Family Favorites

The Village Center is home to many favorites among local and visiting families.

When the temperatures heat up, kids and adults alike, enjoy visiting two outdoor spots for ice cream treats including Grayslake Dog n Suds Drive-In and The Freeze (pictured above), both long-established spots for family fun! In addition, such activities in Central Park including the splash pad, pickleball courts, and playgrounds are perfect for a day of play. The Grayslake Aquatic Center offers the chance to cool down during the summer months featuring two water slides, a child size slide, zero-depth entry and more!

In Historic Downtown Grayslake, you’ll find the Grayslake Famers Market – an outdoor shopping experience featuring fresh and prepared foods, crafts, gifts and various children’s entertainment operating three-seasons. The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum offers family-friendly exhibits and hosts different concerts and events throughout the year.

In addition to those offerings, and many more, the Village Center is home to numerous family-friendly events each year – with the event season kicking off in April and going all the way through November!

2024 Family-Friendly Events 

Below is a list of some of the Village Center events including their sponsors and locations. Bring your family and join in on the fun! Check our Event Calendar for additional events offered each month. There is always something for all ages!

  • April 13 - June 4
    Spring Farmers Market: Saturdays (10 am – 2 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
    Whitney Street in Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • May 4
    MayFest (Grayslake Arts Alliance) 
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • May 27
    Memorial Day Parade (Village of Grayslake)
    Lake Street & Memorial Park

  •  June 5 - September 25
    Summer Farmers Market: Wednesdays (3 pm – 7 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • June 22
    AuthorFest (Local Authors, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum)
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • June 29
    Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks (Grayslake Park District)
    Central Park

  • July 13
    Grayslake 5K Family Fun Run and Walk (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • July 20
    Grayslake Summer Nights (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  •  August 16-17
    Grayslake Summer Days (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • September 28 – December 14
    Fall Farmers Market: Saturdays (10 am – 2 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
    Whitney Street in Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • October 24
    Pumpkin Fest (Grayslake Park District)
    Central Park

  • October 26
    Business Trick or Treat (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • November 29
    Grayslake Festival of Lights & Holiday Market (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake