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 Grayslake

  • May 3
    MayFest (Grayslake Arts Alliance) 
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • May 26
    Memorial Day Parade (Village of Grayslake)
    Lake Street & Memorial Park

  • May 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 Grayslake

  • June 8
    5th Annual PFLAG Grayslake Better Together Pride Parade
    Hawley Street / Center Street - Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • June 13
    Children’s Summer Performances - The Art of Inflation Balloon Show
    Central Park Performance Pavilion


  • June 13
    Movies Off Center: Hook
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)


  • June 19
    Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Walk
    Grayslake Area Public Library & Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • June 21
    AuthorFest (Local Authors, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum)
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • June 28
    Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks (Grayslake Park District)
    Central Park

  • July 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 Grayslake


  • July 18
    Children’s Summer Performances - Animal Quest Show
    Central Park Performance Pavilion

  • July 18
    Movies Off Center: Shrek
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  • July 26
    Grayslake Summer Nights (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • August 1
    Children’s Summer Performances - Science Heroes Show
    Central Park Performance Pavilion

  • August 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 Grayslake

  • August 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 Grayslake

  • October 23
    Pumpkin Fest (Grayslake Park District)
    Central Park

  • October 25
    Business Trick or Treat (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • November 28
    Grayslake Festival of Lights & Holiday Market (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • November 28 - December 31
    Grayslake Giving Trees
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum