Lake Park Golf Course
Tucked between suburban streets and O'Hare airport, this par-3 course offers a great experience for beginners and kids. Holes range from 50 to 150 yards, posing a mild challenge for newbies and young golfers. More experienced players can enjoy the nearby scenic lake, and the whole group can take a sailboat ride after finishing the 18-hole course.
Lake Park Golf Course
1105 Howard Ave.
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 391-5730
desplainesparks.org/facilities/lp_golf.asp
Cog Hill
For a vastly more challenging experience, head south to Cog Hill and Dubsdread. The course has been consistently ranked among the toughest courses in America, including a Top 100 rating by Golf Magazine. The course was formerly home to the PGA Western Open and now serves as occasional host for the BMW Championship. If the Dubsdread bookings are full, Cog Hill offers three other courses of varying difficulty to tackle.
COG HILL GOLF & Country Club
12294 Archer Ave.
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 257-5872
coghillgolf.com
Morton Arboretum
It has been called a museum of trees. The Morton Arboretum features plants and scenic landscapes from around the world. It's no small feat to feature this much variety in Chicago's unpredictable weather.
In spite of the difficulties, the Arboretum maintains 16 miles of trails through woods, prairies, wetlands and more. With a number of ponds and small lakes, the arboretum hosts an abundance of wildlife too. The park serves local birdwatchers as a site to catch migrating species when they touch down in the Chicago area.
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Rte. 53
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 968-0074
mortonarb.org
Six Flags Great America
Whatever else you may do in Chicago, sometimes it's nice to just go out and have fun. Six Flags Great America, in Chicago's far north suburbs, features some of the country's fastest and tallest thrill rides. On hot days, check out neighboring Hurricane Harbor Waterpark, home to 11 different water rides, from log flumes to wave riders. Like most big parks, Six Flags features plenty of food, game and entertainment options as well.
Six Flags Great America
1 Great America Pkwy.
Gurnee, IL 60031
(847) 249-4636
sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx
About The Author
James Bolger has spent two decades writing on health, nutrition, golf, fitness, travel, insurance, and more. Bolger served as managing editor for "Maturity Matters," a newsletter on senior lifestyles, and "Your Health and Fitness," a consumer health magazine. He has also written on health and medical research for academic medical centers. Bolger earned his Bachelor of Arts in communications/English from DePaul University.
