The best things to do in Downers Grove

“Renovated bowling alley opened in 1959 with billiards, arcade games, a snack shop & a sports bar.”

“Tivoli Bowl packs 12 classic wood lanes tucked beneath the Tivoli Theatre, plus the Underground Lounge with arcade games, billiards, and TVs with theater seating.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Opened in 1928 and renovated, Classic Cinemas Tivoli Theatre keeps Downers Grove movie nights interesting with new releases, beloved classics, and fun special events. It’s the rare hometown screen where the room feels grand, the popcorn disappears fast, and meeting up with friends just makes sense.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you’re sneaking in an after-work loop or introducing a friend to the game, Lombard Golf Course is the Lombard Park District’s 9-hole, par 35, 3,051-yard layout with tranquil, well-maintained, gently sloping greens, plus sand and water to keep you honest, and a clubhouse concession and limited pro shop.”

From the Glen Ellyn newsletter, September 10, 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

“If a wedding or big celebration is on deck, Abbington Distinctive Banquets brings Glen Ellyn elegance with 20,000 square feet of banquet space, a 15,000-square-foot ballroom, and a grand 5,500-square-foot foyer, all backed by family-run service since 2002. Peek at their virtual tour and start plotting this week.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, August 25, 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

“Perfect for when the backyard hose just isn't cutting it, Splash Island Outdoor Pool - Oak Brook Park District is an outdoor aquatic playground at Swim Central where all ages can chill, play, and soak up summer together. Easy choice for quick family fun without leaving the neighborhood.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, August 31, 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.”

From the Chicago newsletter, September 23, 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

“Golfzon Social - Oak Brook IL is the local move when you want world-class simulators, 240-plus courses, and a legit hang. Grab a bay with friends, catch the game, or join leagues and lessons, then settle into elevated bar food and a full pour.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, September 13, 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.”

“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

“Holes & Knolls Miniature Golf Course has two 18-hole park courses, so play 18 or go for 36 if bragging rights are on the line. It’s a seasonal, all-ages way to get outside, perfect for low-stress hangs and a little friendly smack talk.”

From the Wheaton newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Belmont Golf Club sits on the Chicago Golf Club’s first site where Charles Blair Macdonald built nine holes in 1892 then expanded to America’s first 18 in 1893. Today it’s a scenic 9-hole par 36 with mature trees, water and elevation plus a 24-station range to tune up the swing this week.”

From the Bolingbrook newsletter, August 18, 2026

“From drop and flume slides to a splash playground, zero depth and vortex pools, and even a sand play zone for the beach vibes, Sea Lion Aquatic Park is the easy win this week for burning kid energy while you refuel at Sammy's Snack Shack with cool drinks and sweet treats.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, August 28, 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

“Wonder Woods Mini Golf turns tree science into play with a nine-hole course designed with help from Arboretum scientists, featuring giant mushrooms, oversized bugs and acorns, and clever holes that reveal tree rings and forest ecosystems.”

From the Downers Grove newsletter, August 29, 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

“Big Mini Putt Club brings 9-hole indoor mini golf and a real-deal bar to Wicker Park and Lakeview, with courses the team designed themselves for fun that scales with your Peachy Palmers.”