Summer Bucket List
Before school starts back up in August and the summer unofficially comes to an end, here are twelve Grayslake Village Center bucket list items to check off your list while there’s still time! In no particular order…
1. Grayslake Aquatic Center
Soak up some fun in the sun at the Grayslake Aquatic Center! Visit the pool, enjoy water slides, the sand area, water play features, and lap lanes! Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
2. Grayslake Farmers Market
Stroll the Grayslake Farmers Market for the ultimate outdoor shopping experience featuring fresh and prepared foods, arts and crafts and children’s activities.
3. Dog n Suds
Visit Dog n Suds for the classic car hop dining experience! Stay in your car or eat at a picnic table there and enjoy all the tasty food they serve up including hot dogs, burgers, root beer floats and more!
4. Movies Off Center
Catch an outdoor movie on Whitney Street! New this year is the Movies Off Center Series which feature a movie once per month (June – September). The big screen will feature Encanto in July, A League of Their Own in August and Casablanca in September.
Pictured, The Princess Bride on June 20th. Movies Off Center is brought to you by the Grayslake Heritage Center & Musuem.
5. The Freeze
Head over to The Freeze for a delicious frozen treat! You can even bring your dog for their own ice cream! Try their monthly freeze specials or get a classic cone!
6. Live Music
Hear the sounds! You don’t have to go far for live music. The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum sponsors monthly concerts held on Tuesdays in Centennial Park. Bring a chair and sing along!
Many of the restaurants and bars also feature live music on various nights including Light the Lamp, Emil’s, The Vine and Beer Bazaar. There is also a monthly acoustic concert at Village Hall sponsored by the Lake County Folk Club.
Pictured, Boombox 80’s Band on June 6th.
7. Dine Alfresco
There are numerous options to enjoy a meal or a drink among the charming atmosphere of the Grayslake Village Center. Options include 129 Center Cut, Abel’s Cantina, Charlie’s, Emil’s on Center, First Draft, Light the Lamp Brewery, and Somethings Brewing.
8. Try Out the Trails
There are over 20 miles of bike paths throughout the Village of Grayslake. You can also get from Historic Downtown Grayslake to Central Park and Gelatin Park, not to mention to other neighborhoods. Lace up your shoes and walk, run, bike or even skate to the Village Center!
9. Learn About Grayslake’s Rich History
The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum in partnership with the Grayslake Historical Society features rotating exhibits, along with numerous Grayslake artifacts and information so you can become a town expert!
10. Recreate in Central Park
Visit the splash pad, playgrounds, paved paths, frisbee golf course, pickleball courts, shuffleboard court, and fields to make your day of fun! Pack a picnic and stay awhile – there is bountiful green space!
11. Plan a Shopping Day
Stroll from shop to shop for unique goods both new and pre-owned at shops such as 27 Houses, Blush Boutique, Bombshell Boutique, Closet Traders, Grayslake Apothecary, Grayslake Hobby World, This Old Book and more!
12. Grayslake Summer Days
Grayslake Summer Days (August 18th & 19th) happens to be the last weekend before school starts up again! Watch historic downtown Grayslake come alive during two days of fun featuring live music, food, rides, activities and a Saturday evening parade!
Summer Days is brought to you by the Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce.
In addition to the ideas above, visit https://grayslakevillagecenter.com/event-calendar for a full list of events taking place in the Village Center. Check back often, as new events are always being added throughout the summer and upcoming months!