The best things to do in Joliet

31 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Joliet’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Shopping · Nightlife · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Parks & Outdoors · Arts & Culture · Health & Wellness · Home & Garden · Cafes · Pets

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Entertainment · 31 places · showing the latest additions first

Mistwood Golf Club

Entertainment

Mistwood Golf Club brings a legit links vibe to our backyard with St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers, an 18-hole layout that rewards nerve,…

1700 W Renwick Rd (Romeoville)

Mistwood Golf Club brings a legit links vibe to our backyard with St. Andrews-style sod-wall bunkers, an 18-hole layout that rewards nerve, and an award-winning renovation that feels like a private track without the pretense.

From the Plainfield newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Lucky Strike Romeoville packs 48 lanes, a sprawling arcade, laser tag, billiards, and lively sports-bar vibes into one easy hang. Perfect…

735 Center Blvd (Romeoville)

Lucky Strike Romeoville packs 48 lanes, a sprawling arcade, laser tag, billiards, and lively sports-bar vibes into one easy hang. Perfect for league nights, kids’ birthdays, or spontaneous frames, and you can reserve a lane online before the bowling itch hits.

From the Bolingbrook newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Chuck E. Cheese

Entertainment

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

3250 Chicagoland Cir

Kid-friendly chain known for its arcade games, pizza parties & play zones.

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Ridge Country Club is one of the only private country clubs in the city, bringing classic Beverly charm with a well-maintained course,…

10522 S California Ave (Chicago)

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

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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…

6700 S Kedzie Ave (Chicago)

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

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With lake views, covered heated mats, two slick synthetic putting greens, and a newly refreshed 18-hole mini course full of playful…

141 W Diversey Pkwy (Chicago)

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

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

2226 N Milwaukee Ave (Chicago)

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

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Edgebrook Golf Course winds through Chicago’s forest preserves along the Chicago River, a short 18-hole track with mature trees and low-key…

6100 N Central Ave (Chicago)

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.

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Splash Pad

Entertainment

When the humidity gets rude, Splash Pad at Community Park keeps the little tornadoes busy with jets, sprays, and plenty of space to sprint…

FRC8+MV6, 23304 W McClintock Rd (Channahon)

When the humidity gets rude, Splash Pad at Community Park keeps the little tornadoes busy with jets, sprays, and plenty of space to sprint between bursts of water. It’s an easy, no-planning-needed way to burn off energy and maybe even guarantee a blissfully quiet ride home.

From the Joliet newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Harborside International Golf Center packs the Port and Starboard 18-hole courses plus an award-winning practice facility, so you can chase…

11001 S Doty Ave (Chicago)

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

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South Shore Golf Course recently reopened after a bunker refresh, and those shoreline views still deliver major calm. Perfect for a quick,…

7059 S South Shore Dr (Chicago)

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

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Inwood Golf Course

Entertainment

Opened in 1931, Inwood Golf Course is a classic Joliet Park District track where fast greens, water on the front nine, and tight targets…

3200 W Jefferson St

Opened in 1931, Inwood Golf Course is a classic Joliet Park District track where fast greens, water on the front nine, and tight targets reward smart course management and crisp irons. Book a tune-up with private lessons, then see if that short game is as smooth as you claim.

From the Joliet newsletter, September 14, 2026

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The 606

Entertainment

Set above the streets, The 606 centers on the elevated Bloomingdale Trail linking four neighborhood parks and art installations, turning…

1805 N Ridgeway Ave (Chicago)

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

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Opened in 1926, Woodruff Golf Course is the oldest of the Joliet Park District’s three courses, scenic and well manicured with sweeping…

621 Gougar Rd

Opened in 1926, Woodruff Golf Course is the oldest of the Joliet Park District’s three courses, scenic and well manicured with sweeping elevation changes and small greens that keep you honest. When you need a low-key local escape that rewards smart shots over sheer power, put it on your midweek list.

From the Joliet newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Family-run bowling alley with a pro shop, an arcade, and a bar and grill.

2231 W Jefferson St

Family-run bowling alley with a pro shop, an arcade, and a bar and grill.

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Jacob Henry Mansion

Entertainment

Jacob Henry Mansion brings big-day charm to Joliet with an 1873 National Historic Landmark backdrop, the Victorian Ballroom, and the Old…

20 S Eastern Ave

Jacob Henry Mansion brings big-day charm to Joliet with an 1873 National Historic Landmark backdrop, the Victorian Ballroom, and the Old Central Church.

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

2828 N Clark St (Chicago)

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

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Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club keeps your week interesting with tee times, a range, and golf simulators when the weather plays games. After…

19433 Renwick Rd (Crest Hill)

Prairie Bluff Public Golf Club keeps your week interesting with tee times, a range, and golf simulators when the weather plays games. After the round, the dining menu brings rotating specials, plus catering and banquets if your crew turns nine holes into a party.

From the Bolingbrook newsletter, August 30, 2026

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If your Crystal Lake routine needs a shake-up, Jackson Park Golf Course delivers a historic, fully renovated 18 holes with mature trees…

6401 S Richards Dr (Chicago)

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

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Work on that draw without leaving the city at Indian Boundary Golf Course, an 18-hole championship track woven through Schiller Woods with…

8600 W Forest Preserve Ave (Chicago)

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

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Whether you're chasing a legit test or just want an afternoon that makes you actually use every club, Wedgewood Golf Course brings large…

5001 Caton Farm Rd (Plainfield)

Whether you're chasing a legit test or just want an afternoon that makes you actually use every club, Wedgewood Golf Course brings large undulating greens, numerous bunkers, and water on ten holes. Par 72, 6,923 yards, and wind that keeps you honest... perfect Joliet golf therapy.

From the Joliet newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

3340 Mall Loop Dr Ste 1382

Chain of movie theaters, some with multiple screens, stadium seats & self-service ticketing kiosks.

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The Logan Theatre

Entertainment

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,…

2646 N Milwaukee Ave (Chicago)

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

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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…

3701 N Recreation Dr (Chicago)

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

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If your crew needs a quick summer cool-down without the drive, Heritage Falls Water Park has the splash pad for littles, a deep-end with…

101 Troxel Ave (Romeoville)

If your crew needs a quick summer cool-down without the drive, Heritage Falls Water Park has the splash pad for littles, a deep-end with diving boards for show-offs, two slides for the brave, and plenty of deck space to sprawl while the kids lap the pool or catch a Dive-In Movie.

From the Joliet newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Old Joliet Prison

Entertainment

Old Joliet Prison serves up gritty, real-deal history with tours that take you behind the walls of the 1858 lockup made famous by The Blues…

1125 Collins St

Old Joliet Prison serves up gritty, real-deal history with tours that take you behind the walls of the 1858 lockup made famous by The Blues Brothers. Operated by the Joliet Area Historical Museum, it’s a legit hometown field trip for curious minds, photographers, and anyone who loves a good story.

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City Mini Golf

Entertainment

City Mini Golf sits in Maggie Daley Park and leans into Chicago flair with new themed obstacles added almost every season, including a…

337 E Randolph St (Chicago)

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

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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,…

5701 W Jackson Blvd (Chicago)

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

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Bring your crew this week to Duly Health And Care Field for crack-of-the-bat drama, goofy between-inning antics, and ballpark bites that…

1 Mayor Art Schultz Dr · ✓ checked Aug 4

Bring your crew this week to Duly Health And Care Field for crack-of-the-bat drama, goofy between-inning antics, and ballpark bites that somehow taste better under the lights. It’s the low-key Joliet outing you forget you love, perfect for a weeknight reset or spontaneous weekend cheer.

From the Joliet newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Broken Arrow Golf Club gives you three distinct 9s, a full driving range, and plenty of bar-and-grill refueling at the Broken Arrow Grill.…

16325 Broken Arrow Dr (Lockport)

Broken Arrow Golf Club gives you three distinct 9s, a full driving range, and plenty of bar-and-grill refueling at the Broken Arrow Grill. Warm up, play 9, 18 or all 27, then stay for a low-key clubhouse hang that feels very Joliet-local.

From the Joliet newsletter, August 26, 2026

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