Kids Summer Fun Guide in Lake County, IL 2023
By: Jonathan Jones 06/22/2023
Summer is officially in session!
Your youngsters are yearning for an adventure with all of this time off from school.
Explore the land of lakes nature settings, bask in the sun along the shore, discovering historical nuggets, filling your belly with world-class eats and playing with a few creatures just scratches the surface of what summer fun your kiddies can get into.
Lake County's natural beauty and diverse attractions make it the perfect place for an extended vacation. So let the ride take you to the land of lakes and take advantage of summer fun the land of lakes has to offer. Continue scrolling for your summer fun guide for kids in Lake County.
Volo Museum offers a unique glimpse into automotive history, vehicular oddities and Hollywood Cars. The Volo Museum features 45 exhibits ranging from military vehicles, train cars, boats and other machines. The museum recently added the Jurassic Gardens, which features animatronic dinosaurs, visual effects and a "fossil lab" where kids can make discoveries. The museum also just unvelied its new carousel and Titanic exhibits.
The Gurnee amusement park features 17 roller coasters, amazing live shows, fireworks, delicious dining options, 11-themed areas with other fantastic rides and tons more excitement. lt has almost been a half-decade ago Goliath, this coaster came into the hearts of everyone. the Guinness Book of World Records officially named Goliath as the world’s steepest, fastest and tallest wooden roller coaster. Since then, it still stands as the steepest wooden coaster. Glide down the globe’s longest wooden coaster drop, Goliath, blast through the park with Maxx Force’s record-breaking launch, sprinting from 0-78 mph in under two seconds, take a spin on the world’s largest looping ride, Mardi Gras Hangover or ride the classic American Eagle. SFGAm also features live shows, delectable eats, a ton of games and kiddie activities. Also, the Six Flags entity is highlighted by Hurricane Harbor Chicago. The H2O haven is equipped with numerous waterslides; the main swimming area called Monsoon Lagoon, a kid zone play area that utterly soaks attendees, an interactive surf area, the world's tallest water coaster: Tsunami Surge, and so much more. The park stays open on select days through September 4.
Ravinia is a staple of Lake County. Since 1905, the Highland Park fest has featured the top musicians in various genres, making it the oldest outdoor festival in U.S. history. Here's a list of the youngster friendly performances.
- Tchaikovsky and Chicago Skyline with Marin Alsop and the CSO (Jul. 15) INFO»
- Laurie Berkner at Ravinia Festival (Jul. 30) INFO»
- Opera for the Young: Rossini's "The Barber of Seville (Aug. 12) INFO»
- Tchaikovsky Spectacular with CSO (Aug. 20) INFO»
- Okee Dokee Brothers (Aug. 26) INFO»
- Disney's "Encanto" in Concert with the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra (Aug. 27) INFO»
- Jurassic Park with Chicago Philharmonic (Aug. 28) INFO»
- Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project: Metamorphosis (Sept. 7) INFO»
- Fiesta Ravinia (Sept. 10) INFO»
Old Lake County had a farm E-I-E-I-O. The six-decade-old Libertyville/Green Oaks farmyard is highlighted by a petting area with sheep, goats and a plethora of other livestock creatures to meet and greet, various attractions like miniature golf, an old-world carousel and more. Visit the homestead’s Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Café & Bakery and the Sugar Maple Country Store for delectable treats, unique treasures, adorable puppies and kittens. The Libertyville grounds’ businesses benefit programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The farmyard is open through October.
We all live for that moment when we look to the sky and anxiously await our favorite brand of boom and color spatter from a Lake County fireworks show. Then viewers their starry-eyed “ooh’s and ahh’s,” (some of us get 3D glasses to see if they work, but they never do) as we hope our favorite kind of firework will be the next one to light up the smiling faces around us. Here are the list of pyrotechnics for Independence Day
- Grayslake Fireworks (June 24) INFO»
- Zion Fireworks (June 29) INFO»
- Fox Lake Fireworks (July 1) INFO»
- Round Lake Beach Fireworks (July 1) INFO»
- Waukegan Independence Day Parade (July 2) INFO»
- Six Flags Great America Fireworks (July 1-4) INFO»
- Mundelein Parade and Fireworks (July 2) INFO»
- Deerfield Fireworks (July 3) INFO»
- Lincolnshire Fireworks (July 3-4) INFO»
- Waukegan Fireworks (July 4) INFO»
- Vernon Hills Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks (July 4) INFO»
- Fourth of July Celebration - Lake Zurich's Annual Independence/Family Day INFO»
Skate Parks in Lake County
Say cowabunga to your kids as they land an ollie in one of Lake County’s skate park halfpipes and bowls: Warren Township Center Skate Park, Viking Park, Betty Russell Community Park and Churchill Hunt Park (Gurnee), Jewett Park Skate Park (Deerfield), Williams Park (Antioch), Daniel Barry Memorial Skate Park (Grayslake), Waukegan Skate Park and Sullivan Community Center.
"My wish is to stay always like this, living quietly in a corner of nature" - Claude Monet. Camping season is officially opened starting in May. Lake County may have few spots to camp, but boy, are they mighty. Visit these two locations in the land of lakes where the deer and the antelope. The three campsites remain open through October.
- Chain O'Lakes State Park in Antioch INFO»
- Fish Lake Beach in Volo INFO»
- Illinois Beach State Park in Zion INFO»
The “Monsters of the Midway” training camp has returned for its second year at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. The training camp sponsored by the Illinois Office of Tourism will be open on select days to the public between July 28-August 20. The NFL organization will allow fans to enter the Lake Forest facility to view practice for 11 days between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are free, but must be secured online and were be made available on July 7. Bears fans can select up to four training camp tickets for each event. Camp visitors will park at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills and will be shuttled to and from Halas Hall.
Let the Ride Take You to Lake County, Illinois, and discover the freedom of being able to set your own pace and seek out your own experiences. Your road trip adventure is just a stone's throw away. Take in the scenery on a new avenue and see where it leads. "Oh, the places you'll go" and explore, and those sites, sounds and feels will leave you and the family with memory makers. Lake County Road Trips showcases five different experiences via car, bike or hoofing to create an adventure on the land of lakes' arterial highways: Illinois Route 21, U.S. Route 45, Illinois Route 83, Illinois Route 41 and U.S. Route 12. So this summer, don't just take a road trip.
The Lake Villa offers a variety of therapeutic services for a range of purposes that including yoga, meditation and horseback riding. They specialize in entry-level skill-building for those dealing with anxiety, autism, and other physical and emotional issues. Susanna Farms also provides equine-assisted activities, camps for public and private events as well as corporate outings and birthday parties.
What kid doesn't like to dance and burn off some of that extra pent-up energy inside. At Fred Astaire Dance Studios, they can learn some incredible new moves in the process. And having sick new moves isn't just a cool way to wow folks on the dance floor. Engaging in rhythmic activities can be good for weight loss, stress management, mental stimulation, acts a social outlet and many more fun reasons. Check out the studio and see if your children may find a class that catches their eye.
What’s so good about summer festivals in Lake County? The sun is out, the streets are over-saturated with humans dancing to live Spotify, exploring their palate with enchanting eats and drinks, seeking thrills on carnival rides and so much more.
The land of lakes is home to over 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, which means the beaches are abundant. Searching for an adventure in one of the Great Lakes? Illinois Beach State Park in Zion or Waukegan Municipal Beach is your destination. Taking your little guppies for a more youngster-friendly environment? Lake Zurich’s Paulus Park Beach has lifeguards and a water playground. So take a dip and cool yourself off this summer along one of Lake County’s relaxing shorelines. So kick back and relax, and remember, life’s a beach!
Canlan Sportsplex in Lake Barrington offers an 85,000-square-foot indoor turf field for baseball, softball, football, lacrosse and soccer at their Lake Barrington. It has 40,000 square feet of solid maple floating hardwood floors that allows for four basketball courts and eight volleyball courts to provide the safest and most forgiving court surfaces for all competitions. Their newest Libertyville complex has 360° Climbing Mountain for rock climbing and a kids club. The former Libertyville Sports Complex also offers open gym for soccer, hoops and youth sports
Mini Golf in Lake County
Hit the links in Lake County…on a far smaller course. It’s all in the hips. Make your tee times for some of the most unusual, scenic, difficult and competitive outings at two of Lake County’s best miniature golf courses. Before you hit the big boy golf courses, work on the short game at these two locations:
- Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire INFO»
- Kristof’s Entertainment Center in Round Lake Beach INFO»
- Lambs Farm in Libertyville/Green Oaks INFOù
- Great Wolf Lodge Illinois in Gurnee INFO»
"Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up, let's go." Let's go to The Tempel Lipizzans Summer Spotlight Performance. These gifted stallions will perform in a four-segment exhibition of classical riding at the Old Mill Creek farm. The program includes a tribute to the Olympic sport of showcasing equestrian dressage and a performance of the maneuvers of Middle Ages battle techniques utilized in the Middle Ages soldiers. The steeds will run through its five-segment routine that includes the Quadrille. As mentioned earlier, the movement demonstrates the classical dressage technique and the distinguished level of communication between trainer and horse. In addition to the stallion ballet, equestrian enthusiasts can explore the bond between mares and their babies as the Lake County farm hosts their Foals Presentation. The Tempel Lipizzans celebrates 65 years: Dancing through the Decades with new music. Visitors can purchase tickets at TempelFarms.com.
Movies in the Park in Lake County
Visit a Lake County park near you and see myriad smash-hit movies under the stars. Bring a picnnic basket, blanket, friends and whatever makes you feel at home.
- Movies in the Park - Waukegan INFO»
- Outdoor Movie Nights at Deer Park Town Center INFO»
- Movies in the Park - Lake Zurich INFO»
- Movies in the Park - Lincolnshire INFO»
Bump, collide and compete against your friends in the unique bumper car sport WhirlyBall. Everyone’s favorite lacrosse/basketball/bumper car fusion game has returned as the Vernon Hills facility opened its doors this year. This play place also has a little something for adults. Besides delectable eats, WhirlyBall has a vast selection of brews while the youngsters duke it out (or you join in on the fun).
Turn back time and travel just north of Lake County to the 16th-century at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. The festival’s opening weekend is highlighted by delectable food, a marketplace with unique handcrafted wares, an interactive theatrical gaming experience and slew of other 1500s festivities. There is plenty of excitement for youngsters as the Bristol Renaissance Faire has been voted as the top 10 family-friendly festivals for nearly a decade. However, adult shenanigans can commence if you’re visiting without kiddies as adults 21 and older can take a tour on the Kenosha, WI facility that hosts their legendary pub crawl. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Renaissance-era attire while enjoying the sights and sounds of Medieval Europe. The Olde English fest will run on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day weekend.
There are numerous outdoor venues to explore nature in Lake County! With 170 lakes and rivers, enjoy Illinois Beach State Park in Zion off the shores of Lake Michigan and Chain O’ Lakes State Park in Spring Grove. Plus, with nearly 31,000 acres of land to explore at the Lake County Forest Preserves, Lake County offers outdoor beauty and trails for those interested in hiking, boating, fishing, bird watching, golf and many other activities. Be sure to take advantage of Lake County’s outdoor adventures in winter, too, including the new Solar Trails at select Lake County Forest Preserves (click here).
Theatre in Lake County
"So remember, “it’s bad luck to say ‘good luck’ on opening night. What you say is ‘break a leg.'” Witness the Broadway talent of equity and non-equity shows the land of lakes has to offer.
- Schoolhouse Rock Live! at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts INFO»
- "Elephant and Piggie's 'We are in the Play'" at Marriott Theatre INFO»
- Improv Comedy at the Improv Playhouse (Family Shows on Saturdays at 7 p.m.) INFO»
Witness the majesty and beauty of the Swallowtail, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Skipperling, and as many as 500 other colorful butterflies and blooms at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Butterflies & Blooms exhibition highlights species native to Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. The butterflies are housed in a 2,800-square-foot mesh enclosure on the Regenstein Learning Campus. Visitors can see the cocooned caterpillars transform into butterflies through a window in the pupa emergence room. The exhibition is open daily through September 4 (weather permitting).
Plan your overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois this summer where the water park is always a comfortable 84 degrees. Their indoor waterpark spans over 80,000 feet and has waterslides, a giant tipping bucket and zero-depth entry water play areas. After a long day of splashing about, the fun doesn't end. There are family-size bowling lanes, an indoor miniature golf course and the enormous redemption arcade. When the family is tuckered out from the full day of excitement, saunter to the Barnwood Restaurant for delicious food, quenching beverages for both kid and parent, a rustic aesthetic and shareable plate sizes for everyone.
You might not think of Lake County as a historical landmark, but take a closer look and you’ll see that we have a rich past and a respectable collection of unique museums and interesting historical locations.
Concerts in the Park in Lake County
Live entertainment always gets your juices flowing when you’re looking for a new tune to hum. The land of lakes offers a ton of outdoor concerts outside of a Ravinia Festival or a summer festival, that just provides you with the epitome of summer.
- Summer in the Shire in Lincolnshire INFO»
- Sounds of Summer in Gurnee INFO»
- Concert in the Park in Zion INFO»
- Music on the Esplanade at Chicago Botanic Garden INFO»
- The Magic Mansion, A Family Concert at the Sanfilippo House INFO»
- Concerts in the Plaza at Independence Grove INFO»
- Summer Concert Series in Deerfield INFO»
- Fox Lake Summer Art Series Friday Night Concert INFO»
- Concerts at Stiner Pavilion in Waukegan INFO»
- It's Thursday Concert Series in Antioch INFO»
- Free Concerts in the Park Series in Mundelein INFO»
- Pint of Summer Series at Buffalo Creek Brewing INFO»
- Groove Grove in Lake Zurich INFO»
Launch Gurnee has been working on renovating its facility. The Gurnee attraction, formerly known as Jump America, is the perfect indoor playground during these brisk months and beyond. The bounce emporium is highlighted by the trampolines you know and love, a ninja course, an arcade, air track basketball, virtual reality, a dodgeball court, a full bar and a restaurant called Krave.
Other Kids Summer Fun Guide Happenings in lake County
- Marked by the Sea: Tattoos in the U.S. Navy at National Museum of the American Sailor (through Dec. 31) INFO»
- Lake County Racing History Exhibit at the Dunn Museum INFO»
- Sails Unfurled: The Dawn of the U.S. Navy, 1775-1865 Exhibit at NMAS INFO»
- "Walk with me" with SOUL Harbor Ranch Therapy Animals at Deer Park Town Center (through Oct. 8) INFO»
- Park on Park Cruise Night in Mundelein (through Sept. 13) INFO»
- Chicago botanic Garden's Model Railroad Garden (through Dec. 31) INFO»
- CarFun on 21 in Libertyville (through Sept. 20) INFO»
- Wizards Weekend Day in Antioch (Jun. 24) INFO»
- Neon Nights at Six Flags Great America (Jun. 24-Aug. 6) INFO»
- The Final Chef's Dinner at The Chocolate Sanctuary (Jun. 28-29) INFO»
- Farmers Markets in Lake County INFO»
- Jurassic Quest at the Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center (Jul. 14) INFO»
- Mundelein Grand Prix (Jul. 24) INFO»
- Exploring Nature at Ryerson Woods (Jul. 24-28) INFO»
- From Fossils to Ferns: Lake County's Nature and History at Ryerson Woods (Jul. 24-28) INFO»
- Fishing 1: Five Day Event at Independence Grove (Jul. 31-Aug. 4) INFO»
- Nature's Art Sudio at Independence Grove (Aug. 1-3) INFO»
- Nature Curiosity at Independence Grove (Aug. 1-3) INFO»
- Waukegan Night Out/Touch a Truck (Aug. 4) INFO»
- MainSweet Libertyville Dessert Walk (Aug. 5) INFO»
- Festival of the Arts in Libertyville (Aug. 5-7) INFO»
- Fox Lake Fish Fest: Youth Fishing Derby (Aug. 12) INFO»
- Cardboard Boat Race in Fox Lake (Aug. 12) INFO»
- Potawatomi Trails Pow Wow in Zion (Aug. 26) INFO»
- Family Field Day in Deerfield (Aug. 27) INFO»
For more summer fun for the kiddies, click here. To learn more about family-fun activities, continue here.
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