Northbrook, Illinois, is a vibrant suburb of Chicago, rich with summer activities for kids of all ages. Whether your child is a budding naturalist, an aspiring artist, or a sports enthusiast, Northbrook offers a diverse range of summer activities. Here are 49 fantastic things for kids to do during the summer in Northbrook:
1. Techny Prairie Park and Fields
Get a dose of nature at Techny Prairie Park and Fields. Enjoy a family picnic, go bird watching, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll. The park also offers fields for soccer, baseball, and other sports.
2. Skokie Lagoons
Take a day trip to Skokie Lagoons, a nature preserve with seven inter-connected lagoons. You can rent a kayak or a canoe for a fun day of paddling and exploring.
3. Sportsman’s Country Club
This public golf course is perfect for young golfers to learn and practice. It also features a mini-golf course for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience.
4. Meadowhill Aquatic Center
Head to the Meadowhill Aquatic Center for a day of water fun. The center features pools, slides, and a zero-depth entry area for younger children.
5. Northbrook Historical Society
Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Northbrook Historical Society. Kids will love learning about the history of their hometown.
6. River Trail Nature Center
Get up close with local wildlife at the River Trail Nature Center. Educational exhibits, trails, and live animal displays make this a great learning experience.
7. Grainger Woods
Bring budding scientists to explore and learn in Grainger Woods, a preserve known for its diverse plant and animal life. It’s a perfect location for a nature-based scavenger hunt!
8. Northbrook Public Library
The Northbrook Public Library hosts many summer reading programs and events for kids.
9. The Ceramic Shop
At The Ceramic Shop, kids can paint their pottery, which is a fun and creative way to spend a summer day.
10. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences
This community theater is perfect for young thespians, featuring kid-friendly productions and acting classes.
11. Northbrook Sports Center
Ice skating isn’t just for winter! The Northbrook Sports Center offers ice skating lessons and open skate sessions year-round.
12. Joy of the Game
This sports facility offers a variety of summer sports camps and clinics, focusing on basketball.
13. Go Ape Treetop Adventure
Kids will love the zip lines, obstacles, and swings at Go Ape Treetop Adventure.
14. Northbrook Court Shopping Mall
This shopping mall features a movie theater, food court, and a variety of kids’ clothing stores.
15. Ed Rudolph Velodrome
At the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, kids can learn about track cycling, watch exciting races, or participate in beginner classes.
16. Chicago Botanic Garden
While technically in Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is a short drive away and offers beautiful landscapes, kid-friendly gardens, and hands-on plant science workshops.
17. Somme Woods
Take a walk through the beautiful Somme Woods, home to diverse wildlife and an array of plant species.
18. Chipilly Woods
Kids will enjoy the hiking trails and picnic areas at Chipilly Woods.
19. Camp Dan Beard
Offered by the Boy Scouts of America, kids can participate in summer camps focused on outdoor skills and leadership.
20. Sur La Table
While technically in neighboring Northfield, Sur La Table offers kids’ cooking classes where they can learn to make delicious treats.
21. Chocolate Works
At Chocolate Works, kids can take a tour of the factory, make their chocolate, and of course, sample some!
22. Northbrook School of Dance
The Northbrook School of Dance offers summer classes in a variety of dance styles, including ballet, jazz, and hip hop.
23. Northbrook Symphony Orchestra
Take your kids to a live symphony performance by the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra. They also offer special programs for kids.
24. School of Rock
At School of Rock, kids can learn to play guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and even improve their singing.
25. Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden is a peaceful and beautiful place where kids can learn about Japanese culture and aesthetics.
26. Northbrook Farmers Market
At the Northbrook Farmers Market, kids can learn about local agriculture, meet farmers, and taste fresh, seasonal produce.
27. Korean Cultural Center of Chicago
While technically in Wheeling, the Korean Cultural Center is a short drive away and offers language classes, cultural workshops, and special events.
28. Banner Day Camp
Located on a large campus, Banner Day Camp offers a traditional day camp experience with a large variety of activities.
29. Decoma Day Camp
Decoma Day Camp offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and special events.
30. Pinstripes
Pinstripes is a fun venue with bowling, bocce, and a restaurant offering kid-friendly meals.
31. AMC Northbrook Court 14
Enjoy the latest family-friendly movies at the AMC Northbrook Court 14.
32. Oil Lamp Theater
The Oil Lamp Theater is a professional not-for-profit theater that presents plays and events suitable for older kids and teens.
33. Northbrook Theatre
At the Northbrook Theatre, catch a variety of performances including musicals, plays, and concerts.
34. Historic Wagner Farm
Visit Historic Wagner Farm to see what life was like on a 1920s working farm. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits and farm animals.
35. The Glen Club
While the The Glen Club is a private golf club, it hosts a PGA Junior League in summer where kids can learn golf basics and compete in a friendly, fun environment.
