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Elementary Activities

🎒 Elementary Activities for Kids in Highland Park, IL

48 adventure, skill-building, and screen-free activities for school-age kids rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in Highland Park

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Bahá'í House Of Worship Welcome Center visitor center in Wilmette, IL Activity
Photo: Bahá'í House Of Worship Welcome Center
4.9(448)Free10 mi · Wilmette

This stunning architectural marvel offers families a peaceful retreat with nine meticulously maintained formal gardens, gentle fountains, and tranquil walking paths. Kids can explore the beautiful outdoor spaces while learning about different cultures and religions, making it both an educational and calming experience. The magnificent domed temple and expansive grounds provide a unique backdrop for a leisurely family outing that's completely free to enjoy.

🕑 1-2 hours
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center history museum in Skokie, IL🎨 Museum
Photo: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center offers a profound educational experience designed to teach older children and teens about history, tolerance, and human rights through thoughtfully curated exhibits. With age-appropriate programs and a focus on fostering empathy and understanding, this award-winning museum provides families an opportunity for meaningful conversations about standing up against hatred and prejudice.

🕑 2-3 hours
The Grove nature preserve in Glenview, IL🌿 Nature
Photo: Starandatyle Photo
4.8(1,218)Free7 mi · Glenview

The Grove is a stunning 145-acre nature preserve in Glenview that brings the outdoors to life for curious kids. With its excellent interpretive center, easy walking trails through native prairies and woodlands, and hands-on educational programs, it's the perfect place to spark a love of nature while letting little ones explore and burn energy.

🕑 2-3 hours
Sunset Woods Park Gazebo park in Highland Park, IL🌳 Park
Photo: James Godshalk

Sunset Woods Park Gazebo offers families the perfect blend of active play and nature exploration in Highland Park's scenic wooded setting. The challenging playground equipment keeps energetic kids engaged while the winding nature trails provide opportunities for adventure and wildlife spotting, making it an ideal destination for families seeking both exercise and outdoor learning experiences.

🕑 2-3 hours
Flick Park city park in Glenview, IL🛝 Playground
Photo: Ira Gon
4.8(300)Free8 mi · Glenview

Flick Park is a neighborhood gem in Glenview that offers something for the whole family with its recently updated playground equipment, multiple sports courts, and plenty of green space for running around. The shaded picnic areas make it perfect for extended visits, whether you're planning a birthday party or just a casual afternoon of play.

🕑 1.5-3 hours
Gallery Park park in Glenview, IL🛝 Playground
Photo: Christian Saenz
4.7(998)Free6 mi · Glenview

Gallery Park is a standout Glenview destination that truly delivers on inclusive play for all children. The modern playground equipment accommodates kids of varying abilities, while the splash pad provides refreshing summer fun and the expansive green spaces invite families to spread out blankets for leisurely picnics. With paved walking paths perfect for strollers and bikes, this well-maintained neighborhood gem earns its impressive 4.7-star rating from nearly 1,000 families.

🕑 2-3 hours
Skatium Ice Arena ice skating rink in Skokie, IL Sports
Photo: Matt Rotman
4.7(318)$10 mi · Skokie

Skatium Ice Arena offers year-round ice skating fun for families in a comfortable, climate-controlled environment,no freezing temps or worrying about weather! With public skating sessions, beginner lessons, and special family events, it's perfect whether your kids are first-timers clinging to the wall or confident gliders showing off their skills.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours
Glenview Public Library library in Glenview, IL📚 Library
Photo: Glenview Public Library
4.7(237)Free8 mi · Glenview

Glenview Public Library is a top-rated destination that goes far beyond books, offering an impressive children's section with dedicated play areas, engaging STEAM programs, and weekly storytimes that bring stories to life. With its award-winning reputation and 4.7-star rating, this library has become a beloved community hub where kids can explore, learn, and play in a welcoming environment.

🕑 1-2 hours
Lake Arlington lake in Arlington Heights, IL🌿 Nature
Photo: Tetiana Palok
4.9(28)Free9 mi · Arlington Heights

Lake Arlington offers families a peaceful natural escape right in the suburbs with a scenic 3.5-mile paved loop perfect for strollers, bikes, and scooters. The tranquil lake setting provides excellent opportunities for kids to spot ducks, geese, and other wildlife while parents enjoy an easy, traffic-free path that's ideal for teaching little ones to ride bikes or for a relaxing family walk.

🕑 1-2 hours for a leisurely walk with young kids; 45 minutes to complete the full loop by bike
Elawa Farm Foundation tourist attraction in Lake Forest, IL🌾 Farm
Photo: Elawa Farm Foundation
4.7(81)$7 mi · Lake Forest

Elawa Farm Foundation offers an authentic farm experience right in Lake Forest, where kids can get up close with barnyard animals, learn about sustainable agriculture, and participate in hands-on activities. This educational working farm combines animal encounters with seasonal programs and camps that teach children where their food comes from in a fun, interactive environment.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours for a general visit; half-day or full-day for special events or programs
Lakeview Center at Gillson Park event venue in Wilmette, IL Activity
Photo: Oliver Crown
4.8(34)$9 mi · Wilmette

Lakeview Center at Gillson Park serves as Wilmette's community hub for family fun, offering year-round indoor programs and activities that keep kids engaged in every season. With its impressive 4.8-star rating from local families, this recreation center provides everything from sports leagues to seasonal events, all within the beautiful setting of Gillson Park along Lake Michigan.

🕑 1-2 hours for specific programs or classes, though families often extend visits to enjoy Gillson Park's outdoor amenities
Vattmann Park park in Wilmette, IL🌳 Park
Photo: Yehia Amar
4.9(20)Free8 mi · Wilmette

Vattmann Park is a beloved Wilmette neighborhood gem that delivers everything families need for an active outdoor day. With its well-maintained playground equipment, spacious baseball fields, tennis courts, and plenty of open lawn for running around or spreading out a picnic blanket, this park strikes the perfect balance between structured play areas and free-roaming space for kids to explore.

🕑 1.5-3 hours
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