
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 (currently closed) 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! Check out 2024’s events below and keep your family busy all summer long!
2025 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 12 - May 31
Spring Farmers Market: Saturdays (10 am – 2 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
Whitney Street in Historic Downtown GrayslakeMay 3
MayFest (Grayslake Arts Alliance)
Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumMay 26
Memorial Day Parade (Village of Grayslake)
Lake Street & Memorial ParkMay 30
Movies Off Center: Ghostbusters
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)June 3
Summer Concert: Another Shade of Gray
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)June 4 - September 25
Summer Farmers Market: Wednesdays (3 pm – 7 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeJune 8
5th Annual PFLAG Grayslake Better Together Pride Parade
Hawley Street / Center Street - Historic Downtown GrayslakeJune 13
Children’s Summer Performances - The Art of Inflation Balloon Show
Central Park Performance PavilionJune 13
Movies Off Center: Hook
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)June 19
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Walk
Grayslake Area Public Library & Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumJune 21
AuthorFest (Local Authors, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum)
Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumJune 28
Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks (Grayslake Park District)
Central ParkJuly 8
Summer Concert: Tribute to Elivs
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)July 12
Grayslake 5K Family Fun Run and Walk (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeJuly 18
Children’s Summer Performances - Animal Quest Show
Central Park Performance PavilionJuly 18
Movies Off Center: Shrek
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)July 26
Grayslake Summer Nights (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeAugust 1
Children’s Summer Performances - Science Heroes Show
Central Park Performance PavilionAugust 5
Summer Concert: Mr. Myers Band
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)August 8
Movies Off Center: ET
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)August 15-16
Grayslake SummerFest (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeAugust 29
Drum Circle Jam
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)
September 6
Exchange Club of Grayslake’s 39th Annual Pancake Breakfast
Fire Station 1 (Hawley Street)September 6
3rd Annual Cruisin’ on Center Grayslake Car Show
Historic Downtown Grayslake
September 27 – December 13
Fall Farmers Market: Saturdays (10 am – 2 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
Whitney Street in Historic Downtown GrayslakeOctober 23
Pumpkin Fest (Grayslake Park District)
Central ParkOctober 25
Business Trick or Treat (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeNovember 28
Grayslake Festival of Lights & Holiday Market (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeNovember 28 - December 31
Grayslake Giving Trees
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum