Lombard, Illinois, is known for being a great place to raise a family. There’s so much to do for families with children of all ages. From natural spaces and community centers to local theme parks, it’s not hard to keep preschoolers entertained. The Gardner School at Yorktown Center asked our parents to share some of their favorite outdoor activities for children in Lombard, and they came up with quite a few. Below are some of their favorite places to take the whole family. If you’ve been to all of them, you’re a Lombard parent for sure!
Turtle Splash Water Park
This 5-acre facility is a jewel of the West Chicago park’s district. With zero-depth entry for infants, toddlers, and new swimmers, as well as several adventurous slides, this water park is designed with every age group in mind. Parents and caregivers can relax in poolside lounge chairs while children explore the water park playground, get dunked by the Blue Thunder bucket drop, or brave the tall and winding Captain’s Corkscrew slide.
Sunset Knoll Park
Local families love spending time at this Lombard park, complete with playgrounds, paved walking trails, and sporting fields, among other features. To ensure every child can participate in safe and engaging play, the park boasts two separate playgrounds, one for children ages two to five and another for those in the five to twelve age range, a win-win for families with children of all ages. In the summer months, the favorite feature at Sunset Knoll is the splash pad, perfect for cooling off after rigorous rounds on the playground!
Morton Arboretum
This idyllic forest is the perfect place to escape to nature with your child. Enormous enchanting troll statues give the woodlands a magical feel for your little one, and the peaceful environment will be rejuvenating for you, too! Their holiday events, like the Trick or Trees at Halloween, or the train exhibit in the winter, are perennial favorites. Their children’s garden—where there is always high-quality art or music programming going on—will keep you coming back throughout the year. They’ve also got a cafe and restaurant on-site, so you don’t have to worry if your visit runs into mealtime.
Sledding Hill at Four Seasons Park
When snow falls, a list of the best hills for sledding is essential. A must-add to your list for barreling across a snow-covered landscape is Four Seasons Park! Children look forward to annual treks to this lengthy, adventurous hill, which is sure to create lasting winter memories. In warmer seasons, the near-40 acres at Four Seasons are also home to a favorite fishing pond, multiple sporting fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
Paradise Bay Water Park
One-of-a-kind slides and park features for every age group make Paradise Bay a parent and child favorite. Older children love the thrill of adventurous slides like the bowl-shaped Wipeout or the speedy Pipeline, while younger ones can enjoy water slides and fountains that are just their size in Turtle Cove. For dedicated swimmers, an 8-lane pool is available for lap swimming or can be adapted for water sports.
Veterans Memorial Park in Westmont
This beautiful multi-use park has something for every age group. Whether you’re seeking out a scenic open area for a picnic, or a spot for a family game of basketball or tennis, the space boasts a diversity of facilities and plenty of well-kept open space. Younger children love the park’s adventure playground area, which includes climbing ropes, stepping stumps, a Viking ship, and a zipline!
Blackberry Farm
Don’t be fooled by the simple name: Blackberry Farm is about much more than berries. In fact, the owners call it a living history museum. Its mission is to recreate parts of local history through educational displays, and interactive features, including a hay wagon, pony rides, a carousel, a zipline, and unlimited train rides through the beautiful landscape. Although historical elements are central, it feels like a wonderful amusement park to children.
We Know Lombard Families
The Gardner School at Yorktown Center is a place where children feel at home. Our interactive curriculum and caring teachers keep children engaged in daily learning. To learn more about how we fulfill our mission to Chicago parents, set up a virtual tour.