Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Glendale Heights, IL

This village in Chicago’s western suburbs has a relatively brief history, transforming from largely agricultural land with a few residential areas until the late 1950s.

Incorporated in 1958, Glendale Heights has developed into a contemporary residential community, characterized by ranch-style homes, expansive neighborhood parks, and several shopping centers.

Reflecting a significant South Asian presence in the area, Glendale Heights features a variety of restaurants, Asian supermarkets, and a cricket pitch situated in the main local park.

The village is recognized for its annual five-day town festival each July, which includes carnival rides and a fireworks display that attracts large crowds from surrounding regions.

1. Camera Park

The foremost public park in Glendale Heights serves as the village’s primary venue for outdoor events during the summer months.

This park hosts the renowned Glendale Heights Fest, famous for its spectacular fireworks, along with several other gatherings in the warmer season.

Recently renovated, Glendale Park is equipped with a range of facilities for basketball, baseball, and cricket, catering to the extensive local South Asian community.

A winding trail system is available for walking, jogging, and cycling, and a Community Officer is often present to assist with inquiries.

2. GH20 Aquatic Park

Open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, Glendale Heights features an exceptional outdoor water park adjacent to its Sports Hub.

A unique attraction at GH20 is the FlowRider Surf Simulator, which requires some skill and practice to master.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy a zero-depth entry wading pool, a lap pool, dual water slides, a drop slide, a diving area, a splash pad, and a sand play area.

The High Tide Snack Shack provides refreshments, and ample space is available for parents to unwind. Different pricing structures apply for residents and non-residents, and a waiver is necessary to utilize the FlowRider.

3. Glendale Heights Fest

Typically coinciding with the village’s anniversary on July 13, Glendale Heights Fest has served as the signature summer event since its inception in 1983.

Over the course of five days, more than 50,000 visitors converge on Camera Park, making it a highlight of the calendar in the western suburbs.

Attendees can look forward to live music, various entertainment options, delicious food, and popular carnival rides and midway games. The event concludes with an exhilarating fireworks display, often regarded as the “best in the suburbs.”

4. Bowlero Glendale Heights

Recently acquired by the Bowlero chain, this modern bowling facility in Glendale Heights features over 30 lanes, in addition to an arcade, pro shop, and sports bar.

The venue offers a lounge atmosphere during Friday and Saturday nights, alongside weekly specials such as unlimited bowling on Wednesdays and student discounts on Thursdays.

The arcade includes a variety of state-of-the-art games and nostalgic classics like Mario Kart and Jurassic Park.

Guests may order food and beverages directly to their lanes while enjoying a game, or watch the latest sports events over a craft beer at the sports bar.

5. East Branch Forest Preserve

In Glendale Heights, nature is always within reach, highlighted by this extensive 520-acre area encompassing lakes and wetlands.

The East Branch Forest Preserve, situated along the East Branch DuPage River, features a mix of open water and marshlands that provide habitat for numerous shorebirds and waterfowl, particularly during migration seasons in spring and fall.

A paved two-mile trail traverses the preserve, complemented by numerous unmarked paths for increased exploration.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy Rush Lake and the smaller Sunfish Pond, where various species including channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass can be caught.

6. Cosley Zoo

Located in Wheaton, this attraction is less than ten minutes away from Glendale Heights. Cosley Zoo, situated on the grounds of a historic train station, showcases wildlife native to Illinois and features domesticated animals.

The zoo actively participates in conservation initiatives aimed at enhancing the population of endangered Blanding’s turtles.

Among the species on display at Cosley Zoo are white-tailed deer, bobcats, turkey vultures, coyotes, raccoons, red foxes, American kestrels, and a variety of snakes, turtles, owls, and ducks.

Farm animals include Guernsey cows, Nubian goats, Norwegian fjord horses, Shetland ponies, and Montadale sheep.

7. DuPage County Off-leash Dog Park

This expansive area near the southeast corner of the East Branch Forest Preserve caters to DuPage County residents with dogs while providing a pleasant walking area for all visitors.

The park is a valuable resource for local dog owners with Forest Preserve District permits, presenting one of the few unfenced spaces in the county where pets can enjoy freedom while accompanying their owners on their excursions.

The park features a gravel path, several dirt trails, and a series of ponds with small beaches where adventurous dogs may take a swim. The landscape is picturesque, making it a delightful spot for a stroll even if you don’t have a canine companion with you.

8. Vertical Endeavors

This network of indoor climbing gyms includes several locations, with Vertical Endeavors located in Glendale Heights being the sole exception outside Minnesota. Set within a spacious warehouse on Bloomingdale Road, it features climbing walls that reach 30 feet, alongside three distinct bouldering areas.

Climbers have the option to choose from an impressive 450 different routes, and the venue provides 30 auto-belay systems.

Vertical Endeavors is welcoming to beginners, offering an orientation process and waiver for new climbers.

Essential gear can be rented for $12, with day passes starting at $20. The facility also organizes various classes, camps, outdoor climbing experiences, and private lessons for top rope and sport lead climbing.

9. Glendale Lakes Golf Club

Located adjacent to Camera Park, this esteemed public golf course is situated within a serene residential neighborhood.

Designed by Dick Nugent, Glendale Lakes features numerous water hazards and intricate bunkers throughout the course.

The fairways are well-maintained, and the greens are notably fast, providing a challenging experience for both recreational players and professional golfers.

Given its picturesque environment, Glendale Lakes is also a popular venue for wedding receptions and other special events, with a banquet facility that accommodates up to 250 guests.

10. Center Ice of DuPage

In the Chicago area, ice skating and hockey are prevalent activities, and many communities have indoor rinks, including Center Ice of DuPage in Glendale Heights.

This facility operates year-round and accommodates adult and youth league games as well as figure skating competitions.

A variety of programs are offered for both children and adults to enhance their skating or hockey skills.

For informal games, the rink hosts stick & puck sessions, along with freestyle skating opportunities and regular public skating sessions, with skate rentals available for as low as $3.

11. Picture Show at Bloomingdale Court

Situated in the nearby Bloomingdale Court Shopping Center, this multiplex cinema has operated since 1989, enduring various ownership changes over time.

Having transitioned from serving as a second-run theater in the 2010s, Picture Show at Bloomingdale Court is now a first-run cinema, featuring updated interiors complete with comfortable leather recliners.

Ticket prices and concession costs are notably reasonable. At the time of this writing, shows before 6:15 PM were priced at just $4.50, while newly released films on Tuesdays were $4 all day. Additionally, patrons benefit from complimentary refills on drinks and popcorn.

12. K1 Speed

Just next door in Addison is one of the 54 locations of the indoor karting franchise, K1 Speed. As is standard at these facilities, the K1 Speed venue in Addison is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, providing racing activities throughout the year.

The track is designed for speed and overtaking, employing electric karts capable of reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, avoiding the concerns associated with gas-powered engines.

Complemented by The Paddock lounge and restaurant, K1 Speed is an ideal spot for parties, family gatherings, and corporate events.

Visitors can also opt for various “Arrive & Drive” packages for multi-race options.

13. Glendale Heights Sports Hub

Referred to simply as “The Hub,” this remarkable recreation facility in Glendale Heights is equipped with various amenities and equipment.

The Sports Hub encompasses a comprehensive fitness center loaded with exercise machines, an indoor turf soccer arena, an indoor playground, two fitness studios, two dance/martial arts studios, an activity room for children, an arts and crafts area, four preschool rooms, and a spacious gymnasium featuring multiple basketball courts.

For information on the Village’s diverse schedule of classes and activities, please consult the Glendale Heights Parks and Recreation site.

14. Ki’s Steak and Seafood

An established local favorite, Ki’s Steak and Seafood has been in operation long before the incorporation of Glendale Heights.

Located adjacent to a six-acre farm with goats, sheep, and a donkey, the restaurant originates from 1934 when it functioned as a field house featuring a pair of gas pumps, at a time when North Avenue (IL 64) was merely a dirt road.

Whether opting for filet mignon or ribeye, all steaks on the menu are sourced from Midwestern corn-fed beef, marinated with fresh herbs and garlic. Families with children should consider visiting the small farm located at the back of the property.

15. “Show and Shine” Car Show

This eagerly awaited event on the Glendale Heights calendar is the car show and swap meet occurring in mid-September.

Taking place on a Sunday, the “Show and Shine” Car Show is held at Camera Park, featuring hundreds of exhibitors showcasing an impressive array of vehicles ranging from hot rods to antique cars dating back to the early 1900s.

Awards are presented in no fewer than 11 categories, with the prestigious “Best in Show” being the most coveted. The event also includes a large swap meet, craft fair, and a variety of games, live music, and delectable food.