The suburbs of Chicago are an incredible place to raise a family. Nearby neighborhoods like Oak Brook, Lincolnshire, and Naperville offer young families many activities and amenities that come along with being close to a downtown metropolis area. So, what are the hidden gems that make the Chicago suburbs exciting for families? Here are a few activities that might sound familiar if you’re a parent in suburban Chicago:
1. Your go-to rainy-day activity list includes a trip to the Kohl Children’s Museum.
When there’s always something new for your children to explore, every trip to the museum is exciting. Their rotating exhibits provide never-ending entertainment and make the drive to Glenview during cold or rainy days a fun family outing.
2. Your idea of a night on the town includes a visit to The Marriott Theatre.
Local families know they don’t have to drive into the city for a world-class performance. This theatrical gem has been operating since 1975 and will hopefully continue to delight families for many years to come.
3. An ideal Saturday or Sunday is spent soaking up the sun rays at Centennial Beach.
If you can’t make it to the lake, there’s no better option than Centennial Beach. Throw your gear into a locker, play the bag toss, get a bite to eat at Centennial Grill, and enjoy a gorgeous day with your children next to the water.
4. One of your favorite places to shop is International Fresh Market.
What’s not to love about a local, family-owned grocery store? With international grocery, produce, and ethnic foods, the International Fresh Market is a staple of the Chicagoland community. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on those 3-day and 4-day sales!
5. Your family can spend hours exploring The Grove in Northbrook on a nice summer day.
Whether you have a tiny history buff or a nature lover, The Grove’s 145-acre park is a great place for young families to explore. And here’s a delicious bonus: it’s across the street from Little Louie’s, which has been a family-friendly hot dog haven for more than 50 years.
6. Your preschooler thinks deep-dish pizza is the only style of pizza.
When you grow up eating Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s, every other pizza restaurant has some explaining to do!
7. Your weekends are spent at the DuPage Children’s Museum.
Whether your preschooler loves building with blocks, making masterpieces, or getting messy with exciting science experiments, the DuPage Children’s Museum is a STEM-friendly learning environment you can spend hours exploring.
8. Your autumn would not be complete without a trip to Historic Wagner Farm.
This fully operational farm, one of the last working dairy farms in the county, represents a historic jewel of our city. It’s an annual must-visit location for families when fall arrives.
9. Your child could spend hours at the Vernon Area Public Library.
With so many areas and activities to explore, this local library is a fun destination for young families. Find your next favorite book on the shelves, or take home a copy of one of our teacher-recommended tales.
10. Your young nature lover begs you to go to one of the area’s top-notch Nature Centers.
With an endless variety of trails, exhibits, and programs for children at over a dozen different sites, you and your family can explore so many beautiful natural spaces and go on a few child-friendly hikes.
The Gardner School: A Premier Preschool in the Suburban Chicago area
The Gardner School has preschools in many locations in suburban Chicago. Our roots in these communities are one of the reasons parents choose us when looking for a preschool in suburban Chicago. Contact us today to learn more about The Gardner School or schedule a tour at the location nearest you.
