Recreation programs in Des Plaines, Illinois

The Des Plaines Park District Administrative & Leisure Center is a multi-faceted institution located at 2222 Birch Street in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. This facility serves as a hub for various recreational activities, including a gym for fitness enthusiasts, health programs for wellness seekers, a park for outdoor enjoyment, and a school for educational workshops and classes. Whether you're looking to break a sweat, relax in nature, or expand your knowledge, this center offers something for everyone in the community. Come visit and explore all that the Des Plaines Park District Administrative & Leisure Center has to offer!

Dee Park Recreation Center is a vibrant community hub located at 9229 West Emerson Street in Des Plaines, Illinois. This facility offers a wide range of recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and interests. From fitness classes and sports leagues to arts and crafts workshops, there is something for everyone at Dee Park. The center also features a gymnasium, swimming pool, outdoor fields, and playgrounds for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking to stay active, socialize with friends, or simply relax, Dee Park Recreation Center is the perfect destination for fun and wellness in Des Plaines.

North Riverside Parks & Recreation is a vibrant park institution located at 2401 Des Plaines Avenue in North Riverside, Illinois. This park offers a wide range of recreational activities for individuals and families of all ages. From playgrounds and sports fields to walking trails and picnic areas, North Riverside Parks & Recreation provides a beautiful and inviting space for the community to enjoy outdoor activities and connect with nature. Whether you're looking to play a game of basketball, have a relaxing picnic with loved ones, or simply take a leisurely stroll, this park has something for everyone. Visit North Riverside Parks & Recreation today and experience the beauty and tranquility of this beloved community space.

Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area is a serene park and tourist attraction located at 24621 North River Road in Wilmington, Illinois, United States. This beautiful area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy nature and wildlife in a peaceful setting. With its scenic views, hiking trails, and fishing spots, Des Plaines State Fish and Wildlife Area is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're a birdwatcher, angler, or simply looking to relax in nature, this institution has something for everyone to enjoy.

The Plainfield Township Community Center is a vibrant hub of activity located at 15014 South Des Plaines Street in Plainfield, Illinois. This welcoming institution offers a wide range of programs and services for residents of all ages, including fitness classes, educational workshops, recreational activities, and community events. With state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated staff, the Plainfield Township Community Center is committed to promoting health, wellness, and social connections within the local community. Come visit us today and see all that we have to offer!

Friendship Park Conservatory, located at 395 West Algonquin Road in Des Plaines, Illinois, is a stunning park filled with colorful flowerbeds and lush greenery. The conservatory features a greenhouse where the florals are raised, as well as a three-story atrium and a foyer with views of the open-air courtyard and seasonal displays. Starting January 29, 2024, the conservatory is open to the public on Mondays only from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The substantial completion of the conservatory is scheduled for April 1, 2024, with final completion expected by April 15, 2024.

Courtland Square is a charming institution located at 8924 Kenneth Drive in Des Plaines, Illinois. This welcoming space offers a range of services and activities for individuals of all ages, including educational programs, recreational opportunities, and community events. With a focus on promoting a sense of community and connection, Courtland Square is a hub for residents to come together and engage in meaningful experiences. The institution's convenient location in the heart of Des Plaines makes it easily accessible for all, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for everyone to enjoy.

Located on Columbia Street in Joliet, Illinois, the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site is a 52-acre park and tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past. Acquired by the Des Plaines River preservation system between 1991 and 1997, this site was once home to an iron manufacturing facility in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Visitors can explore the preserved foundations of blast furnaces and other structures from the factory, as well as enjoy a 0.59-mile paved trail that provides a self-guided interpretive tour of the historical significance of the site. The Joliet Iron Works Historic Site also provides access to the 7.57-mile I&M Canal Trail, perfect for hiking and biking.

Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center is a state-of-the-art facility located at 515 East Thacker Street in Des Plaines, Illinois. The center offers a variety of amenities for swimmers of all ages, including an 8-lane, 25-yard competition and lap pool, a wellness pool for aqua exercise classes, and a splash pad for kids aged 2-12. The lap pool is open for swimming from Monday to Sunday, with varying hours each day. The wellness pool offers a warm water environment for classes such as aqua cycling and Aqua Zumba, while the splash pad features fun slides and water activities for children. The center also provides locker rooms and family changing rooms, with free lockers available for use. Parking is always free at the Community Center lot on Thacker Street or the Aquatic Center Main Entrance lot. Additionally, Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center is the new home of the park district's Warriors Swim Team and hosts local and regional swim competitions.

Ballard Point Swimming Pool is a popular recreational facility located in Des Plaines, Illinois, United States. This state-of-the-art swimming pool offers a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy, including lap lanes, diving boards, a children's play area, and a spacious sun deck for lounging. The pool is meticulously maintained and staffed by certified lifeguards to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Whether you're looking to swim laps, soak up the sun, or simply cool off on a hot summer day, Ballard Point Swimming Pool is the perfect destination for aquatic fun in Des Plaines.

McKinley Woods, located at 26932 River Bluff Drive in Channahon, Illinois, is a 531-acre park and tourist attraction that offers a variety of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. The preserve features two access areas, Frederick's Grove and Kerry Sheridan Grove, both located in Channahon. McKinley Woods is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, conserving over 2,400 acres of diverse habitats including forest, prairie, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fishing at the preserve.

McKinley Woods - Kerry Sheridan Grove is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 25055 South Walnut Lane in Channahon, Illinois. This 531-acre preserve is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system, offering diverse habitats including forest, prairie, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, birdwatching, fishing, and more at this stunning natural area. Frederick's Grove and Kerry Sheridan Grove are two access areas within McKinley Woods, each offering unique trails and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature education.

Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve, located on Division Street in Lockport, Illinois, is a 320-acre park and tourist attraction that is part of the Des Plaines River preservation system. The preserve protects a variety of habitats, including forest, prairie, savanna, wetland, and a portion of the Des Plaines River. Visitors can explore 0.43 miles of natural surface trails for hiking and running, while enjoying the diverse wildlife and plant species that call the preserve home. The site is managed with invasive species control, prescribed burning, and monitoring activities to protect and enhance its natural resources. Due to the sensitivity of the site's natural resources, dogs are not allowed in the preserve. Visitors can stay updated on news and upcoming programs at Lockport Prairie Nature Preserve by following their Facebook page. Additionally, donations to the Nature Foundation of Will County and the Friends of the Forest Preserve Foundation help support the Forest Preserve District's education, conservation, and recreation programs.