The best things to do in Lake in the Hills

“141-acre park with a petting zoo, picnic spaces, playgrounds & areas for horseshoes & disc golf.”

“Park-based education center with year-round programs & events including a summer butterfly house.”

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

“If you want a break from the usual hangouts, Paintball Explosion turns squad time into actual missions with video game style fields like Nuketown, plus airsoft, laser tag, and indoor speedball, then a bar with TVs to relive the hits and misses. Great for birthdays, bachelor parties, or corporate bragging rights.”

“Liberty Lanes keeps things easy for Elgin folks with family-friendly lanes, year-round leagues that welcome all skill levels, and a legit on-site grill for pizza, chicken fingers, nachos, and fries. Then hit Nancy's Sports Bar for a post-frame toast, and swing by the pro shop when the bowling bug bites.”

From the Elgin newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Classic Cinemas Carpentersville XQ keeps movie nights easy and local with new releases, the Classic Experience, XQ Luxury Recliners, and a 30-Min Money Back Guarantee. Join Classic Rewards, hit special events, and grab familiar concessions when you want a low-stress big screen night that actually feels like a treat.”

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

“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.”

“Large-scale indoor trampoline center hosting open jump, fitness classes, dodgeball & parties.”

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

“Golf Club of Illinois rewards good shots with accuracy-testing fairways, water and sand that keep you on your toes. Friendly to all skill levels and perfect for a midweek reset, it’s the kind of round that makes your next backyard barbecue bragging rights feel earned.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 28, 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

“Bonnie Dundee Golf Club is celebrating 100 years this season, and its classic 1920s design still plays like pure Midwest golf, no fuss, just fun. Book a round this week, grab a lesson, or join a league, and know memberships cover both Bonnie Dundee and Randall Oaks if you want more swings.”

From the Crystal Lake 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

“Two themed 18-hole mini golf courses, 40 lighted tees and a colossal 60,000-square-foot putting green make Lippold Park Family Golf Center a no-brainer for weeknight fun. Settle neighborhood rivalries, tune your short game, then grab concessions and chill by the restored wetland trails.”

From the Lake Geneva newsletter, August 20, 2026

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

“Let the kids conquer the Crystal Castle playground then cool off at the splash pad at Playground & Splash Pad | Woodscreek Park. 5-mile paved path past protected wetlands and the Memorial Tree Walkway for a low key victory lap.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Bowling alley chain featuring billiards, arcade games & snacks; some locations offer laser tag.”

“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.”

“All-ages rink with a variety of music & themed sessions plus concession stand for pizza & fast food.”

“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

“Need a reason to swing? Randall Oaks Golf Club & Banquets brings an 18-hole championship test where the day isn’t defined by your score. Book a tee time this week, sharpen up with lessons or junior programs, then browse the pro shop for gear you’ll swear makes shots fly straighter.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Need a high-energy outlet this week? Adrenaline Monkey Adventure Park packs authentic and family ninja courses, parkour-style runs, harnessed climbing walls, and a gamified tag arena, plus a new soft-play zone for the littles... perfect for birthdays, camps, or rallying a group to burn off wiggles.”

From the Crystal Lake newsletter, August 12, 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.”

“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