Family Friendly Summer Activities in DuPage County

Looking for things to do in this summer? This list details indoor and outdoor activities in DuPage County for kids and adults.

When the kids are out of school for the summer, parents are challenged with filling their days with fun, and sometimes educational activities. DuPage County offers a a variety of attractions to get you through the dog-days of summer.

Lilacia Park – Lombard, IL 150 South Park Ave

This hidden gem in Lombard, next to the Metra station features more than 200 varieties of lilacs and 50 varieties of tulips. Originally estate home to Col. William Plum and his wife, Helen Maria Williams Plum, the Plums started their collection of lilacs after visiting the famous gardens of Victor Lemoine in Nancy, France. Enjoy strolling through the grounds or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy among the fragrant blooms. This park is open daily from dawn to dusk to the public and is no fee to enter the park, but pre-registration is required and/or a small fee may be required for special events.

Cosley Zoo – Wheaton, IL 1356 N. Gary Ave

Situatied on 5 acres in Wheaton, Cosely Zoo is the perfect destination for young children or those that wish to learn more about local wildlife. The zoo maintains 20 exhibits and houses more than 125 animals across 50 different species. The naturalistic habitats offer a fun and safe way for people of all ages to interact with the animals. Cosley Zoo also participates in several large-scale conservation efforts and offers education about conservation efforts in and around the home. The zoo is open year-round and hours vary throughout the year. Summer hours are 9AM to 5PM daily. Admission is free to Wheaton residents with a District Universal Resident ID, children and members. Non-resident adult admission is $7 and $6 for seniors.

DuPage County Farmer’s Markets

Did you know that Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Elk Grove Village, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, Lisle, Naperville, Wheaton and Winfield all feature their own farmer’s market? Farmer’s markets are a great destination if you’re looking for the freshest produce, organic potted herbs, artisan baked goods and more. All the farmer’s markets in DuPage County are free and feature a wide variety of edible offerings. For a fancier experience, visit the Lisle French Market at the Prairie Walk Pond on Garfield Ave. In addition to fruits and vegetables and baked goods, this market features cheese, olive oils, artwork and much more. Visit the DuPage County Farm Bureau for more information on a farmer’s market near you.

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve – Darien, Intersection of Cass and Northgate

Part of the extensive DuPage County Forest Preserve, this 2503-acre forest is known for ecological diversity, extensive trails, Rocky Glen waterfall and Sawmill Creek bluff overlook. You can spend all day doing a variety of activities ranging from hiking and biking to trails to fishing to trying out the orienteering course. A large open field in the southwest section of the preserve is a popular spot for model aircraft enthusiasts, and people often visit just to watch the planes take flight and land. The most popular destination in the preserve is the Rocky Glen waterfall. Though not quite as large in scale as Niagara Falls, you can wade in the shallow water and get up close with the aquatic wildlife.  The preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.

The Morton Arboretum – Lisle, IL 4100 IL-Rte 53

The Morton Arboretum is more than “just a bunch of trees”. This 1700-acre facility features an outdoor museum with library, herbarium and hoses more than 4100 unique living plant species and 200,000 cataloged plants. The goal of the Morton Arboretum is to “encourage the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier and more beautiful world”. Check out the amazing foliage in a variety of ways by walking or biking through the many paths or taking one of the many educational courses offered, there is something for everyone. The on-site Ginkgo Restaurant and Café not only serves up delicious eats for visitors, is also an eco-friendly operation. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $10 for children aged 2-17.

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Jul 16
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