What to do in Des Plaines, IL

Activities, attractions and tours

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper and a river in the foreground.
A paved path through a wooded area with trees and dry grass.
A calm lake with a picnic table and a person sitting at it, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A snowy landscape with trees displaying autumn colors.
Two geese swimming in calm water.

Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

฿798
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Chicago CityPASS: Admission to Top 5 Chicago Attractions

Chicago CityPASS®: Experience 5 must-see attractions

฿4,731
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Chicago CityPASS®: Experience 5 must-see attractions
Chicago C3® : Save on admission to your choice of 3 top attractactions

Chicago C3® by CityPASS®

฿3,581
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago C3® by CityPASS®
Art Institute of Chicago

Art Institute of Chicago

฿1,314
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Art Institute of Chicago
cruise ship sailing past navy pier in chicago

City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise

฿5,074
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Chicago: Lake Michigan Premier Dinner Cruise
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Regular & Express Ticket

Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket

฿795
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Chicago: Navy Pier Centennial Wheel Ticket
Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets

฿953
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Field Museum of Natural History Admission Tickets
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What to do in Des Plaines

Stay near popular Des Plaines attractions

Rivers Casino

8.0/10 (559 reviews)
Chicagoland's premier casino offers over 1,000 slots and nearly 50 table games in a vibrant setting. Enjoy upscale dining at Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House while taking advantage of the free on-site parking.
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Where to stay in Des Plaines

Find the best Des Plaines areas for the activities you enjoy most.
Outdoor wooden tables and chairs with a view of the sea.

Oakton

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Oakton. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Lake Park and Allstate Arena are a few top places to visit.

Downtown Des Plaines

While Downtown Des Plaines may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Allstate Arena and Rivers Casino.

Norma

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Norma. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Lake Park and Allstate Arena are a few top places to visit.

Day trip destinations from Des Plaines

A city skyline with modern skyscrapers and a river with boats and people in the foreground.

Chicago

A serene garden with a pond, neatly trimmed bushes, and a stone bridge.

Arlington Heights

A cityscape with tall buildings, a river, and a bridge at dusk.

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 neighbourhood located about 3 kilometres from downtown.
What are some activities to do in Des Plaines with kids?
Whether you're holidaying 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 neighbourhoods, 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.