, corporate entertaining and special events in a picturesque setting. Enjoy beautiful surroundings, spectacular views, and the service of a fine country club-for your wedding reception or other banquet event. Amidst the elegant grounds and facilities, our skilled professional staff will put you at ease and ensure your special occasion is unforgettable.
CITY: Itasca
Itasca Park District
DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - The Itasca Park District provides education and year-round recreation for constructive and enjoyable leisure time experiences. Come out and enjoy Itasca's award-winning waterpark, nature center, fitness facility and many community parks.
CITY: Itasca
Hamilton Lakes
Hamilton Lakes is home to Chicagoland's largest fireworks display synced to music as well as an annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games. The lakes also offers several fields good for soccer tournaments and other outdoor activities.
CITY: Itasca
Lake Bluff Golf Club
The Lake Bluff Park District's 18-hole, 6,589 yard course boasts challenging greens set in a tranquil environment and grass teen practice facility. The Lake Bluff Golf Club is a wonderfully balanced golf course with mature tree-lined fairways and bent grass fairways and greens for a consistently enjoyable playing experience. The facility also includes an expansive practice facility with grass tee driving range, practice putting green, and short-game area with bunker. The professionally stocked Pro Shop and the Village Grill, which serves delicious food and a wide selection of beverages, are a couple of the superior amenities available to guests of the club.
CITY: Lake Bluff
Wildlife Discovery Center
The Wildlife Discovery Center features one of the largest reptile exhibits in northern Illinois. It also features the nation's largest public exhibit of rattlesnakes and venomous reptiles.
CITY: Lake Forest
Wildlife Discovery Center
The Wildlife Discovery Center is a special place offering programs for people of all ages who have an interest in wildlife and their habitat. Children's classes, adult programs, and school field trips focus on wildlife conservation, field biology, and ecology. The Center also offers self-guided nature hikes, workshops, eco-based summer camps, wildlife ecology trips, group presentations, traveling animal exhibits, and exciting volunteer opportunities. Visit eye-to-eye with over 150 animals including a bobcat, raptors, Kookaburras, and an assortment of venomous and non-venomous reptiles like crocodilians, snakes, turtles and tortoises. Home to one of the largest public exhibits of rattlesnakes in North America, including four species that are native to Illinois. Visitor donations are welcomed and appreciate and help support the care of the animals at our nature center.
CITY: Lake Forest
Deerpath Golf Course
Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest opens for play in March and closes for the season on or about December 15. This 18-hole public course, measures 6,255 yards with a par 70 and 5,487 yards with a par 72 for women. The course has spectacular mature trees, high quality naturalized areas and beautiful water features including ponds and streams. The Deerpath Golf Academy offers the finest golf instruction on the North Shore. Golfers of all abilities will realize immediate and sustainable improvement for a lifetime of better golf.
CITY: Lake Forest
Lambs Farm
Lambs Farm features a farmyard with a petting area and a variety of attractions like mini-golf, a mini-train ride, cow bounce house and an Old World carousel. There is also a pet shop, the Country Inn Restaurant, a thrift shop, and a country store and bakery that benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities.
CITY: Libertyville
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
This scenic 1,114-acre Preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered around a 115-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing and boating, a Marina with boat rentals, a native garden and nearly seven miles of trails. The 19,000-square-foot Visitor Center features exhibits and a cafe. It can be rented for weddings and other private functions.
CITY: Libertyville
Lake County Forest Preserve
We currently manage 25,268 acres of land and offer innovative educational, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. Visitors enjoy nearly 112 miles of trail for a variety of outdoor recreation uses, fishing ponds and lakes, public access to the Fox River, award-winning nature and history education programs and events, and three public golf courses. Facilities of special interest include Independence Grove near Libertyville, Ryerson Conservation Area near Deerfield, Lake County Discovery Museum near Wauconda, Greenbelt Cultural Center near Waukegan, and three golf courses (Brae Loch near Grayslake, Countryside near Mundelein, and ThunderHawk near Beach Park). Most Forest Preserves are open from 6:30 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year. Special hours apply at the golf courses, Discovery Museum, Greenbelt Cultural Center and Ryerson Woods.
CITY: Libertyville
Aloha Falls Minature Golf
Hawaiian-themed miniature golf course offering two different courses which both wind and weave around a breathtaking waterfall and multiple beach areas that make you wish you brought your swimsuit and an umbrella. Great place for birthday parties, graduation parties, corporate outings and special events.
CITY: Libertyville
Libertyville Sports Complex
Libertyville's Sports Complex offers something for everyone in the family. A 360° climbing mountain for rock climbing, a 40 tee automated heated driving range for year round practice and a fitness center offering group exercise classes, life fitness with cardio and hammer strength equipment, personnel trainers, a free weight room, ¼ mile running/walking track and a kids club. It also offers an open gym for indoor soccer, basketball, youth sports and training sessions. There is also 3,503 sq. ft. of meeting rooms suited for events from small family gatherings to corporate events and trade shows.
CITY: Libertyville
C & A Robot Factory
This fun factory is the perfect place for LEGO fans ages 2-14. Come and build your own creation, and learn about LEGO machines and robotics.
CITY: Libertyville
Crane's Landing Golf Course at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort
Crane's Landing Golf Course offers 18 holes of par 70 championship golf. This challenging, mature course is set amid a beautiful rolling landscape that's a pleasure to play for everyone from beginners to scratch golfers.
CITY: Lincolnshire
Bonner Farm
Get into the swing of spring at Bonner Heritage Farm! Enjoy a variety of spring-themed activities, crafts and demonstrations. Wagon rides, farm animals, food and entertainment round out the afternoon. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Bonner farmhouse.
CITY: Lindenhurst
Morton Arboretum
Magnificent, 1,700-acre museum of trees and plants from around the world. Hiking trails, paved roads, restaurant, gift shop, open-air tram and handicapped accessible facilities. A perfect place to visit this fall.
CITY: Lisle
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing at The Morton Arboretum
Explore a winter wonderland at The Morton Arboretum, where you'll find 3.5 miles of groomed ski trails. Bring your own or rent a pair of snowshoes or cross-country skis (in children's and adult sizes). Ski trails are open when there are four or more inches of snow on the ground.
CITY: Lisle
