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

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

The Canoe Shack

Trip 1 - So. Elgin to St. Charles. Our most popular canoe or kayak trip. Relax and enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful Fox River. This is a 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hr. 7 1/2 mi. paddle with no dams. Each canoe can hold 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 small kids. Rental includes a canoe or kayak, paddles, life preservers and shuttle. A nice trip for families, friends and groups of up to 100. Open mid April to mid - November. Please call in advance for reservations.

CITY: St. Charles

Schmidt's Canoeing Service

Camping, trips, outfitting and instructions.

CITY: Elgin

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

Oak Brook Park District

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - The Oak Brook Park District represents five parks totaling 150 acres, and four facilities: Family Recreation Center (the Family Aquatic Center and Premiere Fitness Club), the Racquet Club, the Dorothy and Sam Dean Nature Sanctuary and Central Park West.

CITY: Oak Brook

Westmont Park District

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - Providing numerous recreational and educational opportunities for seniors, adults, youth, and preschoolers at our 18 parks, golf course, health club, and new TY Warner Park.

CITY: Westmont

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

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

Pinecrest Golf Course

This course includes a restaurant and pro shop, and hosts the McHenry Senior Amateur (a Pinecrest special event).

CITY: Huntley

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

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

Oak Brook Golf Club

18-hole golf course with driving range, restaurant and pro shop.

CITY: Oak Brook

Willow Crest Golf Course

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - 18-hole championship golf course with water, sand, bunkers and beautiful landscape. Multi-tiered tees and bent grass tees. Group outings, memberships and overnight packages available.

CITY: Oak Brook

Randall Oaks Golf Course

With undulating and quick greens, the course's front nine rolls and winds through 200-year old oak trees, while the back side is longer, with more water and strong winds.

CITY: West Dundee

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

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

Burnidge/ Paul Wolff Campground

Playground and fishing. 9 miles of hiking trails.

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

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

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

Canlan Ice Arena

Canlan Ice Sports Romeoville is a 3-sheet ice facility featuring industry leading sport development programs, leagues, special events and birthday parties. It’s the premier skating facility in Romeoville, IL. Open Mon-Fri 8am-11:00pm Sat & Sun 6am-11:00pm

CITY: Romeoville

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

Splash Park at Campton Hills Park

The splash park has many interactive water play features for children of all ages to enjoy. Some features include spray columns, spray loops, dumping buckets, spray cannons, bubblers, geysers and water wheels. These water features are constructed on top of a safety surface. The facility has a sand play area with water and sand play toys. This facility also has deck chairs and shade structures.

CITY: St. Charles

Lakewood Forest Preserve

Forest Preserve

CITY: Wauconda

Wheaton Park District

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Enjoy 829 acres of park facilities that include a water park, children's zoo, teams course, golf course, playgrounds, open space, athletic fields, sand volleyball, tennis, ice skating, playgrounds, swimming pools, in-line skating and hockey area and more!

CITY: Wheaton

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center

Nature center with 3 miles of walking/hiking trails through woodland, wetland, and prairie. Exhibit building displays local wildlife. Educational activities year round.

CITY: Willow Springs

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

YWCA Camp Tu-Endie-Wei

Trails, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, cabins on Willow Lake.

CITY: Elgin

Elgin Park District

Outdoor ice skating; new refrigerated skating system; warming shelters available.

CITY: Elgin

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

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

Ferson Creek Park

Beautiful park along the Fox River & Ferson Creek offers picnic sites, shelter, playground, fishing and and canoe launch.

CITY: St. Charles

Mt. St. Mary Park

Riverside park offering paved bike trails, fishing, picnic areas, shelter & tennis courts, outdoor arboretum, skateboard park, playground, canoe launch, picturesque pond and waterfall. Located on the Fox River Trail.

CITY: St. Charles

Great Western Trail

The western-most, and older, section of the Great Western Trail is located between St. Charles in Kane County and eastern Sycamore in DeKalb County. This section of right-of-way was abandoned in 1977. The 18-mile (20km) crushed-stone path traverses unincorporated rural townships, natural wetlands, some restored prairie and farmland. The trail also passes through Virgil and Lily Lake and parallels Illinois Route 64,

CITY: St. Charles

Buffalo Park Campground

62 vehicle sites. Seasonal.

CITY: Algonquin

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

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

Rolling Knolls Country Club

This 18-hole course is tree-lined, with 10 water holes.

CITY: Elgin

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

Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve

Nature preserve for bird watching. There are herons and egrets which flourish through the parks and around the lake.

CITY: Plainfield

Pottawatomie Park Golf

This nine-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

CITY: St. Charles

Twin Lakes Golf Club

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Located on 25 acres, with woods, lakes and rolling hills, the course offers 9 holes of challenging golf for beginners and advanced golfers. Reduced rates available for golfers 55 and over. Clubhouse seats 60+ and has a variety of foods.

CITY: Westmont

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

Bolingbrook Park District

Providing over 2,100 opportunities for recreation. Relax, have fun and embrace the power of recreation.

CITY: Bolingbrook

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

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

Hinsdale Parks & Recreation Department

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Over 600 programs are offered by the Hinsdale Parks & Rec Dept. annually. The year round activities are designed to meet the leisure interests of residents and visitors. Community special events and outdoor summer concerts are also organized annually.

CITY: Hinsdale

Prairie Bluff Golf Club

This 18-hole championship course has a driving range and learning center.

CITY: Lockport

Pottawatomie Park

Historic park offers swimming pools, picnic areas, shelters, playgrounds, sand volleyball court, seasonal canoe and pedal boat rentals. Nine-hole golf course, 18 hole miniature golf course. Multi-use community center, paddlewheel riverboat cruises, tennis courts, native plant demonstration garden, paved bike trails, fishing. Located only the Fox River Trail.

CITY: St. Charles

White Deer Run Golf Club

Built on the well-known Cuneo Estate in Vernon Hills, White Deer Run Golf Club is an 18-hole public course sprawling over 240 acres of rolling terrain and picturesque lakes with bent grass greens and fairways. Able to accommodate small and large group outings and banquets.

CITY: Vernon Hills

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

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

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

Spartan Meadows Golf Club

This course is a challenge for all levels, with competitive rates and a friendly staff.

CITY: Elgin

Gross Point Rd. Fishing - Evanston

Equipment, bait and fishing expertise provided.

CITY: Evanston

Dempster-Greenwood Street Beach

Sand beach used for launching small carry-in crafts. Lockers and racks available to store crafts on site.

CITY: Evanston

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

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

A destination unlike any other--part educational facility and part entertainment venue! LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, indoor turtle pond and wetland exhibit, live animal displays, interactive floor-to-ceiling murals, birthday parties, facility rentals.

CITY: St. Charles

Warrenville Park District

DuPage County, Chicago's Western Suburbs - FitnessNOW - State of the art cardiovascular equipment; Cybex cardio equipment with built in TVs; three lane indoor track; strength training; personal trainers; affordable fees; fun, knowledgeable and motivated staff; and convenient location. Enjoy nine community parks and a variety of sports and activities.

CITY: Warrenville

Salt Creek Golf Club

Make Salt Creek Golf Club your golfing "home course". When you select a facility to patronize regularly, you want the facility that offers the full gamut of a private club without the dues. Our 18-hole executive style golf course will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Set amidst gently rolling terrain, mature tree, and beautiful ponds, Salt Creek's 3895 yard, par 63 course challenge players of all skill levels with tree-lined fairways and strategically placed sand bunkers.

CITY: Wood Dale

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

Volz Fieldhouse- Dellwood Park

Attraction

CITY: Lockport

Brunswick Zone XL

Brunswick Zone XL is a full-feature, family-friendly entertainment destination with something for everyone. Our center in Romeoville sets the standard for family entertainment with more than 60,000 sq. ft. of fun for all ages. Brunswick Zone XL is a great place for Corporate Parties, Team Challenges, Monumental Moments and Birthday Parties! Call us today for more details. Become a fan of Brunswick Zone XL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/bowlbrunswick

CITY: Romeoville

Waters Edge Golf Club

This course was chosen as one of Golf Digest's Best Places to Play.

CITY: Worth

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Named after a small pool of clear, bubbling water found at the site. Picnicking, fishing, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.

CITY: Yorkville

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

Siegel's Cottonwood Farm

Siegel's Cottonwood farm is a fourth generation working farm established in 1909. In the spring and early summer, the farm is open with a garden center featuring flowers, shrubs, and plants. From June 1st thru October, the farm is available for company picnics, group outings, corporate events and fundraisers. In the summer when the crop is ready its extra sweet corn. In the fall its Pumpkinfest time on the farm with playlands, cornfield mazes, new fun attractions, climbing wall, gem mining and much more. And then there is the award winning haunted prison, "Statesville."

CITY: Crest Hill

Evanston's Dog Beach

Bring your dog to Evanston's Dog Beach! Admission restricted to dogs with a "dog beach season token".

CITY: Evanston

Western Acres Golf Course

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - This 9-hole, par-35 course stretches over 3,000 yards. The well-maintained fairways and greens, along with sand and water hazards, offer a unique and challenging golf experience. The newly remodeled clubhouse is a picturesque location for a special event.

CITY: Lombard

Maywood Park Race Track

Maywood Park Racetrack is the place to hold your next special event. Our Winner's Circle Dining room overlooks our 1/2 mile track for live racing dining. 2008 racing schedule: Thursdays and Fridays 7:20 p.m. Post time January 1 – June 20 and August 8 – December 26, 2008. Open for simulcast racing 7 days/7 nights a week. Just 25 minutes from downtown Chicago. We look forward to the challenge of exceeding your expectations!

CITY: Melrose Park

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

Skatium Ice Arena

A full-size hockey rink and a smaller ice rink are open for public skating, lessons and leagues.

CITY: Skokie

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

Columbia Woods Forest Preserve

A River Thru History

CITY: Willow Springs

Villa Olivia Country Club Ski Area

Skiwee for kids 4-9 years old, snow tubing, ski, dining, golf, lessons, snowboarding, sleigh rides.

CITY: Bartlett

Countryside Park

Attraction

CITY: Countryside

River View Miniature Golf Course

Most challenging course in the Fox Valley Area! Naturally landscaped greens - multiple obstacles - sand traps - waterfall and babbling brook - windmill - lighthouse - bridges. Daily specials & discounts. Scenic views along the Fox River.

CITY: St. Charles

Streamwood Oaks Golf Club

Championship 9-hole course. Water comes into play on all 9 holes -- a challenge for any golfer. Full-service pro shop. The club house has a beautiful central fireplace and exterior patio.

CITY: Streamwood

Vernon Hills Golf Course

This golf course has been ranked as one of the top ten 9 hole golf courses in Chicagoland. Situated in Vernon Hills, this challenging 9-hole municipal course boasts small greens, rolling terrain, tight fairways and seven holes featuring water. Golfers of all skill levels will appreciate both the playability and the eye-catching views. The full-service clubhouse features a varied lunch menu, which is served all day and a full-service bar. Banquet facilities available for up to 80 people.

CITY: Vernon Hills

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

Wolfe Wildlife Refuge & Bike Path

Explore the natural beauty and animal habitats of this 45-acre wetlands preserve. Nature programs for all ages include bird surveys, seed collections, planting, clean-ups and hiking.

CITY: Oak Lawn

Primrose Farm Park

Park has ball fields, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer goal posts, playground, benches & picnic tables, parking lot, pavilion and restrooms. A great family and group park.

CITY: St. Charles

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

Ruffled Feathers Golf Club

Just 40 minutes from Chicago lies one of the area's premier golf courses. The only Illinois course designed by Pete Dye offers a world-class golf experience and outstanding banquets/weddings for our guests.

CITY: Lemont

Naperbrook Golf Course

Naperbrook Golf Course is an 18-hole links-style course featuring rolling hills, native prairie grass and an ever-present breeze. The course offers a ten-acre driving range, separate teaching tee, 10,000 square-foot practice green and versatile clubhouse.

CITY: Plainfield

WhirlyBall Vernon Hills

WhirlyBall combines basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one exciting sport! Whether you're planning a holiday party, corporate outing or meeting, team building session, bar/bat mitzvah, bachelor/bachelorette or birthday party, WhirlyBall is the most complete venue in Lake County offering a variety of entertainment options including WhirlyBall, two-level lasertag, climbing wall, video games, pool tables, complete food & beverage menus, fully-loaded sports bar and flexible event facility that comfortably accommodates 400+ guests.

CITY: Vernon Hills

Apple Orchard Golf Course

Apple Orchard is a par 27, nine-hole course with a pro shop and snack bar.

CITY: Bartlett

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

Robert Crown Center Skating Park

Indoor public skating and private lessons available. Call for hours.

CITY: Evanston

Maple Meadows Golf Course

Come and play right in your backyard! Visit Maple Meadows for outings, leagues, tournaments, individual play, and the great food in our restaurant. 27 holes, no reservations required and a beautiful public course!

CITY: Wood Dale