Things to Do With Kids in Des Plaines, IL

Updated November 2026.

The best year-round spot for young kids in Des Plaines is the indoor splash pad at the Prairie Lakes Aquatics Center, open daily for ages 2 to 12. Add library storytimes, paddle boats on Lake Opeka in the warm months, and the lit Arndt Park sled hill when it snows.

Des Plaines sits right next to Park Ridge and Mount Prospect, so many families mix outings across all three towns. Here is a parent guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Indoor splash pad at Prairie Lakes

The Prairie Lakes Aquatics Center, at 515 E. Thacker Street, has a bright indoor splash pad with slides, sprays and touch-activated water features. It is made for children ages 2 to 12 and is open daily, which makes it a good warm-water outing in winter.

A few things to know before you go:

• There are no lifeguards or staff in the splash pad area, so an adult must supervise children at all times.
• The center has six family changing rooms for adults with young children.
• Parking is free in the community center lot on Thacker Street or the aquatic center lot on the southwest side of the building.
• Check the posted schedule and daily fees before you go, since splash pad hours are set around lap swim and classes.

Lake Opeka at Lake Park

Lake Park, at 1015 Howard Avenue, is home to Lake Opeka, a popular spot for boating and fishing since 1963. The marina is open from April 1 to October 31, weather permitting. You can rent paddle boats, swan boats and kayaks, which makes a short ride with a preschooler an easy summer outing. Children on the water should wear a life jacket.

Call the clubhouse before you go on a windy or rainy day, since boating always depends on the weather.

Summer: Mystic Waters

Mystic Waters, at 2025 Miner Street, is the park district's outdoor water park. In 2026 its regular season ran from May 30 to August 9, with shorter post-season hours into early September. Watch the park district site and app in spring for 2027 hours and admission fees.

Mini golf at Mountain View Adventure Center

Mountain View Adventure Center, at 510 E. Algonquin Road, has an 18-hole mini golf course, batting cages, a skate and BMX park and a snack bar. Mini golf is a fun first game for preschoolers who can hold a putter. The center is seasonal and plans to reopen in spring 2027.

Winter: Arndt Park sled hill and ice rinks

The park district runs an unsupervised sled hill at Arndt Park. It is open during daylight when there is enough snow, and after dark only while the lights are on, until 10 PM. Sledding is allowed only inside the fenced area. Families use the hill at their own risk.

For little ones, choose the gentlest part of the hill, ride together and move away from the bottom quickly. When it gets cold enough, the park district also puts in outdoor ice rinks and posts conditions for each one through the winter. See our winter activities guide for more ideas.

Storytimes at the Des Plaines Public Library

The Des Plaines Public Library, at 1501 Ellinwood Street, runs free programs for young children. Recent listings include Toddler Time, a Preschool Storytime for ages 3 to 5, and an evening Family Storytime that is best for ages 2 to 7. In summer, the library has also held outdoor storytimes in Des Plaines parks for children up to age 5.

Programs change each season, so check the library's kids' event calendar before you go. For more ideas, see our guide to library storytimes in the north suburbs.

Park district classes for little ones

The Des Plaines Park District offers early childhood classes, preschool classes and a preschool program called Creative Corners. Programs are listed in its Spectrum program and events guide each season. See our guide to park district classes for preschoolers for tips on choosing one.

Next door: Park Ridge and Mount Prospect

For more parks, libraries and seasonal events nearby, see our guides to Park Ridge and Mount Prospect.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an indoor splash pad in Des Plaines?

Yes. The Prairie Lakes Aquatics Center has an indoor splash pad for ages 2 to 12, open daily. Adults must supervise, since no lifeguards are on duty in that area.

Where can kids go sledding in Des Plaines?

At the Arndt Park sled hill, inside the fenced area, when there is enough snow. After dark it is open only while the lights are on.

Can you rent paddle boats in Des Plaines?

Yes. The Lake Park Marina on Lake Opeka rents paddle boats, swan boats and kayaks from April through October, weather permitting.

Does the Des Plaines library have toddler storytime?

Yes. Recent listings include Toddler Time and a Family Storytime. Check the library's calendar for current days and times.

Children's Land near Des Plaines

Children's Land has locations close to Des Plaines in Park Ridge, at 400 Higgins 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. Care starts 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 Park Ridge, IL.