The best things to do in Lake County

“Warmly decorated suites in a down-to-earth hotel offering a water park, restaurants & a bar.”

“Hickory Knoll Golf Course & Bar is a local favorite for no-drama, walkable rounds, with generous fairways, small, medium-speed greens, and zero water hazards that still ask for touch, not extra balls. After your round, the bar and gaming lounge keep the post-round storytelling lively, glow golf nights included.”

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, September 13, 2026

“White Deer Run Golf Course is a polished public track in nearby Vernon Hills with generous landing areas and immaculately groomed bentgrass from tee to green. Post-round, Charlie’s Hideaway keeps it lively with Friday Appy Hour, a year-round fish fry, and those Lake Charles views you’ll humblebrag about.”

From the Mundelein newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Grayslake Golf Course is a scenic, sporty 9-hole par 3 at just 1,200 yards, designed by the award-winning Martin Design Partnership. Beginner friendly yet great for sharpening your iron play, it offers easy online tee times and fun tournaments when you want bragging rights close to home.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Foss Park Golf Course is a legit par-72, 18-hole public track with a golf shop, practice facilities, and a bar and grill, so you can swing, stock up, then celebrate close to home. Tee times open seven days ahead, perfect for after-work escapes or early-bird rounds.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 11, 2026

“If your week needs a little friendly competition, Bertrand Bowling Lanes Inc keeps Waukegan rolling with open bowl, lively leagues (youth, seniors, mixed, ladies), and parties that actually land. The lounge and pizzeria seal the deal...”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 13, 2026

“Ten Paw Alley at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee brings mini bowling with shorter lanes, smaller balls and no special shoes, so everyone from toddlers to teens to tired parents can play. Perfect for a rainy afternoon or a quick, low-stress family win.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Sunset Bowl has 24 lanes with automatic scoring, food and drink service at every lane, and leagues for everyone from Lousy Bowlers to ringers. When you’re off the lanes, hop into the WJ Golf simulators or the 21+ gaming lounge, a solid weeknight plan that’s a quick hop from Gurnee.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Indoor-outdoor recreation spot with mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages & arcade plus food & a bar.”

“Whether you're sneaking in a Saturday round or plotting a big celebration, Chevy Chase Country Club pairs a challenging, lush course with versatile indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings, corporate get-togethers, mitzvahs, and more. It’s the rare place your golf group and your in-laws both happily approve.”

From the Buffalo Grove newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Greenshire Golf Course is a well-maintained, par-27, 9-hole track with holes from 100 to 210 yards and a total 1,265 yards, so you can get a legit round in under 90 minutes. A Waukegan Park District spot, it’s perfect for sharpening wedges or getting juniors and returning players hooked.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 3, 2026

“Whether your kids need to burn off energy or you’re overdue for some high-flying cardio, Launch Family Entertainment in Gurnee packs wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, a ninja course, battle pit, hoops, bowling and an arcade.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 14, 2026

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

“When the forecast ruins park plans this week, Kids Empire Mundelein brings the big energy inside with a multi level maze, winding slides, ball pits, and a dedicated toddler zone. Kids run wild, you relax nearby, and their party team makes birthdays easy when it is cake time.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“When the kids are climbing the walls, steer them toward FunFlatables - Gurnee. Giant indoor slides, obstacle courses, and soft, bouncy everything where they can jump, climb, and soar year-round. Open play, birthday parties, and field trips, all in a clean, friendly, truly fun setup.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Skip the weather roulette and take a quick win at AJ's Putt 'N' Play, an 18 hole indoor course with quirky themed holes plus a legit arcade for extra bragging rights. Solid pick for friend hangs or kid energy dumps, and yes, they host parties too.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, August 21, 2026

“If you want a legit challenge on the greens, a pool to cool off, and dining that’s nicer than your usual Tuesday, Glen Flora Country Club delivers right here in Waukegan. They also host weddings and events, so the place where you birdie 7 could be where you raise a glass later.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 2, 2026

“Bittersweet Golf Club is a public, 18-hole championship track in Gurnee that feels surprisingly private, with smooth bentgrass surfaces and holes weaving through wetlands, prairies and old hardwoods. Bring the sticks for a proper test or just groove it at the driving range, your call.”

From the Round Lake Beach newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Whether you’ve got stir-crazy kids or just miss skee-ball glory, The People's Choice Family Fun Center delivers with glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, 150+ token games, Rocky’s Pizzeria fuel, and party rooms that actually fit the crew.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 30, 2026

“If you call Waukegan home and your 7 iron behaves now and then, Bonnie Brook Golf Course, aka “The Brook”, brings tree-lined fairways, elevation changes, and a classic 1926 James Foulis design. Play an 18 that challenges without punishing, then relive it at the friendly 19th hole bar & grill.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, September 23, 2026

“SplashZone at Corrine J. Rose Park is the Waukegan Park District’s state-of-the-art water park where kids go full goggle mode and grownups get a well-earned breather. It’s open for the 2026 season, so pencil in an afternoon cool-down and call it quality summer parenting.”

From the Waukegan newsletter, October 4, 2026

“Amusement center with an arcade, inflatables, trampolines, and a dining area.”