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Things to Do With Kids in Buffalo Grove, IL
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Pre-school
Article made by:
Pre-school
Updated November 2026.
For young kids in Buffalo Grove, the standout spots are the free Raupp Museum, where children can milk a replica dairy cow, the Spray 'N Play in summer, and Willow Stream Pool with its zero-depth wading pool. In winter, the park district runs learn-to-skate classes at Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion for children as young as 4.
Buffalo Grove sits between Wheeling, Lincolnshire and Vernon Hills, so it is easy to mix in outings from those towns too. Here is a parent guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
The Raupp Museum, at 901 Dunham Lane, tells the story of Buffalo Grove in two permanent galleries plus changing exhibits. It is small, free and very hands-on for preschoolers. Children can:
Hours are Monday to Thursday, 11 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday, 1 to 4 PM. The museum is closed Friday and Saturday and on some holidays, so check before you go. It is a good indoor stop on a cold or rainy weekday.
Mike Rylko Community Park, at 1000 N. Buffalo Grove Road, is the park district's main hub. It has the Spray 'N Play, the Nature Classroom and Educational Gardens, an amphitheater, sports fields and the park district's fitness center. An accessible playground is under construction, so check its status before you plan a playground visit.
The Nature Classroom, a branch of the Raupp Museum, has exhibits on the local environment and is open on set days in summer. Its educational gardens include native plants and a sensory garden, which little ones can explore with an adult.
The Spray 'N Play, in Mike Rylko Community Park near the Golf and Sports Center on Route 83, is described by the park district as one of the largest facilities of its kind, with more than 20 water toys, sprays and fountains plus a picnic area.
Bring water shoes, sunscreen and a change of clothes, and stay close to toddlers on wet surfaces.
Willow Stream Pool, at 600 Farrington Drive, has zero-depth entry into both the main pool and the wading pool, so toddlers can walk in at their own pace. Children 2 and under get in free. The pool opens only when it is at least 68 degrees, and everyone entering during public swim needs a pass or a daily admission, even if they do not swim. Parents are responsible for supervising their children.
For more on water safety and lessons, see toddler swim lessons: when to start.
The park district holds beginning learn-to-skate classes at Twin Rinks Ice Pavilion, 1500 Abbott Court, for children ages 4 to 10 with little or no ice experience. Classes teach balance and basic forward skating. Skate rental is included for figure skating classes. Children need gloves or mittens, a knit hat or a bicycle helmet, and light clothing. There is also a beginner hockey class for ages 4 to 12 that includes equipment rental.
For more cold-weather ideas, see our winter activities guide.
Buffalo Grove does not have its own library building. Library district lines cut through the village, so some homes are in the Indian Trails Public Library District, based in Wheeling, and others are in the Vernon Area Public Library District, based in Lincolnshire. The two libraries now have a shared registration agreement, so Buffalo Grove residents can get a card at either building, whichever district their home is in. Both libraries run storytimes for young children, so check their calendars. See our guide to library storytimes in the north suburbs.
The Buffalo Grove Park District runs a preschool program and seasonal classes for young children, listed in its seasonal catalog. The Raupp Museum also offers museum programs. For tips on choosing a class, see park district classes for preschoolers.
For more outings nearby, see our guides to Wheeling, Lincolnshire and Vernon Hills.
Yes. Admission is free. It is open Monday to Thursday and Sunday afternoons, and closed Friday and Saturday.
Yes. The Spray 'N Play in Mike Rylko Community Park has more than 20 water toys and sprays. It runs from late May to late August and opens when it is at least 70 degrees.
The park district's beginning learn-to-skate classes at Twin Rinks are for ages 4 to 10.
Parts of Buffalo Grove are in the Indian Trails Public Library District and parts are in the Vernon Area Public Library District. Residents can now sign up for a card at either library.
Children's Land has locations close to Buffalo Grove in Wheeling, at 850 McHenry Road, in Lincolnshire, at 400 Marriott Drive, and in Vernon Hills, at 2 E. Phillip Road. All are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and serve hot breakfast and lunch. Care starts at 6 weeks in our infant program; ask each location which programs it offers. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Things to Do With Kids in Wheeling, IL.
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