Things to Do With Kids in Grayslake, IL

Updated November 2026. Hours and programs change, so check each website before you go.

Grayslake's village center puts a park, a splash pad, the public library and a history museum within a short walk of each other, which makes it easy to plan a morning with little ones. Here are the best picks for babies, toddlers and preschoolers, plus a few nearby favorites.

Central Park and the splash pad

250 Library Lane, Grayslake

Grayslake's main community park has a large playground, picnic shelters, open lawns, fishing piers and a paved loop of more than a mile that works well for strollers and balance bikes. The free spray park is designed for children 10 and under and is fenced with a gate, which helps when you are watching a toddler who likes to wander. It is usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting. In summer, the performance pavilion hosts children's performances and community concerts. Check the Grayslake Park District for this year's splash pad dates and the summer event schedule.

Grayslake Area Public Library

100 Library Lane, Grayslake

Right next to Central Park, the library runs storytimes and play programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. It is an easy indoor plan for cold or rainy days, and pairing a storytime with a trip to the playground is a classic Grayslake morning. In summer, the library and park district have also teamed up on pop-up programs in the parks. Look at the library's online calendar for current times and any programs that need registration.

Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum

164 Hawley Street, Grayslake

This local history museum, in the village's original village hall, is free to visit, with donations welcome. Its main exhibit tells the story of how Grayslake grew, and the center hosts family-friendly events throughout the year. It is typically open Wednesday through Saturday afternoons, with longer hours at some times of year, so check before you go. A short visit works well for a curious preschooler.

Grayslake Farmers Market

The market runs in three seasons downtown around Center and Whitney streets. In 2026, the spring market ran on Saturdays from April 11 to May 30, the summer market on Wednesdays from 3 to 7 pm from June 3 to September 23, and the fall market runs on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm from September 26 to December 12. Toddlers enjoy picking out fruit, and you can stop for a snack and a walk downtown afterward. Check the market's website for next year's dates.

Nature walks nearby

• Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve: a large Lake County preserve in Grayslake with wide gravel trails through prairie and wetlands, good for sturdy strollers and spotting birds.
• Ryerson Woods in Riverwoods: a longer drive, with quiet forest trails and free nature backpacks to borrow. See our nature centers guide.
• Lambs Farm in Libertyville: a farmyard with animals to see and seasonal family events, about 15 minutes away. Visitors are not allowed to feed the animals. See our Lambs Farm guide.

Tips for Grayslake outings

• Park once in the village center and walk between the library, Central Park and downtown.
• On hot days, go to the splash pad in the morning before the busiest hours.
• Bring a change of clothes and a towel in summer. Splash pads soak everything.
• In late fall, combine a Saturday farmers market visit with a library program.
• In winter, plan around library programs, then a warm drink downtown.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Grayslake splash pad free?

Yes. The Central Park spray park is free and usually open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check the park district for dates.

Is the Central Park splash pad good for toddlers?

Yes. It is fenced with a gate, designed for children 10 and under, and sits near the playground, which makes it easier to keep track of young children.

Is the Grayslake farmers market open in the fall?

Yes. The fall market runs on Saturdays into mid-December. In 2026 it runs September 26 to December 12, 10 am to 2 pm.

What is there to do in Grayslake in winter?

Library storytimes and play programs, Heritage Center events, and indoor classes through the park district.

Children's Land in Grayslake

Our Grayslake location at 130 S. Atkinson Road is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch every day. Extras at this location include gymnastics and soccer, and our summer camp serves children through age 12. Ask the location which age groups have openings, or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Things to Do With Kids in Palatine, IL.