There’s something about Sundays, you know? Growing up, Saturdays were errand days for my family. We’d get through our list of groceries, the post office, visiting a long lost aunt. Sundays, though. Sundays were for fun with a side of lazy.
This has carried over to my adult life, and my son knows it. Saturday evenings he asks, “Is it still the weekend?” When I tell him yes, that we’ve got one more day, his eyes become bright. “Tomorrow is Sunday?” he asks. He knows there’s something about Sundays.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a summer Sunday in the northern suburbs.
A Place to Eat
Salsa 17
My Arlington Heights peeps kept telling me about this place before I finally stopped in for a margarita … whiskey sour … sangria … anyway. Stay for apps and dinner, too–especially the tableside guacamole.
17 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
A Place to Play
Techny Prairie Park and Fields
With nearly 110 acres of space to play, everyone in the family will easily find a way to while away the afternoon. Four ball diamonds, six batting cages, fishing stations, a playground, plenty of picnic areas and a nine-hole golf course are just the beginning.
1750 Techny Road, Northbrook
A Place for a Rainy Day
Rockin’ Jump
If you’ve taken your kids to an indoor trampoline park, you know it’s a one-way ticket to an early bedtime (goals). An open-jump arena, dodgeball “field,” foam pit and slam-dunk zone will keep kids active no matter what’s happening outside.
950 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove
A Place to Grab a Treat
Graeter’s
The “French pot process” of ice-cream making is what deems this downtown Northbrook shop worth a visit. Fresh local dairy, in-season fruit and these amazing little chocolate chunks make their way into some crazy good ice cream. Grab a cone and head across the street to the Village Green, basically my favorite park ever.
1347 Shermer Road, Northbrook
A Place for Thrills
Hidden Creek AquaPark
How does a nearly 30-foot drop slide sound? (Hint: amazing.) Feel your stomach suspend mid-air before relaxing with the little ones in the zero-depth entry pool plus a water playground. An onsite cafe serves up more than just burgers and hot dogs–try a turkey wrap or a salad.
1220 Fredrickson Place, Highland Park
