Situated just 20 miles northwest of Chicago and about 20 miles south of Lake Forest, Des Plaines got its name from the Des Plaines River, which runs through the city just east of its downtown area. Thanks to its proximity to the city as well as surrounding suburbs, Des Plaines serves as a centralized area to visit so many kid-friendly locations. If you need some ideas on how to spend the day with your kids near this city, check out the following five places.
Spend the Day at Lake Park
Sitting on 76 acres on the west side of Lee Street between Touhy Avenue and Howard Avenue in Des Plaines, Lake Park is a great place to bring your children. It houses Lake Opeka, which is the park's featured attraction. You can fish, sail, and boat on the water, or walk with your kids along the shoreline and watch for local wildlife.
Another option is to rent paddle boats, swan boats, and kayaks to cruise around the lake. Also, the lake is well stocked with fish including large-mouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, and channel catfish, so bring your fishing pole to try to snare a few. Toward the north end of the lake rests Lake Park Marina, which is home to the Des Plains Yacht Club. This club hosts regattas throughout the summer on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Sailing lessons are also available during the summer for beginning and intermediate sailors.
If your children are interested in playing golf, Lake Park Golf Course is an 18-hole par-3 short course that's perfect for beginning and intermediate players. If you need to recharge during your day-long excursion, use either the North or South picnic shelters and enjoy some lunch or snacks. They're free to use, although rentals take priority.
Burn Off Some Energy at Funtopia
Travel just 7 miles northeast to Glenview and let your kids run around in this adventure park. Made for children of all ages, Funtopia strives to get children involved in challenges that will allow them to have a good time and get some exercise. It features more than 40 interactive fun walls with an intricate ropes course designed to be accessible and challenging to children of all ages. Younger climbers will like the dinosaur skeleton while older ones can try real rock climbing on a granite wall.
Children up to the age of 8 years can go through the ultimate safe playground and its obstacle area. This space also houses mazes, so the kids must figure out how to exit. For a little more adventure, they can try the ultra-realistic cave system that features underground tunnels, rocks, and hidden treasures. The caves have replicas of real natural rocks including limestone and sandstone.
Challenge the Kids at Mountain View Adventure Center
Found in Des Plaines, Mountain View Adventure Center has something for just about anyone. Its challenging mini-golf course has an old mining town theme. With creeks, bridges, magnificent waterfalls, and old-time signs, the course makes you feel like you stepped back in time. Obstacles are moved throughout the year, so even if you visited earlier in the season, you can come back and have a different experience. The concession stand is well-stocked with a variety of favorite snacks and ice cream treats.
If you prefer something with a little more contact, head over to the six batting cages. Every one of the cages offers a different speed with the highest reaching 80 mph. Each $1 token is good for 15 pitches, but you can earn bonus balls by spending more money. Keep in mind that you need to bring your own batting helmets for safety reasons.
The third option at the center is a free skate/BMX park that is open daily from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. It's designed to challenge beginning, intermediate, and advanced riders thanks to various ramps and obstacles. Although the park is unsupervised, riders are encouraged to wear helmets and pads.
Explore at the Kohl Children's Museum
Targeted at children aged 8 years and younger, the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview features 17 hands-on exhibits that are designed to nurture these youngsters and help them learn. Every facet of the facility has some sort of educational element, and all of its exhibits fulfill Illinois State Learning Standards. Approximately 330,000 people visit the museum each year, and it boasts more than 7,000 member families. These members gain additional benefits such as earlier entrance times and invitations to members-only events.
One favorite exhibit is the Whole Foods Market mini grocery store where youngsters can grab a cart, shop, and check out at the register. Another popular exhibit is the Water Works where kids can build a boat and see how it floats down a canal and use water to make music. Aprons are available if you're worried about your child getting too wet.
Go Swimming at Pavilion Aquatics Center
Just 6 miles west of Des Plains in Elk Grove Village is the Pavilion Aquatics Center. Your children can swim at this facility year-round since it features an Olympic-sized indoor main swimming pool, zero-depth lagoon pool with a 72-foot waterslide, and whirlpool. Depending on the season and temperature, its outdoor swimming pool might be available.
Hours of operation also depend upon the time of the year, so make sure you check the times before you go. Also, the indoor portion of the facility is closed for about three weeks from the middle of August through the beginning of September. During this time, the staff completes tasks that are necessary to give patrons the best experience. However, the outdoor pool remains open so you can enjoy that space during that timeframe.
What do you think of this list of the five best ways to spend the day with your child when you're in Des Plaines? Did we highlight all the right spots, or is there one must-visit spot that we forgot to include? If we did, please contact Pasquesi Sheppard to let us know so we can pass along that information to others.