The best things to do in Wheaton

“5-acre facility featuring native domestic animals & wildlife, plus ponds, a barn & natural habitats.”

“Festivals, markets and shows are staples at this 70-year-old park, which also hosts carnivals and animal displays.”

“Public golf facility featuring an 18-hole course, cart rentals, lessons & a casual pub.”

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

“Public course featuring a challenging 18-hole layout and a 9-hole course for casual players, as well as practice tees.”

“Members-only country club offering a golf course, a restaurant, and a lodge.”

“Golf course featuring a banquet hall, event hosting, and brunch options.”

“Spacious ballroom and foyer for weddings and other special events.”

“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

“Slides that actually zip, a giant water playground for the kids, a sandy chill zone and a real lap pool for those who pretend they’re training for the Olympics... Turtle Splash Water Park is your easy, low-stress way to cool off this week without overthinking plans.”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 5, 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.”

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

“Founded in 1963 and still the Western Suburbs’ family go-to, Cress Creek Country Club pairs a Ron Prichard designed championship course with member dining full of club favorites, weekly specials, and seasonal dishes, plus tennis and pickleball programs for all ages, so your crew can play, eat, repeat in Naperville.”

“Golf center featuring 2 18-hole courses & practice facilities, plus a clubhouse with a restaurant.”

“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.”

“7 mile landscaped trail draws runners & bikers.”

“Golf club, event venue and restaurant featuring 36 holes and a driving range, plus a locker room.”

“Prairie-themed putts, playful obstacles, and just enough challenge keep rounds breezy at Clocktower Mini Golf & Skate Park, then cruise the skate park to keep the fun going. Call dibs on this week’s bragging rights with a quick game or a few laps.”

“Family entertainment destination with bowling, laser tag, arcade games, and American eats.”

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

“Coyote Crossing Mini Golf is a professionally designed, park-district mini links with a picnic pavilion and snack stand, plus simple options for birthdays and group outings. Grab a putter, squeeze in some friendly competition, and call it a quick reset that’s close to home.”

“Golf course at Jackson Park offering 18 holes of play, a driving range & lessons.”

“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.”

“Park-based outdoor mini-golf course with seasonal 18- or 36-hole play for all ages.”

“Established in 1892, this scenic course has mature trees and water hazards, as well as a driving range.”

“Outdoor water park with slides, splash pads and sandpits, plus a concession stand.”

“Public 18-hole golf course, practice area & clubhouse with a bar, grill, pro shop & veranda.”

“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.”

“Public scenic 9-hole course on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering rental carts & equipment.”

“Public golf course offering a mix of par-3s to par-5s in a relaxed setting.”

“Golf course featuring 3 nines plus a museum and gardens that are open to the public.”

“Country club featuring a golf course, banquet hall, and wedding venue.”