10 Best Cheap Things To Do In Grayslake, Illinois

1. Hiking in Rollins Savanna

Rollins Savanna is the largest forest preserve in the county. It’s an area where the natural resource crew has been growing rare and hard-to-collect seeds of different native plants, to restore the native habitat of the forest. It’s also a refugee for endangered yellow-headed blackbirds. A birder’s Field of Dreams, this important area is a favourite place for birdwatchers.

But, arguably the best part of Rollins Savanna is the 5.5 mile (8.9 km) gravel trail, open for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Your hiking journey will take you through wetlands, groves of large oaks, bridges and boardwalks, as well as open prairies, with wildflowers and native grasses. So, prepare your hiking shoes and get ready to explore Rollins Savanna. It’s kid’s friendly and it’s free!

Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve

Address: 20160 W Washington St, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: Rollins Savanna Forest Preserve

2. Birdwatching at Almond Marsh

With its scenic wetland preserve and sedge meadow, Almond Marsh, part of the Lake County Forest Preserve, in Grayslake, is a popular destination for birdwatching. Almond Marsh is home to the endangered great blue heron rookery. It’s also home to the state endangered black-crowned night heron and king rail. Its prairies provide a great spot for waterfowl to rest and forage.

Check out the Rookery Observation Days on the preserve’s website, to find the hours of observation. You will be provided with viewing scopes, binoculars, and bird books, to enhance your viewing experience.

Almond Marsh Forest Preserve

Address: 32550 N Almond Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: Almond Marsh Forest Preserve

3. Camping at Jones Island Park

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Jones Island Park offers free camping by the lake and the option to jump in and swim, if you want to refresh yourself on hot days. It’s a 188-acre (76.1-hectare) park, with 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) of saltwater shoreline on the San Juan channel and it offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, and camping.

It’s also a perfect area to camp, with sand volleyball courts, a beach area, and a playground for kids. You can also explore the lake by boat or go fishing. Another option is to visit Jones Island Park on a picnic date trip. There are now new shiny pavilions where you can enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Jones Island Park

Address: 243 Harvey Ave, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

4. Fishing at Molly's Pond

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If you want to enjoy a calm and relaxing holiday activity, Molly’s Pond is your spot. Molly’s Pond is a great little pond that is popular for boating, fishing, and ice fishing. You can enjoy the day by checking every corner of the pond with your boat, finding the best area to stop and take in some fishing.

Molly's Pond

Address: Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

5. Playing soccer at Alleghany Park

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Alleghany Park consists of sports fields and playgrounds for the community. The playground has slides, monkey bars, and even a special area for toddlers. Alleghany Park is also famous for hosting several adult recreational soccer and flag football leagues. There are sometimes events held at Alleghany Park in the evening, after the sports activities are finished, such as summer movies. Check out the website for more details!

Alleghany Park

Address: Cty V68, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: Alleghany Park

6. Swimming at Grayslake Aquatic Center

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Grayslake Aquatic Center is a great place for kids! It’s a recreational water park, with complete facilities, from a sand play area and a frog slide to a 180-foot (54.9-meter) tube slide. It also provides 300 lounge chairs, lap lanes, and a basketball hoop.

There are lifeguards and other staff members who are always on the lookout. And they even provide swimming lessons!

Grayslake Aquatic Center

Address: 250 Library Ln, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: Grayslake Aquatic Center

7. Visit Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

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The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum is located in a building that incorporates the old Village Hall. It’s divided into historical exhibits, a classroom, community room, and archives and collections storage. It’s the right place to learn about the great collection of local history and artefacts.

There are also many events that attract not only locals but also larger national and world audiences. These events often include actors that present the historical experience, such as the “Meeting Abraham Lincoln” experience.

Grayslake Heritage Center

Address: 164 Hawley St, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: Grayslake Heritage Center

8. Shopping at Grayslake Antique Market

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The Grayslake Antique Market is a must visit. It’s a small antique market with a Grayslake local touch! From home décor to collectable items and even food made with old recipes, the vendors here are friendly and you can try out your bargaining skills to get the best price. There is always something new in this “old” marketplace. Don’t miss it!

Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Flea Market

Address: 1060 E Peterson Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: Grayslake Illinois Antique & Vintage Flea Market

9. Watch performances at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts

Check out great shows at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts and watch the plays come to life. The theatre holds performances, from professional to college theatre, with the quality of a professional theatre.

From the comfortable seating to the great price, the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts is a hidden gem, in Grayslake.

James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts

Address: 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts

10. Enjoy cocktails at the Vine - Martini & Wine Bar

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It’s cheap drinks day, every day at the Vine – Martini & Wine Bar! From 5 USD martinis to 4 USD tap beer, you can choose any day you want to sip on your drinks at the Vine. The Vine also provides inventive meals, including their delicious burger, on which you can add cheese sauce, mushrooms, and bacon. You’ll be drooling as soon as you walk in the door!

The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar

Address: 101 Center St, Grayslake, IL 60030, USA

Website: The Vine - Martini & Wine Bar

Chicago's backyard...

Grayslake Village, only 64.4 km (40 miles) north of downtown Chicago, is your place to enjoy a relaxing and calm holiday. It’s literally Chicago’s backyard and Grayslake proves that a holiday doesn’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable.