Things to Do With Kids in Glenview, IL: A Local Guide

Updated November 2026 with current hours and this season's events.

Glenview packs a lot into a small area for families with young children. You can spend a morning at a children's museum, meet farm animals in the afternoon, and walk a nature trail the next weekend, all within a few miles. Here is a guide to the best things to do with babies, toddlers and preschoolers in Glenview, Illinois, organized by what kind of day you want.

Hours, prices and event dates change by season, so check each place's website before you go.

Kohl Children's Museum

Best for: rainy days, winter, toddlers and preschoolers
Where: 2100 Patriot Blvd., near The Glen

Kohl Children's Museum has 17 hands-on exhibits built for children from birth to age 8, and it is the top indoor outing in Glenview for families with little kids. Exhibits are kid-sized, with pretend play, building, music and water play, so pack a spare shirt. An outdoor area called Habitat Park adds space to run and explore in warm weather.

Tips for visiting with toddlers:

• Regular hours are 9:30 AM to 4 PM Tuesday to Saturday, and 9:30 AM to 1 PM on Sunday and Monday.
• Plan for 90 minutes to two hours. That is usually plenty before a nap.
• Babies under 12 months are free, and families with SNAP or WIC cards can get $5 admission through Museums for All.
• Ask about memberships if you live nearby. Many local families go monthly in winter.
• From November 27 to December 20, 2026, the museum hosts Kohlights on select nights, a holiday light event designed for young children.

Read our full Kohl Children's Museum visit guide for more tips.

Historic Wagner Farm

Best for: animal lovers, outdoor mornings, all ages
Where: 1510 Wagner Rd.

Run by the Glenview Park District, Historic Wagner Farm is a working dairy farm that shows what Glenview farm life looked like in the 1920s. Cattle, horses and chickens live there year-round, and children can see old tractors and farm tools, visit the farmhouse and join seasonal family programs. In 2026, a new Centennial Farm exhibit compares farming then and now. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on the property.

From late June to late October, the Glenview Farmers Market sets up at the farm on Saturdays from 8 AM to noon. In 2026 it ran June 20 to October 24, with free parking in the farm lot and at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church across the street. A stroll, a snack and a visit to the animals make an easy family routine.

The Grove

Best for: nature walks, curious preschoolers
Where: 1421 Milwaukee Ave.

The Grove is a National Historic Landmark and nature preserve of more than 140 acres run by the Glenview Park District. The Interpretive Center has live native animals, including turtles, snakes, birds and fish, and recently reopened with new exhibits such as a turtle habitat. Along about 3 miles of walking trails you will find a log cabin, a Native American village and a one-room schoolhouse. The Interpretive Center is open year-round, 8:30 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends.

For toddlers, the short trails are perfect for a slow walk looking at leaves, birds and bugs. It is close to two Children's Land locations on Milwaukee Avenue, so it is a handy outing on a day off.

Gallery Park and Lake Glenview

Best for: playgrounds, splash pad, stroller walks
Where: 2001 Patriot Blvd., across from The Glen

Gallery Park is Glenview's largest community park, at 142 acres, built on land that was once part of Naval Air Station Glenview. The Little Bear Garden play area has toddler climbing equipment, a sand area, a tiny hedge maze, bench swings and a splash pad in warm months. Paved paths circle Lake Glenview, with a park loop of about 1.8 miles that works well for strollers and bikes. It is one of the best free outings in town.

More parks for little kids

• Flick Park: home to the Flick outdoor aquatic center in summer, with a zero-depth area and a tot spot for little swimmers.
• Glenview Park District neighborhood parks: dozens of smaller parks with playgrounds. Many have fenced or toddler-friendly areas, which help with runners.
• Forest preserves nearby: Cook County forest preserves along the Des Plaines River are a short drive for longer walks. See our guide to nature centers for kids.

Cold-weather ideas

Glenview winters are long, so it helps to have a list of indoor plans:

• Glenview Public Library: free storytimes and play groups for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, plus a large children's area. Check the events calendar for age groups.
• Glenview Community Ice Center: public skating and learn-to-skate classes for young children. Even watching skaters can entertain a toddler.
• Park District classes: parent-and-child classes in music, movement and art run through the year. Registration often opens weeks ahead.
• The Grove Interpretive Center: a warm, free stop with live animals on cold days.
• Kohl Children's Museum: worth listing twice, because it is the best indoor play space in the area.

Seasonal events worth planning for

• Spring: plant sales and farm events at Wagner Farm and The Grove.
• Summer: the Gallery Park splash pad, Flick pool, farmers market Saturdays and outdoor concerts.
• Fall: farm festivals and harvest events.
• Winter: Kohlights, skating and indoor library programs. See our holiday lights guide.

Follow the Glenview Park District and Glenview Public Library calendars for current dates. Popular toddler programs fill quickly.

Tips for outings with babies and toddlers

• Plan around naps. A short morning outing usually goes better than a long afternoon.
• Pack a spare outfit for any place with water play, sand or snow.
• Bring a carrier for trails where a stroller struggles.
• Check for family restrooms and changing tables, especially at parks in winter.
• Go early on weekends to beat crowds and find parking.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do with toddlers in Glenview?

Kohl Children's Museum, Historic Wagner Farm, The Grove, Gallery Park's playground and splash pad, library storytimes and Glenview Park District toddler classes are local favorites.

What age is Kohl Children's Museum for?

The museum is designed for children from birth to age 8, with areas that work well for crawlers, toddlers and preschoolers.

Are there free things to do with kids in Glenview?

Yes. Gallery Park, neighborhood playgrounds, The Grove's trails and Interpretive Center, Wagner Farm visits and library storytimes are free or low cost. Check each website for any event fees.

Where can kids play indoors in Glenview in winter?

Kohl Children's Museum, the Glenview Public Library, The Grove Interpretive Center, the Glenview Community Ice Center and park district classes are good indoor options.

Children's Land in Glenview

Children's Land has four locations in Glenview: 1175 Milwaukee Ave., 1631 Milwaukee Ave., 222 Greenwood Rd. and Storytime at 1814 Waukegan Rd. All are open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with hot breakfast and lunch every day. Ask each location which age groups it serves. Learn about our toddler program or schedule a visit.

Related reading: How to Dress a Toddler for Daycare in a Chicago Winter.