Things to Do With Kids in Libertyville and Mundelein, IL

Updated November 2026.

The top family outing in Libertyville is Independence Grove Forest Preserve, with paved paths, a big lake and a playground, and free parking for Lake County residents. In Mundelein, families with little kids head to Barefoot Bay and the park district's Spray Park in summer. Both towns have library storytimes and downtown playgrounds for quick outings year-round.

Libertyville and Mundelein sit side by side in central Lake County, close to Vernon Hills and Grayslake. Here is a parent guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Independence Grove Forest Preserve, Libertyville

Independence Grove, at 16400 W. Buckley Road, is a 1,151-acre Lake County Forest Preserves site built around a large lake. It is open daily from 6:30 AM to sunset. For families with young kids, it offers:

• Paved paths that work well for strollers, balance bikes and first bike rides
• A large accessible playground
• A swimming beach in summer, with washrooms nearby
• A marina that rents bikes and small boats, including pedal boats
• A visitors center, usually open 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Parking is free for Lake County residents with a driver's license as proof. Non-residents pay a parking fee from spring through fall, and the fee is higher on weekends and holidays. Check lcfpd.org for current rates and beach dates before you go.

Libertyville parks and pools

Libertyville does not have a separate park district. The Village of Libertyville runs about 20 parks and two public pools through its Recreation and Sports Complex Department.

• Cook Park, in downtown Libertyville, has a playground in the same park as the Cook Park Library, so you can pair a storytime with play.
• Adler Park has a playground that opened in 2020 and is home to Adler Pool, at 1500 N. Milwaukee Avenue. In 2026 the pool was open daily from May 23 to September 7, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Riverside Pool is the village's second outdoor pool.

Pool features, fees and hours change each season, so check the village recreation page in spring.

Mundelein: Barefoot Bay and the Spray Park

The Mundelein Park and Recreation District runs two summer favorites on Midlothian Road:

• Barefoot Bay Family Aquatic Center, 1461 N. Midlothian Road, is a six-acre outdoor aquatic center with a zero-depth pool, a fenced wading area for toddlers, a lazy river and slides.
• The Spray Park, next to the Mundelein Community Center at 1401 N. Midlothian Road, is made for younger children, with large spraying flowers, water cannons and a sand play area.

The park district also runs Diamond Lake Beach and an indoor pool at the community center, which helps when the weather turns. Check mundeleinparks.org for seasonal hours and fees.

Library storytimes

The Cook Memorial Public Library District serves Libertyville and parts of Mundelein and Vernon Hills. Its Cook Park Library, at 413 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville, holds Family Story Time for children from birth to age 5 with an adult, and the district also runs baby story times. Many story times are drop-in.

Other parts of Mundelein are in the Fremont Public Library District. Its library, at 1170 N. Midlothian Road in Mundelein, holds storytimes for babies and preschoolers, many with a free drop-in ticket. In good weather it has also held storytimes at Kracklauer Park, which has an accessible playground. Check which library district your address is in, then look at that library's calendar. For more options nearby, see our guide to library storytimes in the north suburbs.

Lambs Farm

Lambs Farm in Libertyville is a classic outing with little kids, with farm animals and seasonal events. Our guide to Lambs Farm with kids covers what to know before you go.

Winter ideas

In winter, Independence Grove's paths stay open for bundled-up walks, and the indoor pool at the Mundelein Community Center is a warm option. Library story times keep running through the cold months. For more ideas and dressing tips, see our winter activities guide.

Close by

For more outings in central Lake County, see our guides to Vernon Hills and Grayslake.

Frequently asked questions

Is Independence Grove free?

It is free for Lake County residents. Non-residents pay a parking fee from spring through fall, and more on weekends and holidays.

Is there a splash pad in Mundelein?

Yes. The Mundelein Park and Recreation District's Spray Park, next to the community center on Midlothian Road, is made for younger children.

Does Libertyville have a park district?

No. The Village of Libertyville runs its parks and pools through its Recreation and Sports Complex Department.

Where can toddlers go to storytime in Libertyville?

The Cook Park Library downtown holds Family Story Time for children up to age 5, and many sessions are drop-in.

Children's Land near Libertyville and Mundelein

Children's Land has locations close to Libertyville and Mundelein in Vernon Hills, at 2 E. Phillip Road, and in Grayslake, at 130 S. Atkinson Road. Both are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and serve hot breakfast and lunch. Learn about our preschool program and ask each location which programs it offers for your child's age. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Lambs Farm in Libertyville With Kids: What to Know.