1. Picnic
A favorite of couples and families alike. Pack the picnic basket and enjoy a few hours in a park. With parks and green space in abundance in DuPage, choosing a convenient location starts with our park districts. A few of our favorites include Fishel Park in Downers Grove, Ty Warner Park in Westmont, and Lilacia Park in Lombard. For more outdoor ideas, check out our Nature & Outdoors page.
2. Grab a Seat on the Patio
Always on our list when good weather rolls around. Here are a few of our favorite places to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or night out under the stars:
37 Bar & Grill at White Pines
Arrowhead Restaurant & Bar
Cooper's Hawk-Downers Grove
Fogo de Chão Oak Brook
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Greenway Tap, The Preserve at Oak Meadows
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Naperville and Oak Brook
Mesón Sabika
Pinstripes
Reserve 22, Village Links of Glen Ellyn
The Table at Crate
Two Hound Red
3. Cantigny
Honor the true significance of Memorial Day with a trip to Cantigny — former estate of Chicago Tribune magnate Colonel Robert R. McCormick. Walk among the collection of tanks, visit the First Division Museum, and remember the many who have served our country as you walk the peaceful gardens.
4. The Morton Arboretum
A stunning natural area open 365 days of the year with 1,700 acres to explore, The Morton Arboretum is an outdoor museum with various plants from around the world bringing people together. Explore nine miles of roads, 16 miles of trails, and see Of the Earth, an art exhibit combined with the beauty of nature.
Just in time for Memorial Day, The Morton Arboretum is teeing up a new summertime attraction called Wonder Woods Mini Golf. The one-of-a-kind course incorporates whimsical features at each hole to illustrate different scientific concepts, including how sound is used by researchers to detect tree decay or what tree rings can tell scientists about the life of a tree and its environment. Timed ticket entry is currently required.
5. The Original Rainbow Cone
This Memorial Day, treat yourself to one of Chicago's culinary treasures, the iconic Original Rainbow Cone. Since its debut in 1926, the signature cone has been a favorite, featuring Chocolate, Strawberry, Palmer House, Pistachio, and Orange Sherbet layered for a smile-inducing treat. Here are the nearby Rainbow Cone locations you can visit in DuPage:
6. Visit our Main Streets
DuPage is known for its sophisticated yet small-town charm. Simply enjoy our beautiful Main Streets and end the day in the way we wish for every summer evening — with ice cream and sweet treats. Two of our favorite spots are Sweet Street Candies and Goodies and Chocolaterie Stam Glen Ellyn.
7. Breweries
The long weekend is a great time to check out the many breweries in DuPage. Not a beer person? Head over to Lynfred Winery and see why Lynfred has a renowned following in Illinois. They will be offering a 25% wine discount on Memorial Day for all active military with valid I.D.
8. Stay Cool at Local Water Parks
Kick off summer and keep cool with the season opening of water parks and various splash pads in our communities:
Bensenville Water Park (Bensenville Park District)
Coral Cove Water Park (Carol Stream Park District)
Maryknoll Splash Pad (Glen Ellyn Park District)
Paradise Bay Water Park
Rice Pool & Water Park (Wheaton Park District)
Sea Lion Aquatic Park
Splash Island (Oak Brook Park District)
Sunset Park and Pool (Glen Ellyn Park District)
Turtle Splash Water Park (West Chicago Park District)
Ty Warner Spray Park (Westmont Park District)
New events are added weekly to our Calendar of Events. Able to make it a staycation? Pick from over 100 hotels and resorts and Discover DuPage: things to do, best brunch spots, top 10 trails, and the best shopping outside of Chicago.