1. Illinois Beach State Park
Although it's not an ocean, it certainly looks as if it could be. Lake Michigan is breathtakingly beautiful and vast for a lake. The waters are considerably cold when the summer season begins. But by the end of summer, this favorite spot is a great place to kick back and cool off. The waves are also very manageable. You don't see those huge ocean swells you would on the Atlantic or Pacific. Swim advisories are only issued occasionally for strong currents if there has been a recent storm. (Please check for those through a reputable weather source prior to swimming, to be safe.)
Even when it's not summer, this park is ideal for a brisk walk along the shoreline to pick up smooth pebbles, sea glass and drift wood. It also has other nice hiking trails and campgrounds to enjoy the fall foliage or spring blooms.
The only downside to this park, that I hope they remedy soon, is the lack of restrooms. There are no facilities on site to change or relieve yourself. If you do need to go, they have a couple port-o-potties in different areas that they have labeled "restrooms".
2. Independence Grove
We love to spend hours here every time we come to this park. There is so much to do. You can enjoy a walk, run, or bike ride on their nicely paved trails. Admire the flowers and plants in the native garden. You can also launch your own personal water vessel onto the lake to spend time out there or fish. If you don't have your own, you can rent one. Just behind and to the left of the visitor's center, they have a boat rental dock with your choice of kayaks, canoes, or paddle boats. If you wish to relax further, they have a beer garten on-site and not too far from the dock and beach area. Snacks and local brews are available.
My kid's favorite spot is "Children's Grove". It's a huge playground just behind the visitor's center. I love that its mostly gated to help keep the kids corralled- especially right on the water. It's also kind of split up into two separate sections. The first playground you encounter is more for toddlers and young kids. There's a second playground for bigger kids if you go up the ramp to the back. Kind of in between, they have this cool cave/tunnel area that the kids love to run through and access a climbing wall. They can scale up the rock wall to go down a long tunnel slide. I won't lie. I was kind of nervous at first letting my 5 year old climb up an 8 foot rock wall because he struggles with coordination. But he seemed to do it with ease, and the ground is well padded with a rubber and mulch mixture.
Overall, this is an awesome place to hang out with the family. Totally worth the drive if you are in Lake County. It is free for residents. They charge a small admission fee per vehicle in the summer if you are not from this county.
3. Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
This is another favorite forest preserve we like to frequent. It is very stroller and family friendly. They have a cute playground with the good soft padded floor. So no sand or mulch to empty out of shoes. It also boasts beautiful and well-kept trails. There is a well paved 2 mile loop that circles the lake. There is also a 1 mile path, but that one is more dirt than it is paved. If you want to push a stroller on it, it's still manageable.
4. Wildlife Discovery Center
If you need to stretch your legs and the kids love critters, this is a great little outing. It is not a big place, and you can see almost everything in an hour. But they do have various animals housed here. Most are there for rehabilitative purposes. And it's kind of exciting to see what new animal they are helping. The newest resident is a river otter! But other frequent encounters include coyotes, eagles, owls, foxes, turtles and snakes. The last time we went, my oldest was able to touch a tortoise and snake. He appreciated this experience and learning more about different animals.
If you wish to keep moving while there, they do have some trails you can take to continue enjoying some time outside. And if the kids need to keep expending energy, there is a playground just across the street and within walking distance.
5. Deerpath "Castle" Park
This playground is probably the local favorite of my oldest. He asks to go almost weekly. And I have to admit, it is pretty cool. Deerpath Park, affectionately known as Castle Park, is located in Vernon Hills. There's a bit of a walk from the actual parking lot to the playground, but it's worth it. The main play structure looks like a castle, hence the nickname. It has various slides, tunnels, ladders and climbing apparatuses so your little knight can have a blast. It also has various swings, a merry-go-round, and zip-line.
A down-side to this park, just like the first spot, is the lack of restrooms. They have facilities, but they are only available in the summer. The rest of the year it's locked and port-o-potties are placed.
If you are in Lake County, I hope you enjoy these spots as we have. If you have a favorite spot you think we should check-out and review, please feel free to comment below and we will add it to our excursion list. Thank you!
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