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Things to Do With Kids in Lincolnshire, IL
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Toddler
Article made by:
Toddler
Updated November 2026. Hours, dates and programs change, so check each website before you go.
Lincolnshire is a small village in southern Lake County, but families with young children have a lot within a few minutes' drive: a lake park with a beach, a busy public library, a children's theatre series, and quiet forest trails along the Des Plaines River. Here are our favorite picks for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
49 Oxford Drive, Lincolnshire
Often called the heart of Lincolnshire, this park covers about 8 acres. It has playgrounds, a swimming beach in summer, a catch-and-release fishing pond, picnic areas with grills, sports courts and an accessible walking path. It is an easy stop for a short stroller walk or a picnic after daycare pickup, and the village holds community events here through the year. Check the Village of Lincolnshire website for beach hours and fees. Watch little ones closely near the water.
300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire
The library serves Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove and nearby areas, and it runs a full schedule for young children, including storytimes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers and seasonal events with music and hands-on play. Many programs are drop-in, and some need registration. See the calendar at vapld.info. On cold or rainy days, a storytime followed by time in the children's area makes an easy morning.
10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
The Marriott Theatre runs a Theatre for Young Audiences series with shorter musicals made for children, a good fit for a preschooler's first live show. In summer 2026 the series staged A Year with Frog and Toad, and The SpongeBob Musical runs from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with many morning performances. Check marriotttheatre.com for age guidance and tickets. A children's show is a nice way to practice sitting through a performance before a preschool show of their own.
Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area, 21950 N. Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods
Just southeast of Lincolnshire, this Lake County Forest Preserves site has more than 6.5 miles of trails through woods to the Des Plaines River, past historic buildings from the days when families built log cabins here as weekend retreats. The preserve is open daily from 6:30 AM to sunset.
For families, the best tip is the free nature backpacks you can borrow at the Welcome Center. They are made for children up to 10, come in themes such as plants, birds and farm, and you leave a driver's license as a deposit. The Welcome Center also runs family drop-in programs, where children can meet live education animals, and yearly events like Maple Syrup Hikes and Halloween Hikes. Dogs and other pets are not allowed in the preserve. Details are at lcfpd.org.
Yes. It has playgrounds and open space for walking, and the summer beach is popular with families. Watch young children closely near the water.
Yes. Many are drop-in, and some special programs ask families to register.
The shows are made for young audiences, and many preschoolers do well. Check each show's age guidance.
Borrow a free nature backpack at the Welcome Center, walk a short trail toward the river, and check the calendar for family drop-in programs with live animals.
Our Lincolnshire location at 400 Marriott Drive is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch every day, and our summer camp serves children ages 5 to 7 at this location. Children's Land programs start at 6 weeks old, so ask the location which age groups have openings, or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Kindergarten in Grayslake and Lincolnshire: District Guide.
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