{"id":37914,"date":"2022-07-31T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-31T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-arlington-heights-il\/"},"modified":"2024-03-30T19:16:02","modified_gmt":"2024-03-30T19:16:02","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-arlington-heights-il","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/best-things-to-do-in-arlington-heights-il\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Best Things to Do in Arlington Heights, IL"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Arlington Heights, you’ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n

Located mainly in Cook County, Illinois, the municipality of Arlington Heights also has a sliver in Lake County.<\/p>\n

It is a Chicago suburb located around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the city’s center.<\/p>\n

The biggest village in the United States, Arlington Heights, is also close to Schaumburg and Palatine, Illinois.<\/p>\n

Around 75,000 people reside in this prosperous municipality, which has a bustling downtown area with cultural attractions, shops and restaurants, and caf\u00e9s with sidewalk seating.<\/p>\n

There are also several beautiful nature paths where you may see various species.<\/p>\n

Go for a ride or run in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n

Read on to discover the best things to do in Arlington Heights.<\/p>\n

Tour Muller House<\/h2>\n

\"Exterior<\/p>\n

I, G LeTourneau<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

The village’s history museum is located a few streets north of the Arlington Heights railway station amid a complex of original and replicated buildings.<\/p>\n

An 1880 coach house with a woodworking shop lies on the property, a replica log cabin from the 1830s, and the Banta House from 1908.<\/p>\n

The M\u00fcller House, built in the 1890s and named for its owner, F. W. M\u00fcller, the soda magnate who launched Arlington Club Beverages, is the anchor.<\/p>\n

Visitors to Arlington Heights may explore historic barns and the M\u00fcller and Banta homes.<\/p>\n

Both underwent restoration to impart information about the history of soda pop and see the museum’s extensive collection of vintage toys and dollhouses.<\/p>\n

Catch a Performance at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre<\/h2>\n

One of Arlington Heights’ most active cultural institutions, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, can be found in the neighborhood’s many small businesses and eateries.<\/p>\n

Rent, Spamalot, Moon Over Buffalo, the 39 Steps, and A Christmas Carol are the recent highlights of the in-house company’s production schedule.<\/p>\n

Three hundred twenty-nine people may see the performances at the theater, which also hosts concerts and cabaret shows.<\/p>\n

Several performing arts camps for students in grades K-12 provide exceptional co-curricular and extra-curricular educational opportunities.<\/p>\n

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s performing arts school accepts pupils of all ages, even those beyond 91.<\/p>\n

Select students at the university’s performing arts school are eligible for low-cost choices and need-based grants.<\/p>\n

The Stories in Action series accommodates tens of thousands of schoolchildren each year, allowing them to collaborate with the casts of renowned productions.<\/p>\n

Explore Local History at Arlington Heights Memorial Museum<\/h2>\n

The village’s history museum is located a few streets north of the Arlington Heights railway station amid a complex of original and replicated structures.<\/p>\n

An 1880 coach house with a woodworking shop stands on the property, a replica log cabin from the 1830s, and the Banta House from 1908.<\/p>\n

What holds this whole thing together was F. W. M\u00fcller, whose house today serves as the center of this neighborhood’s cultural life.<\/p>\n

A Heritage Gallery in Arlington Heights tells the story of pop drinks, historic outbuildings, and two restored dollhouses containing notable collections of antique dolls.<\/p>\n

The public library stands next door.<\/p>\n

Only 21 public libraries in the U.S. have received a 5-star rating from Library Journal in the last seven years, and Arlington Heights MemorialLibrary is one of them.<\/p>\n

Relax at North School Park<\/h2>\n

This charming neighborhood park lies at Arlington Heights Park District headquarters’ southern tip.<\/p>\n

Because of its aesthetic nature and plenty of deciduous trees providing shade, North School Park is ideal for those who like to relax in a tranquil setting.<\/p>\n

Nearby, floral arrangements encircle a fountain with a little playground for youngsters.<\/p>\n

It would be best if you visited during the winter vacations, when you may see the park’s spectacular light displays lit up at night.<\/p>\n

Then, in the summer, North School Park presents free outdoor concerts where you only need a lawn chair or a blanket to chill and enjoy the performances.<\/p>\n

Sweat It Out at Heritage Park<\/h2>\n

This lovely suburban park has various facilities located south of Arlington Heights.<\/p>\n

Heritage Park is one of the park district’s five community centers, a gym, basketball courts, pool, lit tennis courts, baseball field, beach volleyball court, and age-appropriate children’s playgrounds.<\/p>\n

With a sledding hill and an outdoor ice rink complete with lights and boards, there’s enough to do here in the winter.<\/p>\n

Suppose you’re just at the park for a stroll.<\/p>\n

In that case, a mixed-use walkway winds between the hardwood trees.<\/p>\n

Keep walking towards the lush Kingsbridge Arboretum, off the park’s southwest side.<\/p>\n

Swing Your Club at Arlington Lakes Golf Club<\/h2>\n

Accessible to the public, this award-winning park district course is located just south of Arlington Heights, near Busse Woods.<\/p>\n

The course lies on the site of a decommissioned Nike Missile Base after World War II.<\/p>\n

Initially designed in the late 1970s, the course had an extensive makeover in 1916, under the direction of famous architect Mike Benkusky.<\/p>\n

There are 18 holes in this 90-acre area, which includes an army installation.<\/p>\n

An open layout, 13 water-involved holes, and lightning-fast tees make this course challenging even for the most experienced golfers.<\/p>\n

Stroll around Downtown Arlington Heights<\/h2>\n

Arlington Heights includes a walkable downtown with various independent stores and eateries.<\/p>\n

When exploring this district, you may find Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Korean Totowa Bistro, Spanish, Mexican, and Irish restaurants and pubs.<\/p>\n

Trees and shade mainly cover the walkways, and there’s a lovely small plaza between West Campbell Street and South Vail Avenue.<\/p>\n

Attractive landscaping and pedestrian-friendly design characterize Arlington Heights commercial malls.<\/p>\n

In addition, a wide range of products is available, not to mention plenty of free parking spaces.<\/p>\n

You’ll find adorable shops selling everything from home d\u00e9cor to confections, jewelry, cosmetics, and pet supplies across town.<\/p>\n

Enjoy Various Lakeside Activities at Lake Arlington<\/h2>\n

\"Lake<\/p>\n

Mpetrov1<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n

Lake Arlington is a stormwater detention basin covering 50 acres.<\/p>\n

The lake, built initially to reduce floods in the 1980s, became a park in 1995.<\/p>\n

Lawns, long grass, marsh, and forested sections line Lake Arlington’s two-mile asphalt route, open for walking, running, bicycling, and other activities.<\/p>\n

Waterbirds like the great blue herons, Canada geese, and ducks call this park their home.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Phani Chaturvedula \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Interpretative signages make it easier to see these birds in the park.<\/p>\n

You may also rent paddle boats and sailboats during the summer at the park’s new amenities, including a playground, an outdoor fitness area, and a sensory garden.<\/p>\n

The detention lake is open to boats only and nor dor swimming.<\/p>\n

Try Your Hands on Clay Art at Thrown Elements Pottery<\/h2>\n

You may participate in courses, seminars, and lessons at Thrown Elements Pottery.<\/p>\n

All ages may participate in these activities, which include hand-building, wheel throwing, and clay painting sessions.<\/p>\n

It’s possible to paint your pottery at the studio and then return to collect it a few days later when it underwent baking, firing, and glazing.<\/p>\n

If you have a group of pals, you may have a “paint and drink” session where you all bring a bottle of wine.<\/p>\n

You may also buy materials and high-quality ceramics from the gallery’s on-site store.<\/p>\n

Chill with Your Friends at House of Music & Entertainment<\/h2>\n

Looking for a sports bar\/lounge in Arlington Heights?<\/p>\n

Visit House of Music & Entertainment.<\/p>\n

The senior chef of this restaurant and nightclub adds innovative twists to classic American fare.<\/p>\n

Due to its long daily hours of operation, it can provide a comprehensive lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late-night menu to its customers.<\/p>\n

The usual pub-style appetizers include jalape\u00f1o poppers, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks.<\/p>\n

The restaurant’s d\u00e9cor showcases the city’s pride in local sports teams, prominently on the menu and the walls.<\/p>\n

A sidewalk terrace offers additional seating for customers.<\/p>\n

The facility also acts as a music and entertainment venue.<\/p>\n

Besides live performances and concerts, the venue’s main stage hosts open mic events and trivia nights.<\/p>\n

Solve Mysteries at Break Escape<\/h2>\n

Break Escape is a team effort, so bring your best friends to help you out.<\/p>\n

As a group, solve mysteries, riddles, and puzzles together to push your mental boundaries.<\/p>\n

Within 60 minutes, you and your company will be able to escape from one of Break Escape’s four unique escape rooms.<\/p>\n

High School Reunion “Gone Bad” and U.S. Customs – Entry Denied are a few of the escape rooms available to you. U.S. Customs – Entry Denied scares you with blackmail and prison time.<\/p>\n

My “Crazy EX” interrupts a wedding and causes a stir in the aftermath.<\/p>\n

High School Reunion “Gone Bad” takes place in the woods of a haunted house.<\/p>\n

10 Minutes to Heaven is a unique 10-minute escape room where you and your party have just 10 minutes to rescue the world from a cataclysmic calamity.<\/p>\n

Arlington Heights has much to offer visitors, but if you’re looking for something new to do, consider taking on this challenging quest.<\/p>\n

Enjoy Steak at Jameson’s Original Charhouse<\/h2>\n

A well-known Arlington Heights steakhouse, Jameson’s Original Charhouse, opened in 1990 and has been a staple of the community ever since.<\/p>\n

Everything from top cuts of beef and pork to grilled chicken or fresh seafood is available on the menu.<\/p>\n

Jameson’s Original Charhouse believes creating an atmosphere conducive to having a good meal is essential.<\/p>\n

Various special events take place in its banquet space.<\/p>\n

It can hold up to 200 people 3700 acres of suburban Chicagoland lie on the southern border of Arlington Heights, forming a massive natural park.<\/p>\n

Grab Some Good Finds at Mitsuwa Marketplace<\/h2>\n

Arlington Heights is home to a Japanese school and several Japanese-owned businesses scattered around the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

The biggest Japanese store in the Midwest is one of them.<\/p>\n

Mitsuwa Marketplace is more than simply a place to buy hard-to-find specialized products and housewares.<\/p>\n

It is a part of a countrywide business with 11 sites.<\/p>\n

However, this is like a center for Japanese culture, where you can acquire everything you need to cook your katsu curry or okonomiyaki.<\/p>\n

Music, movies, books, toys, and a vast assortment of manga comics are available at the store.<\/p>\n

In addition to sushi, the food court offers ramen and tempura, takoyaki and bubble tea, and Japanese baked goods.<\/p>\n

Other Things to Do Nearby<\/h2>\n

Be One with Nature at Ned Brown Forest Preserve<\/h2>\n

\"Autumn<\/p>\n

Wildnerdpix \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

The 3,700-acre Nature at Ned Brown Forest Preserve straddles the southern border of Arlington Heights and takes 10 minutes to reach its downtown.<\/p>\n

The heart of this is Busse Woods, a large property of a mature hardwood forest.<\/p>\n

\"Marshland<\/p>\n

Wildnerdpix \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

A section of the preserve’s bike routes passes through a designated elk pasture, almost 10 miles.<\/p>\n

Lake Busse Woods, a flood-control reservoir and one of Cook County’s primary water bodies for fishing and boating, occupies most of the southern section of Busse Woods.<\/p>\n

\"Stunning<\/p>\n

Jerzy Szwoch \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

During the summer months, rowboat and kayak rentals are available.<\/p>\n

You’ll have a great time just drifting about and observing animals.<\/p>\n

Have Your Funny Bone Tickled at Laugh Out Loud Theater<\/h2>\n

John Belushi, Steve Carell, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, and Tina Fey are just a few famous comedians who started their careers in Chicago.<\/p>\n

Laugh Out Loud Theater in Schaumburg, a 13-minute drive from Arlington Heights, showcases the future generation of comics.<\/p>\n

There are presentations for adults and children at this club, which specializes in improvisational comedy.<\/p>\n

There are improv courses you may take as well.<\/p>\n

Classes are open to everyone, regardless of experience level or interest in short-form improv.<\/p>\n

Experience Modern Sports at Topgolf Schaumburg<\/h2>\n

Golf is a seasonal sport in Chicago, and Schaumburg’s course is an exception.<\/p>\n

There are several Topgolf facilities around the United States, consisting of driving ranges and bowling alleys with a fun party atmosphere.<\/p>\n

There are heated hitting bays, and the range incorporates a ball tracking system and HDTV monitors so you can play against your pals in various games.<\/p>\n

It also hosts seasonal leagues.<\/p>\n

The Topgolf experience also revolves around food and drink.<\/p>\n

In addition to a full-service bar, it also has a menu that would be at par with any fast-food restaurant.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

Everybody should try something new in Arlington since it offers so much.<\/p>\n

The conservation area is an excellent place to go if you’re not much of an outdoor person.<\/p>\n

You’ll learn a lot about the fantastic work done to protect the land there.<\/p>\n

Families will love all of the activities on this list; many are free or very budget-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Arlington Heights, you’ve come to the right place. Located mainly in Cook County, Illinois, the municipality of Arlington Heights also has a sliver in Lake County. It is a Chicago suburb located around 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the city’s center. The biggest village […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":37921,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1315,505,2359,1200,1199,45],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37914"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37914"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37920,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37914\/revisions\/37920"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}