Top 25 Things To Do In Darien, Illinois

things to do in Darien IL
Shamika
Shamika 
Updated
| 11 min read

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

Posted by National Shrine and Museum of St. Therese on Monday, 4 March 2019

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)

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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)

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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

Park
Source: Unsplash

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)

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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)

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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)

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7. Spend a quiet evening at Ridgewood Park

Park
Source: Unsplash

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)

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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)

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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)

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10. Enjoy an exciting game of soccer at Meyer Woods Park

Park
Source: Unsplash

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)

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11. Have a midnight snack at Dotty's

Slots
Source: Unsplash

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

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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)

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13. Have a charming picnic with your kids at Beller Park

Park
Source: Unsplash

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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18. Go shopping for goodies at Darien Towne Center

Mall
Source: Unsplash

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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Being a military kid, Shamika has lived and travelled all over India, and her nomadic childhood has fueled an immense hunger and fascination for new cultures and languages (she's a polyglot!)...Read more

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