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 attraction make it the perfect place as we ride this public health crisis together. Let's Go! and take advantage of summer fun the land of lakes has to offer.
The land of lakes is home to over 200 lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, which means the beaches are in abundance. Searching for an adventure in one of the Great Lakes? Illinois Beach State Park in Zion 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. Take a dip and cool yourself off this summer along one of Lake County’s relaxing shores. So kick back and relax, and remember, life’s a social distancing beach!
The health and safety of our Lake County visitors and residents is our number one priority. Maybe you don't feel comfortable to experience first hand until times are a little less daunting. While you can't visit all of your favorite hotspots just yet, we encourage you to keep exploring, dreaming and making plans. Cherish this time with those that matter most and check out some of our virtual experiences.
Victory Garden Virtual Exhibit Presented by Brushwood (through 8/18) INFO»
Art in the Times of Quartine Virtual Exhibit by the Art Center of Highland Park (through August 1) INFO»
Virtual Family Fun Fridays at the Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center (through 8/7)INFO»
Lambs Farm opened their doors for the season on July 7. The Libertyville farmyard features a petting area with sheep, goats, and a variety of attractions like miniature golf, an old-world carousel and more. Also, visit the Dogwood Pet Shop, Magnolia Café & Bakery and the Sugar Maple Country Store for delectable treats, unique items and adorable puppies and kittens. All the businesses at Lambs Farm benefit programs for people with developmental disabilities. The Libertyville grounds require guests to stay a minimum of six feet from customers at staff at all times, wear a facemask, use hand sanitizer and wash your hands. Visitors are required to make reservations before entering the grounds at lambsfarm.org/product/farmyard-reservations, while you may also call 847-367-7606 for the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center. The Cedar Chest Thrift Shop reopens July 14. The Magnolia Café & Bakery is still open for curbside pickup and indoor dining on Friday and Saturday. Donations are accepted. Lambs Farm is open through October 25.
The social distancing and curbside pickup go hand-and-hand with Miller’s Dog N Suds’ business model as we head into Phase 3. Miller’s Dog N Suds is the home of the Coney dog and their famous creamy root beer. The Ingleside drive-thru styled eatery is a four-generation, family-owned business that recently celebrated its 50th birthday in 2017. A little touch of the past is still relevant today because you can’t pass up a delicious hot dog. Miller’s Dog N Suds regularly hosts concerts and classic car nights as well. At one point, there were 600 locations of the restaurant. Currently, 14 Dog N Suds is still in operation with one other place in Lake County (Grayslake). Other items on the menu at the iconic restaurant include Texasburgers, corndogs, cheese dogs, chicken sandwich and their shake of the month. Miller’s Dog N Suds is open from May through October. Also, it’s a drive-in, so social distancing is practiced by default.
Bump, collide and compete against your friends in the unique bumper car sport WhirlyBall. Everyone's favorite lacrosse/basketball/bumper car fusion game returns as the Vernon Hills facility opens its doors on Wednesday, July 15. The 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).
Take a dip in the drink, recline, relax and experience all the thrills at Hurricane Harbor. The Gurnee waterpark opens for the general public in the last week of July. 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 and so much more. Have a splashing good time this year.
“There’s a starman waiting in the sky. He’d like to come and meet us, but he thinks he’d blow our minds.” Staring fondly into the eyes of a constellation is a wondrous sight. While we stay at home to flatten the curve of COVID-19, we can keep our heads in the sky and experience the constellations hovering over Lake County. It’s a splendid opportunity while we wait out the effects of the novel coronavirus. Whether you in an Illinois State Park, a Lake County Forest Preserve or in Lake Michigan, on a clear night, you can "wish upon a star because it makes no difference who you are."
After nearly two months of Facebook Live visits at the Lake Forest sanctuary, Wildlife Discovery reopened the outdoor habitats on the interpretive trail. There are a slew of critters to say hello to on their outdoor path like bobcats, owls, eagles, reptiles, their newest little buddy named Oliver the opossum and so many more.
Every time a bell rings, a prospective pilot gets their wings. Extreme Flight Simulations (figuratively) provides individuals with frequent flyer miles in the Gurnee facility’s airplane simulator. Take off, coast and land as this soaring simulator accurately reproduces the flight deck of the 737 NG. The aerodynamic attraction is open to the public, and no flight experience is needed.
Say cowabunga as you land an ollie in one of Lake County's skate park halfpipes: 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.
With the Land of Lincoln elevating to the next phase of Restore Illinois, Chicago Botanic Garden has upgraded to a gradual reopening. The Glencoe sanctuary currently permits visitors to view the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Gardens, the Dixon Prairie and McDonald Woods while maintaining social distancing in the outer perimeter. Gradually, more facilities will reopen in the upcoming weeks. All visitors must preregister for a specific date and time. There is no entry without a reservation.
The Chain O’Lakes is far from placid on Thursday nights during the summer. Take the boat out or take the ferry from Port of BLarney to Blarney Island. Thunder on the Chain features the unique world of drag boat racing from June-September hosted by Blarney Island on Grass Lake. If you have the need for speed on a ‘school night,’ witness these fearless racers competing in nine different classes from the Northern Illinois Drag Boat Association as they sprint for the gold. Thunder on the Chain fields races through September 3.
