The best things to do in Arlington Heights

“Been eyeing a new challenge this week? First Ascent Arlington Heights mixes top-tier climbing with a full yoga schedule, plus guided sessions if you’re new, and membership unlocks all five Chicagoland locations while kids can jump into classes or camps...”

From the Palatine newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Whether you’ve got 90 minutes or a whole afternoon, Twin Lakes Golf Course & Recreation Area nails the quick-round vibe with a friendly 9-hole course and a solid driving range. Cap it with patio entertainment, the Twin Lakes Grill, or a low-key boating and fishing break on the water.”

From the Mount Prospect newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Tree-lined fairways, water on four holes, and 15 sand traps make the 9-hole, par-36 Rob Roy Golf Course a tight, 3,022-yard test that fits perfectly into a weeknight round this week. Bring your accuracy, then reward it with a post-round bite at the Bar & Grill.”

From the Mount Prospect newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Old Orchard Country Club gives you that private-club feel without the membership, right in your backyard, with fast greens, narrow fairways, and water in play on many holes, plus a Junior Academy and adult clinics. Book a round this week, then keep it on your shortlist for weddings and big family moments.”

From the Mount Prospect newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Ridge Country Club is one of the only private country clubs in the city, bringing classic Beverly charm with a well-maintained course, relaxed dining, and social spots. If you're weighing membership or planning a banquet-worthy event, the family-friendly vibe and scenic greens make it an easy yes. Check it out.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Private vibes, community feel. Rolling Green Country Club in nearby Arlington Heights blends a classic 18-hole course with a caddie program, year-round simulator sessions in Loopers Lounge, solid dining, and poolside family time. If golf is your love language, this might be your new happy place.”

From the Mount Prospect newsletter, August 30, 2026

“Palatine Hills Golf Course & Clubhouse keeps locals honest with a layout where you really do use every club in your bag. Book tee times online, sharpen up at the Short Game Area, or get after it with private or group lessons for adults and juniors, then brag about it all week.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Arlington Lakes Golf Club brings that neighborhood-golf feel with a 90-acre layout, fescue-edged bunkers, and water in play on 13 holes. Renovated in 2016, with PGA pro-led instruction and plenty of leagues, it’s ideal for sneaking in rounds with Schaumburg friends.”

From the Schaumburg newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Whether you’re chasing a quick after work loop or dialing in your irons on grass, Marquette Park Golf Course delivers a scenic, par 36, 9 hole test with spacious fairways, strategic water, and a full size grass driving range and practice center. Join league play, groove a swing, let Southwest Side vibes do the rest.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 4, 2026

“With lake views, covered heated mats, two slick synthetic putting greens, and a newly refreshed 18-hole mini course full of playful hazards, Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf is perfect for an after-work bucket this week or a casual putt-off with friends. Lessons are there if you want a tune-up.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 7, 2026

“This vintage postcard-inspired mural near the elevated tracks incorporates iconic local images.”

“Edgebrook Golf Course winds through Chicago’s forest preserves along the Chicago River, a short 18-hole track with mature trees and low-key vibes that make quick rounds feel like mini getaways for your swing. Perfect when you want neighborhood golf without sacrificing your Saturday.”

“The Empty Corner features a new Chicago-area artist each month, offers hands-on workshops and classes you can sign up for, and lets you rent the gallery for birthdays or community gatherings. Right next door in Arlington Heights, it is a low-stress way to plug into the Northwest suburbs arts scene this week.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Harborside International Golf Center packs the Port and Starboard 18-hole courses plus an award-winning practice facility, so you can chase birdies or just fix that fade. Chicago’s home for golf since 1995, with The Pier at Harborside to debrief after, and Starboard on Golfweek’s 2025 Best list.”

From the Hammond newsletter, August 18, 2026

“South Shore Golf Course recently reopened after a bunker refresh, and those shoreline views still deliver major calm. Perfect for a quick, low-stress round that feels like a mini escape from Gary traffic, plus they host events when you want golf energy without the swing.”

From the Gary newsletter, August 14, 2026

“Set above the streets, The 606 centers on the elevated Bloomingdale Trail linking four neighborhood parks and art installations, turning runs, rides, and strolls into a mini urban adventure. If this week needs fresh air and perspective, this is your no-fuss reset.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Movie theater screening new releases as well as independent, foreign & avant-garde flicks.”

“Putt Portal Mystery Golf turns a quick round into an escape-room-y adventure, with nine themed holes packed with puzzles, surprises, and just enough friendly chaos to spark bragging rights. Built by the Sixty to Escape crew, it’s year-round indoor, story-driven mini golf that keeps Palatine weekends interesting.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 22, 2026

“If your Crystal Lake routine needs a shake-up, Jackson Park Golf Course delivers a historic, fully renovated 18 holes with mature trees guarding fairways, a lakefront breeze, a driving range to tune up, and lessons when the slice gets sassy. Feels classic, plays legit.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Work on that draw without leaving the city at Indian Boundary Golf Course, an 18-hole championship track woven through Schiller Woods with surprising quiet and wildlife. Sneak in a quick nine, join a league, or book a lesson and actually stick that new grip this week.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 15, 2026

“Built in 1915 with vintage charm and a full bar, The Logan Theatre is a perfect this-week pick with late-night screenings, movie trivia, and open mic comedy. Grab a cocktail, soak up the old-school ambiance, and remember why going to the movies still hits different.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course is a public, scenic 9-hole track right along Lake Michigan, perfect when you want real views and a quick loop. Open year-round, weather permitting, with rental carts and gear, plus leagues and lessons if you’re trying to tighten up that mid-iron tempo.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 2, 2026

“City Mini Golf sits in Maggie Daley Park and leans into Chicago flair with new themed obstacles added almost every season, including a Portillo's hot dog finish on 18. A low-stress hang when you want a killer backdrop and a little friendly trash talk with friends.”

From the DeKalb newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Keep it local this week at Columbus Park Golf Course, a links style par 35 on the near West Side with wide open fairways, receptive greens, and a chill pace that suits both rusty swings and brag ready birdies. Expect a fun mix of par 3s to par 5s without the scene.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Break Escape brings cinematic, fully private rooms with beginner-friendly game masters who actually hype you up. Pick from 9 unique themes and 10, 30, or 60 minute challenges, then rally your crew for family fun or a legit team-builder. Perfect nearby reset when Netflix feels too easy.”

From the Mount Prospect newsletter, August 26, 2026