What to do in Des Plaines, IL

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
The best burger joint in Chicagoland, small hole in the wall restaurant with a big reputation.
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What to do in Des Plaines

Popular places to visit

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(14 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home 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
Wrigley Field featuring a city, a sporting event and city views

Wrigley Field

4.5/5(40 reviews)

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

Wrigley Field
McCormick Place showing a high rise building and a city

McCormick Place

4.5/5(36 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
Navy Pier featuring a sunset and rides

Navy Pier

4/5(125 reviews)

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

Navy Pier
Millennium Park which includes autumn colours, modern architecture and street scenes

Millennium Park

4.5/5(147 reviews)

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

Millennium Park
Soldier Field which includes a high-rise building, a city and modern architecture

Soldier Field

4/5(44 reviews)

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

Soldier Field
Chicago Riverwalk featuring a river or creek, a bay or harbour and a city

Chicago Riverwalk

4.5/5(29 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
Chicago_UnitedCenter_6064077_01

United Center

4.5/5(15 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
Grant Park showing a garden and night scenes

Grant Park

4.5/5(96 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

Day trip destinations from Des Plaines

Chicago showing a city and a skyscraper as well as a family

Chicago

It's fun to watch and bet on the horses

Arlington Heights

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 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.