2013 Travel Guide
Enjoy Illinois App
Showing 1-96 of 122 items found in Outdoors & Play
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
The urban gateway to nature and science. The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is a place where city dwellers can reconnect with the wonder of the natural world. From a hands-on water lab to a wilderness walk to the only international, year-round butterfly haven, science comes alive.
CITY: Chicago
Palmer Park Chicago
The park is named for Potter Palmer (1826–1902), a successful businessman and real estate investor concerned with the development of Chicago. Palmer was responsible for reclaiming the acres of swampland north of the city's business district, which were developed into the Lake Shore Drive area. He built the original baseball field for the Cubs' predecessor, the Chicago White Stockings, and built the Palmer House Hotel. Palmer Park was created in 1904 by the South Park Commission. Under the guidance of superintendent J. Frank Foster, the commission opened ten new neighborhood parks, including Palmer Park, in an effort to create breathing space and recreational areas in the city's crowded tenement districts. These parks were built by Olmsted Brothers landscape architects and D.H. Burnham and Co. architects.
CITY: Chicago
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
Monee Reservoir
Monee Reservoir features a 46-acre fishing lake and picnic pavilions. Concessions building offers boat rentals, bait, and snacks for sale.
CITY: Monee
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
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
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
Woodruff Golf Course
Opened in 1921, Woodruff is an 18-hole sporty course with hilly terrain and a clubhouse.
CITY: Joliet
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
Plum Creek Nature Center
This center features local natural history exhibits, hands-on displays for children, and family programs that are offered throughout the year. Picnic facilities and camping are available by reservation.
CITY: Beecher
Bolingbrook Park District
Providing over 2,100 opportunities for recreation. Relax, have fun and embrace the power of recreation.
CITY: Bolingbrook
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
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
William W. Powers Conservation Area
Offering fishing, waterfowl hunting, picnicking, and winter sports. At the center of its attraction is Wolf Lake, segmented by dikes and offering six miles of shoreline to bank anglers.
CITY: Chicago
Deer Creek Golf Club
This University Park golf course is rated 3-1/2 stars by Golf Digest, and has been host to several major Chicago-area golf events.
CITY: University Park
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
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
CPX Sports
A 143-acre extreme sports park featuring paintball, mountain bike trails, skate park and monthly airsoft games. Available for open or private play year round. Visit www.cpxsports.com or call 815/726-2800 for more info.
CITY: Joliet
Race View Farms RV Camping
RV, camper and car parking during major races at Chicagoland speedway and at Rte. 66 Raceway.
CITY: Joliet
Thorn Creek Nature Center
Enjoy a day in the country while learning about wildlife through nature displays and exhibits.
CITY: Park Forest
Inwood Park
Inwood Park is located southwest of Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. The park has tennis courts, fitness trails, a playground and picnic area. Horseshoes and bocce ball are also on the grounds.
CITY: Joliet
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
Wedgewood Golf Course
This 18-hole golf course is known for its hilly terrain, and features a clubhouse.
CITY: Joliet
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
Center Children's Farm
Experience life down on the farm during guided family tours, or take a hike on the peaceful nature trail.
CITY: Palos Park
Camp Shaw
Camp Shaw was established in 1956 and is the best kept secret in all of beautiful Kankakee County! Camp Shaw is also a wonderful place to hold a variety of outdoor and indoor events. It provides overnight accommodation; horseback riding, guided trail rides or group lessons and weekend packages are available. It is also an outdoor, environmental science education program encouraging interest and participation in the balanced management of natural resources.
CITY: Manteno
Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch
This historic 1857 farm offers hay ride trips to the pumpkin patch, rope making, puppet shows and much more family fun.
CITY: Monee
University Golf Club & Conference Center
This championship 18-hole golf course features a practice facility, pro shop and a conference center.
CITY: University Park
Seven Bridges Ice Arena
DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Includes three ice surfaces, public skate 7 days a week, learn-to-skate and hockey classes, observation area, off-ice training center, party/conference rooms, arcade and a pro shop.
CITY: Woodridge
Forest Preserve District of Will County
Biking and running trails, bird watching, camping, cross-country skiing, sledding, outdoor ice skating, canoeing and rafting and fishing. The district office provides all information on preserves and issues picnic permits.
CITY: Joliet
Bengston Pumpkin Farm
The fall fun here includes tractor-pulled hayrack rides, a haunted barn, pig races, train rides, a petting zoo, kiddie rides, a three-acre corn maze, a Halloween shop, food and pumpkins.
CITY: Homer Glen
Woodridge Town Centre
A multipurpose open play area, Woodridge Town Center hosts a variety of festivals in Woodridge.
CITY: Woodridge
Brunswick Zone Romeoville
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. Bowling, billiards, video games and more!
CITY: Romeoville
Camp Sagawau Environmental Education Center
Environment Education Center - offers cross country skiing in the winter.
CITY: Lemont
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
Centennial Lanes
You'll find 32 bowling lanes, all equipped with bumpers for kids, cosmic bowling on weekends, a snack bar, lounge and a bowling pro shop that's open daily during the season.
CITY: Tinley Park
Crete Family Fun Center
From mini golf to the best arcade games around, we’ve got enough entertainment for the whole family! A family entertainment center featuring hundreds of games, rides, award-winning miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages. Open year round.
CITY: Crete
Lincoln Landing
Dedicated on February 12, 2009, Lincoln Landing is Lockport's newest attraction. This park, located on the original Public Landing platted as a dock area by Canal Commissioners in 1836, features a unique bronze statue of a young Abraham Lincoln created by artist David Ostro. Interpretive signage through the park highlights the history of the I&M Canal, its impact on the Lockport community, and Lincoln's connections to both. This open-air museum is self-guiding, but is enhanced by a website with school lesson plans.
CITY: Lockport
Hollywood Park - Lansing
Voted Chicago Southland's best family entertainment center, Hollywood Park features more than 100 games, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, and Flicks 'n' Toons Diner.
CITY: Lansing
Lake Katherine Nature Preserve
158-acre nature area. Largest waterfall in Cook County. 3.5 miles of hiking trails in prairies, woodlands and wetlands.
CITY: Palos Heights
Splash Station Waterpark
Railroad-themed, outdoor water park featuring a 6 person racing slide, body slides, tube slides, lazy river and zero depth pool.
CITY: Joliet
Kanan Cruises
Chicago's newest and largest cruise ship located at Navy Pier. Cruises are available for group and private charters along Chicago's lakefront for groups of 50 to 400 passengers.
CITY: Chicago
Polar Play Zone at Shedd Aquarium
In the Polar Play Zone, kids can slip into a penguin suit and try being a bird in the Icy South play area. From there, head to the Icy North to explore the belugas’ Arctic waters in a kid-sized submarine. Don’t forget to shake hands—or is it arms—with colorful sea stars in the touch pools.
CITY: Chicago
Oak Brook Sports Core
269-acre sports facility that offers upscale banquets, weddings, corporate picnics, golf and polo outings for 250-400 people. Tents can be added for larger groups.
CITY: Oak Brook
Round Barn Farm and Museum
This 94-acre farm features picnic and recreational areas, antique farm equipment, a petting zoo, pony rides and barrel train rides. In fall find a pumpkin patch, haunted barn and pig races.
CITY: Manhattan
Chicago Park District
Come out and play with the Chicago Park District. Founded in 1934, the Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation and owner of more than 8,100 acres of green space. We invite you to take in a concert or a movie at one of our 580 parks.
CITY: Chicago
Balmoral Woods Country Club
An 18-hole championship course cut thru 10,000 oak trees, with water hazards on 9 of 18 holes, complete clubhouse bar and restaurant. Chicagoland Golf 5 Star rated facility.
CITY: Crete
Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center
The Irons Oaks Environmental Learning Center is a joint project of the Homewood-Flossmoor (HF Parks.com) and Olympia Fields (OF Parks.com) park districts. The near 40-acre nature preserve is home to a diversity of wildlife and habitat types. See beautiful woods, wildflowers, birds and furry friends along the way. There are trails along both sides of the park which is located at Vollmer and Western Avenues in Olympia Fields. Please be careful when crossing Vollmer Road. The Park is open to the public daily, sunrise to sunset
CITY: Olympia Fields
Rocket Ice Arena
Come feel the thrill of the chill at the Rocket Ice Arena, offering programs for all ages and ability levels in figure skating and hockey.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens
The Flossmoor Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor arts program that places sculptures in the village square, along charming residental streets, and in the Flossmoor Sculpture and Garden Park.
CITY: Flossmoor
Diversey River Bowl
Find open bowling every night, rock music, a light show and a restaurant.
CITY: Chicago
Noble Horse Carriage Ride
Let Noble Horse make your day or evening special. See the city from a lovely antique horse carriage ride. Noble Horse Carriages are available at 2 locations: Michigan Avenue: 820 N. Michigan Avenue, the corner of Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue and Old Town: 1410 N. Orleans Street, the corner of Schiller and Orleans.
CITY: Chicago
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center - Willow Springs
Forest preserve nature center designed to educate the public about the importance of wildlife and our environment.
CITY: Willow Springs
Mercury's Urban Adventure Cruise
Board this 90-minute river and lakefront cruise, complete with live commentary detailing over 50 downtown Chicago buildings and bridges. Cruises depart daily, May through October.
CITY: Chicago
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest gardens under glass in the world. Opened in 1908, this landmark building was the vision of celebrated landscape architect Jens Jensen. The eight exhibit halls feature plants from around the world.
CITY: Chicago
Forest View Farms
Trail rides, hayrides, pony parties, petting zoo, corporate, convention, private picnic, party & cookout facilities. Horse-drawn vehicles for all occasions. Horse sales, boarding, lessons and tack shop.
CITY: Tinley Park
Combined Lake and River Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats
The Combined Lake and River Tour offers a comprehensive overview of Chicago, with breathtaking views of the magnificent skyline and an up-close perspective from the Chicago River.
CITY: Chicago
MetroWalkz Self-Guided Walking Tours
Our numerous self-guided walking tours with easy-to-use maps and insider narratives make sightseeing a breeze. Current tours include Loop Architecture, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Magnificent Mile, Museum Campus, Grant Park, Chinatown, Old Town, Gold Coast and the West Loop.
CITY: Chicago
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
Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory
Lord and Burnham designed this historic greenhouse featuring a tropical house, cacti room, show house and outdoor gardens.
CITY: Joliet
Haunted Trails - Burbank
The Burbank outpost of this year round family entertainment center features hundreds of games, rides, miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages.
CITY: Burbank
Wacky Pirate Cruise
Kids (2-10) swashbuckle with Buccaneer Bob aboard Chicago’s only Wacky Pirate Cruise. During the 60-minute lake and river sightseeing boat ride, little buccaneers receive their own pirate bandana; learn how to tie nautical knots; are “knighted” by Buccaneer Bob with their own pirate name and tattoo and “captured” by mom and dad in great family photos. It’s a one-of-a-kind cruise aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline.
CITY: Chicago
South Shore Cultural Center
This beautiful Mediterranean Revival-style cultural center on the lakefront was once an exclusive 1900s country club, and now offers performances that range from classical music to African dance. The Obamas held their wedding reception here.
CITY: Chicago
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
On historic Bluff Street along the waterway in downtown Joliet, this park features free summer concerts, lush grounds, outdoor bandshell and indoor theatre. Office hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm and Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.
CITY: Joliet
Oak Park Conservatory
Discover this botanical gem that includes fern, tropical and desert greenhouses. Special floral displays are presented in winter and spring. The Tropical Room boasts birds, and a bridged lagoon with fish and turtles. A display conservatory with three show houses, fern and floral room.
CITY: Oak Park
Bike Chicago
Rent a bike and ride along the city's breathtaking Lakefront Trail with a guide from Bike Chicago, or pick up a free map and take your own self-guided tour. The section of the bike path that winds along North Avenue Beach is featured in the dramatic comedy The Break-Up.
CITY: Chicago
WhirlyBall Chicago
WhirlyBall is a combination of basketball, lacrosse and bumper cars all rolled into one. WhirlyBall also features laser tag.
CITY: Chicago
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
Steve's Segway Tours
Explore Chicago's lakefront, museums and Millennium Park on a three-hour Segway tour led by guides all year round.
CITY: Chicago
National Lampoon's Vacation - Buckingham Fountain
In this wacky comedy a Chicago family takes a hysterical road trip across country to reach a theme park on the West Coast. Illinois scenes include Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago's Grant Park (seen spouting its famous cascades of water in the background as the family leaves Chicago) and the Poplar Street Bridge that spans the Mississippi River in East St. Louis (where the family gets lost).
CITY: Chicago
Centennial Fountain and Arc
A 90-foot jet stream creates an arc across the Chicago River for ten minutes on the hour.
CITY: Chicago
City Segway Tours - Chicago
Chicagoland's first guided Segway tour provides an informative ride with unique and fascinating Chicago stories, fantastic photo ops and the chance to ride the coolest machine in the world.
CITY: Chicago
Cog Hill Golf and Country Club
The public is invited to play any of Cog Hill's four award-winning, 18-hole championship golf courses, including the world-famous Course #4, Dubsdread. Dubsdread was host to the PGA Tour's BMW Championship from 2009-2011.
CITY: Lemont
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
Wilderness Falls
Two mini golf courses, batting cages and an arcade are located at this family fun spot near Clow Airport.
CITY: Bolingbrook
Oceanarium/Shedd Aquarium
The Oceanarium immerses you in the vibrant coastal ecosystem of beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea otters and sea lions. You’ll also find the Polar Play Zone for kids, along with marine mammal presentations.
CITY: Chicago
Segway Experience of Chicago
Chicago's only Segway-authorized touring company has locations at Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, plus certified tour docents who will ensure a memorable, safe experience.
CITY: Chicago
Old Plank Road Trail
Old Plank Road is a 21-mile recreation and nature trail used by in-line skaters, walkers, runners, bikers, bicyclists and even cross-country skiers in the winter. This trail reaches from Park Forest all the way to Joliet.
CITY: Matteson
Fireworks Cruise
This fun boat ride for the whole family offers panoramic views of Chicago lakefront fireworks aboard Mercury, Chicago's Skyline Cruiseline popular 90-minute commentated lakefront fireworks sightseeing boat cruise on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
CITY: Chicago
Bobby's Bike Hike- World's Greatest Tours and Rentals
Ride a cool cruiser-style bicycle and follow a guide who makes brief stops at Chicago's most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained.
CITY: Chicago
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
Chicago River Architecture Tour - Wendella Sightseeing Boats
The Chicago River Architecture Tour is a 60-minute journey through the heart of the city. Led by an architectural expert, this in-depth tour traces the history and innovations of urban architecture in Chicago.
CITY: Chicago
