The best things to do in Des Plaines

“Bridges & waterfalls are featured on this miniature golf course with a mining theme & batting cages.”

“Country club featuring a well-maintained golf course, banquet hall, and pro shop, plus a junior golf program.”

“Outdoor facility with 4 pools featuring slides and diving boards, plus a playground and a pond.”

“Golf course with a country club hosting banquets and other events, plus scenic views.”

“Private sporting venue featuring an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, a pool and dining.”

“Seasonal outdoor water park featuring a large leisure pool, tall slides, a lazy river & a cafe.”

“Huge multipurpose arena hosting college & professional basketball games plus concerts & circuses.”

“Straightforward golf course featuring some water holes and a banquet hall.”

“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.”

“Neighborhood golf site featuring a short, 18-hole course with scenic, tranquil surrounds.”

“Bright, gallery-like venue for hosting birthday parties and other events and classes.”

“Golf center featuring 2 18-hole courses & practice facilities, plus a clubhouse with a restaurant.”

“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.”

“7 mile landscaped trail draws runners & bikers.”

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

“Golf course at Jackson Park offering 18 holes of play, a driving range & lessons.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Public pool with zero-depth entry, splash pad playground & slides, plus concessions & picnic tables.”

“Public scenic 9-hole course on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering rental carts & equipment.”

“Driving range with 80 heated bays and a short-game area, plus a sports bar.”

“PXG Chicago North is the move this week for custom, data-driven club fittings in private TrackMan bays with a virtual simulator, plus putter fittings that actually dial in the club you use most. Try their sleek apparel and gear, then roll out with clubs spec'd to your swing, not your ego.”

“Public golf course offering a mix of par-3s to par-5s in a relaxed setting.”

“Family-friendly venue for entertainment and team building featuring challenging escape rooms.”