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

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

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

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

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

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

YWCA Camp Tu-Endie-Wei

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dempster-Greenwood Street Beach

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

CITY: Evanston

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evanston's Dog Beach

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

CITY: Evanston

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

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

Waters Edge Golf Club

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

CITY: Worth

Villa Olivia Country Club Ski Area

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

CITY: Bartlett

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

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

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

Countryside Park

Attraction

CITY: Countryside

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

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

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

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

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

Mundelein Park & Recreation District

The Mundelein Park & Recreation District includes the Steeple Chase Golf Club, Diamond Lake Beach and Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center.

CITY: Mundelein

Trailside Museum

Get in touch with nature in this beautiful wooded setting near the Des Plaines River, where you can view local wild animals that have been rescued from the surrounding area.

CITY: River Forest

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

Robert Crown Center Skating Park

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

CITY: Evanston

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

Apple Orchard Golf Course

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

CITY: Bartlett

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

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

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

Prairie Landing Golf Club

Playing this unique, well-conditioned and spectacularly-designed 18-hole course will surely make you want to come back. Full service premier meeting and banquet facility provides outstanding culinary offerings and personal service.

CITY: West Chicago

Bartlett HIlls Golf Course

This 18-hole course features a practice range, pro shop, snack shop and banquet facilities.

CITY: Bartlett

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

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

The Grove National Historic Landmark

This 124-acre nature preserve has walking trails, a nature center with live Illinois wildlife exhibits and five historic buildings.

CITY: Glenview

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

Springbrook Golf Course

DuPage County, Chicago’s Western Suburbs - Springbrook Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole, 72-par championship facility with a natural turf driving range, short range, putting green and two practice bunkers. The clubhouse features a well-stocked golf shop and an eating area that seats 60.

CITY: Naperville

Leiseberg Park

Leiseberg Park plays host to local Bartlett events, festivals and fairs.

CITY: Bartlett

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

Elgin Lanes

Bowling.

CITY: Elgin

Spring Valley Nature Center/Volkening Heritage Farm

135 acres, natural history museum, handicapped-accessible trails, 1880s living history farm and pioneer cooking demos.

CITY: Schaumburg

Danada Equestrian Center

Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton

CITY: Wheaton

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

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

River Trail Nature Center

Nature is wonderfully displayed in this silent forest that glaciers carved thousands of years ago. The prairie extends along the riverbanks, rich in plant and animal life.

CITY: Northbrook

HeatherRidge Golf Course

HeatherRidge Golf Course is a beautiful and challenging full length nine hole layout that is enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Adding to its beauty are the flowing creeks and ponds that come into play on seven of the nine holes. Also enjoy the unique outside Cabana Bar and Grill. Great food, cold drinks, outstanding atmosphere and friendly staff will complete your HeatherRidge golfing experience. Golf clubs available for rent. Located on Northern Illinois' favorite 9-hole golf course, The HeatherRidge Clubhouse is a beautiful venue for just about any occasion. If you are planning a weddings, banquets or party we are the place.

CITY: Gurnee

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

Bowen Park

The newly renovated Bowen park's theme for the new playground is "Forest Findings". The overall layout offers tiered play areas arranged on the northwest hillside of Bowen Park. Fun and learning will go hand-in-hand as children and their families enjoy modern playground amenities, combined with several environmental learning stations that represent a forest ecosystem. Parents and kids alike will also enjoy the six-station fitness/exercise trail located on the perimeter of the playground.

CITY: Waukegan

Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park in Westmont

CITY: Westmont

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

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

Liberty Lanes

Bowling.

CITY: Carpentersville

Espo's Country Lanes

Elgin's finest 40-lane bowling center.

CITY: Elgin

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

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