1. Picnic
A favorite of couples and families alike. Pack the picnic basket and enjoy a few hours in a park. Better yet, let an expert do it for you – call over to our culinary friends at Marché to order a picnic basket (at least 24 hours in advance requested) or call ahead the day of to place an order for signature sandwiches and cheese plates. With parks and green space in abundance in DuPage, choosing a convenient location starts with our park districts. A few of our favorites include Wilder Park in Elmhurst, Ty Warner Park in Westmont, and Lilacia Park in Lombard.  For more outdoor ideas, check out our Nature & Outdoors page.

Girls sitting on the bank of water enjoying a picnic at the Morton Arboretum
(Photo by @joysofadventure)

2. Grab a Seat on the Patio
Always on our list when good weather rolls around. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or night out under the stars:  
37 Bar & Grill at White Pines
Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar
Fogo de Cháo Oak Brook
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Mesón Sabika
Pinstripes
Pints Elmhurst
Reserve 22
The Table at Crate (Pictured)
Topgolf Naperville

Table at Crate Patio

3. Cantigny Park
Honor the true significance of Memorial Day with a trip to Cantigny Park — former estate of Chicago Tribune magnate Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Walk among the collection of tanks, reserve tickets to the First Division Museum and celebrate the many who have served our country as you walk the peaceful gardens.

Old cannon at the First Division Museum

4. Quintessential Summer
DuPage is known for its sophisticated yet small-town charm. Simply enjoy our beautiful Main Streets and end the day in the way we wish for every summer evening — with ice cream and sweet treats. Two of our favorite spots are Sweet Street Candies and Goodies and Chocolaterie Stam Glen Ellyn. 

5. Breweries
The long weekend is a great time to check out the many breweries in DuPage. Not a beer person? Head over to Lynfred Winery (open 10am – 5pm, reservations required for wine flights and wines by the glass, indoors or outdoors) or their tasting room Tasting deVine Wheaton (open 11am to 8pm) to experience why Lynfred has a renowned following in Illinois. They will be offering a 25% wine discount on Memorial Day for all active military with valid I.D.


6. Stay Cool at Local Water Parks
Kick off summer and keep cool with the season opening of water parks and various splash pads in our communities:

Coral Cove Water Park (Carol Stream Park District)
Maryknoll Splash Pad (Glen Ellyn Park District)
Paradise Bay Water Park
Sea Lion Aquatic Park
Splash Island (Oak Brook Park District)
Ty Warner Spray Park (Westmont Park District)
Turtle Splash Water Park (West Chicago Park District)

New events are added weekly to our Calendar, be sure to check back often for more things to do. Able to make it a staycation? Pick from over 100 hotels and resorts and Discover DuPage: things to do with kids, best brunch spots, top 10 trails, and the best shopping outside of Chicago.