With its vibrant downtown and plenty of annual community events, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in La Grange. This city is not to be confused with neighboring La Grange Park . . . or with neighboring La Grange Highlands. (And it’s definitely not to be spelled as Lagrange!)
We’re excited to dive into all the fun this suburb of Chicago has to offer.
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Top 3 Things to Do with Kids in Downtown La Grange
La Grange Public Library
La Grange Public Library
10 W Cossitt Ave
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 215-3200
This library was chosen as one of our Kidlist readers’ Top 10 Libraries in Chicago’s West Suburbs! Our readers love the La Grange library for being clean, organized, and packed with options for fun.
The spacious children’s area is on the main floor and has floor to ceiling glass windows which allows for wonderful light into the library. In addition to all of the library materials, play spaces for various ages tempt kids to come play with doll houses, vehicles, blocks, and more. Kids can play and learn on desktop and laptop computers in the media center, too.
The library regularly hosts events like Zumba for kids, story times, puppet shows, and more.
Gordon Park Playground and Splash Pad
Gordon Park Playground and Splash Pad
Ogden Ave. and Tilden
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-1762
Picnic shelter, playground, lighted softball fields and handball courts, soccer fields, a walking/jogging path, fitness stations, a skate spot. The splash pad is one of the few free splash pads in our area that is also fenced in, which makes it great for younger kids. It’s a gated spray ground that also has water coming up from a few taller structures, too.
Waterlemon Indoor Play Cafe
Waterlemon Indoor Play Cafe
25 South La Grange Road, Unit A
La Grange, IL, 60525
(708) 286-6747
This chic, airy playspace in downtown La Grange is designed for children five years and younger. As of October 2023, the prices are $12/first child, $10/additional children, with a discount to $6/child for the last two hours of play. Kids 3 months and under are free, and memberships are available, too.
Map of Things to Do with Kids in La Grange
Other Kid-Friendly Destinations in La Grange
Classic Cinemas La Grange Theater
80 South La Grange Road
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 579-2173
This vintage theater has been restored for a new generation of movie-goers. On Wednesday mornings in the summer, they usually participate in the Classic Cinemas $2 Morning Movie series with kid-favorite picks; check our summer movie deal article for updates.
Ceramic Art Cafe
26 South La Grange Road, #100
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 579-3033
This beloved local paint-your-own pottery studio is back open with a new owner. Walk in during open painting hours or schedule a party.
Park District of La Grange Recreation Center Indoor Playground
536 East Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-1762
Indoor playground tucked inside the rec center. As of October 2023, the price is $4 for residents ages 2+, $6 for non-residents ages 2+, free for residents under 2 years, and $3 for non-residents under 2 years. To find this month’s schedule of hours, visit the website, then scroll down to “Indoor Playground” and click the link for the schedule.
Tate’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Shop
25 South Ashland Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-4848
This family-owned shop, well-loved by the community, has been making homemade ice cream and seasonal treats on site for more than 30 years.
The Highland Queen
1511 W. 55th Street
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 246-1846
This classic drive-in has been dishing up ice cream treats since 1954. Featuring floats, malts, ice cream sodas, soft serve, dipped cones, shaved ice, dole whip, Hershey’s ice cream, and other novelties. Outdoor seating is available as well. Only open in the spring and summer.
Palmer Place
56 S. La Grange Rd.
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 482-7127
Elyse, our resident La Grange native, told me that no guide to La Grange would be complete without this local staple, which has been up and running for 50 years. This “restaurant and biergarten” is known for burgers, a huge beer selection, and comfort food. It’s got a casual atmosphere and a kids menu.
Fair Game
19 South La Grange Road
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 937-9066
Local board game shop with everything from Haba games for little hands to family-friendly games to complex strategy games. Often runs events for learning and playing games.
Just Escape Room
512 W Burlington Ave #204
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 304-0007
Players must be 8+ for these rooms, and adult supervision is required for kids younger than 15.
Nearby Things to Do with Kids
Brookfield Zoo
One of the best zoos in the country is basically neighbors with La Grange! Check out Annie’s insider guide and tips for taking kids to Brookfield Zoo.
Go Ape Chicago
Zip-lining and ropes courses are an extra-cool way to check out local outdoor destination Bemis Woods. Check out Annie’s article sharing her family’s experiences at Go Ape’s opening.
Galloping Ghost Arcade
Play unlimited games after paying the single entrance fee at the largest arcade in the United States.
Western Springs
Just a few minutes away from La Grange, Western Springs is another charming town that offers a change of scenery. Take the kids to Spring Rock Park, get a smoothie at the Western Springs Fruit Store, stop in for a sandwich at Casey’s, enjoy an ice cream at Oberweis, or watch the trains go by on the green by the iconic water tower.
Playgrounds in La Grange
Gordon Park Playground and Splash Pad
Ogden Ave. and Tilden
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-1762
Picnic shelter, playground, lighted softball fields and handball courts, soccer fields, a walking/jogging path, fitness stations, a skate spot. The splash pad is one of the few free splash pads in our area that is also fenced in, which makes it great for younger kids. It’s a gated spray ground that also has water coming up from a few taller structures, too.
Sedgwick Park
10th Ave & 48th Street
La Grange, IL 60525
This huge park has a playground, basketball courts, baseball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, and a paved path.
Stone Park
10 N Stone Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
This little park has a playground, picnic tables, and a half-court basketball court.
Waiola Park
500 S. Waiola Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
In addition to a playground, this park has a basketball court, two T-ball fields, a walking/jogging path, and a soccer field.
Spring Park
1108 S. Spring Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
Playground and a picnic shelter.
Denning Park
4903 S Willow Springs Road
La Grange, IL 60525
Playground with a soft, spongy play surface and multiple play structures for different ages. Picnic shelter, walking/jogging path, a basketball court, a soccer ball, and a community garden, too.
Meadowbrook Manor Park
339 9th Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
Playground with multiple play structures, including a disc swing.
Elm Park
Elm Avenue & Stone Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
Playground and a half-court basketball court.
Gilbert Park
41st Street & Gilbert Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
Playground, half-court basketball court, T-ball fields, lighted tennis courts, and a walking/jogging path.
Rotary Centennial Park
116 Sawyer Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
Little playground and a picnic shelter.
Community Center & Park
200 South Washington Avenue
La Grange IL, 60525
Playground and two lighted basketball courts.
Kid-Friendly Events in La Grange
Holiday Tree Lighting at Waiola Park
The annual holiday tree lighting is scheduled to be held on December 5 at 6 p.m. in 2023. Enjoy hot cocoa and cookies, admire the decorations, meet with visitors from the North Pole, and watch the tree light up.
La Grange Farmers Market
This weekday farmers market has options from local farms and flowers. The fountain down the street makes for a fun place to stop and enjoy any sweet treats you might have picked up at the market. In 2023, the market ran from 7am to 1pm on Thursdays from May 11 to October 26.
La Grange Pet Parade
First held in 1947, this local parade is a Chicagoland favorite, drawing huge crowds to come and cheer on all kinds of floats and marchers. The 2024 parade will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 9:30 am.
La Grange Endless Summerfest
This annual community festival celebrates summer with music, food, carnival rides, and more in Gordon Park.
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