1. Picnic
A favorite of couples and families alike. Pack the picnic basket and enjoy a few hours in a park. With parks and green space in abundance in DuPage, choosing a convenient location starts with our park districts. A few of our favorites include Fishel Park in Downers Grove, Ty Warner Park in Westmont, and Lilacia Park in Lombard.  For more outdoor ideas, check out our Nature & Outdoors page.

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
Cooper's Hawk-Downers Grove
Fogo de Chão Oak Brook
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Greenway Tap, The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Oak Brook
Mesón Sabika
Pinstripes
Reserve 22, Village Links of Glen Ellyn
The Table at Crate 
Two Hound Red

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, visit the First Division Museum, and remember the many who have served our country as you walk the peaceful gardens.

4. The Morton Arboretum
A stunning natural area open 365 days of the year with 1,700-acres to explore, The Morton Arboretum is an outdoor museum with various plants from around the world brings people together. Explore nine miles of roads, 16 miles of trails, and see the newest “can’t miss” addition to the arboretum, Of the Earth, an art exhibit combined with the beauty of nature. Timed ticket entry is currently required.

5. Visit our Main Streets
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. 

6. 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 and see 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.

7. 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:

Bensenville Water Park (Bensenville Park District)
Coral Cove Water Park (Carol Stream Park District)
Maryknoll Splash Pad (Glen Ellyn Park District)
Paradise Bay Water Park
Rice Pool & Water Park (Wheaton Park District)
Sea Lion Aquatic Park
Splash Island (Oak Brook Park District)
The Beach Water Park (Wood Dale Park District)
Turtle Splash Water Park (West Chicago Park District)
Ty Warner Spray Park (Westmont Park District)

New events are added weekly to our Calendar of Events. Able to make it a staycation? Pick from over 100 hotels and resorts and Discover DuPage: things to do, best brunch spots, top 10 trails, and the best shopping outside of Chicago.