Blake Walsh

16 Best Things to Do in Bolingbrook, IL

  • Published 2023/03/30

Bolingbrook is a lovely village in Illinois, just 30 miles southwest of Chicago.

Part of the village is in Will County, and another extends to DuPage County.

The area used to be sparsely settled farmland until Interstate 55 opened access to it.

The village traces its origins to young families who moved to the area to settle in model homes built in the early 1960s.

It was incorporated in 1965 and has since developed into a thriving suburb with plenty of leisure and recreation opportunities to explore.

Arts, culture, and entertainment spots are around the village.

It is also home to numerous beautiful public parks and gorgeous natural attractions, offering outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking.

Check out this list of the best things to do in Bolingbrook, Illinois, to guide you in planning your visit.

Dine and Shop at the Promenade Bolingbrook

Shops at the Promenade Bolingbrook

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Explore the shops and restaurants at the Promenade Bolingbrook.

Whether you’re looking to check out the local food scene or want some retail therapy, this promenade offers options for both dining and shopping.

You can shop for clothes, accessories, and beauty and wellness products.

Grab a bite at one of the restaurants or get a drink and unwind at a café.

The grounds of the Promenade Bolingbrook

James Andrews1 / Shutterstock.com

If you’re visiting with kids, there are both indoor and outdoor play areas that you can check out to keep them entertained.

The mall also hosts various events and activities throughout the year.

You can find the Promenade Bolingbrook along East Boughton Road.

Reconnect with Nature at the Hidden Oaks Preserve

Go on a rejuvenating nature adventure at Hidden Oaks Preserve.

This 33-acre preserve protects diverse habitats that serve as home to various plant species and rich wildlife.

Take a serene hike on the river trail and hear the beautiful sounds from the preserve’s resident songbirds, which include robins, bluejays, wrens, and chickadees.

Enjoy the dazzling sight of the preserve’s rich flora, from spring ephemerals to magnificent oak trees and maples.

The preserve also offers fishing access, and you can catch some bass, bluegill, catfish, and sunfish at the lakes.

Don’t forget to visit the nature center and check out their nature programs.

The Hidden Oaks Preserve is located along Trout Farm Road.

See Unique Aircraft at the Illinois Aviation Museum

Stop by the Illinois Aviation Museum and marvel at some exciting aircraft.

Established in 2004, this museum features various aviation artifacts and historic aircraft.

You can see a Douglas A-4 Skywalk, a lightweight aircraft that played significant roles in several wars.

Check out the beautiful wing design of the Jungster II, a homebuilt single-seat aircraft.

They also have planes on loan from other aviation museums.

If you want to know more about aviation history, you can also book a guided tour of the facility.

You can find the Illinois Aviation Museum along South Clow International Parkway.

Take a Splash at Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park

Beat the heat and go on a water adventure at Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park.

This exciting family-friendly aquatic park offers to explore both indoor and outdoor water adventures.

Go on a thrilling ride on the water slides and splash at the pool.

Play beach volleyball with friends.

You can also chill under a “funbrella” and enjoy a slow day.

You can enjoy a relaxing dip in their hot tub if it’s too cold for an outdoor swim.

The Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park is located along Lindsey Lane.

Explore Local Art at Galleria De Arte

Get a glimpse of the area’s lovely art scene at Galleria De Arte.

This beautiful art gallery is a hub hosting the local arts and creative community.

The gallery space exhibits local artists’ works, including paintings and photography.

If you’re looking for a piece to add to your collection or accentuate a wall in your home, check out the artworks for sale.

The gallery also hosts various creative events and entertainment in its space.

You can find Galleria De Arte along West Boughton Road.

Ride a Bike along the DuPage River Greenway Trail

Hop on your bike for a scenic ride along the Dupage River Greenway Trail.

Running along a branch of the DuPage River, this lovely trail features a 2.5-mile paved path great for cycling, hiking, or running.

It will take you through charming and serene wetlands, woodlands, and prairie.

Breathe some fresh air and enjoy calming nature views as you traverse the trail.

You can access the DuPage River Greenway Trail from Royce Road.

Enjoy Fall at Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo & Pumpkin Farm

If you’re in the village during the fall, visit the Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo & Pumpkin Farm.

This beautiful farm opens for great family-friendly activities in the fall.

Let your kids enjoy the four-acre zoo, where they can meet resident farm animals and even go on pony rides!

There’s also a kid-friendly corn maze to challenge your young ones.

Other attractions at the farm include air slides, a mini golf course, and train rides.

Of course, fall won’t be complete without the pumpkin patch and hayrides.

Johansen Farms Children’s Zoo & Pumpkin Farm sits along West Boughton Road.

Catch a Theatre-on-the-Hill Show at the Performing Arts Center

If you want to see more of Bolingbrook’s creative community, go and see a Theatre-on-the-Hill show.

This community theatre has produced shows since 2001.

Check out their show schedule and see local talents perform.

They stage dramas, musicals, and comedies.

They also offer theater education.

Enjoy a Theatre-on-the-Hill performance at the Performing Arts Center along West Briarcliff Road.

Play Golf at Boughton Ridge Golf Course

Enjoy tee time at Boughton Ridge Golf Course.

Spanning over 45 acres, it features a Par 32, nine-hole course with challenges that ensure a great golfing experience, whatever your skill level.

Enjoy your game and the beautiful atmosphere.

After a round, head to their bar and grill to dine and unwind.

You can find Boughton Ridge Golf Course along East Boughton Road.

Take an Art Tour at the Fountaindale Public Library

Take a self-guided tour of the artworks at the Fountaindale Public Library.

The library developed the audio tour to make viewing the artworks on display a more informative experience.

You can see over ten original artworks throughout the library building.

While you admire the pieces, you can listen to the artists talk about them on audio.

The Fountaindale Public Library is located along West Briarcliff Road.

Go Skating at Rocket Ice

Show off your moves on the rink at Rocket Ice.

This indoor skating arena features two full-size rinks, offering ice skating and hockey lessons and time for public skating.

Have fun on the ice as great theme music plays in the arena.

You can also get on the ice with your kids and teach them beginner moves.

There are also skating gliders on site to lend a hand to young skaters.

You can find Rocket Ice along Canterbury Lane.

Have Fun with Family at Wilderness Falls

Take the family to a fun day out at Wilderness Falls.

This outdoor fun park offers plenty of family-friendly activities all in one place.

Play an exciting round of mini golf at the themed courses, which include a waterfall!

Enjoy taking swings at the batting cages.

Play some games at the arcade center.

You can also book the park for a birthday party to celebrate!

Wilderness Falls is located along Weber Road.

Join the Festival of Lights Winter Walk

If you’re visiting during Christmas, check out the Festival of Lights Winter Walk.

This annual holiday series of events showcase the village’s wonderful celebration of the season.

See the village’s lovely tree light up and set the festive mood.

Enjoy a hot chocolate and the holiday displays.

Of course, the celebration won’t be complete without Santa’s appearance; bring your kids for a Christmas photo!

The Festival of Lights Winter Walk is usually held behind the town center on West Briarcliff Road.

Set a High Score at the Prince Arcades

See if you still got your video game moves at the Prince Arcades.

This excellent spot offers a venue to relive the experience of playing some of the best arcade games.

Spend an afternoon of unlimited play with friends and duke it out over some great classic games.

Try to beat each other’s high scores and enjoy the fun atmosphere like the old times.

You can find Prince Arcades along East Boughton Road.

Spend a Relaxing Day at Knights of Columbus Park

Pack your favorite picnic food and head out to Knights of Columbus Park.

This park has picnic spots, play areas, open spaces, and a paved trail.

Spend a relaxing day with your kids and explore the park’s lovely surrounding natural area.

Enjoy a picnic and the calming views of the greenery.

Knights of Columbus Park is located along Northridge Drive.

Visit the Bolingbrook Historical Museum

Learn about the village’s history when you visit the Bolingbrook Historical Museum.

Check out the displays that tell stories of the area’s past.

You can view their fascinating collection of photographs from decades past.

There are also various artifacts from local industries and homes.

The Bolingbrook Historic Preservation Commission runs the museum to preserve and track the village’s history and heritage.

The Bolingbrook Historical Museum is located along East Briarcliff Road.

Other Things to Do Nearby

There are plenty of natural attractions and exciting spots that you can explore in the cities and towns surrounding Bolingbrook.

Here are some activities you can enjoy nearby Bolingbrook.

Visit the Morton Arboretum

A sculpture at Morton Arboretum

Rajesh Vijayakumar / Shutterstock.com

Admire the flourishing green landscapes at The Morton Arboretum in the village of Lisle, Illinois, 20 minutes from Bolingbrook.

Established in 1922, this stunning site showcases over 4,600 plants, breathtaking natural landscapes, and lovely gardens.

Take a hike and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural scenery.

A brook at Morton Arboretum

Mark Baldwin / Shutterstock.com

They also offer plenty of family-friendly activities and educational programs for adults and children.

After exploring, head to their restaurant and cafe to sample fresh and healthy meals.

The Morton Arboretum is a ten-mile drive from Bolingbrook.

Paved trail at Morton Arboretum

Mark Baldwin / Shutterstock.com

Explore Greene Valley

Take a short ride to explore Greene Valley in Naperville, Illinois, nine minutes from Bolingbrook.

This sprawling forest preserve protects over 1,300 oak woodlands, savanna, wetlands, and meadows.

Explore the trails and see the area’s rich flora and wildlife.

With over 500 native plant species, including spring wildflowers, the area is one of the most botanically diverse in DuPage County.

You might also glimpse its resident wildlife, such as deer, owls, and herons.

Don’t miss the fantastic view of the Chicago skyline from the scenic overlook.

Greene Valley is a 4.7-mile drive from Bolingbrook.

Take the Kids to the Knoch Knolls Nature Center

If you have kids fond of exploring nature, spend a day out with them at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center in Naperville, 11 minutes from Bolingbrook.

This kid-centered park offers plenty of fun learning opportunities for your curious kids.

Take a guided family hike with a naturalist and learn about wildlife.

At nature camps, your kids can enjoy the outdoors and participate in games, art, and science experiments.

You can even try night camping at the center for a more exciting experience.

The Knoch Knolls Nature Center is a 5.8-mile drive from Bolingbrook.

Final Thoughts

The village of Bolingbrook is a lovely destination to explore and enjoy your vacation time with family and friends.

It has many beautiful public parks, spectacular natural preserves, and vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment spots, offering plenty of leisure and recreation.

Explore the best things to do in Bolingbrook, Illinois!

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