Things to Do With Kids in Palatine, IL

Updated November 2026 with winter options and verified park district details.

For families with young kids, Palatine's best outings include the park district's three outdoor pools in summer, nature walks at Deer Grove Forest Preserve, free storytimes at the Palatine Public Library, the farmers market at the train station, which runs in winter too, summer concerts at the Fred P. Hall Amphitheater and an outdoor ice rink in Community Park. Many are free or low cost.

Here is a parent's guide by season and age. Hours and programs change, so check the park district and library websites before you go.

Summer pools

The Palatine Park District runs three outdoor pools, usually open from late May into August or early September. One pool pass covers all three.

• Eagle Pool, 1425 N. Oak Street: a good pick for toddlers, with a zero-depth tot pool, a small alligator slide and bubblers.
• Family Aquatic Center, 340 E. Palatine Road: the big summer pool, with a sand play area, a waterfall and cave area, and two long slides for kids at least 48 inches tall who can swim 25 yards.
• Birchwood Pool, 435 W. Illinois Avenue: a neighborhood pool with a baby pool, slides and diving for older kids.

Toys are allowed in the baby pools at Eagle and Birchwood. Swim diapers are needed for children who are not potty trained. For year-round lessons, the park district also runs the indoor pool at Harper College's Health and Recreation Center.

Nature and trails

Deer Grove Forest Preserve

Deer Grove, on Palatine's northwest side, is one of the oldest forest preserves in Cook County, with close to 2,000 acres of woods, prairie and wetlands split into East and West areas. Short, flat stretches of trail are easy with a stroller or a toddler on foot. Look for frogs, birds and wildflowers in spring.

Palatine Trail and local parks

The park district maintains about 30 playgrounds and more than ten miles of paved paths along the Palatine Trail, including loops around Birchwood South Park, Hamilton Reservoir and Falcon Park. For a quick outing, the closest park with a playground is often the best choice for little legs. For a bigger nature day, see our guide to nature centers for kids, including Crabtree in nearby Barrington.

Library storytimes

The Palatine Public Library's main branch at 700 N. North Court offers storytimes for different ages, including baby storytime for children up to 12 months, toddler storytime and preschool storytime. Some programs need registration. The library also partners with the park district on outdoor storytimes in local parks during warm months. See our guide to library storytimes.

Palatine Farmers Market, summer and winter

The market sets up in the Palatine Train Station parking lot at 137 W. Wood Street. The summer market runs every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm, from early May through October. The winter market runs on the first and third Saturdays of the month, November through April, from 9 am to noon. Toddlers love the music and the snacks, and the winter market is a nice short outing on a cold morning.

Winter fun

• Outdoor ice rink: the park district floods a rink on the basketball court near the amphitheater in Community Park. It opens only when the ice is safe, so check the park district's ice rink page before you go, and skate only when the gates are open.
• Sledding: the park district maintains sled hills in winter. Pick the gentlest slope for toddlers. See our winter activities guide for sledding safety.
• Indoor classes: the park district offers parent-and-child classes, preschool programs, gymnastics and swim lessons at its recreation centers. Winter and spring registration usually opens in early December.

Summer events

• Fred P. Hall Amphitheater: free concerts, performances and outdoor movies during the summer, plus community festivals.
• Park district family events: seasonal events like egg hunts and pool parties.

Ideas by age

• Babies: baby storytime, stroller walks on the Palatine Trail, outdoor storytime in the park.
• Toddlers: the Eagle Pool tot area, playgrounds, toddler storytime, the farmers market.
• Preschoolers: nature walks, park district classes, the ice rink with a skate aid, summer concerts and outdoor movies.

Tips for outings with little ones

• Go early, especially to pools on hot weekends.
• Bring water, snacks and a spare change of clothes.
• Use bug spray and sun protection at the forest preserve.
• Check the weather line or website before heading to an outdoor pool or the ice rink.

Looking for ideas in nearby towns? See our guides to Glenview, Park Ridge, Wheeling and Mount Prospect.

Frequently asked questions

Which Palatine pool is best for toddlers?

Eagle Pool has a zero-depth tot pool with a small slide, and the Family Aquatic Center has a sand play area. The big slides at the Family Aquatic Center require riders to be 48 inches tall.

Is the Palatine farmers market open in winter?

Yes. The winter market runs on the first and third Saturdays from November through April, 9 am to noon, at the train station.

Where can I take a toddler in Palatine on a rainy day?

Try a storytime or the children's area at the Palatine Public Library, or an indoor park district class.

Is Deer Grove Forest Preserve stroller-friendly?

Some trail sections are flat and easy for strollers. Others are rougher, so a carrier helps for longer walks.

Children's Land in Palatine

Children's Land has a center at 1293 N. Rand Road in Palatine, 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 Palatine location page or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Daycare Tour Questions to Ask: A Parent Checklist.