By Susan Miller
Fun Things to Do in the Chicago Suburbs
The second largest city in the
United States,
Chicago suburbs are large cities in themselves. All of them have fun activities and attractions for all ages. There are museums, parks, family entertainment centers, live theater, festivals, art galleries, libraries, restaurants, working farms, orchards and other attractions. While most are not as large as those in the city, they are popular destinations for those staying in the suburbs, or for those who want a day out of the city.
North Shore Suburbs
Wagner Farm in Glenview is a popular destination. Adults and children alike learn about a real working farm. The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian portrays the Native American cultures of the Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, Northwest Coast and Arctic. Mitchell Museum is at 3001 Central St., Evanston, Illinois, (847) 475-1030, mitchellmuseum.org/
Chicago South Suburbs
The Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago southern suburb of Brookfield is nationally-renowned and has more than 3,000 animals. The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center has 3.5 miles of trails for walking and education. The schoolhouse contains interpretive exhibits and hosts events. It is located at 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs, Illinois 60480, (708) 839-6897.
West Chicago Suburbs
The DuPage Children's Museum has exhibits on sciences, math and the arts. Enchanted Castle Family Entertainment Center in Lombard has 60,000 square feet of family activities, including bumper cars, laser tag, go karts, miniature golf and other activities. The Castle center is at 1103 S. Main Street, Lombard, Illinois 60148, (630) 953-7860, dupagecvb.com/vis_att.cfm
Mayan Adventure Indoor Water park at the Holiday Inn in Elmhurst has 24,000 square feet of water activities for all ages. It's located at 624 N. York Road, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126, (630) 279-1100 or (877) 426-4386
Resources
About the Author:
Susan Miller has been a professional journalist since 1990. She edited two weeklies for a chain of suburban newspapers and has written for the "Indianapolis Star," the "Indianapolis Business Journal" and several magazines, among other publications and websites. Miller studied design, photography and technology at Purdue University and Central Piedmont Community College.
Photo Credits:
Photo courtesy Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Evanston, IL
