So you're looking for things to do in Chicago suburbs this weekend? Good call. Forget the downtown crowds and parking nightmares. I've been exploring these neighborhoods for years, and let me tell you, the suburbs are where the real magic happens on weekends. From hidden nature trails to local food festivals you won't find on tourist sites, this guide covers everything happening right now.
Pro tip: I always check traffic on I-294 before heading out. Last Sunday I got stuck for 45 minutes near Oak Brook - not fun when you've got tickets for a show.
Fresh Picks for This Weekend
Here's what's actually worth your time in the Chicago suburbs right now. I've hit most of these personally, and I'll tell you straight up what's overrated.
Can't-Miss Events
| Event | Where | When | Cost | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naperville Food Truck Festival | Naper Settlement, 523 S Webster St | Sat 11AM-8PM, Sun 11AM-6PM | $5 entry (kids free) | 30+ trucks including Chicago's famous The Fat Shallot. Avoid the 12PM rush! |
| Arboretum Moonlight Walk | Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle | Fri/Sat 7-10PM | $18 adults | Light installations through Meadow Lake. Bring bug spray - got eaten alive last year. |
| Antique Car Show | Downtown Geneva | Sat 10AM-4PM | Free | 150+ classic cars on 3rd Street. Great people-watching. |
That Naperville festival? Worth every penny. But fair warning - parking is brutal within half a mile. Better to park at Naperville Central High School and take the shuttle.
Under-the-Radar Gems
These are my personal favorites when I need a break from crowds:
| Spot | Location | Hours | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volo Auto Museum | 27582 Volo Village Rd, Volo | 10AM-5PM daily | See Hollywood cars + $10 tasting flights at adjacent brewery |
| Crabtree Nature Center | 3 Stover Rd, Barrington | 8AM-4PM | Free wetlands boardwalk with heron sightings. Best at sunrise. |
| Garfield Farm Museum | 3N016 Garfield Rd, Campton Hills | Sun 1-4PM | 1840s working farm. $6 tours at 1:30/2:30PM. |
Garfield Farm is cash-only, learned that the hard way last fall. Bring exact change.
Local insight: Most people don't know the Volo Museum has free admission if you eat at their diner before 11AM. Their pancakes are surprisingly decent.
Family Activities That Don't Suit
Finding actual fun things to do in Chicago suburbs this weekend with kids is trickier than it looks. Here's what works for real families:
Top Kid Spots
| Place | Location | Age Range | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield Zoo | 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield | All ages | $25 adults | Free parking at north lot. Dolphin shows at 11/1/3PM. |
| Cosley Zoo | 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton | Toddler-10 | Free (donation) | Small but perfect for short attention spans. Ducks eat lettuce from your hand. |
| LEGOLAND Discovery Center | 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg | 3-12 | $25 online | Book 3PM slot - morning crowds are insane. Cafe prices will make you gasp. |
Cosley Zoo is my go-to when the kids are melting down. No one judges if you leave after 20 minutes.
Rainy Day Saviors
Illinois weather being Illinois weather, always have backup plans:
- Peppa Pig World (601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg) - Tues-Sun 10AM-5PM. $15 tickets. Honestly? Kinda creepy but 4-year-olds adore it.
- Pinstripes (1150 Willow Rd, Northbrook) - Sun 11AM-10PM. Bocce + bowling. $6/game per person. Their meatball flatbread is legit.
- Schaumburg Library (130 S Roselle Rd) - Sat 9AM-5PM. Free Lego club Sat 2PM. Way more fun than it sounds.
Pinstripes gets packed after 2PM. Show up when they open if you hate waiting.
Food Experiences Worth Leaving Home For
Chain restaurants? No thanks. These suburban eats actually justify the drive:
Truth time: I've driven 40 minutes for Elmhurst's Maciano's deep dish. Zero regrets.
Unique Bites
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location | Price | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al's Cafe | Italian beef | 28W515 Warrenville Rd, Warrenville | $9 sandwich | Cash-only dive with cult following |
| Hannah's Bretzel | Pretzel croissants | 500 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield | $4 pastries | Farmer's market feel |
| King Crab | Snow crab boil | 1585 S Mount Prospect Rd, Des Plaines | $35/person | Wear clothes you don't care about |
Weekend Brunches
Because Sunday mornings require special treatment:
- Walker Bros. (1530 Sherman Ave, Evanston) - 7AM-3PM. Famous apple pancake ($16) feeds two. Wait times? Brutal after 9AM.
- Wildberry (1383 N Meacham Rd, Schaumburg) - 6:30AM-2:30PM. $12 berry bliss pancakes. Sign virtual queue on Yelp.
- Egg Harbor (Multiple locations) - 6:30AM-2PM. $10 skillet special. Kid-friendly but loud.
Walker Bros cashiers still use paper tickets. Quaint until you're hangry.
Outdoor Adventures Without the Drive
Looking for things to do in Chicago suburbs this weekend that don't involve walls? These spots beat downtown parks:
Best Trails
| Trail | Parking | Length | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pratt's Wayne Woods | 14W043 Army Trail Rd, Wayne | 8 miles | Wildflower meadows, horse crossings |
| Busse Woods | Higgins/Hwy 53, Elk Grove | 7.3 mile loop | Elk enclosure at mile 2.5 |
| Salt Creek Trail | Bemis Woods, Western Springs | 20+ miles | Multiple access points, paved |
Busse Woods gets crowded, but the elk are worth it. Go before 10AM for parking.
Water Activities
Because lakes > concrete jungle:
- Kayaking - Northwest Passage (200 S Grove Ave, Barrington) $25/hour. Opens 9AM Sat. Book ahead.
- Beaches - Gillson Park (Lake Michigan, Wilmette) $10 parking. Water temp currently 68°F.
- Fishing - Axehead Lake (Palatine) Free shore access. Stocked with bass/catfish.
Grab coffee at The Spice & Tea Exchange in Barrington after kayaking. Their lavender shortbread? Unreal.
Culture Fixes Beyond Downtown
Who says you need to brave the city for art? Suburban gems deliver:
Arts & Shows
| Venue | Event | Dates | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Theatre | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | Fri 8PM, Sun 1PM | $59+ |
| Raue Center | Comedy Night | Sat 7:30PM | $35 |
| Elmhurst Art Museum | Chicago Architecture Exhibit | Sat/Sun 11AM-5PM | $15 |
The Marriott's seats wrap around the stage. Avoid sections 3/4 if you hate actors singing directly at you.
Historic Spots
Because history class was boring, but this isn't:
- Graue Mill (3800 York Rd, Oak Brook) - Sat 10AM-4PM. $4.50 admission. Watch corn grinding.
- Lizzadro Museum (220 Cottage Hill Ave, Elmhurst) - Sun 1-5PM. $8. Jade carvings that'll blow your mind.
- Cantigny Park (1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton) - 7AM-sunset. $5 parking. Tanks you can climb on.
That moment when your kid realizes they're sitting inside a real Vietnam War tank? Priceless. Just watch for pinched fingers.
Smart Planning Tips
After years of suburban exploring, here's what actually works:
- Parking hacks: Most town centers offer free weekend parking in municipal lots (look for yellow signs)
- Traffic patterns: I-290 westbound clears up after 10AM, but 294 north is a nightmare all day Saturday
- Ticket deals: Check library museum pass programs - Barrington Library loans Brookfield Zoo passes
- Weather backups: Always have 1 indoor option per area. My rule? 10 miles or less between Plan A and B
Annoying truth: Many suburban attractions close weirdly early. Always triple-check closing times online before driving out.
FAQ: Things to Do in Chicago Suburbs This Weekend
What's open late on weekends?
Dave & Buster's in Addison (open till 1AM), WhirlyBall in Naperville (midnight), and Hollywood Palms Cinema (2AM shows). Most parks close at dusk.
Free options that don't suck?
North Central College's sculpture walk (Naperville), Morton Arboretum library (free access), Glen Ellyn farmers market (music till noon).
Best suburb for public transit access?
Evanston (Purple Line), Oak Park (Green Line), Arlington Heights (Metra). Uber/Lyft readily available near stations.
Dog-friendly spots?
Wheaton's Prairie Path (leashed), Fredenhagen Park dog area (Barrington), Two Hounds Red Groomery patio (Libertyville). Bring water bowls - few have fountains.
Where to find last-minute tickets?
Marriott Theatre releases same-day rush tickets 2 hours pre-show. Raue Center has standing room only for sold-outs. Never pay full price at LEGOLAND - Groupon usually has 20% off.
Final thought? The coolest things to do in Chicago suburbs this weekend aren't always the obvious ones. That random Polish festival in Niles? The hidden bookstore café in Geneva? Those unplanned finds become your best stories. Skip the big attractions once in a while and just wander.
Oh, and if you try that snow crab boil? Wear the bib. Seriously.