Blake Walsh

15 Free Things to Do in Round Lake Beach, IL

  • Published 2022/11/29

Round Lake Beach is a suburb within Lake County in northern Chicago, Illinois.

This family-friendly area is dotted with destinations that suit every age.

It’s also a popular swimming and picnic destination among nearby residents.

Round Lake Beach also has several parks and other locations waiting to be discovered.

What’s more exciting is you won’t have to break the bank to explore the village.

Here are some free things to do in Round Lake Beach, Illinois.

Enjoy Some Quiet Time at Long Lake Park – Round Lake Area Park District

Long Lake Park – Round Lake Area Park District is on North Village Drive.

Measuring 68.72 acres, it’s the perfect spot to spend some quiet time alone and close to nature.

You can spend the afternoon admiring Long Lake Park – Round Lake Area Park District’s lagoon.

You can also take a walk or hike on this park’s hiking trail.

Play Basketball at Orchard Park

Orchard Park is a 64.75-acre park on Orchard Lane.

This park has a basketball court suited for a game session with friends and family.

Orchard Park also has a soccer field and wide spaces perfect for every outdoor activity.

You can also bring your kids here since it features two fun and safe playgrounds.

One is for children ages two to five, while the other is suitable for ages six to 12.

Orchard Park has slides, swings, spring riders, and other playground equipment your children will love.

Like any other Round Lake Beach park, Orchard Park also has hiking and walking trails.

Its picture-perfect lagoon also offers relaxing views.

Bring Your Kids to Sutton on the Lake Park – Round Lake Area Park District

Sutton on the Lake Park – Round Lake Area Park District is located on North Silver Oaks Drive.

Measuring 28.22 acres, itis home to two playgrounds for ages two to five and six to 12.

While your kids are playing, you can appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature.

You can take a walk at Sutton on the Lake Park – Round Lake Area Park District’s walking and hiking trails or appreciate the nearby lake’s beauty.

Explore Wilma Turner Park – Round Lake Area Park District

Wilma Turner Park – Round Lake Area Park District is located on North Karen Lane.

This park only measures 1.83 acres but is a good spot for morning or afternoon walks.

Wilma Turner Park – Round Lake Area Park District also has a playground suited for kids ages five to 12.

Your little ones will love the swings, slides, and spring riders.

Its open and vacant areas are ideal for exercising, Zumba, and destressing from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Wilma Turner Park – Round Lake Area Park District is just a few miles away from some big shops and restaurants.

Walk Your Furry Friend at Fox Chase Park – Round Lake Area Park District

Fox Chase Park – Round Lake Area Park District is an 8.3-acre park on Fox Chase Drive.

You can bring your furry friends here for a walk and nature adventure.

It has baseball and basketball courts and is also equipped with a playground suited for children and teens.

Fox Chase Park – Round Lake Area Park District also has a hiking trail and a vast open space where you enjoy the fresh air.

Enjoy Outdoor Fun at Oak Tree Park – Round Lake Area Park District

The Oak Tree Park – Round Lake Area Park District is on North Oak Trail and measures 3.66 acres.

It was named such because luscious oak trees surround it.

This nature spot is good for an afternoon chat and bonding with friends.

Let your kids play in the park’s two playgrounds.

Its slides and climbing apparatus are generally safe for children and teens.

You can also pot some geese as you roam around Oak Tree Park – Round Lake Area Park District.

Visit Heritage Church Round Lake Beach

Heritage Church Round Lake Beach is a non-denominational church located on North Civic Center Way.

This church welcomes people from different walks of life.

Heritage Church Round Lake Beach offers activities like youth camps, sports competitions, and other events open to everyone.

If you want to find some peaceful time, marvel at the church’s architecture, or meet new people, Heritage Church Round Lake Beach is one of the best places to do it.

Exercise at Gateway Park – Round Lake Area Park District

Gateway Park – Round Lake Area Park District is located on East Clarendon Drive.

What makes this 1.89-acre park unique is it features fitness equipment that everyone can freely use.

Gateway Park – Round Lake Area Park District also has hiking trails and open spaces for running and biking.

You may also bring your food and eat at the picnic shelters.

After that, you can spend the rest of the afternoon admiring the beauty and calmness of the nearby lagoon.

For your convenience, parking areas are available at Gateway Park – Round Lake Area Park District.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Bring Your Binoculars and Watch Birds at Rollins Savanna

A bird at Rollins Savanna

Earlbert, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rollins Savanna is a 1,253-acre reserve on West Washington St., Grayslake.

This is one of Lake County’s biggest forest preserves and can be reached via a 10-minute drive from Round Lake Beach.

Rollins Savanna is a haven for waterfowl, grassland birds, and other exciting wildlife.

A trail inside this nature preserve leads to an expansive viewing deck.

Wildflowers at Rollins Savanna

Martha Marks / Shutterstock.com

That is where you can spot some birds and other animals, so bring your binoculars.

Aside from that, Rollins Savanna also offers a 7.75-mile trail with boardwalks perfect for hiking and biking.

These pass through wetlands, native flowers, grasses, and large oaks.

Don’t miss Rollins Savanna’s native seed nursery, where rare and hard-to-collect naive seeds are planted and grown.

Go Fishing at Grant Woods

Grant Woods is a 1.226-acre preserved nature park on West Monaville Road, Ingleside.

This can be reached via a seven-minute drive from Round Lake Beach.

Grant Woods boasts a public boat launch perfect for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and other small non-motorized water vehicles.

Grant Woods also has a six-mile gravel trail for walking, hiking, biking, and even cross-country skiing during winter.

Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they’re leashed.

Grand Woods is also a beautiful spot for summer camps and picnics due to its clean and well-maintained surroundings.

Public parking, toilets, and drinking water are available at Grant Woods.

Beat the Heat at Jones Island Park

Jones Island Park is a public beach situated on Alleghany Road, Grayslake.

This is just an eight-minute drive from Round Lake Beach.

The park is a must-visit during hot summer days.

Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on this beach, so swim at your own risk.

After enjoying the cold water, you can also play volleyball with friends at Jones Island Park’s two sand volleyball courts.

You can also go fishing in the park’s waters, which are also open for kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and other non-motorized watercraft.

After these activities, you can use Jones Island Park’s picnic shelter for boodle fights with loved ones.

Appreciate Nature’s Wonders at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Boardwalk trail at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Brian Woolman / Shutterstock.com

Volo Bog State Natural Area is a nature reserve on Brandenburg Road, Ingleside.

It is only 14 minutes away from Round Lake Beach.

Volo Bog State Natural Area was established in 1970 and was named a National Natural Landmark in 1973.

You can find a floating mat of cattails, moss, and sedges here.

The waters of Volo Bog State Natural Area

McGhiever, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

These mats can support floating trees.

Volo Bog State Natural Area also features woodlands, marshes, savannas, and wide fields that serve as habitats for some wildlife.

Aside from enjoying the beauty of nature, you can also spend your time here birdwatching and practicing your wildlife photography skills.

Enjoy Live Music and Check Out Artwork at Grayslake Farmers Market

Grayslake Farmers Market is on Center Street, Grayslake, accessible via a nine-minute drive from Round Lake Beach.

It is the largest and longest-running evening market in Lake County.

Grayslake Farmers Market operates a weekly three-season shopping experience for its visitors.

You’ll surely love the lively atmosphere of this market.

Here, you can check out each vendor’s fresh farm produce and various arts and crafts.

You can also enjoy live music performances while window shopping.

Have a Picnic at Bowen Park

Bowen Park is a public park on North Sheridan Road, Waukegan.

It can be reached via a 28-minute drive from Round Lake Beach.

This 61.1-acre park is good for an afternoon picnic with friends and family.

You can either lay your picnic blanket on the grass or use the available picnic shelter and tables.

You can also bring your little ones and let them play in this park’s play equipment.

Bowen Park is also a favorite destination for hikers and joggers.

You can also exercise at this park’s physical fitness stations.

Admire the Scenic View of Lake Michigan at Fort Sheridan

Fort Sheridan is a 250-acre of natural land on Sheridan Road, Lake Forest.

It is located 36 minutes away from Round Lake Beach.

This is one of the few public spaces where you can see and admire the view of Lake Michigan for free.

This is also a good location for birdwatching.

Fort Sheridan also serves as home to some rare wildlife species.

This destination features a savanna and lakefront, which serve as an observation area for migratory birds.

Fort Sheridan also boasts a 3.65-mile trail perfect for nature walks and observation.

You can bring your furry friends here as long as they’re on a leash.

Final Thoughts

Round Lake Beach has many parks that will relax and entertain you.

These calming destinations are what locals love about this place and what attract people from nearby cities and suburbs.

If you’re longing for a fun and exciting place to spend your vacation, Round Lake Beach is the one for you.

What’s great is that you won’t have to spend a single penny here!

Discover all these free things to do in Round Lake Beach, Illinois.

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