Family-Friendly
DuPage

Looking for fun activities to keep your kids entertained? We’ve got you covered! Explore our curated list of kid-friendly adventures, with something for every comfort level and interest. Here's to making your DuPage County adventures fun and exciting!

1. Brookfield Zoo Chicago
It isn't summer in Chicagoland without a trip to Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Open daily with over 200 acres of animals from around the world and rotating exhibits that capture the mind. Witness the entertaining dolphin show, feed exotic animals (from a distance, of course), be amazed by the world’s largest animals, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

2. Enchanted Castle Entertainment Complex and Haunted Trails Entertainment Center
Experience fun at two locations! These entertainment complexes provide countless memorable moments for kids and adults alike: indoor go-karts, laser tag, bumper cars, mini golf, over 200 old-school arcade games, and more.

3. DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM)
For 30 years, DCM has been inspiring children and adults with experiences that encourage curiosity, discovery, and collaboration. Through exhibits, programs, and special events, every experience is designed to help children develop a strong foundation of creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence.

DCM is also dedicated to being an accessible and inclusive environment for children to thrive through extraordinary learning experiences. Adaptive Play Time provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers.

4. Water Water Everywhere!
DuPage County has the coolest water parks for your summer adventure! Get out of the house, cool off, and make a splash at these incredible water parks. Check out their calendar of events throughout the summer, as many of them have special themed events.

5. Play at a Park
DuPage is home to several award-winning park districts with plentiful indoor and outdoor options. From swimming and learning, to playing and family fun, create memories with loved ones in your local community. Want to engage your senses? Visit a sensory garden in DuPage.

6. Mini Golf Fun
Another fun thing to do this summer with the kids at The Morton Arboretum is Wonder Woods Mini Golf. You’ll enjoy an imaginative, tree-themed adventure with friends and family on this one-of-a-kind mini golf course specially designed for the Arboretum with the help of their research scientists.

children playing mini golf
The Morton Arboretum

The Forge: Lemont Quarries is introducing their brand new 18-hole Miniature Golf Course, an interactive experience designed for all ages and skill levels. The easy-to-navigate layout ensures that players as young as four years old can enjoy the game. At the same time, exciting obstacles and creative course design keep things challenging and entertaining for the whole family.

You can also visit Holes & Knolls, which features two 18-hole mini golf courses that provide fun for the whole family, with one course fully wheelchair accessible. Visitors can pick up clubs and pay the daily admission fee inside the Maryknoll Clubhouse, which also includes a concession stand.

7. Eat and Play at Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster's, located in Yorktown Center in Lombard, is a great spot for families looking for a fun-filled outing with kids of all ages. The ticket-redemption system adds excitement as kids can trade their winnings for prizes. Beyond the games, the on-site restaurant offers a kid-friendly menu, making it easy to refuel after hours of play. Dave & Buster's promises a dynamic mix of gaming, food, and fun, especially on a day where you're looking to beat the heat.

8. Ice Cream for Everyone
As the saying goes, "we all scream for ice cream"! Another way to beat the heat is to try The Original Rainbow Cone at least once. The Rainbow Cones has been a Chicago tradition for over 95 years and is still stacking the same five flavors today: Orange Sherbet, Pistachio, Palmer House, Strawberry, and Chocolate.

kids eating ice cream. There is a girl in a pink dress licking her pointer finger. She is eating strawberry ice cream. The boy sitting next to her is wearing a white shirt and is holding an ice cream cone in his left hand.
Photo provided by Buona Beef

Sweet Street Candies and Goodies is another place you can take the family out to for a sweet treat. Step inside the old school candy store and you'll not only find ice cream; you'll also find past and present day candies. It's the best of both worlds!

9. The Morton Arboretum
Looking for something just for kids? The Children's Garden at The Morton Arboretum has so much to offer. Splash through secret streams, climb colossal acorns, and slide down giant tree roots all day long. Give your child open-access to connect with nature in a safe and kid-friendly environment designed with them in mind.

10. Book Your Family Getaway!
Book a family-fun weekend to experience all that DuPage County has to offer. With more than 100 hotels – featuring a mix of resorts, extended stays, and upscale modern boutiques – DuPage County offers a variety of places to stay for your weekend outing.

Want to check out more family-friendly events? Check out our Calendar of Events, as new events are added weekly.