There is a special charm to vacationing in a small town like Darien. With fewer crowds, more friendly locals and a variety of never-seen-before unique and interesting activities, it can be a welcome respite from the typical vacation destinations that can make the most wide-eyed traveller jaded after a while. Darien, Illinois, has a wide range of nature reserves, parks and arboretums to spend a relaxing weekend in, along with some great food options to explore if you like sampling local cuisines in different cities. So consider planning your next vacation to this small town, and read on as we explore the best things to do in Darien, Illinois. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly vacation, a special romantic trip with your spouse, or you are visiting on business, check out our list to fill up your itinerary and make sure you have the time of your life here.
1. Pay your respects at the National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese
Churches are a truly serene and tranquil place to spend some time reflecting and meditating. Whether you believe in Christianity or not, this beautiful Roman Catholic church is a must-visit when you travel to Darien. The unique architecture of the building is also worth witnessing for yourself, and on entering, you will find a helpful priest explaining the significance of this church to you.
National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese
Address: 8433 Bailey Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
2. Play around at Hinsbrook Park
Posted by Errin Novakovich on Sunday, 15 October 2017
For the nature enthusiast, it doesn’t get better than this. The popular Hinsbrook Park in Darien is the perfect place to take a walk, go bird-watching or just spend time watching the ducks in the huge lake. In addition, there is a play area for kids, multiple sports fields for soccer and baseball, and a picnic spot. So head on down to this lovely park and enjoy some alone time with nature.
Hinsbrook Park
Address: 1131 Hinsbrook Ave #1011, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Hinsbrook Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Go for a long hike at Oldfield Oaks County Forest Preserve
Posted by Jeanne Pahlke on Saturday, 17 August 2019
Just because you are in a small town, it does not mean you cannot enjoy some thrilling adventure sports! Go hiking along this trail in the midst of lush greenery for as far as the eye can see. This preserve is great to get some exercise, and if you are travelling with your furry friend, there is a dog park here too. Be careful though, you may spot some wildlife flitting in and out of the trees, so take a camera along!
Oldfield Oaks County Forest Preserve
Address: 2525 87th St, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Engage in a game of baseball at Westwood Park
Located between 75th and Fairview, this huge park features a variety of different kinds of terrains for every activity from baseball fields to kids’ play areas. So if you wish to enjoy a game of baseball, head to this 18-acre (7 hectares) park and discover for yourself why it is so popular with the locals. You might even find a few baseball enthusiasts to make friends with and play here!
Westwood Park
Address: Westwood Park, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Westwood Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Bring your kids to play at Darien Community Park
This is possibly the most popular and well-frequented parks in Darien. Located on Clarendon Hills Road, this huge 20-acre (8 hectares) park is perfect if you have little ones. With a variety of sports fields for multiple sports, along with two picnic pavilions and playgrounds, you will be lost for choice about what to play with your kids. The park also hosts events and festivals, so if you’re lucky, you might catch one!
Darien Community Park
Address: 7100 Clarendon Hills Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Darien Community Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Sample craft beers at Miskatonic Brewing Company
Posted by Miskatonic Brewing Company on Friday, 28 December 2018
For beer enthusiasts, finding a brewery in a small town is like finding a hidden gem. the Miskatonic Brewing Company offers an incredible ambience along with some delectable choice and some dizzying variety in beers. Don’t expect the food here to be excellent, as it is a brewery primarily, but they do have some delicious snacks and appetisers. Check out the taproom specials and sample as much beer as you can!
Miskatonic Brewing Company
Address: 1000 N Frontage Rd c, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Miskatonic Brewing Company
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 2pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm (closed on Mon)
7. Spend a quiet evening at Ridgewood Park
This is a relatively smaller park, but that often means you might find it less crowded than others. Filled with green spaces, this is a great place to take a short walk in the midst of nature. There is a small playground area for little kids, as well as a walking path and benches to sit on.
Ridgewood Park
Address: 7761 Wakefield Dr, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Ridgewood Park
Opening hours: 24 hours( daily)
8. Walk your furry friends at Oldfield Oaks Dog Park
Posted by Emma Balinski on Sunday, 30 June 2019
Travelling with your pet dog can be difficult when you can’t find a dog park where your little furry friend can frolic happily out in the open. Luckily, this dog park is perfect for dogs of all sizes, and you can let your dog have a grand time here. Do be careful of the wildlife that lurks here though, as it is a forest preserve.
Oldfield Oaks Dog Park
Address: Oldfield Oaks Dog Park, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Play indoor sports at Darien Sportsplex
Posted by Heather Jeffery Ring on Saturday, 16 February 2019
Sometimes, luck isn’t on our side and we find the weather to be a bit off on a vacation. If you can’t go outdoors while in Darien, check out this indoor sports complex that features a variety of sports such as ice-skating, hockey, and indoor soccer. There are training lessons available for the general public for an affordable fee, and the location is very close to the main streets as well. If you live in a warmer climate and have never done ice-skating before, worry not! There are helpful guides here who can give you a few tips on how to start ice-skating. This is your chance to learn this awesome sport!
Darien Sportsplex
Address: 451 Plainfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Darien Sportsplex
Opening hours: 8:30am - 10:30pm (daily)
10. Enjoy an exciting game of soccer at Meyer Woods Park
Meyer Woods Park is a beautiful and sprawling 10-acre (4 hectares) park in Darien, perfect for everything from having a picnic party to playing a game of soccer with your friends. If you have a free evening and wish to get some fresh air, check out this refreshing little park located in the midst of a quiet and tranquil residential area.
Meyer Woods Park
Address: Meyer Woods Park, 800 Oldfield Rd, Darien, IL 60561, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Have a midnight snack at Dotty's
If you love the idea of playing slots while munching on some late-night meals, Dotty’s is the place you need to be. Take your friends and play a thrilling edge-of-your-seat game of slots, where the stakes as high as you want them to be! You will be treated to free snacks while playing, and you are sure to have a ton of fun.
Dotty's
Address: 7516 S Cass Ave #24, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Dotty’s
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 2am
12. Play a round of golf at Carriage Greens Country Club
Play Carriage Greens Country Club and discover the premier golf experience in the Chicagoland area! Visit...
Posted by Carriage Greens Country Club on Friday, 31 May 2019
For golf enthusiasts, Darien, Illinois has a sprawling 18-hole golf course with full cart paths, multi-terrain and green areas and more, where you can practise your golfing skills assisted by a guide who will help you through the course. This is a great activity for an early morning with your friends or spouse, and you will definitely end up making lots of friends on the golf course as well. After you are done playing, head on to the Sand Trap Bar & Grille to have a hearty breakfast. The experience itself is worth every penny you pay for it.
Carriage Greens Country Club
Address: 8700 Carriage Green Dr, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Carriage Greens Country Club
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Have a charming picnic with your kids at Beller Park
Beller Park is one of the hidden gems of Darien, Illinois. A quaint and charming little park in the midst of a residential area, this is a great spot if you wish to spend a tranquil morning surrounded by nature. Bring a picnic basket filled with snacks and beverages and don’t forget to bring your little ones along, as there is a dedicated play area that is well-maintained here. Spend some quality time with your spouse as you watch your little ones having a great time being little monkeys! Or, even if you are alone, spending some quiet time meditating is always good for the soul. Bring a book along with some snacks to keep yourself company, and curl up under a large tree’s shade for a few hours.
Beller Park
Address: 8470 Beller Dr, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Rejuvenate at Massage Envy Darien-Downers Grove
There’s a good chance you do something with regularity, which means you should get massaged with regularity.
Posted by Massage Envy - Darien - Downers Grove on Monday, 4 February 2019
Let’s face it: vacations, while exciting and thrilling, can often be exhausting too. If you find your energy level going low on your vacation at Darien, Massage Envy Darien-Downers Grove has you covered. Offering relaxing massages, facials, stretch sessions and more, this chain-store massage place is perfect to visit alone, with your spouse or even with friends after a long day of sightseeing. You are sure to walk out of this experience feeling completely rejuvenated and refreshed, ready to face the rest of your vacation re-energised!
Massage Envy Darien-Downers Grove
Address: 2445 75th St Unit E, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Massage Envy Darien-Downers Grove
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
15. Collect religious souvenirs at Carmelite Gift Shop
Posted by Carmelite Gift Shop on Wednesday, 31 January 2018
Located inside the National Shrine of St. Therese, this is a collectable and gift shoppe for religious items. From cross necklaces to religious books, you can find everything you need concerning Christianity. So if you are a Christian or wish to gift something to a Christian friend, check out the collection available here.
Carmelite Gift Shop
Address: 8501 Bailey Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Carmelite Gift Shop
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
16. Go on a shopping spree at Brookhaven Shopping Center
If you are cooking your own food on your vacation, or wish to sample the unique meals and ingredients Darien has to offer, look no further than the Brookhaven Shopping Center. This store brings you some of the finest international and local foods grown all over the world. From unique coffee grounds to international fruit, everything is available here under one roof!
Brookhaven Shopping Center
Address: 7516 S Cass Ave, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Brookhaven Shopping Center
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
17. Make your gifts fancy with Edible Arrangements
Posted by Edible Arrangements on Monday, 12 August 2019
Another unique place to explore is this shop that will offer speciality arrangements of fruit for any occasion. So if you are celebrating a special occasion while in Darien, you can go for this arrangement, if you wish to make your gift more offbeat and healthy. Try the strawberries dipped in chocolate if you are looking for a romantic arrangement, which makes the perfect accompaniment to a lovely evening with your partner as you spend quality time together! Or else you can try out the fruit gift basket for more formal events. This is also a great idea for a thank-you gift to leave behind for your Airbnb host, or a friend you may have stayed with.
Edible Arrangements
Address: 7511 Lemont Rd Suite 196, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Edible Arrangements
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
18. Go shopping for goodies at Darien Towne Center
Spend a lazy afternoon in a sprawling mall filled with a variety of goodies for you and your loved ones at Darien Towne Centre. This mall offers everything, from clothing to accessories, toys, stationery and even fascinating little souvenirs to carry home for your loved ones. You can buy home decor items or greeting cards as well as postcards if you wish to send one from Illinois. Stop at the food court upstairs if you wish to grab a bite to eat between your shopping spree, as the variety of meals you can get at this food court is huge.
Darien Towne Center
Address: 2189 75th St, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
19. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Old Fashioned Sweets
Beach Treats
Posted by Old Fashioned Sweets on Wednesday, 31 July 2019
Every traveller loves to carry home memorable souvenirs from a trip. Instead of looking for trinkets and showpieces that will simply clutter up your loved ones’ homes, why not take home a bundle of sweets and chocolates for your loved ones to enjoy? Old Fashioned Sweets is childhood nostalgia in the form of a store, from its classic red lettering to rows of glass counters filled with a dizzying array of sweets and chocolates. You might even find childhood favourites and old brands here, that you might want to take home to your friends and family. The sheer variety of sweets and chocolates available here will make you feel like a kid in a candy store all over again. This is a must-visit destination when you are in Illinois.
Old Fashioned Sweets
Address: 7511 Lemont Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Old Fashioned Sweets
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
20. Explore unique Eastern European fare at Old Vilnius Cafe
Posted by Old Vilnius Cafe on Thursday, 19 September 2019
Vacations are all about delving into new and unexplored experiences and expanding your comfort zone. If you haven’t tried Lithuanian fare before, this is your chance with Old Vilnius Cafe. Serving traditional Lithuanian dishes with international beer, this cafe is an absolute must-visit spot for food and it is apparent that the owners truly love the restaurant like their own baby. Try the breaded pork tenderloin and the beef tongue.
Old Vilnius Cafe
Address: 2601 75th St, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Old Vilnius Cafe
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 9am - 8pm
21. Relish a meal at Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets
Do you have a case of the Monday Blues? Get your coworkers together and come to Chuck's for lunch. Our Pulled Pork sandwich is $5.99 Reg | $8.99 Dlx today! http://chuckscafedarien.com/menu-2-2/
Posted by Chuck's Cafe in Darien on Monday, 23 September 2019
This restaurant is a local hit. Featuring a barbecue-themed menu, along with some classic Tex-Mex and Cajun dishes, this restaurant is perfect for a lazy afternoon when you feel like doing nothing but gorging yourself on some lip-smacking meals. If you cannot handle the Tex-Mex spice, however, you can also go for the pulled pork, browned chicken and the pepper gravy. Don’t forget the delicious cocktails though, as the beverages and speciality cocktails here tend to be a local favourite. Try the classic cocktails, or, choose from the special ones that the bartender will prepare customised to your taste.
Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets
Address: 8025 S Cass Ave, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Chuck’s Southern Comforts Cafe & Banquets
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 7am - 2am
22. Enjoy delicious fast food at Home Run Inn Pizza
Finally done with your taxes? ? Reward yourself with some Home Run Inn! Order online now: http://bit.ly/2KFkOxu
Posted by Home Run Inn Pizza - Darien on Monday, 15 April 2019
Who doesn’t love pizza? Head on over to this world-famous chain restaurant to enjoy some classic hand-tossed pizza with a variety of customisable toppings and cheese dripping out with every bite! If you are travelling with little ones, be sure to treat them to some pizza. From chicken, pepperoni, and barbecued meats to a grand variety of vegetable toppings, you can make your pizza completely customised to your taste, and adjust for spices if your kids don’t eat spicy foods. You are sure to enjoy a lazy evening just gorging on delicious pizza. So head on over to this chain restaurant and you are sure to have a grand time.
Home Run Inn Pizza
Address: 7521 Lemont Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Home Run Inn Pizza
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
23. Dig into classic American delights at TGI Fridays
Posted by TGI Fridays on Thursday, 27 July 2017
If you are craving some classic comfort food while in Darien, TGI Fridays has you covered. Check out their incredible selection of starters and appetizers at extremely affordable rates. Mozzarella sticks, glazed chicken wings and the Jack Daniels burger are the most recommended meals to go for. Guests highly complimented the service here at the Darien’s joint, and mentioned that the chicken nachos available here are some of the best they have ever had! So check out this familiar place that promises a great time!
TGI Fridays
Address: 2201 75th St, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: TGI Fridays
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
24. Enjoy some Pan-Asian fare at Tai San Chef
Don't forget to add a FREE Small Chicken Fried Rice in "SPECIALS" when your Online order total is more than $25 before taxes and delivery charge. FREE Large order with $40 order!
Posted by Tai San Chef on Friday, 21 December 2018
If you love pan-Asian cuisine, whether it’s munching on some spring rolls, enjoying delicious sushi or digging into a bowl of green Thai curry, this is the best spot to hit when in Darien. Tai San Chef is extremely popular, making it often crowded on weekends, but it is well worth a visit. Try the sushi and fried Chinese starters here, you won’t regret it!
Tai San Chef
Address: 2813 83rd St, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Tai San Chef
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 9:30pm; Fri: 11:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 9:30pm
25. Dance the night away at Q Bar & Grill
We've got a weekend filled with live music and great specials! Don't miss out! TONIGHT • The Relevant & Westmore at Q...
Posted by Q Bar Darien on Friday, 13 September 2019
One of the most thrilling evening activities that you cannot miss on a vacation is a fun-filled night of drinking and dancing. Head on over to Q Bar and Grill, where they serve the most delectable and amazing cocktails you can find in Darien, along with some upbeat music to sway your body to. The ambience of this place is highly complimented by its patrons, and one you need to experience!
Q Bar & Grill
Address: 8109 S Cass Ave, Darien, IL 60561, United States
Website: Q Bar & Grill
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
Immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of Darien
Amidst the rustic charm of this wonderful town, you can rediscover yourself while surrounded by nature for as long as you wish. Step in some of the local stores and breweries along the streets, and explore the unique local culture of Darien. No matter what you prefer to do on vacations, our list is sure to fill up your time here and ensure you thoroughly enjoy your stay here. So book your tickets now!
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