These Oak Park Kids Adventures Are Cooler Than Anything on Their Smartphones

Unforgettable summer adventures await in Western Cook County, both in Oak Park and nearby. Your family will never forget these Oak Park kids weekends!

Summer break is finally here and you’re probably already dreading the kiddos saying “I’m bored” a million times over the next few months.

Well, we’ve got the perfect cure for those summer blahs – an epic adventure exploring the vibrant communities of western Cook County, Illinois just outside of Chicago.

We lived in Chicago for 16 years. Little Man was born in Oak Park. So we know the area well! With only 15 precious weekends of summer vacation, there are over 100 awesome reasons to get out and discover this amazing area with your family.

From wild animal encounters to adrenaline-pumping escape rooms, nostalgic arcades to hands-on cooking classes, thrilling gangster tours to world-class museums, these suburbs have something for every kid (and kid-at-heart adult!).

The best part? All of these one-of-a-kind experiences are just a short drive from the city, so you can have the convenience of the ‘burbs with the energy and excitement of Chicago.

Get ready to make summertime memories your kids will never forget!

Unleash Their Wild Side

At the top of any family’s western Cook County bucket list should be Brookfield Zoo Chicago. This world-famous zoo is home to an incredible 3,400 animals from around the globe.

Get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, bison and so many more at the award-winning Hamill Family Wildlife Encounters. Budding zoologists will go ape for these thrilling, interactive experiences.

If dinosaurs are more your kids’ thing, don’t miss the Cernan Space Center in River Grove. This awesome museum and planetarium is filled with hands-on exhibits that let visitors experience what it’s like to step foot on the moon.

On summer nights, you can even attend “Dinosaurs Alive” shows using 3D projection-mapping to bring these prehistoric beasts to life!

Family-Friendly Thrills and Chills

Looking for some spine-tingling summer fun? The western suburbs have tons of heart-pounding activities to get your adrenaline pumping as a family.

Try your hand at an escape room adventure at venues like Escape Factor in Oak Park or Just Escape Room in Forest Park. Little Man has loved escape rooms since he was 8. They’re great for the whole family!

With devilishly difficult clues and devious puzzles, these real-life games will put your team’s problem-solving skills to the ultimate test as you race against the clock.

For a throwback thrill, don’t miss the Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, one of the largest classic video game arcades in the world. We’ve spent several birthdays here with Little Man and his friends, and love it!

With over 700 vintage games spanning the 70s through the 90s, this retro paradise will have kids and nostalgic parents alike reliving their misspent quarters and mastering games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong and Space Invaders.

Unleash their inner sleuth with a real-life Gangster Tour through the back alleys and underground tunnels of western Cook County. They’re a great alternative to some of the Chicago Ghost Tours you’ll find downtown.

These two-hour walking tours let families step into the shady world of mobsters like Al Capone and Baby Face Nelson, uncovering their secret hideouts and learning about their scandalous crimes.

Get Hands-On and Creative

For kids who love getting messy and making stuff, western Cook County has tons of opportunities to unleash their creative spirits.

Pottery painting studios like Ceramic Art Café in Westchester let kids’ imaginations run wild as they decorate and paint their own ceramic masterpieces.

The Riverside Arts Center offers all kinds of cool art classes for kids, from cartooning to jewelry-making and more.

Budding bakers and chefs won’t want to miss the chance to take a hands-on cooking class at places like Schoolhouse Kitchen + Studio in Oak Park or The Chew Chew in Riverside.

They’ll learn basic cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and get to prepare (and devour!) some tasty treats. Bon appétit!

Outdoor Adventures Galore

When the temperatures rise, there’s no better place to be than exploring the great outdoors in western Cook County.

With miles upon miles of idyllic hiking and biking trails winding through lush forest preserves, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.

Rent bikes in Riverside and cruise the scenic Salt Creek Trail, or wander along the beautiful Frederick Law Olmsted-designed paths and parks.

Playgrounds and splash pads, such as Gordon Park and Forest Park Aquatic Center, offer ideal spots for kids to cool down. Families can visit the impressive Oak Park Conservatory to explore beautiful gardens under grand glass domes.

Remember to bring a picnic and enjoy family time at parks like Lindberg Park in Western Springs or Willow Stream Park in Elmhurst. They host outdoor concerts and movie nights on certain summer evenings.

Delicious Family-Friendly Dining

You’ll definitely want to bring your appetite when you visit western Cook County because the food scene here is something special.

From iconic mom-and-pop diners and hot dog joints to trendy craft breweries and hip ethnic eateries, there’s a palate-pleasing option for every member of the family.

For a sweet nostalgic treat, make a pit stop at retro spots like Tate’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream in Riverside or The Highland Queen Drive-in in Forest Park for everything from indulgent shakes and sundaes to old-school diner eats.

Satisfy your carb cravings at places like Sawmilly Sandwich Shoppe and Publican Quality Bread in Oak Park which offer up drool-worthy sandwiches and baked goods. We love the Junction Diner in Forest Park!

For more adventurous eaters, Oak Park’s Amerikas serves mouthwatering Venezuelan cuisine and Thipi Thai in Elmhurst offers some of the most authentic Thai food outside of Bangkok.

We’ve been to Bankgok, so we know what we’re talking about!

And no visit to the Chicago ‘burbs is complete without digging into some classic Italian beef at joints like Parky’s Hot Dogs or Mickey’s Gyros & Ribs. Don’t forget to document your juicy masterpiece for the ‘gram!

W. Cook County & Oak Park Kids Activities

With 100+ events, activities, and attractions this summer in western Cook County, there’s something for every family member – outdoor adventurers, adrenaline junkies, history buffs, art lovers, and foodies.

Weekly happenings like Oak Park’s Thursday Night Out (complete with live music, kid’s activities and tons of vendors) and community events like Schiller Park Pierogi Fun Fest ensure there’s always something exciting going on.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your summertime suburban excursions today.

Just don’t be surprised when your kids are begging to spend all 15 weekends exploring everything this amazing area has to offer!