Things to do in Des Plaines

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines Town of Illinois
Prairie Lakes Park in Des Plaines Town of Illinois
Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park in Des Plaines Town of Illinois
I like the architecture of this airport. I always find myself snapping pics at O'Hare
Site of the first McDonalds chain restaurant, opened here in 1955. Historic McDonalds memorabilia is displayed throughout the restaurant.
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What to do in Des Plaines

Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Plaines

Wrigley Field featuring cbd, a sporting event and a city

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(2,128 reviews)

Tour the iconic grounds and catch a game March through September at Chicago’s beloved baseball stadium.

Wrigley Field
Scene of Chicago street bridge with traffic among modern buildings of Downtown Chicago at Michigan avenue in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Business and Modern Transportation concept

Michigan Avenue

4.5/5(332 reviews)

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Michigan Avenue, a popular shopping spot in Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's riverfront and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Michigan Avenue
Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

Navy Pier

4.5/5(4,870 reviews)

A ferris wheel, shopping, restaurants and more can be found in this waterfront entertainment district.

Navy Pier
McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

McCormick Place

4.5/5(1,805 reviews)

Attend an event at the United States’ largest convention center, which features hyper-modern facilities and huge exhibition spaces connected by promenades and sky bridges.

McCormick Place
Soldier Field featuring a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

Soldier Field

4.5/5(1,256 reviews)

Events center, NFL stadium and historic landmark all in one, this waterfront field is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations.

Soldier Field
Beautiful autumn colors surround modern architecture in Millennium Park, Chicago during a sunny day

Millennium Park

4.5/5(7,198 reviews)

A landmark gathering place for locals and visitors who come to admire the unique art, architecture and landscape.

Millennium Park
Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

Grant Park

4.5/5(3,318 reviews)

Chicago’s front yard is a pretty landscaped park, which is home to public art displays, museums, themed gardens and international music festivals.

Grant Park
Chicago_UnitedCenter_6064077_01

United Center

4.5/5(701 reviews)

Catch an event at United Center during your trip to Chicago. Amble around this vibrant area's lakeside or experience its entertainment choices.

United Center
Chicago Riverwalk which includes a city, a bay or harbor and a river or creek

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(1,535 reviews)

Stroll along the waterfront of the Chicago River to pass some of the city’s most appealing attractions and appreciate how a once grim area has been successfully revamped.

Chicago Riverwalk

Popular day trips from Des Plaines

Chicago which includes a city and a high rise building as well as a family

Chicago

Ned Brown Preserve (Busse Woods) view with snow and autumn colors in Arlington Heights Town of Illinois

Arlington Heights

Rosemont

Rosemont

sunrise at Busse Lake Elk Grove Village, Illinois USA

Elk Grove Village

Such a beautiful place! And lots of friendly deer!

Glenview

Leaning Tower view in Niles Town in Illinois

Niles

Aerial View of the Chicago Suburb of Arlington Heights in Autumn

Mount Prospect

Aerial view of a business district with stores, a church and shopping center in downtown Northbrook, IL.

Northbrook

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Plaines worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are many interesting things to do in Des Plaines. Don't forget to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Des Plaines?
Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District and 390 Golf Experience are two great places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to explore the shopping and dining options in Des Plaines while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Des Plaines?
The top tourist attraction in Des Plaines is Rosemont Theatre, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Des Plaines?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city attractions, including Rosemont Theatre, Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District and Rainbow Falls Waterpark. The average stay in Des Plaines is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, Chicago isn't far away.
Is Des Plaines a walkable city?
If exploring on foot sounds like your kind of getaway, Des Plaines is a great place to visit. Find leading sights, like Allstate Arena, within walking distance of downtown. You can also go for a stroll around Norma, a vibrant neighborhood located about 3 kilometers from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Des Plaines with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our recommendations for what to do in Des Plaines with kids.

What to do in Des Plaines for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Des Plaines, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Milwaukee Avenue or Chevy Chase Country Club.
Are there free things to do in Des Plaines?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Des Plaines is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without reaching into your pocket. Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

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