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Things to Do With Kids in Mount Prospect, IL
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Pre-school
Article made by:
Pre-school
Updated November 2026 with winter options and verified park district details.
For families with young kids, Mount Prospect's top outings include Big Surf Wave Pool in summer, the indoor pool at RecPlex in winter, Lions Park, storytimes and family events at the Mount Prospect Public Library, and classes through the Mount Prospect Park District and River Trails Park District.
Here is a parent's guide. Hours and programs change, so check the park district and library websites before you go.
Big Surf, at 411 S. Maple Street next to Lions Park, is a summer wave pool run by the Mount Prospect Park District. The waves run in sessions with rest breaks of about ten minutes, and during the breaks the shallow end works like a calm zero-depth pool, which suits toddlers. Go during rest breaks with little ones, and bring swim diapers for children who are not potty trained.
Lions Park is one of the town's biggest parks, with a playground, sports fields, lighted tennis courts and the Veterans Memorial Bandshell, which hosts summer events. Next door, the Lions Recreation Center is home to many park district classes, including programs for preschoolers.
Mount Prospect has many smaller parks with playgrounds and walking paths. Part of town is served by the Mount Prospect Park District and part by the River Trails Park District, which also runs a summer pool, storytimes in the park and family events. Check which district serves your address for resident rates. For winter and spring 2026, River Trails opened registration in early December, and both districts usually post winter guides in late fall.
The Mount Prospect Public Library at 10 S. Emerson Street offers storytimes for young children, including music storytimes and world language storytimes such as Spanish. In summer, the library partners with local park districts on Storytime in the Park, with stories and songs at places like Lions Memorial Park and Sycamore Trails Park. A library card is free for residents. See our guide to library storytimes.
The Cook County Forest Preserves have nature centers and trails a short drive from Mount Prospect, including River Trail Nature Center along the Des Plaines River. Short loops are good for preschoolers who like to spot birds, turtles and deer. See our guide to nature centers for kids.
Both park districts offer parent-and-child classes, preschool programs, swim lessons, gymnastics and arts for young children. Indoor classes help families get through Chicago-area winters. Popular classes fill fast, so register early. Families who need inclusion support can ask about the Northwest Special Recreation Association, which partners with the Mount Prospect Park District.
For cold-weather tips, see how to dress a toddler for winter.
Looking for ideas in nearby towns? See our guides to Park Ridge, Palatine and Wheeling.
Yes, especially during the rest breaks between wave sessions, when the shallow end is calm.
RecPlex at 420 W. Dempster Street has an indoor pool with a tot pool. Check open swim times on the park district website.
Try a storytime or the children's area at the Mount Prospect Public Library, an indoor park district class or the RecPlex pool.
Yes. The library has offered Spanish world language storytimes and Storytime in the Park in summer. Check the calendar for dates.
Children's Land has a center at 621 N. Main Street in Mount Prospect, open 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with hot breakfast and lunch, and extras such as yoga, gymnastics and soccer. Summer camp at this location serves children up to age 12. Ask the center which age groups have openings. Visit the Mount Prospect location page or contact us to schedule a tour.
Related reading: Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist.
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