The best things to do in Waukegan

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

“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, September 16, 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 Gurnee 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

“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, August 4, 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

“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

“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.”

“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

“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

“Country club with a challenging golf course, pool, and dining, plus facilities for weddings.”

“This recreational center has indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, an arcade, food court & party rooms.”

“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.”

“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, August 17, 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

“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