Located in the northwestern suburbs of Chicago and easily accessible by highway, Schaumburg is a great choice for family fun. With beginnings as a small farming community, the village has blossomed into a haven for families and provides everything families want: food options everywhere you turn, as well as anything you would want to buy at any of the shopping stores. The community boasts fantastic amenities that would make any town envious: a park district full of programs, an award-winning library, festivals to bring the community together, a farmer’s market, and places for kids to come together and play.
Eat
Pilot Pete’s
Located at the Schaumburg Regional Airport, this restaurant boasts (you guessed it) an aviation theme. Not only can you find cool aviation memorabilia everywhere you turn (old school velvet airplane seats!) but kids can watch planes take off and land. Try the signature wonton nachos and save room for the bomb bread pudding. Kids favs include the sweet potato fries.
Chicago Prime Italian
The restaurant family-owned restaurant serves classic Italian fare with generous portions. Every Sunday and Monday kids eat free.
Donut Drop
From classic flavors like a glazed or chocolate to something more unique such as the Nutella S’mores or salted caramel, Donut Drop will satisfy your sweet tooth craving. An added plus: they serve Brewpoint Coffee, locally roasted in Elmhurst.
Tip: For the best assortment of donuts, visit early in the day.
Handsome Bakery
Not only will you find one-of-a-kind baked goods at this Korean bakery, but you’ll also find the most delicious looking cakes and pastries and shaved ice. Try a signature cloud latte – a latte topped with cotton candy.
Play
Spring Valley
With the nature-based playground, Bison’s Bluff, a living historical farm, a nature center and hiking trails, Spring Valley is Schaumburg’s hidden gem and the perfect way to spend the day in town.
Legoland Discovery Center Chicago
Everything is awesome at this ultimate play land for Lego enthusiasts with a Chicago Miniland, a pirate-themed playground, a couple rides, a 4D cinema, and all the bricks you’d want to play and create.
Park fun
The parks and amenities offered by the Schaumburg Parks District is one of the best around. Want to test out your ninja skills? At Meineke Park or the “ninja park,” park-goers can time themselves as they try to conquer the park’s obstacle course as you traverse nets, climb structures, and more. Bison’s Bluff, the nature play based playground, offers a unique opportunity to learn about nature while playing.
FireZone
Future heroes can wear a firefighter outfit and explore the fire station playhouse. Hop on the fire truck, fire rescue boat or the ambulance, slide down the fire pole or pretend to put out a fire with real fire hose.
Trickster Gallery
More than just an art gallery, the Trickster Gallery offers opportunities to learn about Native American Indian culture and history. Kids can step inside the hand-made teepee and imagine how Indians lived, play a traditional drum and check out the authentic artifacts.
Atcher Island
For splash-tastic fun, cool off at this small Polynesian-themed outdoor waterpark. Plunge down the circular water slide or take it easy at the pool. Younger kids will delight in the water sprayground complete with tipping buckets and sprayers.
Yu Kids Island
Located at Woodfield Mall, those 48 inches and smaller can experience interactive features such as a spinning tunnel, two balloon rooms, slides, and a play structure.
Blocks to Brick Museum
The Blocks to Brick Museum is a diversion from shopping for littles and parents that love building and, of course, bricks. The 12,500 square foot museum takes visitors through 150 years of 3D building toys, from stone to paper to bricks and everything in between.
PAC-Man Entertainment
Bowling, arcade games and good food can be found at PAC-Man Entertainment (formerly called Level 257). You’ll find newer games including those ticket redemption games kids go crazy over. Relive the good old days playing old-school classic games from the 80s and 90s like pinball machines, Space Invaders and, of course, PAC-Man.
Kids Art & Café
Kids 48 inches and under will enjoy the clean play areas including the two-story play structure with slides and a ball pit. Let imaginations run wild in the kitchen, Duplo areas and at the train table. Don’t let the fun end when you leave – kids can sign up for an art or pottery class.
Tip: Don’t miss out trying the homemade ice cream, waffles topped with fruit or pierogis.
Shop
Woodfield Mall
As one of the largest shopping destinations in the nation with more than 300 stores, Woodfield Mall is a one-stop shop and play location. The mall includes favorite stores from Build-a-Bear Workshop, Disney Store and The Lego Store, as well as out-of-the-box options include BoxLunch featuring pop culture-themed gifts (purchases made benefit Feeding America) or the huge selection of gummies from GetHappy (chicken feet, anyone?).
IKEA
Whether you’re looking to decorate, spruce up your home, or looking to get inspiration, a trip to the behemoth furniture store never seems to disappoint. For parents with kids, the supervised play area, Smaland, is free while you shop.
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This article originally appeared in the August 2019 issue of Chicago Parent. Read the rest of the issue.
