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

Apple Orchard Golf Course

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

CITY: Bartlett

Stade Dairy Farm

A producer of milk, vegetables and grains since 1977, the farm offers tours, and presents the annual Shades of Autumn festival during the month of September.

CITY: McHenry

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

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

Chain O' Lakes State Park

2,793-acre state park and a 3,230-acre conservation area provide a water-oriented recreation area for boaters, anglers, and skiers.

CITY: Spring Grove

Shepherd's Crook Golf Course

This 18-hole, par 72 public golf facility, designed by Keith Foster, opened in August, 1999 and has earned rave reviews as a course that is both challenging and exciting to play. Its design reflects the golden era of golf course architecture of the 1920's and 30's with bentgrass fairways, tees, and greens. Individuals, tournaments and golf outings welcome. Enjoy a sandwich and beverage in the full service clubhouse grill or enjoy refreshments on the veranda overlooking the 9th and 18th holes. The Eden Room is also available for events, golf outings and banquets, please call for more information.

CITY: Zion

Lehmann Park

Park

CITY: Lake Villa

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

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

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

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

Richardson Farm Corn Mazes

Enjoy hours of fun solving giant mazes. Varying difficulty, new theme each year. Picnic area, concessions, petting zoo, and ample parking. Christmas Trees in December.

CITY: Spring Grove

Robert Crown Center Skating Park

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

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

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

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

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

Villa Olivia Country Club Ski Area

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

CITY: Bartlett

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

Schmidt's Canoeing Service

Camping, trips, outfitting and instructions.

CITY: Elgin

Rolling Knolls Country Club

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

CITY: Elgin

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

Skatium Ice Arena

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

CITY: Skokie

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

Spartan Meadows Golf Club

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

CITY: Elgin

Boone Creek Golf Course

This course has 27 holes, rated at a par 71, along with nine holes at a par 35.

CITY: McHenry

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

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

Elgin Park District

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

CITY: Elgin

Evanston's Dog Beach

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

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

Dempster-Greenwood Street Beach

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

CITY: Evanston

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

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

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

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

Hunter Country Club

This 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course has a restaurant on the premises. Carts are not mandatory, as this is a walking course.

CITY: Richmond

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

Oney's Tree Farm

Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride to find your perfect Christmas tree and browse the gift shop.

CITY: Woodstock

Gross Point Rd. Fishing - Evanston

Equipment, bait and fishing expertise provided.

CITY: Evanston

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

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

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

Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Rental

Come out and experience one of the best water trails in the area and one of a limited number of Class A creeks in Illinois, the Nippersink. Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Rentals encourages you and your friends to escape for the experience of this creek. This water trail offers a variety of stunning scenic views as well as unique wildlife and waterfowl native to northern Illinois. A full-service canoe & kayak company; you can expect not only superior service, but service with integrity and excellence. Accommodate the individual, a two-person outing, or corporate gatherings up to 40 people.

CITY: Richmond

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

Lakewood Forest Preserve

Forest Preserve

CITY: Wauconda

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

McHenry County Fairgrounds

Site of Annual County Fair and other events.

CITY: Woodstock

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

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

Deer Run Golf Center

This golf center features a driving range, chipping green, putting green and adventure golf.

CITY: Woodstock

Crystal Woods Golf Club

This beautiful par 72, 18-hole golf course in a scenic rural setting features a driving range and banquet facility.

CITY: Woodstock

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

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

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

Pinecrest Golf Course

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

CITY: Huntley

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

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

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

Round Lake Park District

Round Lake Area Park District offers visitors a wide range of activities and facilities to enjoy. They include the Renwood Golf Course, the new sports center, the Prairie Grass Nature Museum, community theatre, outdoor pool/aquatic center, fitness center, child development center, teen center, senior center and acres of picturesque parklands. Private parties/outings at any of the facilities can be accommodated.

CITY: Round Lake

North Point Marina - Lake Michigan Charter Fishing

Enjoy the beautiful blue of Lake Michigan aboard one of over one hundred charter fishing boats on the Lake County harbors of Waukegan and North Point. You will find the Coho running in the late spring, Lake Trout biting in mid-summer, and the Chinook come home to spawn in late summer and early fall. Whatever time of the year you go, you'll find expert charter fishing captains ready to make your time on the water a great one. For information on charter fishing opportunities and hotel information, please contact us.

CITY: Winthrop Harbor

Craig Woods Golf Course

Take a swing at this challenging par 34, scenic nine-hole course.

CITY: Woodstock

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

Aloha Falls Miniature Golf & Games

All-season facility offering outdoor and indoor fun for the whole family including two Hawaiian themed miniature golf courses which both wind and weave around a breathtaking waterfall and multiple beach areas. Indoor activities include an underwater themed 9-hole glow-in-the-dark table golf course, air hockey, pool tables, video games, board games and weekend concerts featuring local bands.

CITY: Libertyville

Ladd Memorial Arboretum & Evanston Ecology Center

Stretching along a three-quarter mile segment of McCormick Boulevard on a narrow, 23-acre strip of reclaimed land following the diagonal course of the North Shore Channel, the Ladd Memorial Arboretum is an area of natural beauty and recreation open year-round. The Ecology Center serves as the education nucleus of the arboretum.

CITY: Evanston