2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 227 items found in Outdoors & Play
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
Airtastic Playland
A fun and exciting play land offering 10 inflatable play structures, four party rooms and two age-appropriate play areas.
CITY: Aurora
All Seasons Ice Rink
Two full-sized rinks are open for year-round skating. All Seasons also offers a game room, ballet room, pro shop and party room.
CITY: Naperville
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
AMF Valley Lanes
This bowling alley has 40 lanes, and features glow-in-the-dark bowling on Friday and Saturday. Monday is 99¢ night.
CITY: North Aurora
Apple Orchard Golf Course
Apple Orchard is a par 27, nine-hole course with a pro shop and snack bar.
CITY: Bartlett
Arabian Knights Farms
Ten-acre horse farm offers hayrides and riding lessons, plus a petting zoo, exotic animals and even a monthly line dancing event.
CITY: Willowbrook
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
Arrowhead Golf Club
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs -- Arrowhead Golf Club facilities include 27 holes, driving range and new clubhouse with elegant banquet facilities.
CITY: Wheaton
Atcher Island Water Park
All new tropical-themed water park with water slides, wading pool, unique circular drop slide, children's spray ground, locker rooms, concession stands, and more!
CITY: Schaumburg
Aurora Arena Skate Center
Skate to the sounds of Top 40 music. The skate center also features special live organ music dance sessions.
CITY: Aurora
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
Bartlett HIlls Golf Course
This 18-hole course features a practice range, pro shop, snack shop and banquet facilities.
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
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
Bicycle Trails - Aurora
More than 35 miles of trails, from Aurora to Crystal Lake, pass through scenic landscapes. Routes include the Fox River, Virgil Gilman and Red Oak Trails, and the Illinois Prairie Path.
CITY: Aurora
Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village
Go on a one of a kind country adventure you'll never forget! Become pioneers for a day on a real 1800s farm and village. Miniature train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, pioneer craft demonstrations, and special events.
CITY: Aurora
Bolingbrook Golf Club
Bolingbrook Golf Club combines the elements of a world-class facility and championship golf. Featuring an Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest designed golf course, a learning academy, clubhouse with lounge, two full-service restaurants, and banquet facilities. Over 78,000 sq. ft. club house features beautiful verandas overlooking an award winning golf course and a great venue for meetings and other social events.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Bolingbrook Park District
Providing over 2,100 opportunities for recreation. Relax, have fun and embrace the power of recreation.
CITY: Bolingbrook
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
Boone Creek Golf Course
This course has 27 holes, rated at a par 71, along with nine holes at a par 35.
CITY: McHenry
Boughton Ridge Golf Course
Situated on 45 beautiful acres, this nine-hole, 2205-yard, Par 32, executive length course offers the perfect course for a quick round of great golf.
CITY: Bolingbrook
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
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
Brookfield Zoo
There's more than 200 beautifully landscaped acres to explore at Brookfield Zoo. Highlights include dolphin shows at Seven Seas, ape encounters at Tropic World and the chance for kids to dress up and play veterinarian at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. The zoo also offers an old-fashioned carousel and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
CITY: Brookfield
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
Brunswick Zone - Naperville
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Brunswick Zone in Naperville offers bowling, billiards, an arcade/game room, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars plus meeting space for corporate parties, team-building and special events.
CITY: Naperville
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
Canoe & Pedal Boat Rentals: Pottawatomie Park
Enjoy the scenery from the waters of the Fox River! Rentals Mid-May through Mid-August. All rentals launch from the River View Miniature Golf Complex within Pottawatomie Park. Deposit required. Children age 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult (age 18+). All rentals are subject to safe river & weather conditions. Sorry, no boat rentals on July 4th.
CITY: St. Charles
Canoe Shack
Canoe and Kayak rentals along the Fox River. These trips offer many hiking, picnicking and wildlife observation opportunities, as well as historic sites, small lime bluffs, and the country's only waterfall. Relax and enjoy the beautiful Fox River.
CITY: St. Charles
Cantigny Golf
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Set among mature oak and hickory trees, lakes & streams, this full-service event facility with 27 holes of golf offers both 18 and 9-hole play and is nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in America. Cantigny Golf is a part of the McCormick Foundation, committed to making life better for our children, communities and country. As one of the nation’s largest public charities, we’ve granted more than $1 billion to organizations in local communities across the country. The golf course is part of the historic 500-acre Cantigny Park, where memorable family experiences happen. The grounds include museums, formal gardens and picnic areas.
CITY: Wheaton
Cantigny Park
Consisting of the Robert McCormick Mansion Museum, the First Division Military Museum, ten acres of gardens and parks, 27-hole championship golf course and nine-hole Cantigny Youth Links.
CITY: Wheaton
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
Centennial Beach
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Jump in to summer fun at Centennial Beach! Featuring four acres of grass and trees, a sand beach, water play features, an NCAA/U.S.S.-approved diving complex, this historic beach is a place the whole family can enjoy! With water depths ranging from zero to 15 feet, the facility caters to swimmers of all skill levels. Combined with a playground, Frisbee® Area, shallow end slide, concessions stand and Beach store, Centennial Beach is the perfect way to beat the summer heat. Named "best public place to swim" in 2008 by Fox News Chicago viewers in an online poll!
CITY: Naperville
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
Chapel Hill Country Club
Enjoy the delightful rural atmosphere at this semi-private facility located near the banks of the Fox River in lovely McHenry. Accept the challenge to play the longest hole in Illinois, measuring over 700 yards.
CITY: McHenry
8
Character Caravan
Free Event. Bringing the best of Chicago's Northwest area attractions to you! Meet, greet, and play with Chicagoland's most lovable attraction mascots during Character Caravan! This one-of-a-kind free event lets you discover some of Chicagoland's best attractions. Games, prizes, face painting, goodie bags, and photos with your favorite Characters. Rain or Shine! Registration is required to receive goodie bag, limited to the first 500 registered children. Deadline for registration is May 31, 2013.
CITY: Schaumburg
Cheney Mansion
One of Oak Park's finest showplaces, the 12,000 sq. foot, 1913 mansion is located in the Historic District. Reminiscent of a gracious English country home and surrounded by 2 acres of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and coach house.
CITY: Oak Park
Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. Each year, nearly one million people visit the Garden's 26 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on 385 acres of land on and around nine islands. Six miles of shoreline extend along 81 acres of water, including the Great Basin, North Lake, and Skokie River Corridor. The Garden also has a renowned Bonsai Collection.
CITY: Glencoe
Oct 20
Chicago Botanic Garden Farmer's Market
First and third Sundays of the month (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Gather seasonal produce, flowers, herbs, and other local, sustainable products at this bimonthly Garden event that is held rain or shine. Talk with vendors and sample fresh fare. Visitors may purchase a special market bag from the Garden Shop to carry their purchases home. Free admission; $25 per car (includes tax) .
CITY: Glencoe
Church Street Boat Ramp
Poured concrete ramp for launching boats. Can be used by power boats up to 22 feet, sailboats 15-22 feet, and personal watercraft.
CITY: Evanston
Columbia Woods Forrest Preserve
Offers places to fish and picnic. Canoe access. Biking. A host for "A River Thru History" each September, where you can step back 200 years into Chicago's past with a festive gathering of fur trappers, settlers, craftsmen, and entertains along the banks of the Des Plaines River - www.ariverthruhistory.com.
CITY: Willow Springs
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
Cosley Zoo
Over 45 exhibits of native Illinois wildlife and domestic farm animals; tree-shaded picnic area - seating for 300; "Exclusive Use" facility rentals; private party room; open year-round.
CITY: Wheaton
Countryside Golf Club
At Countryside Golf Club, play two challenging, award-winning 18-hole golf courses. The Prairie course, with bentgrass tees, wide-open greens and sand bunkers offers golfers a chance to challenge their game. The Traditional course, with bentgrass tees and tree-lined fairways, offers golfers scenic and challenging rounds of golf.
CITY: Mundelein
Coyote Crossing Mini Golf Course
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Professionally designed 18-hole golf course. Putt around a waterfall, through a cave, over a river and under rocks. Coyote Crossing is a great place for birthdays, rentals, picnics, company and other group outings.
CITY: West Chicago
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
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
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
Dempster-Greenwood Street Beach
Sand beach used for launching small carry-in crafts. Lockers and racks available to store crafts on site.
CITY: Evanston
Devonshire Aquatic Center
The Aquatic Center features a zero depth pool with play equipment, a water play structure, drop slide and diving board. You'll also find lockers/showers and a concession stand.
CITY: Skokie
Didier Farms
Didier Farms Pumpkin Festival features hay rides, corn maze, farm animal zoo, petting zoo, authentic Native American teepees, halloween shop, costume shop, animated figures and fall displays.
CITY: Prairie View
Dommrich Rowing Center
This year-round rowing center features a boat launch on the North Shore Channel and two indoor rowing tanks with a training center.
CITY: Skokie
Downtown Itasca
Restaurants and shopping line this downtwon area. Home to the Itasca Art and Wine Festival. Scenic Riverwalk takes you from the nature center to the waterpark.
CITY: Roselle
DuPage County Trail System
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - A 61-mile hiking, biking and nature trail follows the bed of a long-gone railroad. It's one of the nation's first linear recreation trails and a model for others in the United States.
CITY: Wheaton
EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals and Tours
EagleRider is the largest motorcycle rental and tour company in the world. Rent a Harley Davidson for a day or a week and experience the open road!
CITY: Countryside
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
East Side Sports Complex
A public park with lighted softball/baseball fields, basketball courts, playground, skateboard park, volleyball courts, tennis courts, dog park, fishing pond with a pier, shelter, walking trail, restroom.
CITY: St. Charles
Elgin Park District
Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.
CITY: Elgin
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
Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex
Chicago's premiere entertainment complex! 60,000 sq. ft. of fun featuring: indoor go karts, laser tag, bumper cars, 200+ games, mini golf, Kid's Quest Softplay plus a 625-seat restaurant w/ great food and song (karaoke)., Sir Bounce-A-Lot Jumpland coming this summer! Great team building and corp. events for up to 1,800.
CITY: Lombard
Evanston's Dog Beach
Bring your dog to Evanston's Dog Beach! Admission restricted to dogs with a "dog beach season token".
CITY: Evanston
Exploritorium
Named “Chicagoland’s Best Rainy Day Activity Site” by Chicago Magazine, the Exploritorium is much more than an indoor playground. It is a place where children and adults can come and explore together through interactive play. Make-believe in our costumed dress-up area, run your fingers through our water play area, make music, play with trains, and experience new heights in the two-and-a-half story maze of tubes and tunnels.
CITY: Skokie
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
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
Ferson Creek Park
Beautiful park along the Fox River & Ferson Creek offers picnic sites, shelter, playground, fishing and and canoe launch.
CITY: St. Charles
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
Over 25,000 acres, nearly 140 miles of trails and educational facilities. Enjoy relaxing, volunteering and exploring the forests, lakes, prairies, and open spaces.
CITY: Wheaton
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 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
Fox River Canoe & Kayak
This is self guided river trips with canoe or kayak. The St. Charles trip takes about 2 1/2 hours.
CITY: St. Charles
Fox River Games Paintball
Bring a group of friends to play a round of paintball at Fox River Games. Open play or "walk-on" play is recreational play for all ages (age restrictions) and skill levels. Play as an individual or play in groups. Typically we are open every weekend Saturday and Sunday and during the summer we operate on Wednesdays and Fridays too. Please check our website for our operating schedule and specific hours of operation.
CITY: Aurora
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 River Trail (St. Charles Illinois)
32 miles of biking, hiking and cross-country skiing featuring some of the most scenic trails of the Fox River. Points of interest include Carpenters Dam, Fox River Shores, Tyler Creek, Voyageur Landing, Shoemaker Nature Center and Fabyan Forest Preserve.
CITY: St. Charles
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
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
Fullersburg Woods Environmental Educational Center
Educational facility offering exhibits, interactive programs and interpretive trails that highlight DuPage County's unique natural history. Open daily. Admission free.
CITY: Oak Brook
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
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
Gillson Park
Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, including a harbor and beach. It is ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, tennis and other outdoor sports.
CITY: Wilmette
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
Glencoe Beach
Want to relive Ferris Bueller's Day Off? Then visit this North Shore beach that was featured in the hit flick.
CITY: Glencoe
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
Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm and Garden Center
Fall: festival with haunted house, corn maze, farm animals, and more. Spring/Summer: large selection of annuals, perennials, vegetable plants, trees, shrubs, aquatic plants, roses, planters, and gourmet food items. Admission is free - cost for some activities.
CITY: South Barrington
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
Great Western Trail
This 17-mile trail replaces the abandoned main line of the Chicago Great Western Railroad. It is a flat easy ride connecting the communities of St. Charles and Sycamore.
CITY: St. Charles
