Memorial Day weekend in DuPage marks the unofficial kickoff to summer! With warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and plenty of local traditions, this long weekend is the perfect time to unwind and spend time with loved ones. Plus, it’s also a time to honor those who served our country. Here are our top picks for celebrating Memorial Day weekend in DuPage.

Have a Picnic

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect excuse to dust off your picnic basket. DuPage boasts dozens of scenic parks and forest preserves with wide-open spaces, shaded groves, and quiet walking paths. There’s no shortage of spots to spread out and soak up the sunshine. Don’t forget your favorite snacks—and maybe a deck of cards or a picnic blanket for extra comfort!

Flowers surrounding a fountain
Lilacia Park, Lombard

Explore Cantigny

This Memorial Day, honor the spirit of the holiday with a visit to Cantigny in Wheaton. The park is the former estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, a World War I veteran and longtime publisher of the Chicago Tribune. The museum’s exhibits tell the story of American military service from WWI to the present day—making it a fitting place for reflection on Memorial Day. The park often hosts Memorial Day-themed programming, so check their calendar. Admission to the museum is free with a small parking fee.


Enjoy a Meal Outdoors

Memorial Day Weekend and patio dining go hand in hand. Make a reservation or walk in for a relaxing brunch, lunch, or dinner under the open sky. Plus, many of these options are pet-friendly.  These restaurants are just a handful of DuPage restaurants that have outdoor seating options:


Explore Local Breweries This Memorial Day Weekend

The start of summer is also a great weekend to support local breweries. Many of these breweries are known to offer special Memorial Day weekend hours, discounts, beer releases, and even food truck lineups, so plan ahead! Raise a glass to the long weekend with a cold craft brew and some good company.


Visit The Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is one of the region’s most beloved natural attractions. This 1,700-acre outdoor museum features 16 miles of trails, curated plant collections from around the world, and seasonal exhibits. Memorial Day Weekend is the perfect time to visit, with spring flowers in full bloom and families enjoying the peaceful grounds. New to The Morton Arboretum is the Vivid Creatures exhibit. Massive, whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems will be on view among the trees, which will include a white-tailed deer, sandhill crane, fox squirrel, and more. These sculptures range in size from 8 feet to 24 feet tall.

For something hands-on, Wonder Woods Mini Golf is returning for the second year in a row! This mini golf course blends science and play. Each hole teaches something unique, like how trees communicate or what we can learn from tree rings. Note: Timed-entry tickets are required and can be reserved online.


Treat Yourself to an Original Rainbow Cone

A Memorial Day weekend tradition in the making: The Original Rainbow Cone! This colorful and nostalgic treat has roots in Illinois. Featuring five stacked flavors—chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet—this Chicagoland staple is throughout DuPage in the following communities:


It’s a sweet way to cool off and indulge in a local favorite!

Chocolate, a cone with Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet
The Original Rainbow Cone

Stroll one of DuPage’s Main Streets

Memorial Day weekend is a great time to rediscover DuPage's charming downtowns. Explore boutique shopping, sidewalk cafes, and sweet shops. Many of the charming downtowns throughout DuPage host special weekend events, live music, or seasonal markets that add a little extra magic to your adventure. Whether you’re browsing for unique finds or just taking a leisurely stroll, there’s something delightful around every corner.

Downtown Elmhurst
Elmhurst City Centre

Cool Off at a Local Water Park

Kick off summer with a splash! Memorial Day weekend marks opening weekend for many DuPage water parks.

people in the pool swimming at Turtle Splash Water Park
Turtle Splash Water Park

Looking for more ideas? Check out our events and start planning your Memorial Day weekend in DuPage. With more than 100 local hotels and resorts to choose from, you can easily turn the long weekend into a mini vacation.