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Things to Do With Kids in Arlington Heights, IL
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Pre-school
Article made by:
Pre-school
Updated November 2026.
For young kids in Arlington Heights, start with Lake Arlington's lakeside playground and 2-mile path, the storytimes and Play Time in Kids' World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, and the park district's spray grounds and wading pools in summer. In winter, the park district runs four sled hills and outdoor ice rinks when the weather allows.
The Arlington Heights Park District has 58 parks and 42 playgrounds, so there is almost always one close to home. Here is a guide for families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Lake Arlington is a 50-acre lake with a 2-mile path around it, open all year. It is one of the easiest places in town for a stroller walk or a first bike ride on a flat, paved loop.
At the lake you will find:
In the warm months, the park district rents paddle boats, with a lower child rate for ages 2 to 5. Everyone on the water wears a life jacket, and the park district provides them. Swimming is not allowed, and dogs are not allowed on the path. The boathouse closes for the season in the fall, but the path stays open.
Path tip: bikes and skaters use the outside lane going counterclockwise, and walkers use the inside lane. Stay on the inside lane with a stroller or a toddler on foot.
The Arlington Heights Memorial Library, at 500 N. Dunton Avenue, has a children's area called Kids' World and weekly storytimes in the Lindsey Room. Recent storytimes include:
Most storytimes use free day-of tickets, given out first come, first served at the Kids' World desk to Arlington Heights cardholders. Play Time and Wednesday Fun Night do not need a ticket, and Wednesday Fun Night does not require an Arlington Heights card. Check the library's storytime page for current days and times.
For storytimes in other towns, see our guide to library storytimes in the north suburbs.
The park district has five outdoor pools plus the indoor pool at Arlington Ridge Center. For little kids, three outdoor pools stand out:
All the pools are heated. Recreation Pool was closed for construction in 2026, so check its status before you go. Pool hours and fees are posted on the park district's pool page each spring.
Arlington Ridge Center, at 660 N. Ridge Avenue, has indoor pools and a kiddie slide, which helps on cold or rainy days. During open swim, children under 9 must be with a responsible person age 14 or older. On weekday mornings and early afternoons the pool is unguarded and limited to swimmers 16 and older, so plan family swims for lifeguarded open swim times. You need a membership or a daily fee.
Thinking about lessons? Read toddler swim lessons: when to start.
Arlington Heights has four designated sled hills:
Sled hills open only when there is enough snow for safe sledding, after staff clear facilities and parking lots. Sled only where sled hill signs are posted. The park district's ice rinks and sled hills page shows each one as open or closed.
The park district also makes outdoor ice rinks between December 15 and February 15 when temperatures stay below freezing long enough. Some rinks are for free skate and some are for hockey. Never let children skate on ponds or lakes. The park district does not allow it, because moving water does not freeze solid.
For dressing tips and more winter ideas, see our winter activities guide.
The park district runs community centers across town, including Camelot Park Community Center and Pioneer Park Community Center. Classes for young children are listed in each season's program guide. See our guide to park district classes for preschoolers for what to look for.
Arlington Heights sits between Palatine and Mount Prospect, and families often mix parks and libraries across all three towns. See our guides to Palatine and Mount Prospect.
Lake Arlington's playground for ages 2 to 12, Kids' World at the library during Play Time, and the park district's 42 playgrounds.
Yes. The outdoor pools at Camelot, Frontier and Heritage parks have spray grounds and wading pools. Pool admission applies.
Green Slopes, Heritage Park, Nickol Knoll and Sunset Meadows. Check the park district's status page first.
Most storytimes are for Arlington Heights cardholders with day-of tickets. Wednesday Fun Night is open to everyone.
Children's Land has locations close to Arlington Heights in Palatine, at 1293 N. Rand Road, and in Mount Prospect, at 621 N. Main Street. Both are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and serve hot breakfast and lunch. Extras at both include music, art, yoga, gymnastics and soccer. Care starts with babies at 6 weeks in our infant program. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Things to Do With Kids in Palatine, IL.
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