If you’re looking for ideas to keep kids (and their grownups) entertained all year long, Vernon Hills, Illinois has a delightful mix of attractions — from parks and play zones to cultural spots and year‑round events. Here are some top picks that you can enjoy anytime, all year round.
1. Half Day Forest Preserve
A natural playground, Half Day Forest Preserve spans 201 acres just north of Route 22. It’s a haven for families with trails ideal for walking, biking, cross‑country skiing, and exploring fishing spots on a scenic three‑acre pond. Pack a picnic, spot wildlife, and let the kids roam free in nature’s wonderland—great for any season.
2. Century Park + Arbortheater Concerts
Century Park is a community gem—an accredited arboretum offering open fields, playgrounds, and seasonal ice skating, sledding, and cross‑country skiing . Every summer (mid‑June through early August), the park becomes home to free Arbortheater Concerts, a popular summer concert series beloved by families. Bring blankets, snacks, and enjoy live music under the trees.
3. Moonpreneur’s In-Person Robotics Event
📅 July 5, 2025 | 🕒 10 AM–1 PM (approx.) — Holiday Inn Express, 975 N Lakeview Pkwy, Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Calling all future engineers—this hands‑on robotics workshop invites kids to build and code their own mini‑robots. Ideal for ages 8–14, guided by experienced instructors in a supportive group setting. Makes a perfect summer STEM splurge in a welcoming, in‑person environment.
Click here to register for free!
4. Cook Memorial Public Library – Aspen Drive & Cook Park Branches
The local Cook Memorial Public Library District serves Vernon Hills through two branches: Aspen Drive (built 2010) and Cook Park Library in Libertyville. Beyond books, they host a variety of free programming—story times, craft days, STEAM workshops, and more for all ages. Check their online calendar for family‑friendly events.
5. Cuneo Mansion & Gardens
This historic 1914 estate is a serene stop for families who love a touch of culture. Built by Samuel Insull and later owned by John Cuneo Sr., the mansion features architecture, art, and meticulously maintained gardens designed by Jens Jensen. It often hosts seasonal tours and events; a great way to sneak in a bit of history while strolling the grounds.
6. Hawthorn Mall
When the weather’s chilly or rainy, Hawthorn Mall (formerly Westfield Hawthorn) is a go‑to indoor destination. With over 70 shops, a 12‑screen AMC theater, Dave & Buster’s, and classic eateries, it’s perfect for a leisurely family day out. Bonus: plenty of seating and a splash pad nearby for when kids need to move around.
7. Turtle Creek Waterpark
This outdoor aquatic wonder is open seasonally (typically late May–early September), featuring lazy rivers, slides, and a splash pad for younger ones . It’s a crowd‑pleaser that keeps families cool and smiling during summer days.
8. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Craving indoor energy outlets? Sky Zone in Vernon Hills offers trampolines, Ninja Warrior courses, zip lines, dodgeball, trapeze swings and more—perfect for kids to burn off steam in a safe, padded space. Birthday parties and group bookings available too.
9. Urban Air Adventure Park (opening soon)
Another exciting destination on the horizon: Urban Air (413 N Milwaukee Ave) promises trampolines, climbing walls, ninja courses, and more year‑round fun—once it opens in Vernon Hills. Keep an eye on their launch and membership deals for local families.
10. Lake County Forest Preserves
Beyond Half Day, Vernon Hills residents have easy access to hundreds of acres across Lake County. Preserves like Edward L. Ryerson, Grant Woods, and others offer hiking, biking, canoeing, wildlife spotting, and family nature programs—a year‑round nature escape.
Annual Events Calendar (Year‑Round Highlight)
While many attractions are always available, Vernon Hills also hosts a few standout events that kids and families love.
- Arbortheater Summer Concert Series – mid‑June to early August at Century Park, free and open to all.
- 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks at Century Park—live music, parade, and fireworks display .
- Vernon Hills Days (July 17–20, 2025) – a four‑day spring festival packed with carnival rides, kids’ zones, live bands (Switchfoot, Tommy DeCarlo, Modern Day Romeos), petting zoo, fireworks, bag toss tourney, and food tents.
- Little Bear Ribfest (August 15–16, 2025) – kid‑friendly food fest with entertainment and ribs galore.
Pro tip: Keep the event calendar at the Vernon Hills official website and Park District page bookmarked—they update regularly with family-friendly activities
Tips for a Great Visit 🌞
- Bring layers & sun gear – parks are beautiful in every season, but check weather before heading out.
- Reserve ahead – special events (4th of July, Ribfest) may require tickets or sign‑ups.
- Lunch plans? Pack picnic foods for park days; for mall or cultural visits, Hawthorn offers diverse food court options.
- Resource your library – free, local programming from Cook Memorial Library is a hidden gem, plus the Aspen Drive branch is super kid‑friendly.
- Plan your dates – note key events: July 5 robotics workshop, July 17–20 festival, August Ribfest.
Sample One‑Day Itinerary
Summer weekend family day
- Morning: Explore Century Park, picnic + playground + catch a free Arbortheater concert (dates permitting).
- Midday: Head to Holiday Inn Express for the robotics workshop (July 5 only).
- Afternoon: Cool off at Turtle Creek Waterpark (seasonal).
- Evening: Chill at Hawthorn Mall, watch a movie or play arcade games.
All‑season adventure
- Morning: Hike or bike Half Day Preserve or a nearby forest preserve.
- Afternoon: Visit Cuneo Mansion & Gardens for a tour.
- Early evening: Drop by Sky Zone or Urban Air (when open) for active play.
- Afterplay: Grab dinner at a family-friendly Hawthorn Mall restaurant.
Conclusion
Whether it’s splashing around in the waterpark, learning hands-on at a robotics workshop, soaking up live music at the Arbortheater, or simply wandering forest trails, Vernon Hills is a top‑notch, year‑round family destination. Mark your calendars for July 5th’s robotics event, and let every season bring a new adventure for you and your kids.
Happy exploring!
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
