Laura's Guidebook
Connect with Nature
Bison's Bluff Nature Playground
1111 E Schaumburg RdNature inspired playground for kids.
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark StThe best free zoo!
A nice place to take kids as well as to go on a walk. Can also rent kayaks and pedal boats (during summer season).
7 locals recommend
Lake Arlington
2201 N Windsor DrA nice place to take kids as well as to go on a walk. Can also rent kayaks and pedal boats (during summer season).
Beach which has a paid and free beach, free tennis courses, playgrounds on the beach and off the beach, free shows (please check on the Gillson Park website for details).
13 locals recommend
Gillson Park
Beach which has a paid and free beach, free tennis courses, playgrounds on the beach and off the beach, free shows (please check on the Gillson Park website for details).
Beautiful to walk around, lots of paid and free events, entrance to the garden is free, parking is paid, but can park for free around the area and walk to the garden. Check their website for events.
167 locals recommend
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook RdBeautiful to walk around, lots of paid and free events, entrance to the garden is free, parking is paid, but can park for free around the area and walk to the garden. Check their website for events.
Brookfield Zoo
8400 W 31st StBeautiful zoo.
Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm
1111 E Schaumburg RdNice trails.
Family Fun
Family Aquatic Center at Heritage Park
105 Community BlvdFamily waterpark. Entrance fee, free parking.
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America ParkwayAmusement and water park.
Woodfield Mall
Woodfield MallBest shopping near by.
Sightseeing
Beautiful place to take photos and walk around. Free entrance and parking.
14 locals recommend
Bahai House of Worship Welcome Center
112 Linden AveBeautiful place to take photos and walk around. Free entrance and parking.
Twin Lakes Golf Course & Recreation Area
1200 E Lake DrCan be a nice walk and has a nice playground for kids.
Food scene
Flappy's Pancake House
131 W Dundee RdModern breakfast place, good prices and good food.
The Original Granny's
831 W Dundee RdAnother good breakfast place.
Good breakfast food a little more pricey than the other too and the wait might be long for a table.
Walker Bros. Original Pancake House
825 Dundee RdGood breakfast food a little more pricey than the other too and the wait might be long for a table.
Portillo's Hot Dogs
100 W Ontario StBest fast food around.
Dengeos On Dundee
195 W Dundee RdGreat Greek style fast food.
Hakuya Sushi
161 W Dundee RdBest sushi place right across the street.
Garden Fresh Market
770 S Buffalo Grove RdInternational grocery store a 5 minute walk away.
Nino's Pizzeria & Catering
960 S Buffalo Grove RdBest pizza by the slice pizza place around!
Local Places
Indian Trails Public Library District
355 Schoenbeck RdGreat resources and a great kids play area.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
5220 Fashion Outlets WayGreat shopping and nightlife scene.
City advice
Getting around
There is a Metra train in Wheeling about 7 minutes away
This Metra train will take you downtown. Can be a relaxing way to get to the city.
Ways to save
Use apps like "Spothero" to book parking
Book parking ahead of time when planing to visit downtown Chicago as it will save you time, money and stress. If you are using Spothero for the first time you can use my code for $10OFF parking. Code: